Jena Rae Colby

Mark & Courtney Wedding 10-2-21

-Please stand with us as the bride comes.

-You may be seated.

* Welcome: Good afternoon Family, Friends, Loved Ones.

We are all gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Courtney and Mark in Christian marriage. What an honor it is for me to have the opportunity to officiate my best friends wedding! Courtney and I have known each other since we were little girls and we have remained friends since the second grade! To say that we know one another well just feels like an understatement, our friendship has been such a blessing, and I couldn’t have a better friend than you Courtney. Mark it has been a privilege to get to know you as well over the years that you two have been together. It has been wonderful to watch your love and understanding for one another grow and mature, and it’s been wonderful to get to know your kind and beautiful daughters Emma & Adeline.

Before we get started, let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father we give you thanks and praise for your gift of enduring love. God we appreciate your presence that is here with us now as we witness the vows of marriage between COURTNEY & MARK . We ask you to bless this couple in their union and throughout their life together. Please watch over them, and their children. Protect them and guide them from this day forward.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Reading

"True marriage is more than joining the bonds of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in one another, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you and your family be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.

Mark and Courtney, your journey together has not always been simple, but it has certainly been worth it, and it is clear to see how much you love and care for one another.

Always remember the things that you have shared together. Recall that “connection” you both had when you first met each other. The moments when you were together with friends, and you both felt as if no one else was in the room. It was only you two when your relationship started, you, Mark and Courtney.

Please keep those tender moments not only in your hearts, but constantly in your minds as well. This will strengthen your marriage, and you will most certainly have a loving bond that will always remain.

Now let’s take a moment, and see what the Bible has to say about LOVE: Here in First Corinthians chapter 13, verses four through eight tell us:

that 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. Love never fails.

And always let Ephesians chapter 4 verses 2 & 3 be a great reminder for you both:

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”

Vows

Courtney and Mark the vows that you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other.

These vows are your way of openly declaring your promise to one another as well as to all of those who are here in attendance today.

“Who gives this woman in marriage today?”

*Raymond (FOB) will already be seated*

"Do you COURTNEY, take MARK to be your lawfully wedded HUSBAND, promising to love and cherish him through joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

"Do you MARK take COURTNEY to be your lawfully wedded WIFE, promising to love and cherish her, through joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"

(Alright you guys, You ready to put a ring on it…..??? LOL :)

[Blessing of Hands:]

But first I want you both to take a look at your hands, now take a look at each others hands….

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Now remember, wedding rings are made precious by our wearing them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

Exchange of Rings

MARK (Please repeat after me:)

“Courtney, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken here today.”

COURTNEY (Please repeat after me:)

“Mark, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken here today.”

***Exchange of Rings Completed***

Now Courtney & Mark will braid The Cord of Three Strands

The Cord of Three Strands symbolizes the joining of one man and one woman by God into a unity of marriage. Marriage takes three; you, your soon to be spouse, and God. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your life together.

Today, MARK and COURTNEY have chosen to braid three strands together into a single cord. Each strand has a significant meaning. The first strand represents God and His majesty. The second strand represents the groom and his life. The third strand represents the bride and her life. In braiding these three strands together, MARK and COURTNEY 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.

As Ecclesiastes chapter 4 verses 9-12 reads; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Alright, Courtney & Mark, you have professed your love by exchanging your vows. You have symbolized your commitment by exchanging rings. And you have expressed the end of your individual lives by braiding the cord of three strands.

With all of this I can finally say:

(Declaration of Marriage)

"By the power vested in me by the State of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

MARK “You may kiss your bride."

“Family and Friends may I present to you for the very first time (Mr. and Mrs.)

MARK HEPNER!!!”