Jennifer Lee Downey

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments.

We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Kate and Tom as they complete their family in holy matrimony.

Marriage is the most important of all earthly relationships, not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity."

LET'S PRAY

"Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before you today praising You, Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon Kate and Tom as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another.

Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen."

Reading by Katie Holben - John 4:7-12

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.

Officiant:

A husband and wife are each other's best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics. The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger.

Marriage also encourages new experiences, and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Kate and Tom, as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with kindness and respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today."

2nd Reading Claire Drago - 1st Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres..

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Please face one another and hold hands."

I, Thomas take you Katherine to be my wife, my

partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our

friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you

And I will laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully

Through the best and the worst,

Through the difficult and the easy.

Whatever may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold

So I give you my life to keep

So help me God

I, Katherine take you Thomas to be my Husband, my

partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you

today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you

And I will laugh with you and cry with you

I will love you faithfully

Through the best and the worst,

Through the difficult and the easy.

Whatever may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold

So I give you my life to keep

So help me God

RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE RING BEARER

"May we now have the rings?"

● THE RINGS ARE PRESENTED.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"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."

OFFICIANT TO PARTER B

"Tom, please place this ring on Kate's finger and repeat after me:

Katherine, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always."

● PARTNER B REPEATS THE VOWS.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"Kate, please place this ring on Tom's finger and repeat after me:

Thomas, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always."

● PARTNER A REPEATS THE VOWS.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Kate and Tom, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey.

Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind."

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Kate and Tom, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends."

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

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

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"You may now kiss your beautiful bride."

● THE COUPLE KISSES.

Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Kate Holben."