Chad Leland Ours

Wedding Script v3

*Procession*

[VIPs are seated  Minister & Groom enter  Wedding party enters (chamber music)]

All rise.

[Bride & Father of the Bride enter. (Wonderful Tonight, Eric Clapton, arranged)]

*Invocation*

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man, Michael Scott Sears, and this woman, Dara Deane Ours, in holy matrimony. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father of the Bride : Her mother and I.

[Father of the Bride gives Bride’s hand to Groom and then retires to his seat.]

Please be seated.

*Declaration of Intent*

Since time immemorial, it has been the happy privilege of an honored few to preside over the joining of two people in the bonds of matrimony. Marriage is a concept almost as old as our species itself. The Bible tells us that in the beginning, Adam and Eve were seen to be as of one flesh. In our study of the past, we have discovered evidence of wedding ceremonies dating back over 4000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. Again from The Bible, it was at a wedding celebration in Cana where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine. For as long as people have existed, they have felt the intrinsic desire to unite with a help mate; a spouse; a soulmate. God said in Genesis, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Even now, in this elaborately technological age, that basic need for a deeply personal bond, connects us all the way back to the very beginning. For as long as man was walked the Earth, he has sought his ultimate companion. Today we rejoice, as Scott and Dara come before us all to declare, in joy, that their search is over.

Marriage is a hallowed estate, instituted by God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and his church. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate, this man and this woman come now to be forever joined.

If any man can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace.

[Brief Pause]

*Exchange of Vows*

Scott and Dara, I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God – before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed – that having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept as God’s word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, then God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.

Do you Scott, take Dara to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health? Will you love her and cherish her, guide her and keep her, and forsaking all others, be faithful only unto her, till death do you part? If so then say, “I do.”

[Groom : “I do.”]

Do you Dara, take Scott to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health? Will you love him and cherish him, guide him and keep him, and forsaking all others, be faithful only unto him, till death do you part? If so then say, “I do.”

[Bride : “I do.”]

*Ring Exchange*

At this time, the couple will exchange rings. The wedding ring has been a symbol of eternal love and devotion for almost as long as man has been able to record his own history. The ancient Egyptians exchanged rings of leather and woven reeds to symbolize eternity and the unending cycle of life and love. The Romans exchanged rings of iron to symbolize strength and permanence. Today, Scott & Dara will exchange rings of gold, symbolizing the rarity and preciousness of their lifelong commitment.

The wedding ring is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in holy matrimony through the church of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we ask that you bless the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in peace and continue in your favor, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scott, please hold Dara’s ring before her finger and repeat after me.

I Scott, give you Dara this ring – as a symbol of my love and commitment. In token and pledge – of our constant faith and abiding love – with this ring, I thee wed.

[The Groom places the ring on the Bride’s finger.]

Dara, please hold Scott’s ring before his finger and repeat after me.

I Dara, give you Scott this ring – as a symbol of my love and commitment. In token and pledge – of our constant faith and abiding love – with this ring, I thee wed.

[The Bride places the ring on the Groom’s finger.]

*Knot Tying Ceremony*

And now, Scott & Dara have chosen to do something unique to symbolize their love for each other by literally 'tying the knot'. Bring forth the ropes.

[Hand one rope to Groom and one rope to Bride.]

Each of these ropes represent your past; your individual and separate lives before today. Tying this Knot symbolizes the joining of two separate lives into one. The Infinity Knot represents two individuals who have chosen to follow each other down the infinite paths of their new lives together. Now, Scott & Dara, please tie the Knot.

[Bride & Groom tie the two ropes into an Infinity Knot.]

Scott & Dara have tied an Infinity Knot. This Knot, when the ends are pulled, becomes so strong that the rope will break before the knot comes undone. Please pull the ends of your rope.

[Bride & Groom pull and tighten the Knot.]

May this knot be a reminder of the strength of your love and the binding together of your two hearts.

Let us pray.

Eternal God, creator and preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life, we ask that you send thy blessings upon this man and this woman, whom we bless in your name, that they may surely perform and keep the vow of covenant between them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws. Look graciously upon them, that they may love, honor and cherish each other, and so live together in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom, and true Godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing, and a place of peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Pronouncement*

Scott & Dara have consented together to enter holy wedlock. They have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have declared the same by giving and receiving rings, and even by tying a literal knot. What God has brought together, let no man put asunder. Now, by the power vested in me by the state of West Virginia, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

[The Bride & Groom kiss.]

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Sears.

*Recessional*

Scott and Dara ask that you please follow them downstairs and join them for the reception to celebrate their union.