Nancy Louise Lamb

Dearly beloved,

We are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends, surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to witness a joyous occasion - the union of Lisa and Sidney in Holy Matrimony.

I ask that if anyone here can show just cause why they should not be lawfully married in the presence of God today, speak now, or forever hold your peace.

Who comes with Lisa to give their blessing to this marriage?

Clifton: My sisters and I give our blessing to this marriage. (Clifton takes his seat)

Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship and of family.

Being here today, we are reminded that a marriage needs a supportive community. You were invited as guests not only to celebrate with them but also encourage their love. As Lisa and Sidney, embark on this new journey together, please continue to provide support for their marriage.

During this time, we are reminded of the words used to describe love in Corinthians:

"Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's faults, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end."

While these words are lovely they certainly do not give us a realistic picture of what marriage can be. Marriage is hard. It takes work every single day. It takes honesty, forgiveness and grace. There is no such thing as a perfect marriage or a typical marriage. Lisa and Sidney are proof of that. Honestly, who among us can say that they had "Lisa and Sidney get remarried on April Fool's Day 2023," on their BINGO card?

Although most partners think they know what is involved in marriage, Lisa and Sidney have a bit of a headstart on most. The fact that they are choosing to stand in front of us today should give us all hope for the goodness that love can bring.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Lisa and Sidney, please join hands.

Lisa do you enter into this union of your own free will, vowing to take Sidney as your husband and partner, in all that life brings to your journey and from this day forward?

Lisa: I do.

Sidney do you enter into this union of your own free will, vowing to take Lisac as your wife and partner, in all that life brings to your journey and from this day forward?

Sidney: I do.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS and VOWS

Lisa and Sidney have chosen to exchange rings as an outward symbol of their love and commitment. These rings represent an endless promise, never to be broken, and will serve as a daily reminder of the vows they take today.

Lisa please place the ring on Sidney's finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring,

along with my promise to stand beside you and with you,

accepting you as you are and celebrating your spirit.

I promise to be worthy of your trust and will give you my trust in return.

I will love you until the end of our days

and vow to be faithful in heart, mind, and body.

With this ring, I thee wed.

PARTNER A REPEATS EACH LINE AFTER THE OFFICIANT.

Sidney please place the ring on Lisa's finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring,

along with my promise to stand beside you and with you,

accepting you as you are and celebrating your spirit.

I promise to be worthy of your trust and will give you my trust in return.

I will love you until the end of our days

and vow to be faithful in heart, mind, and body.

With this ring, I thee wed.

Let us pray:

May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared before us, and bless you every day of your life together. What God has joined, no one should divide. Amen.

By the power vested in me by the state of Georgia and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you a married couple! You may kiss each other!