Andrea M Morrison

Procession

Order: Guests, Groom to walk Brandy’s mother and a picture of his mother down the aisle, place picture and flowers in seat for his mother

Once the guests have arrived and settled in, make an announcement:

Welcome friends and family. Good evening, everyone, and thank you for being here on this special day. Please be seated, we will be getting started soon, but first I would like to make an announcement. Since it is 2017 after all, we ask that you please silence or turn off your cell phones for the duration of the ceremony. At the request of the Bride and Groom they request no pictures or videos during their special occasion. The photographer will capture how this moment looks- I encourage you all to capture how it feels in your hearts, without the distraction of technology.

Nod to start the Procession: Angela’s mom should stand and turn to watch Angela walk down the aisle - the rest of the crowd should also rise. Cue Music: Groomsman, Bridesmaids-Best Man, MOH, flower girl ring bearer- then Bride and father and stepfather….

Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man? (Angela’s dad and stepdad who walks her down the aisle replies we and her mother do ) kiss her forehead then takes seat…

You all may be seated…

Bride and groom turn to face me

Invocation

We gather here today, in the presence of family and friends to join Angela and Samuel in matrimony. We celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. Joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for growth that no other human relationship can equal. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their present happiness that expands forward through time. Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences, and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Marriage is often called a contract, but it is much more than that; it is a covenant agreement between Angela, Samuel, and God. As such, it is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities.

Prayer

Let us pray... “Heavenly Father, we praise you for your wisdom, your love, your mercy and your grace. We thank you for setting the pattern for marriage, and we are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Angela and Samuel as they complete their family in holy matrimony. We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity. We now invite you to take the lead in this wedding and in this marriage, and we ask for your blessings from this day forward. Amen”.

Bible Passage (Sermon)

Angela and Samuel, you have chosen each other as your truest, closest friends. You are choosing to love one another above all other people. This choice means your spouse’s life becomes your life; your spouse’s joy becomes your joy, and your spouse’s burdens become your burdens. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken”. Individually, each of you can be overpowered. Together, the two of you can watch each other’s backs. By choosing to make God a central part of your marriage, however, you will never be broken!

Speaking of choices: Scripture tells us that love itself is a choice. In the book of Deuteronomy, as Moses is speaking to the Israelites, he commands them to "choose life - so that you and your descendants will live - by loving your God, by obeying His voice, and by clinging to Him". Love is not a feeling; that butterfly giddiness will pass. Love is a choice; it’s a commitment; it’s a determination, sometimes in spite of the way you feel. “Like” is a feeling, and it comes and goes. “Love” is choice you will make many times a day for the rest of your lives.

The book of Ephesians gives us the model for marriage: Angela, you are to trust and respect Samuel as the church trusts and respects Christ, putting him above all else, even your own life. Samuel, you are to love Angela as Christ loves the church, putting her above all else, even your own life. Moreover, each of you should be honest with one another, and work to build one-another up. When you become angry with each other, do not sin, and don’t let the day end while you’re still angry. Work to eliminate the anger, as well as any bitterness or malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you. Are the two of you ready to make this covenant agreement of Marriage? Angela and Samuel Reply We Are

Declaration of Intent

Please Face Each other and Hold Hands

Samuel, with understanding, please repeat after me:

• I Samuel choose you Angela to be my wife and best friend…

• I promise to love and honor you….

• to treasure and respect you….

• to walk with you side by side in joy and sorrow….

• for better or worse….

• for richer or poorer…..

• in sickness and in health….

• I vow to be honest, caring, and truthful…..

• I vow to love you as you are ….

• and to grow old by your side as your husband and best friend…..

Samuel, do you promise your hand, your heart, and your devotion to Angela, keeping yourself only unto her from this day forward until eternity? With this understanding respond with "I DO"

Angela with understanding, please repeat after me:

• I Angela choose you Samuel to be my husband and best friend…

• I promise to love and honor you….

• to treasure and respect you….

• to walk with you side by side in joy and sorrow….

• for better or worse….

• for richer or poorer…..

• in sickness and in health….

• I vow to be honest, caring, and truthful…..

• I vow to love you as you are ….

• and to grow old by your side as your wife and best friend…..

Angela, do you promise your hand, your heart, and your devotion to Samuel, keeping yourself only unto him from this day forward until eternity? With this understanding respond with "I DO"

Ring Exchange

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.

Samuel, please place this ring on Angela’s finger and repeat after me:

• Angela, I give you this ring (pause)

• as a symbol of my love (pause)

• and that I'm choosing to share (pause)

• my life's journey with you (pause)

• I give you this ring (pause)

• with the pledge to love you (pause)

• today, tomorrow, and always. (pause)

• I give you this ring to wear

• As a symbol of my abiding love,

• My eternal faith, and my undying devotion.

Angela, please place this ring on Samuel’s finger and repeat after me:

• Samuel, I give you this ring (pause)

• as a symbol of my love (pause)

• and that I'm choosing to share (pause)

• my life's journey with you (pause)

• I give you this ring (pause)

• with the pledge to love you (pause)

• today, tomorrow, and always. (pause)

• I give you this ring to wear

• As a symbol of my abiding love,

• My eternal faith, and my undying devotion.

Here is a passage that reminds us of the true meaning of love: 1 Corinthians 4-7 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, and always perseveres.

Angela and Samuel, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind. As we read in Numbers 6: 24-26: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace”.

Pronouncement

Angela and Samuel, the two of you have pledged your devotion to one another today in the presence of God and these witnesses. By the power vested in me by the State of North Carolina, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your wife!!

I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Angela Scarborough.

After Bride and groom walk off…. You may now proceed to the Reception located at the Barn to your left