Samuel S. Cummings, D.D.

Good afternoon, everyone!

We are here on this magnificent and beautiful day and in the very esteemed presence of these witnesses to celebrate one of life's greatest moments – we are all present to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love – and to publicly witness the creation of an outward bond of marriage that Natasha and Wallace have already been creating inwardly.

Their love and intention has created this marriage and we are gathered here today to join the celebration and acknowledgment of their love and bond.

You both have family who have passed, and cannot be with us today in person, but we all know they are here with us – and how proud they are of you on this day.

[CHARGE TO THE COUPLE]

While your loved ones were responsible for raising you in the first chapters of your life, you’ve begun to write a few chapters of your own, finding your own voice. In doing so, you found someone to share your story with. This is a new beginning for the both of you – that you will be writing together, and I'd like to offer some gentle reminders to ease your lifelong task of living and growing together.

 BE KIND: Be kind to each other and when you disagree, do it respectfully for each other. A word of encouragement can do so much more than a word of harshness. Romans 12:10 includes, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

 BE UNDERSTANDING: Be understanding by showing forgiveness and care for each other. The spirit of forgiveness gives our hearts a little more room for love and a little more compassion.

 BE COMMUNICATIVE: Be communicative with each other and share the joy that's in your heart and the sorrow that burdens your soul. Open your hearts to each other and find the love.

I’ve known Wallace for several years, first through service together in Civil Air Patrol, now as a valued friend, and his beautiful bride, Natasha, has become a new friend that I’ve shared just as many laughs with – Wally,

Natasha, I want to thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your special day.

Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love; and they blossom when we love the ones we marry. When I’ve seen the interactions between between Natasha and Wallace, I see two people who aren’t afraid to show each other who they really are inside. Their thoughts, their opinions, their hopes, their dreams, their disagreements and their annoyances. I see true love between these two special people. When we find someone special like that… hold onto them. Keep them in your heart. Cherish them forever.

[MOMENT OF REFLECTION]

The bonds of matrimony are those which should not be entered into lightly. As such, these solemn vows they make today bind them in this life – and into the next.

Wallace, do you take Natasha to be your wedded wife – to comfort, to cherish, to uphold and behold as your partner in matrimony until death separates you?

Natasha, do you take Wallace to be your wedded husband – to comfort, to cherish, to uphold and behold as your partner in matrimony until death separates you?

From this moment forward – your lives are now intertwined. You are now both forever changed, and forever with each other by this single act – the act of marriage. Your friendship and your care and your love has brought forth a new, beautiful, spiritual relationship, that, like the sand, can never be fully separated again.

May all your tomorrows be for the best, and may your love for each other only grow deeper day by day.

May I have the rings, please?

[HOLDS UP NATASHA' WEDDING RING]

These rings are made of precious metals; purified and strengthened by the heat of many fires in its history – from the formation of our planet Earth, to the forge of the jeweler who brought forth these instruments of love and affection, they are a symbol of the wealth that resides in each of you and the love and care you have for one another.

Wedding bands are also outward symbols of fidelity, of strength of unity and the love and tenderness that are shared – with one another.

Natasha, please take Wallace’s ring, and repeat after me:

[REFRAIN]

I give you this ring to wear;

As a symbol of my abiding love;

My eternal faith;

My undying devotion;

It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.

Wallace, please take Natasha’ ring, and repeat after me:

[REFRAIN]

Well, as they say in hockey… GOAL! By the power vested in me by the Great State of Michigan, and the United States of America, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. Wallace, please kiss your bride, while I make it Facebook official. [holds up phone to take picture]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the distinct privilege and high honor to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Bishop.