Ramonda Lowery Byrd

Entrance of Bride (Song: First Time by Teeks)

Ask everyone to please stand

Who gives this bride to be married to this groom today?

"Family and Friends, Thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite STANLEY RUTLEDGE and KENDRA SCOTT  in marriage."

Will you all please stand for prayer

PRAYER

Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus we are here on this day to give thanks for the love you have shared with these two individuals. We ask that you help STANLEY and KENDRA to always remember when they first met and to remember the strong love that grew between them. To work that love into practical things so that nothing divides them. Please help them find words both kind and loving and hearts that are always ready to ask for forgiveness as well as able to forgive. Father God we put this marriage in your hands and in Jesus Name we pray Amen.

INVOCATION (1 minute)

We are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the Union of STANLEY RUTLEDGE and KENDRA SCOTT in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration, for a shared married life and it’s a great blessing.

As STANLEY and KENDRA embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes them better versions of themselves. Marriage is a garden we sow with love, and harvest in personal growth.

STANLEY and KENDRA, on your journey together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart after God. The love that you share must be guarded and cherished forever, for it is your most valuable treasure.

Always remember these words; Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritability, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

VOW EXCHANGE

You have chosen to write your vows, and it’s with these words you express your binding promises to one another. Now as you stand face to face declare your intentions. When you’re ready STANLEY you may begin. Thank you for sharing your vows with us.

Do you STANLEY take this woman KENDRA to be your lawfully wedded partner, 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)*

Do you KENDRA take this man STANLEY to be your lawfully wedded partner, 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)*

KENDRA and STANLEY will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

The rings you are about to place on each other’s fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of vows spoken and eternal love for one another.

STANLEY AND KENDRA place the ring on each others finger

And repeat after me:

With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind, heart, and hands. This ring encircles your finger...letting you know you will never walk alone...we will walk through life as partners and best friends..I have no greater gift to give… than promise to do my best.. to love, cherish and accept you…just the way you are..I give you my heart until the end of time.

SAND CEREMONY

Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand one, representing you, Bride and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, Groom, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.

Mark 10:9 "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

PRONOUNCEMENT(song Forever by RKelly)

By the power given to me by the State of North Carolina. I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. STANLEY you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present for the first time, Mr and Mrs STANLEY and KENDRA RUTLEDGE.

(Jump the Broom)