Charlton Winston

--- Processional ---

Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs.

*(Blessing)*

With full understanding of this, who today presents this woman in marriage?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

*** YOU MAY ALL BE SEATED ***

 

--- Opening Remarks ---

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Michelle Decker and Jared Byers in the spiritual union of marriage.

All of us, family and friends of this wonderful couple, have gathered here today together to celebrate this most joyous occasion. We are fortunate to have been asked to witness the most important transition in a relationship between two people. This is the transition in which two people in love commit themselves to each other, in word and action.

They take this step not because they need to, but because they want to. They desire to publicly pledge their love and commitment to each other. Michelle and Jared, we are honored to bear witness to this transition, and we know that you are not taking this step lightly. Many here have watched as your love for each other has grown and matured from the awkwardness of that first date, into the perfection that you manifest today. Today, we are privileged witnesses to this important step, as you proclaim your love for all the world to see.

 

--- Remembrance: With Us in Spirit ---

At this time, Michelle and Jared wish to thank all of you for joining them here today as they express their love for each other. They wish to honor each of you who has played a role in making them who they are today, and who they will grow to be as a family. They also wish to take this time to remember loved ones who have passed with this beautiful verse:

“Although death has separated us physically, faith and love have bound us eternally. Though we cannot see you, we know you are here. Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives. Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits, and touched our hearts.”

As we take this moment of remembrance, may this verse be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives. 

--- Proclamation of Love ---

Michelle and Jared will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Michelle and Jared, today you take each other in marriage knowing in your hearts that you will be a constant friend, a faithful partner in life, and the one true love of each other. On this special day, you both give in the presence of God, your families, and friends your sacred promises to stay by each other's side as husband and wife, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad.

Jared, will you take Michelle to be your wife; will you love, honor, and cherish her, now and forevermore?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

Do you promise to hold Michelle's hand, listen to her needs, and do the little things that brighten her day?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

Do you promise to tease her, make silly jokes, and come up with new, creative ways to drive her crazy?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

Michelle, will you take Jared to be your husband; will you love, honor, and cherish him, now and forevermore?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

Do you promise to hold Jared's hand, look him in the eyes, and listen to his hopes, dreams, and thoughts?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

Do you promise to reciprocate Jared’s teasing, laugh at his goofy jokes, and likewise to build new ways to drive him crazy?

* (Wait for Confirmation) *

 

--- This Day and Forevermore (The Rings) ---

Michelle and Jared will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

* (Ring Exchange) *

As you, Jared, place this ring on Michelle's finger, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

As you, Michelle, place this ring on Jared's finger, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

I choose you to be my husband this day and forevermore.

* (Wait for Repeat) *

 

--- Hands Blessing Ritual ---

As you hold hands here today, please enjoy and appreciate the gift that these hands are to you. These are the hands of your best friend. Full of love, you hold your partner's hands on this wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your heart. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eye, whether they be tears of sorrow, or tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours with that same unspoken tenderness.

 

--- New Beginnings ---

As this ceremony nears its end, the marriage of Jared and Michelle nears its beginning. This union, as we can plainly see, will be filled with love, joy, and laughter. The progression of this amazing relationship has brought them to this special day during which they publicly vowed to be partners for life. I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we are honored to have been chosen to witness those vows.

As Jared and Michelle enter into marriage, we all wish them a lifetime of happiness and want to convey our love for, and to them, right from the beginning.

 

--- Expressions of Love ---

Jared and Michelle, you have showered our hearts with expressions of your love and promised each other the joy of all your days. Before these witnesses and by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Florida, it gives me great honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.

--- The Kiss ---

You may kiss the bride.

*** Presentation ***

It is my honor to be the first to present to you, Mr. & Mrs. Byers!!!