EdnaRae Ellen Gould

Gould/Herl Wedding July 13, 2018

Invocation

We are gathered today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and family, to celebrate the marriage of Randy Gould and Samantha Herl. Marriage is often called a contract, but it is much more than that; it is a covenant agreement, and as such, it is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Bible Passage

Randy and Samantha, you have chosen each other to be 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!

Prayer

Let us bow our heads in prayer. Lord, we thank you for gathering everyone here today. We ask that you help Randy and Samantha to grow their love for each other. To work that love into practical things so that nothing can divide them. May their love always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of the other’s feelings, and concerned for the other’s needs and wishes. Increase their faith and trust in You. Bless their marriage with peace and happiness and make their Love increase each day. Amen.

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 a choice you will make many times a day for the rest of your lives.

Declaration Of Intent

Randy, do you take Samantha to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do you promise to love and respect her, comfort and keep her, and -forsaking all others- remain true to her, as long as you both shall live?

Samantha, do you take Randy to be your lawfully wedded husband, and do you promise to love and respect him, comfort and keep him, and -forsaking all others- remain true to him, as long as you both shall live?

Ring exchange

The circle of the wedding band is also a symbol of eternity. The circle has no beginning or end and is, therefore, a symbol of infinity. Traditionally, the wedding ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is because the vein in this finger was believed to lead directly to the wearer's heart.

Randy, while placing this ring on Samanthas finger, repeat after me: " With this ring, I thee wed "

Samantha, while placing this ring on Randy's finger, repeat after me:

“With this ring, I thee wed "

To make your relationship work it will take love. This will be the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today.

Pronouncement

Randy and Samantha, the two of you have pledged your devotion to one another today in the presence of God and these witnesses. As such, and by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride!

May I be the first to formally introduce to you….Mr & Mrs Randy Gould