Julia G Jones

Zac and Anne

(OPENING)

Welcome dearest family. We gather here on this day to celebrate the union of Zac Scott and Anne Clark. They invite you to share in their bliss as they declare their love.

Who gives this woman to be wed? (I do.)

And they have your blessing to join in holy union? (Yes.)

Thank you. Zac and Anne stand before you today as individuals, but many of you can tell they are an inseparable team. They found each other in the least suspecting of times. Zac had sworn off dating and Anne was looking for any way out of drill, but the stars aligned and these two adventurous warriors hit it off. And now, without question, they are ready to commit the rest of their lives to each other.

(WHAT IS LOVE)

It is often said that ‘love makes the world go round.’ However, without a doubt, it is friendship that keeps us going. It’s a true connection on which you build an enduring relationship. In only twelve short hours a lasting bond was formed. They left a mark on each other that was visible to those around them. Their friends and family took notice of this shift, only confirming what they knew was true; this love was different. As any of us can see, they fit like a glove.

God gave us lifelong partnership in marriage because it was not good for us to be alone. He sets forth the expectations of love in first Corinthians:

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

(VOWS)

Marriage is a commitment built on intimate promises of affection and devotion presented in your vows. They are your pledge to your partner that you should uphold through all that life throws at you. And while Zac and Anne are saving their sweet whispers for Fiji, they make these promises today. Anne, will you repeat after me?

“I, Anne, take you, Zac, to be my husband, to have and to hold, for better and for worse,

for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,

from this day forward, til death do us part.”

Now Zac, repeat after me.

“I, Zac, take you, Anne, to be my wife, to have and to hold, for better and for worse,

for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,

from this day forward, til death do us part.”

(RINGS)

Do we have the rings? Raise them up and admire them.

The wedding band is a physical reminder of promises binding you together. As the shape is an endless loop, this unyielding circle symbolizes the unending nature of eternal love. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it is traditionally believed that this finger has a direct connection to the heart - the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment. For this exchange, place the ring on your partner as you speak.

Anne, repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Now Zac, repeat after me: “With this ring, I thee wed.”

(CLOSING / PRONOUNCEMENT)

As this ceremony nears its end, a beautiful marriage finds its beginning. Your vows have been declared, promises made. Your parents have given their blessing. As you embark on this journey of marriage, we all wish you a lifetime of love and joy. May you always tackle this adventure called life together.

Zac and Anne, by the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you Husband and Wife! You may now kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for our newlyweds!