Lillian Celie Medrano

Opening: Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Ernie and Elizabeth. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in their lives together. They have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what they relationship has become. Today, they will work this bond formally and publicly, not only celebrating the love between themselves, but also believe the love between us all. The love of their daughter, parents, siblings, cousins, extended family and best friends. Without that love, today would be fast less joyous.

Invocation: May we receive today in the sight of God to witness Ernie and Elizabeth join together in holy matrimony. An honorable estate instituted by the Lord. Not to be entered into lightly or unadvisdely, but instead reverently and humbly. Into this holy estate, these two before me now come to be joined. First, a reading from the Bible. 1st Corinthians chapter 13 verses 4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not really answered. It keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Father, as Ernie and Elizabeth pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure and their vows may be true.

Vows: Both have come together this day to seal and strengthen their love in the presence of their family, friends and the Almighty. Ernie, please take the ring you have chosen for your Bride (and state your vows): (Do you/I) promise to cherish and respect (her/you) always, to honor and protect, to lead and sustain (her/you) in sickness and in health, in poverty and wealth, and to be faithful and true to (her/you) in all things until death alone shall part (you/us)? I Do

Elizabeth take the ring you have chosen for your Groom (and state your vows): (Do you/I) take Ernie to be no one other than (himself/yourself). Loving what (you/I) know of (him/you), and trusting what (you/I) do not yet know. (Will you/I) respect (his/your) integrity and have faith in (his/your) abiding love for (you/me), through all (your/our) years, and in all that this life may bring (you/us)? I Do

Prayer: Bless this marriage Father, as groom and bride 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 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 will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good. Before these witnesses, they have pledged to be joined in marriage and have declared this pledge by accepting your wedding rings. You may seal the promises you made here today with a kiss.

I know pronounce you husband and wife, in God's name, Amen.