David Michael Geroux

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered here today to join Sarah Jane and Ryan in the union of marriage.

This is more than just a contract. It is a covenant. It is between one another. But it is also with God. It is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

It is written in ancient wisdom literature that "He who finds a wife, finds a what is good and receives favor from the LORD," (Proverbs 18:22). Ryan, in Sarah Jane, there's no question that you have found something, someone good. She is a token to you from the Lord that He likes you. More than that, he loves you. Hear that and receive that. God likes you. God loves you. If you need proof. Look no further than Sarah.

Sarah Jane, as I've gotten to know you, I can't help but see this moment as more than just a paper signing ceremony. This is a moment of redemption. It capstones for you a regaining of what was lost. God has heard you. God has seen you. God has remembered you. If you need proof, look no further than Ryan.

Ryan and Sarah, I guess what I'm trying to convey to you is that this is more than just a paper signing ceremony. This is a moment of redemption from God for you. And even for Anabelle. That said, a covenant requires vows. So let's get to them.

As a foundation to your vows, I invite you to declare your intent of marriage. From there, we will confirm your intent with vows, followed by the exchange of the rings.

Starting with Sarah.

Do you Sarah take this man, Ryan, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live? If so, please say, “I do.”

(I do)

Do you, Ryan, take this woman, Sarah, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? If so, please say, “I do.”

(I do)

And now for the vows. Starting with Sarah. Please repeat after me.

I, Sarah, take you Ryan…to be my husband…to have and to hold…from this day forward…for better for worse…for richer for poorer…in sickness and in health…To love and to cherish…as long as we both shall live…this is my solemn vow.

And now Ryan, please repeat after me.

I, Ryan, take you Sarah…to be my wife…to have and to hold…from this day forward…for better for worse…for richer for poorer…in sickness and in health…To love and to cherish…as long as we both shall live…this is my solemn vow.

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

The ring is an unbroken circle that symbolizes unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment when you made a covenant with God and each other.

Sarah, please place the ring on Ryan's finger and repeat after me.

Ryan, I give you this ring…as a symbol of my vow…With all that I am, and with all that I have…I honor you.

Ryan, please place this ring on Sarah's finger and repeat after me.

Sarah, I give you this ring…as a symbol of my vow…With all that I am, and with all that I have…I honor you.

Ryan and Sarah, you have declared your intent, pledged your vows, and exchanged rings as an act of faith in the presence of God and in the company of some pretty awesome friends.

That said, by the power vested in me by the State of Michigan, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ancient Wisdom says, “...what God has joined together, let no one separate,” (Matthew 19:6).

Nathan, go ahead with your bad self! Brother, you may now kiss your beautiful bride!

Zack, Jason, and anyone else who can hear my voice, it is my joy and pleasure to proudly present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Sarah Jane Huffman!