Ryan Bushover

Good afternoon, everyone! we are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to witness a joyous occasion - the union of Jennifer Fry and Ronald Thomas in Holy Matrimony.

The sacred covenant of marriage is a sanctuary and a home. It must not be entered into lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and thoughtfully, with God’s guidance and blessing.

We rejoice today as Jennifer and Ronald receive one of God’s greatest gifts – a loving partner to grow with, to share life’s joys and challenges with and to journey with in faith throughout all of their days.

So let us pray, asking for His blessing on this marriage.

Heavenly Father, bless this couple as they give themselves to one another in this holy bond of marriage. Guide them with patience and love, lighting their path brightly as they walk together in your Spirit. Bless this union with a love that is pristine and pure, and a desire to live in faith that is strong as your own. Amen.

As a neighbor and friend, I have always appreciated the way you two interact with loving glances and supportive words. I admire the respect and love you have for each other.

The joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for personal growth that no other human relationship can equal.

A husband and wife are each other's best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics. The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger.

Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences, and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Ronald and Jennifer, as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Please face one another and hold hands.

Jennifer, do you take Ronald to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?

Ronald, do you take Jennifer to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?

Let us read from 1st Corinthians, verse 13:

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily

angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

May we now have the rings?

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Jennifer – do you have something you would like to say?

Jennifer, please place this ring on Ronald’s 's finger and repeat after me: Ronald, I give you this ring

as a symbol of my love

and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring

with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Ronald, please place this ring on Jennifer’s finger and repeat after me: Jennifer, I give you this ring

as a symbol of my love

I am choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring with the pledge

to love you today,

tomorrow, and always.

Jennifer and Ronald, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey.

You have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends.

By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss your bride.

Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Thomas!