James "Jim" Lee Stevens

Anna and Jacob’s Wedding

INVOCATION

To the reception

What greater thing for two persons 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 one with each other – whatever life has to offer.

This is a special time of celebration that Anna and Jacob will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here today to share in their joy.

To the couple

Anna and Jacob, 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 goes by. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

Today your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union. Today we are privileged to witness two very dear friends; two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

To the couple

Anna and Jacob, 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 your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you’ll share these joys in marriage.

To the bride

Anna, will you take Jacob, whose hand you hold, choosing him alone to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true 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?

Bride

I will.

To the groom

Jacob, will you take Anna, whose hand you hold, choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true 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?

Groom

I will.

RING EXCHANGE

To the reception

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.

To the bride

Anna, please place this ring on Jacob’s finger and repeat after me.

Jacob, 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.

To the groom

Jacob, please place this ring on Anna’s finger and repeat after me.

Anna, 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.

To the couple

Anna and Jacob, 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.

BLESSING

To the couple

I leave you now with the following words:

May all that you are always be in love. May all that is love always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.

PRONOUNCEMENT

To the couple

Anna and Jacob, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of two wonderful families and your circle of friends; and by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Oklahoma, I now pronounce you wife and husband.

To the bride

Anna, you may kiss your husband.

To the reception

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I am proud and honored to present for the first time Anna and Jacob, wife and husband.