Dennis John Vogen

WELCOME / INVOCATION

OFFICIANT to ALL:

Welcome! We are here today to witness the union of Mark Vogen and Virginia Stedman in marriage. They wanted you to be here because of how much you all mean to them.

OFFICIANT to COUPLE:

Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other today should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony – it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.

The future promises many happy days ahead, filled with special opportunities, adventures, and challenges. It is through trust, love, and the unfailing support of each other that you will meet these ups and downs.

READING

OFFICIANT to NINA:

Mark's daughter Nina will now read a passage about grace, which is today's theme.

 

PASSAGE

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT to MARK:

Do you, Mark, take Virginia to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat her with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

(Mark says I do.)

OFFICIANT to VIRGINIA:

And do you, Virginia, take Mark to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat him with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

(Virginia says I do.)

RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT to COUPLE:

The wedding ring represents the promises and potential of marriage, and is a symbol of the love and commitment you have pledged. As you wear your ring, let it remind you of the love you feel here today.

VOWS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT to VIRGINIA:

Virginia, please place the ring on Mark's finger, and repeat after me:

“I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love and devotion,

As we join our lives together,

Today,

Tomorrow,

And for as long

As our love shall last.”

OFFICIANT to MARK:

And Mark, please place the ring on Virginia’s finger.

“I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love and devotion,

As we join our lives together,

Today,

Tomorrow,

And for as long

As our love shall last.”

OFFICIANT to COUPLE:

True marriage is more than just a ceremony or a piece of paper – it is a lasting bond that joins two lives and two hearts. Marriage is love. Companionship. Trust. And respect. May you always find strength in each other, laugh with each other, and find safety and comfort in each other’s words and company. May you celebrate many joyful seasons together, support each other when days are difficult, and continue to learn and grow closer together with each passing year.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Minnesota and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss!

Congratulations!