J Earl Dowdle

Dearly Beloved and honored guest, we are gathered here in the presence of God, family and friends to join in Holy Matrimony; Dana Taylor and Eleanor Vaughn and to bear witness to the transforming power of love that lies within them both. Because you have known and loved them as individuals, you have been invited to share in this joyous moment as they join their lives together as one.

On this day, Dana and Eleanor the day of your marriage, you are standing somewhat apart from the rest of us as a symbol of the open expression of your love. This is as it should be, but love is not meant to be the possession of two people alone. Rather, it should be the source of a common energy, which gives you the strength to live your lives with joy, happiness and with courage.

The beautiful thing about love is that it's an experience we share with all of mankind throughout the world. And yet, to everyone who falls in love, it is the most unique, precious thing in the world. A happy marriage is founded on love. There is nothing in life that love cannot change. Love is, of its nature, unselfish, understanding and kind. True love, too, is a commitment of heart and mind. There can be no stronger bond to ensure a happily married life.

In First Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 4-8 the Bible describes love stating that:

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, 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.

Love never fails....

Dana and Eleanor are about to say I do,

Three little letters,

Two little words,

It’s the simplest part of their day,

But there is nothing simple about the things that will remain unsaid,

I do means I do know I could be hurt,

But I’m ready to be healed with you,

It means I do want to try,

Even when the fear of failure holds me back,

And I do not know the future,

But I’m ready to be surprised along the way,

And I do means I do want your love,

And I do give you mine,

And nothing we do will ever be the same,

Because you and I will be doing it all together.

Dana, before God and these witnesses, do you take Eleanor to be your lawfully wedded wife? From this day forward to have and to hold, forsaking all others, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love, honor and cherish her forever more? (Dana: I do.)

Eleanor, before God and these witnesses, do you take Dana to be your lawfully wedded wife? From this day forward to have and to hold, forsaking all others, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love, honor and cherish her forever more? (Eleanor: I do.)

It is customary to exchange rings as a symbol of love. The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows that you two have made to one another. As you look upon these rings as you go through life, you will be reminded of this moment and the endless love you promised to each other.

May we have the Rings?

Dana, please place the ring on Eleanor’s finger and repeat after me:

As this ring has no end, our love shall have no end. I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.

With this ring, I thee wed.

Eleanor, please place the ring on Dana’s finger and repeat after me:

As this ring has no end, our love shall have no end. I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you.

With this ring, I thee wed.

As you have now both pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion; by the power vested in me by the State of Utah and the Universal Life Church; I now pronounce you wife and wife.

You may now kiss.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Utah I now pronounce you wife and wife!