Kristen Lee Bolton

Wedding Ceremony

Welcome, beloved friends and family. We’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of Doug and Jené in marriage.

We often say that love is an action – something we must demonstrate daily. Well, marriage is like that, too. It’s consistent support through life’s ups and downs. It’s the big gestures, like planning a surprise weekend getaway. And the small gestures, like breakfast in bed or holding hands. It’s taking turns with the laundry, and wiping away each other’s tears. It’s making time to cuddle on the couch, reviewing the budget, and saving that last slice of pie. It’s waking up every morning knowing this person is the one you want beside you. It’s putting each other first, and never taking your love for granted. 

Doug and Jené, you’ve both had life experiences that have shown you the true meaning of marriage – what a true marriage can be when two people embrace the action of love. You’ve learned what’s important to you, and the kind of partner you want to be. Your unique journeys have brought you to this moment, with a new chance at love built on wisdom, experience, and a deeper understanding of what this commitment truly means.

DECLARATION OF INTENT (THE 'I DO'S)

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

Jené, do you take Doug to be your husband, to honor, cherish, and support him for as long as your love shall last? Will you keep him as your favorite person - to laugh with him, go on adventures with him, support him through life's tough moments, be proud of him, grow old with him, and find new reasons to love him every day?

Jené:

I do. 

WEDDING OFFICIANT

Doug, do you take Jené to be your wife, to honor, cherish, and support her for as long as your love shall last? Will you keep her as your favorite person - to laugh with her, go on adventures with her, support her through life's tough moments, be proud of her, grow old with her, and find new reasons to love her every day?

Doug:

I do. 

EXCHANGE OF WRITTEN VOWS

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

You’ve both chosen to write personal vows as an authentic expression of your love.

Jené, please read your vows now.  

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

Doug, please read your vows now. 

EXCHANGE OF WEDDING RINGS

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

As a lasting symbol of these promises and the spiritual bond of marriage, Doug and Jené will now exchange wedding rings. 

These rings have been forged through heat and hammer, and polished with patience and care, into the beautiful bands you see now. Though they look delicate, they are surely made to last, and will become ever more cherished over time. Wear them each day as a reminder of your marriage vows, and the gift of love you share. They represent your love yesterday, today, tomorrow, and always.

Jené, please place the ring on Dougs finger, and repeat after me – 

‘With this ring, I thee wed.’

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

Doug, please place the ring on Jené’s finger, and repeat after me – 

‘With this ring, I thee wed.’

OFFICIANT'S CLOSING WORDS & PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE 

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

As you start this new adventure together, remember that marriage – like love – is an action. Nurture it, protect it, demonstrate it, with every gesture and every word, every day. 

Now, here in the presence of loved ones, and by the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss!