Burton L Rominger

Who gives this woman away?

Mark 10:6-8

Jesus said, “6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.”

Let us pray…

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, as we gather here today on this joyous occasion, we ask for your hand of blessing, knowing that every good and perfect gift is from you, to include the people you’ve blessed us with in our lives. We know you are truly present with us today as you bless both of these people, as a couple, as well as all the families you are uniting. We ask that you grant them a new heart, and a new mind for a life together in your glory. And that you bestow upon them the guidance and support you’ve promised through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Please be seated.

On behalf of Charles and Amber, I’d like to welcome everyone here! Thank you for joining us on this blessed day! I’ve known Charles for a while now, a brother Marine, and law enforcement officer. So, it brought me great joy, when he told me he was getting married. In talking with both the bride and groom, I can tell you that their coming together is a testament to how love finds a way. God took his time. He built up their character through triumphs and tribulations. Molding and forming them until they fit together perfectly, like two pieces in a puzzle.

Both Charles and Amber were already complete as they were. Neither were really looking for love. Both of them aging like a couple of fine wines. As much as we look at age as becoming vintage, I’ll remind you it’s also the road to wisdom. And in their wisdom, they took time to stop and look around them. In doing so, they found each other along the way. Once that happened, they quickly knew they found who God intended them to be with. The question was asked. How did you know they are the one? Well, Charles knew Amber was the one when she converted from being a Raiders fan, to being a Lions fan. After all, it's important to root for the right team… I’m kidding. It was actually how they connected during and after that first date, and how everything just came together. I asked Amber, the same thing and for her it was… just as romantic. It was once they finished their first date, and seeing how he and the kids connected so smoothly. You see, God was already at work bringing them together for this moment. Forming them so that when they met, the puzzle of life came together.

*Charge*

Charles and Amber, because you both come here seeking God’s blessing in marriage, I charge you both and everyone with us today. If anyone knows a reason why these two should not be joined, speak now and make it known…

*Wait for Acknowledgement*

Before we move to the vows, I have an important question for each of you.

Charles, will you have Amber, to be your wife, to love her, and cherish her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and to be faithful for as long as you both shall live?

*Wait for Acknowledgement*

Amber, will you have Charles, to be your husband, to love him, and cherish him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and to be faithful for as long as you both shall live?

*Wait for Acknowledgement*

At this time, our couple have written their own vows.

Charles, go ahead and begin when you’re ready.

*Wait for Reading*

Amber, go ahead and begin when you’re ready.

*Wait for Reading*

Do we have the rings present?

*Hold rings together before Bride and Groom*

By your vows, and the giving of these rings you’re giving a proclamation to the world. These rings are a symbol of your commitment to each other. The metal they’re forged of is a reminder to you of the precious possession you have in marriage to one another. And the circle each form is infinite, reminding you that your love and commitment to one another is without end. Just as the rings encircle and embrace each of your fingers, remember you are to encompass and embrace one another in strength and protection.

Charles, as you place the ring on Amber's finger, repeat after me. This ring I give you, as a token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.

Amber, as you place the ring on Charles finger, repeat after me. This ring I give you, as a token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.

Let no one separate what God has joined together. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

YOU MAY KISS YOUR BRIDE!

Everyone! I would ask that everyone hangs out just a moment longer as our Bride and Groom would like to share in one final act of their commitment to one another before us all. A Unity Sand Ceremony.

*UNITY SAND CEREMONY*

Let us pray,

Lord, we thank you for the honor and privilege of seeing you unite this couple before us today. Just as these grains of sand have been united, and will never be the same as they were, we ask your hand and blessing upon this new family. That you help them to know your will in the decisions that lay ahead of them. That you hold them in times of hurt and raise them in times of joy. And guide them in keeping a servant's attitude towards one another, and in your light throughout it all. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

*Present the Newly Weds*