Cindy D. Birkner

On behalf of Ashley and Ethan- I want to welcome you all hear today. Before we get started, I want to ask you on their behalf to please be unplugged for this service. We know how exciting it is to take pictures of the bride and groom- but instead, we ask that you be fully present in this ceremony. Switch off all your devices so that we can all experience this special event together.

The Procession

Who supports Ashley as she and Ethan take this next step together? (Ashley’s dad answers)

Thank you- you all may be seated.

The Invocation

Dearly beloved, we come together today as the people of God to witness the marriage of Ethan and Ashley. We come to share in their joy and to ask God to bless them. Marriage is a gift of God, sealed by a sacred covenant. God gives human love. Through that love, two persons come to know each other with mutual care and companionship. God gives joy. Through that joy, they may share their new life with others. With love and our prayers, we support Ashley and Ethan as they now freely give themselves to each other.

Let us pray: Gracious God, always faithful in your love for us, we rejoice in your presence. You create love. You unite us in one human family. You offer your word and lead us in light. You open your loving arms and embrace us with strength. May the presence of Christ fill our hearts with new joy and make new the loves of your servants whose marriage we celebrate. Bless all creation through this sign of your love shown in the love of Ashley and Ethan for each other. May the power of your Holy Spirit sustain them and all of us in love that shows no end. Amen.

A few words from Cindy….

The Declaration of Intent

To Ethan and Ashley: Before God and your family and friends, I ask you to affirm your willingness to enter this covenant of marriage and to share all the joys and sorrows of this new relationship, whatever the future may hold.

Ethan…. "Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live? If so answer 'I do'."

Ethan: "I do."

Ashley…"Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer I do."

Ashley: "I do."

The Vows Exchange

At this time Ashley and Ethan will do their private vows. As they make their way over to do that, I will ask Ethan’s mom Carolyn to come up and sing a song that was chosen by the bride and the groom.

The Rings Exchange

Ethan and Ashley, what will you share to symbolize your love?

By these symbols of covenant promise, Gracious God, remind Ashley and Ethan of your encircling love and unending faithfulness that in all their life together they may know joy and peace in one a. men.

As you, Ethan, place this ring on Ashley’s finger, repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you…… in all times and places…… You have my heart always.

And Ashley, as you place this ring on Ethan’s finger, repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you…… in all times and places…… You have my heart always.

The Pronouncement

Ashley and Ethan, you have showered our hearts with expressions of your love and promised each other the joy of all your days. Before these witnesses, it gives me great honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss your bride!

It is my honor to present to you, for the very first time Ethan and Ashley Harting.

Recession