Janet S Andersen

Welcome family and friends, (Janet)

Today, we are celebrating the love of Tracy and Joel. Together, they have found a confidant and true partner to share their life with. Whether you have traveled from far or near, they are honored to share this next chapter with you.

Reading (Janet)

Tracy and Joel have chosen two passages that have special meaning to them, I am honored to share them with you.

Love is a temporary madness, it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your root was so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love, which any fool can do. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away. And this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

Those that truly love have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossoms have fallen from their branches, they find that they are a tree and not two.

A good marriage must be created. In the marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once each day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is having a mutual sense of values and objectives. It is standing together and facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each person can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right person. It is being the right partner.

Prayer: (Mary)

*(Vows)* (Janet)

This brings us to the heart of the ceremony, the vows. Tracy and Joel will declare their promises and intentions for one another to share the strength and sincerity of their love.

Tracy,

Do you promise to choose Joel everyday as your partner during the highs and lows of life, to be his safe space,and his teammate with love and respect?

*(Wait for Confirmation)* ( I do)

Joel,

Do you promise to choose Tracy everyday as your partner during the highs and lows of life, to be her safe space, and her teammate with love and respect?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*. (I do)

Tracy and Joel will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. These rings are a reflection of the words you have just shared. Your endless love and your journey together.

*(Ring Exchange)*

Blessing: ( Mary)

Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for:

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Michigan I now pronounce you husband and wife ! You may now kiss the bride.

(Janet) I am proud to present to you: Mr. And Mrs. Joel Mackenzie

Recessional