Julie Ludington O'Brien

Welcome Everyone:

What could be greater than these two people being joined together.

We are gathered here to join Dorothy and Steve in the spiritual union of holy marriage.

Today begins their married life of giving and sharing, nurturing, and supporting.

Allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while developing their mutual togetherness as time goes by.

Steve and Dorothy are here to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joys and triumphs, and to be one with each other - no matter what life brings.

*(Vows)* Face each other

Do you Dorothy take this man Steve to be your guy… Do you choose him, and him alone to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him and comfort him through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, always honoring him in faithfulness?

*(Wait for Confirmation) *

Steve, do you take Dorothy to be your wife? To respect, cherish and honor her? To laugh with her, grieve with her, and grow with her in love and relationship? To share this life with her and her alone?

*(Wait for Confirmation) *

Longing to love that one special person. It is how we were created. With all your heart, your soul, your body, and your mind. Because you need a forever person to trust with the intimacies of you. Someone who is always on your side!

Someone who loves you when you are unlikeable. Who sees the small child in you and who looks for the divine potential in your future...Someone to hold you and comfort you when you need that cheerleader. Someone who thanks God for you and understands the blessing that you bring to their life.

Romans 8:38 "I am convinced that nothing can separate us from God's love through Jesus. Not death or life, not angels or rulers, not present things or future things, not powers or height or depth, or any other thing that is created." His love for us is that vast, and His love for you and this union is that massive. Always remember to invite Him into your beautiful relationship.

Dorothy and Steve will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Through marriage, two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. The marriage ring is a physical manifestation of the promises joining both the bride and groom together as one. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this finger was a direct connection to the human heart. The perfect spot for representation of your love and commitment today. These rings are visible symbols of your bond.

*(Ring Exchange) *

Steve, as you place this ring on Dorothy's finger please repeat after me: Dorothy - I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and to our partnership in life. You have my heart always.

Dorothy, as you place this ring on Steve's finger please repeat after me: Steve - I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you in all times and in all places. You have my heart forever.

Please pray with me (let’s bless these guys):

Father in heaven, in this most amazing and beautiful place...we ask that on this perfect day, your steadfast love would continue to grow and manifest itself in Dorothy and Steve's life, reaching them in times of trouble, as well as in times of celebration through life's triumphs and joys...Always remaining their cornerstone - the unbreakable rock. We pray blessings over them, and uphold them with our love, encouragement, and unwavering support. In Jesus' precious name, AMEN!

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Maryland I now pronounce you husband and wife!

By all means – KISS YOUR BEAUTIFUL BRIDE!