Dr Maceo Brayboy

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together S. A. D. and J. L. K. in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God.

Therefore, it is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

READING

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"A reading from the Apostle Paul,

The first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4 through 7:

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. Let us pray for this man and woman as they make their marriage vows.

“Father God, in the name of Jesus, as J. L. K. and S. A. D. pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

J. L. K. and S. A. D., you have come together this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, 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 have'."

THE COUPLE RESPONDS IN UNISON WITH 'I DO'.

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO J. L. K.

J. L. K., please take the ring you have selected for S. A. D. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed."

OFFICIANT TO S. A. D.

S. A. D., please take the ring you have selected for J. L. K. As you place it on his finger, repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed."

PRAYER: Include Proverbs 18:22 “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

In so much as J. L. K. and S. A. D. have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, having given and pledged their faith, each to the other, and having declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

I ask you now to seal the promises you have made with each other this day with a kiss."

THE COUPLE KISSES.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you this happy couple.

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.