Liann Jean Bierly

Ladies and Gents, we’re here today because Donovan and Randi have said to one another, Babe! I love you so much, we should get the government involved!

Seriously, though. Thank you all so much for joining us on this special day. We are gathered here in the sight of God, the presence of friends and family to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. The uniting of these two friends to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. Marriage encourages new life, new experiences, and also finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life.

Donovan and Randi ,you have come together on this day, so that God may seal and strengthen your love, in the presence of myself and this community of family and friends, I ask you to state your intentions:

Have you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in Marriage? If so, answer by saying I Do!

Donovan and Randi have written their own vows that they would like to read at this moment (DONOVAN VOWS) (RANDI VOWS)

!RING EXCHANGE!

May I have the rings please!

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two hearts in endless love and of your deepest desires to be forever united in heart and soul.

Okay, Donovan, time to put a ring on it. Repeat after me!

Randi, I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honor you, cherish you, and I'll try to clean up after myself. I'll even let you take me on dates every now and again.

Alright, Randi, it's your turn. Repeat after me!

Donovan, I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love you, honor you, cherish you, and that I'll try not to nag you about spending too much time gaming and I might even make you dinner every once in a while.

This is a new beginning for both of you and I’d like to offer some advice “Communicate with each other. Share the joy that’s in your heart and the sorrow that burdens your soul. Don’t forget to Laugh! A lot! As often and as much as possible. At yourselves, as well as each other and even together!

Now i ask all of you to pray with me

“ God, please bless this new family as they navigate the times ahead, help them to know what your will is and the decisions they need to make. We ask that you continue to bless them and help them to know You are with them and guiding them with every step, as we pray in Jesus name, AMEN!

(HAND BINDING)

Now traditionally there may be lighting of a unity candle, but Donovan and Randi would like to shake things up a bit by tying God’s knot, which symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman,and God into a marriage relationship. Marriage takes three; Both of you and God. It isGod who teaches us to love. By keeping him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage. As the bible says in Matthew 19; 6 “ These two will become ONE”.

As you can see, there are three different colored cords that the Bride and Groom are going to tie together.

The Gold strand represents the divinity of God. The covenant of marriage is initiated by him and will be built under his authority.

The Burgundy strand represents the Groom. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to God. God will in turn demonstrate his great love in the marriage between the two.

The Pink strand represents the Bride. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to God, God will in turn nurture and strengthen the marriage between the two.

In tying these three strands together, Donovan and Randi have demonstrated that their marriage is more than a joining of two lives together. It is a unity with God as well. They have chosen to allow God to be at the center of their marriage, woven into every aspect of it.

YOU ARE NOW BOND TOGETHER FOR LIFE!

By the power vested in me, by the state of Michiagan and American Marriage Ministries I now Pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE! NOW TIE THE KNOT AND KISS HER LIKE YOU MEAN IT!

It’s my great honor and privilege to present to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Donovan Elkins!