Dusty F Brown

We are gathered here today to celebrate with Ron and Sandy as they proclaim their love and commitment to the world. We are gathered to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together.

1

Ron and Sandy, the relationship you enter into today must be grounded in the strength of your love and the power of your faith in each other. To make your relationship succeed it will take unending love.

It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want what is best for one another and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds.

(Prayer)

Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with loving relationships such as Ron and Sandy’s, and we give thanks for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit.

Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving arms, we pray, Amen.

2

(Definition Of Commitment)

Marriage is a joyous occasion. It is connected in our thoughts with the charm of love, the warmth of home, and with all that is pleasant, as being one of the most important events of our lives. Its sacredness and unity is the most significant and binding covenant known in human relations.

Ron and Sandy, let me charge you both to remember that your future happiness is to be in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. It is the duty of each of you to find your greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that your love pledged today must remain undivided for a lifetime.

It is your duty, Ron, to be to Sandy, a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving husband: to support, guide and cherish her in prosperity and trouble; to thoughtfully and carefully enlarge the place she holds in your life; to constantly show to her the tokens of your affection, to shelter her from danger, and to love her with an unchangeable love.

It is your duty, Sandy, to be to Ron, a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving wife; to comfort, guide and cherish him in prosperity and trouble; to give to him the unfailing pieces of evidence of your affection; and to continue making the place he holds in your heart, broader and deeper; to support him, value him and work with him to make your marriage the very best that it can be.

I call your attention to the seriousness of the decision which you have made and the covenant you are about to declare before God. The vows you are about to take are not to be taken without careful thought, for in them you are committing yourselves exclusively to one another for as long as you both shall live.

3

(Declaration of Intent)

If you both come freely, and understand the responsibility and work involved to make your relationship thrive, and are committed to not only each other but your family, please take each other by the hands and reply 'we do.'"

• THE COUPLE RESPONDS IN THE AFFIRMATIVE.

4

(Vows)

Me to Ron:

Ron repeat after me:

Sandy, you are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours."

• Ron repeats the vows.

"Now place the ring on her hand and repeat after me...

With this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life, and cherish the memories we make together."

• Ron repeats the second passage as he places the ring on Sandy’s finger.

Me to Sandy:

"Sandy, repeat after me:

Ron, you are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours."

• Sandy repeats the vows.

"Now place the ring on his hand and repeat after me.... with this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life and cherish the memories we make together."

• Sandy repeats the second passage as she places the ring on Ron’s finger.

5

Me to the couple:

Ron and Sandy, prior to this moment you each walked a separate path. God led you together by his choice. And we praise him that today his will is being fulfilled as you embark together on a shared path. You see, the journey is not yours alone, for you have already been blessed with beautiful children. It is the strength of your love that will nourish you all together as a family.

Ron and Sandy, today you have stood before these witnesses and declared your intent to commit your lives to each other in marriage. You have made promises to each other and your family.Your road to this moment has not always been smooth, but you continued to fight for one another. I hope you will never forget the fight and perseverance it has taken to get to this moment. And I hope you will never forget the love and joy you feel today, because these are the values that will keep your marriage, family and bond to one another strong."

(Closing Prayer)

Eternal God, help Ron and Sandy to fulfill the promises they have made here today and to reflect your steadfast love in their commitment to each other. Give them kindness and patience, affection and understanding, happiness, and contentment. May their family and friends continue to support them in difficult days, so that their love for each other may continue to grow as long as they both shall live. Amen.

6

"And so, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Tennessee, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Me to Ron:

"Ron, you may kiss your bride."

(Hug the kids)

7

Ladies and gentlemen, it is such an honor to introduce you to Dr. and Mrs. Ron Wright.