Michael Darnell Ward

INVOCATION (OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION)

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

"We have come together to witness the marriage of Billy and Vilija. Much wisdom concerning the joining of two people has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures.

With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time."

CHARGE TO COUPLE (OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE)

"Billy and Vilija, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today.

Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do in every relationship at one time or another - focus on what seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong.

This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, abundance and delight will mark it."

RING EXCHANGE (OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE)

"The wedding ring is a symbol of married love, the precious metals show that your love is your most precious possession, and the unending circle symbolizes that your love may never cease."

OFFICIANT TO BILLY

"Billy, as you place the ring on Vilija's finger, please repeat after me:

Vilija, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my wife. With this ring, I thee wed."

OFFICIANT TO BRIDE

"Vilija, as you place the ring on Billy's finger, please repeat after me:

Billy, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my wife. With this ring, I thee wed."

CONFIRMATION OF LOVE (OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE)

"May your love be one based on freedom, respect and understanding. For though our hands may touch, it's our hearts that hold.

When you hold love within your heart, you radiate a light, which shall brighten all the days of your life and beyond.

Everything we truly love, becomes a part of us forever. So take your time with each other. Let your love's seed grow and mature with the seasons, to provide you with warmth, serenity, joy and acceptance throughout all the years of your marriage.

Love is not a wall, it is a bridge. Love does not confine, it sets you free. It leads, as a pathway, winding, to places unknown and mysterious. With love to light the way, you can meet any challenge, together."

PRONOUNCEMENT (OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE)

"Billy and Vilija, Because you have exchanged your vows before these witnesses, have pledged your commitment to each other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Billy you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen I now introduce to you: Mr. and Mrs. Tate.