Erin Leigh Finney

Marriage is telling the person you love that you’re not going anywhere and that’s a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another.

A good marriage must be built on the foundation of this commitment. In marriage the “little” things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is standing together and facing the world. It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner — it is being the right partner .

The road that has brought Timothy and Joshua here today hasn’t been easy. It’s been filled with challenges that they weren’t necessarily prepared for. But together they’ve taken each one on and have used those experiences to strengthen, not weaken their love.

Minister: In the Bible, first Corinthians chapter 13, verses four through eight tells us:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Minister: Timothy and Joshua, the vows that you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other. These vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another.

Vows:

Minister: Timothy and Joshua will now exchange rings to symbolize their commitment. Rings are derived from humble beginnings of imperfect metal to create something striking where there was once nothing at all. It is customarily worn on the ring finger as it is the only finger with a vein running directly to the heart. The wearing of the rings is a visible, outward sign that they have committed themselves to one another.

Minister: Joshua, please take Timothy's hand and repeat these words.

Minister: I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,

...

Minister: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.

...

Minister: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day

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Minister: and know that my love is present,

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Minister: even when I am not.

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*Josh puts ring on TJ's finger

Minister: Timothy, please take Joshua's’s hand and repeat these words.

Minister: I give you this ring, as a symbol of our love,

...

Minister: for today and tomorrow, and for all the days to come.

...

Minister: Wear it as a sign of what we have promised on this day

...

Minister: and know that my love is present,

...

Minister: even when I am not.

...

*TJ puts ring on Josh's finger

*This is it, time to make some magic happen.

Minister: Timothy and Joshua you have professed your love by exchanging your vows. You have symbolized your commitment by exchanging rings. And you have expressed the end of your individual lives. With all of this there is just one more question I need each of you to answer.

Minister: Timothy James Loyd Lambert – do you take Joshua Dwayne Collier to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

...:I do.

Minister: Joshua Dewayne Collier – do you take Timothy James Loyd Lambert to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, privilege to be the first to present to you Mr. and Mr. Joshua Collier!