Amy Sue LaVare-Titus

In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, AMEN

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends to join together Mark Edward Waugh and Shelly Ann Vincent in Holy Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God and therefore is not to be entered into advisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE

"Who gives this Bride to this Groom in marriage?"

Rick says, "I do," (He takes the brides right hand and places it in the Grooms left hand and retires to his place. He sits with Mother.

BIBLE PRINCIPLES OF MARRIAGE

Jesus Christ reminds us, that at the beginning the Creator made us male and female, and said, "For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only when we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

READING

Today's reading is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

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 preserves. Love never fails.

Shelly and Mark come today desiring to be united in this sacred relationship,

PRAYER

Let us pray. Almighty God you have created us all in the image of Love, the image of yourself. Bless now these two, Shelly and Mark, who stand before you. Guide them in your wisdom, shine your light upon them, that as they journey through this life together they will walk as bearers of your Truth. Amen

JOINING OF HANDS

(At this point, the Bride may wish to give her bouquet of flowers to her attendant or place them on a table next to her.)

MARRIAGE VOWS

Mark Edward Waugh and Shelly Ann Vincent will now share their vows.

Mark, please repeat after me.

I, Mark, take you Shelly, for my wedded wife. To love and cherish, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, until death do us part.

Shelly, please repeat after me.

I, Shelly, take you Mark, for my wedded husband. To love and cherish, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward, until death do us part.

BLESSING OF THE RINGS

May we have the rings please.

Shelly and Mark, you have chosen to give each other a ring. Your wedding ring should be your most treasured possession. It isn't just jewelry. It is a symbol to the world that you are spoken for-you are married. It displays the place of priority your beloved has in your heart and life. It reminds you to consider your partner in ever decision you make. It helps you remember that everything you do doesn't just affect you but impacts your spouse also. It connects you when you are apart. When you hold hands and feel your rings, it is a tangible reminder of the commitment you have made to each other forever. So, wear your rings proudly, and let the world know your heart belongs to your beloved.

May the Lord bless these rings which you give each other as your sign of Love, Devotion, and everlasting peace. We asked this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Mark and Shelly will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Mark, as you place this ring on Shelly's finger, please repeat after me.

Shelly, this ring is my sacred gift to you. A symbol of my Love. A sign that from this day forward and always, my love will surround you. With this ring, I thee wed.

Shelly, as you place this ring on Mark's finger, please repeat after me.

Mark, this ring is my sacred gift to you. A symbol of my Love. A sign that from this day forward and always, my love will surround you. With this ring, I thee wed.

O, eternal God creator and preserver, Giver of all spiritual Grace, the Author of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name, that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them as symbolized by these rings as a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws. Amen

PRAYER AND BLESSING

Bless this marriage, O God, as Mark and Shelly begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead, for the road turns and bends, but help them to make the best of whatever comes their way. Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect, and to look for the good in all things and all people, including themselves. Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears, even though they may not always understand them. Help them to learn from each other and to help each other grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them, they must hold on to each other, and know that things have a way of working out for the good. Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives. But most of all, help them to keep lit the torch of love they now share, so that their loving example, they may pass the light of love to their children and grandchildren forever.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Shelly and Mark have consented together in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God and those present, and have pledged their faithfulness, each to the other, and declared their love by giving and receiving rings. Mark and Shelly, now that you have shared with each other these words of love and commitment, and we have witnessed the expression of your love as you have given each other these rings, and you have joined your hands and hearts before your family and friends, it is with great joy that I now pronounce you husband and wife.

BENEDICTION

May the peace and unconditional Love of God surround you and remain with you now and forevermore. Amen

Mark, you may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Waugh!