Lynn Feather

Good afternoon ~~

Today we have come for the union in marriage of Stephanie Rae Berkhimer and John Harrison Hardy, Jr.

What greater thing for two persons than to feel they are joined together, to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joy, and to be one with each other – whatever life has to offer. Today is a special time of celebration for Stephanie and John. One they will remember.

Stephanie and John, today begins a life of giving and sharing, nurturing and support; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while developing your mutual spirit as time goes by. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and shared.

Stephanie and John share their written vows.

“I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care through the pressure of the present and the uncertainties of the future.

I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down, and to love you unconditionally through all the adventures of our life together.

I promise to be faithful to you.

I promise to love you, commit to you and support you.

I pledge to respect your unique talents and abilities, to lend you strength for all your dreams.

I am grateful for your deep love and constant friendship.

As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep.”

DECLARATION OF INTENT

You are about to make your promises to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love and commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you will be sharing these joys in marriage.

Do you Stephanie Rae Berkhimer take this man John Harrison Hardy Jr. to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? *(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you John Harrison Hardy Jr. take this woman Stephanie Rae Berkhimer to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live? *(Wait for Confirmation)*

*(Ring Exchange)*

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

John, please take this ring and place it on Stephanie’s left hand and repeat after me.

I, John Harrison Hardy, Jr., give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

Stephanie, please take this ring and place it on John’s left hand and repeat after me.

I, Stephanie Rae Berkhimer, give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin this new journey in your lives. Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind.

May all that you are, is always in love. May all that is love always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share together and with McKenna and Caleb as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges that life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.

Stephanie and John, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of McKenna and Caleb; therefore, By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of West Virginia I now pronounce you wife and husband! You may now kiss Mr. and Mrs. John Harrison Hardy, Jr.

IRISH BLESSING

MAY YOU LIVE A LONG LIFE

FULL OF GLADNESS AND HEALTH.

WITH A POCKET FULL OF GOLD

AS THE LEAST OF YOUR WEALTH.

MAY THE DREAMS YOU HOLD DEAREST,

BE THOSE WHICH COME TRUE.

THE KINDNESS YOU SPREAD,

KEEP RETURNING TO YOU.