Ryan Bushover

Dearly Beloved,

We are gathered together here in this beautiful place to join Heather Bushover and Colton Arnold in the union of marriage. What greater thing for two people 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 with each other in whatever life has to offer.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Colton, one of the things I have come to appreciate about you is that you are not hesitant to try new things. I also have come to appreciate your strength of character. Heather - Mom and I are amazed at what you have accomplished in life, with an unrivaled sense of adventure. We are surely blessed and grateful to share this day with both of you.

Let us pray

Gracious God, spirit of life and love, we ask all blessings upon Colton and Heather in their life together. Bless them with patience, to see them through times of tensions or conflict. Bless them with kindness. Enable them to nurture and care for one another in times of pain or sorrow. Bless them with a spirit of play and joyfulness, that they may participate fully in the beauties and pleasures of creation. May they be blessed, finally, with a knowledge of the ever-flowing presence of love in the world, that they may be channels of this love to one another and to all whom they meet in their life’s journey. Amen.

Colton and Heather, 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 passes.

Today we are gathered here to celebrate your union. We are privileged to witness two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

Colton and Heather, 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 share these joys in marriage.

Let's read from First Corinthians 13

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.

Please face each other for your vows.

Do you Colton Arnold take this woman Heather Bushover to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the true state of matrimony? Will you love her and comfort her through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all times, and being faithful to her? If so, please say I do.

Do you Heather Bushover take this man Colton Arnold to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you live with him in the true state of matrimony? Will you love him and comfort him through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring him at all times, and being faithful to him? If so, please say I do.

Do we have the rings?

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents an 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.

Heather, please place this ring on Colton's finger and repeat after me.

Colton, I 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.

Colton, please place this ring on Heather's finger and repeat after me.

Heather, I 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.

Colton and Heather, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

And now, by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Montana I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!