Ammie M Gaylor

Opening

Welcome friends and family!

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God and dear friends to celebrate the joining of this man and this woman in the spiritual union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. There are no obligations on earth sweeter or more tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn than those you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than the home you are about to form. True marriage is the holiest of all earthly relationships. The state of matrimony is based in this deep, invisible union of two souls who seek to find completion in one another.

Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. [Genesis 2:24]

Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. May today mark the beginning of your journey together known as your love story, and by God’s grace may your marriage grow as you embark on this voyage side by side, in all ways and for all days.

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ love the church and gave Himself up for her. [Ephesians 5:22,23,25]

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives and treat them with respect as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. [1 Peter 3:7]

Vows

At this time, Shauna and Corey will share their vows to each other. [Vows here].

For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate. [Matthew 19:5,6]

[Please respond, “I Do.”] Do you, Shauna, take Corey 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 only unto him for as long as you both will live? I Do.

Do you, Corey, take Shauna 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 only unto her for as long as you both will live? I Do.

Ring Exchange

You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. It is often said that wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But these rings did have a beginning: the stones were formed a very long time ago, deep within the earth, and eventually a series of necessary and fortunate events cause them to rise to the surface, where they are harvested, molded in extreme heat and painstakingly polished – so something beautiful is made from these raw elements.

Love is just like that. It comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of blessings and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. It is the process of making something beautiful and timeless, where there was once nothing at all. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you will always remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you will protect the commitments that you have made to one another today.

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

Corey, now as you place the ring on Shauna’s hand, please repeat after me: This ring…symbolizes my love for you…and the commitment we made…to each other today.

Shauna, now as you place the ring on Corey’s hand, please repeat after me: This ring…symbolizes my love for you…and the commitment we made…to each other today.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. [Ecclesiastes 4:12]

Blessing

May your marriage always bring glory to God, joy to one another and blessings to your family for many generations to come. May love and laughter fill your hearts and your home for all the days of your lives. May you face every challenge hand-in-hand and side-by-side knowing that with God’s grace, you will conquer all obstacles together. May the world be forever a more wonderful place because the two of you fell in love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing

So by the authority vested in me by the state of Arkansas, and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!

It is my honor to introduce, for the very first time,

Mr. & Mrs Corey and Shauna Bradford!