James William Huddleston

INTRODUCTION

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

Thank you all for attending today as we join the hands of Jonathan Hill and Alexis Reed in an imperfectly perfect union. The bride and groom have found love at last. They will never have to go on a first date again. Today they seal that deal as they enter into the most coveted bond of husband and wife.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

INVOCATION

Let us Pray

Eternal God, creator and preserver of Life. Bless and sanctify with your Holy Spirit Jon and Lexi, who come now to join in marriage. Grant that they may give their vows to each other in the strength of your steadfast love. Enable them to grow in love and peace with you and with one another all of their days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

There is nothing greater in this world than finding the people with whom we feel safe, secure, and most ourselves. We search to find the person most accepting of our flaws; even the ones we try not to show until at least the 5th date. We search to find the person most encouraging of our dreams; even those crazy, impulsive ones that never get off the ground. But most of all, we search to find the person who loves us so unconditionally we simply can’t do anything but believe it.

Jon and Lexi believe in their love today as do all of us who have gathered to witness their marriage. As they go forth into the next great chapter of life, they do so with confidence knowing that their search has come to a fruitful end.

BIBLE READING:

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

I'd like to share a scripture from Gods Holy Word.

Song of Solomon 8:6-7

Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

all the wealth of one’s house for love,

it would be utterly scorned.

READING:

Now a reading selected by the couple.

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. He isn’t going to quote poetry, She’s not thinking about you every moment, but each of you will give part of yourself that you know could break. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when she makes you mad, and miss each other when your not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect people don’t exist, but there’s always one person that is perfect for you.

AFFIRMATION OF SUPPORT

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

As Jon and Lexi step into marriage, we ask that their families and friends continue to show their support just as you have done so by being here today. It is true, marriage is not always an easy path - but it is the most rewarding. The support of a loving community can make all the difference. So, when that first big fight comes, please pick up the phone. Offer a little guidance, and maybe some wine.... or Beer?

We know that Jon and Lexi have it within them to reap every reward this marriage will bring them. Do you agree to support them on this awesome journey?

If So say "We do!"

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

As Jon and Lexi exchange their vows today, they do so from a place of deep love and commitment. Although today has been lighthearted by nature, there is nothing Jon and Lexi take more seriously than the opportunity to demonstrate their faith in the future for all of you to hear.

OFFICIANT (to Jon):

Jon, Please repeat after me.

I, Jon take you, Lexi to be my wife. | In the good times and bad, there is no one I’d rather have by my side. | You have made my future seem like more than just a dream. | I will be your sidekick in all adventures. | I promise to never stop playing with you. | I will be there to make you laugh when you really want to cry. | I will love you as my best friend, lover, and partner in crime. | I’m in it for life.

OFFICIANT (to Lexi):

Lexi, Please repeat after me.

I, Lexi take you, Jon to be my husband. | In the good times and bad, there is no one I’d rather have by my side. | You have made my future seem like more than just a dream. | I will be your sidekick in all adventures. | I promise to never stop playing with you. | I will be there to make you laugh when you really want to cry. | I will love you as my best friend, lover, and partner in crime. | I’m in it for life.

BIBLE READING:

These words come from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10:6-9.

“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

VOW/RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT (to couple):

The ring is symbolic of a lasting commitment. It does not break. It may bend, however, but then you’d want to see your jeweler. As you place the ring on your partner’s finger, please think about the unwavering faith in your relationship that has brought you to this point today.

Jon as you place this ring on Lexi's finger repeat after me.

“I give you this ring | to wear as a symbol of my honor, | to do my best, to do my duty,

| TO God and my Wife, with my Love. | Let it be a reminder | that I am always by your side | and that I will always be a faithful partner to you."

Lexi as you place this ring on Jon's finger repeat after me.

“This ring I give to you | as a token of my love and devotion to you. | I pledge to you all that I am | and all that I will ever be as yours. | With this ring, I gladly marry you | and join my life to yours.”

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

Well there’s no turning back now! By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Texas I now pronounce you husband and wife! Good your married.... Kiss!

I am honored to present , for the very first time, Jon and Lexi Hill!