John E Hosmer

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. We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Cody and Sara as they complete their family in holy matrimony. Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity.

(Prayer)

Prayer circle at front - mom, dad, Jim, Rita, mom, dad, 4 brothers, 2 brothers, Mia, 2 grandmas, Bonnie, us (18 people)

God, as you join us today, we ask for your blessings upon this couple as they unite in marriage.

Let all their days together be happy and all their words to each other be sweet.

Though their paths are intertwined, let them be aware of each other’s separateness. Bless their home and allow it to be a place of joy and serenity.

Remind them to nurture each other with mutual love, honor and respect.

As they learn from one another, may they grow stronger as individuals and closer as a couple.

And as their wedded life begins today with prayer, so may they continue it, praying for and with each other.

Amen.

*(Vows)*

Will you Corey, offer yourself to Sarah as your wife, your friend, your lover, and lifelong companion? Will you share your life with hers, build your dreams together, support her through times of trouble, and rejoice with her in times of happiness. Will you treat her with respect, love, and loyalty through all the trials and triumphs of your lives together? This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and eternally made new.

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Will you Sarah, offer yourself to Corey as your husband, your friend, your lover, and lifelong companion? Will you share your life with hers, build your dreams together, support her through times of trouble, and rejoice with her in times of happiness. Will you treat her with respect, love, and loyalty through all the trials and triumphs of your lives together? This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and eternally made new.

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Tree ceremony:

This dirt symbolizes the years of love and support from their families that have helped shape who the bride and groom are today - a man and a woman who are ready to be committed in a loving marriage of their own.

Let your relationship and your love for each other be like this tree. Let it grow tall and strong. Like a tree, during the harsh winds and rains and storms, your marriage must be resilient and come through unscathed. It must weather the challenges of daily life and the passage of time. And just like the tree you are planting, marriage requires constant nurturing and nourishment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

Sarah and Corey will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.

Corey, place the ring on Sarah’s finger.

Corey, do you take Sarah to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love and honor her, respect and cherish her all the days of your life?

“Wait for confirmation”

Sarah, place the ring on Corey’s finger.

Sarah, do you take Corey to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love and honor him, respect and cherish him all the days of your life?

“Wait for confirmation“

By the authority vested in me by the State of Illinois I now pronounce you wife and husband!