Stephanie Lyn Lurz

Welcome

Thank you to the friends and family that are here today to celebrate the union of Desiree and Josh.

This occasion not only marks the beginning of their marriage commitment together, but it is a commemoration of the love nurtured and shared between these two. Together, they embark today on a new life together, built on the foundations of trust, compassion, and mutual respect.

Opening

Marriage is an ancient human tradition. The personal and social merits that accompany the bonds of marriage have led to its continued endurance and have paved the way for us to be standing here today celebrating your union.

Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. Quoted from Mark Twain, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth, a new mystery to life."

Declaration of Intent

Desiree and Josh please join hands.

Desiree, do you take Josh as your cherished husband, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by his side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?

Reply: I do.

Josh, will you take Desiree as your cherished wife, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by her side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?

Reply: I do.

Vows

As we celebrate this bond of unity today it is important that we keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we witness here today are serious and life-altering commitments.

Desiree, repeat after me….”Today I take you as my husband. I love you now as I've always loved you, and as I always will love you.”

Josh, repeat after me….”Today I take you as my wife. I love you now as I’ve always loved you, and as I always will love you.

Rings

The wedding rings perfectly symbolize the never-ending love you two have for each other. By exchanging these rings, you solidify a lifelong commitment to one another. The rings also serve as a welcome and constant reminder of the bond you've formed.

Desiree, place the ring on Josh’s finger and repeat after me….

I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the ring completes itself, so you complete me.

Josh, place the ring on Desiree’s finger and repeat after me…..

I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the ring completes itself, so you complete me.

Pronouncement

Desiree and Josh, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the state of Nebraska, I am pleased to pronounce you wife and husband, sealed together today both in law and in love. Josh, you may kiss your bride!

I am honored to be the first to introduce to you all Mr. and Mrs. Gallatin