Lawrence E. Wink

INVOCATION

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this most happy of days. We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite Mike and katie in the bonds of holy matrimony. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, as each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Mike and Katie.

I truly can’t think of a better venue than the banks of the Seneca River for an occasion that I know is not only monumental for the wedded-couple-to-be, but for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals; but even more so as a perfect pairing. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

At this time Katie and Mike wish to thank all of you for joining them here today as they express their love for each other. They wish to honor each of you who has played a role in making them who they are today and who they will grow to be as a family. They also wish to take this time to remember those friends and family members who contributed so much to their lives, but that are no longer with us. Please bow your heads as we take a moment to remember and honor those who could not be with us today.

Thank you.

Now, I have asked that to keep these opening remarks short, classy, and family-friendly, leaving out stories that are unflattering to either of them. So no stories of drinking, partying, or past romances. That doesn't leave me with a lot. Let me see, I know Katie baked cookies once, they were alright. Mike had a cold one day last year, glad he got over that quickly. As you can see, not much material left.

But for those of you have been around from the beginning, you know this day has been in the making for over seven years. After some missed steps in the beginning (Mike bringing a date to a date with Katie) the two finally got their act together. And if you think about it, who else would be with either of them. They are so uniquely perfect for each other, filling each other's gaps and making the other whole. With the inclusion of my main man Lucas, they are today making official what they have made in their hearts long ago, a loving family.

In talking to Mike and Katie's family before the wedding, you learn where their solid foundation comes from. Johnnie always talks about how hard Katie worked in school, how proud he is of her as a daughter, and most of all, the tireless effort she puts in to be a fantastic mother to Lucas. She cares about everyone, and never hesitates to offer a neighbor or a friend a hand. Something all of her friends can attest too.

Michael is the oldest of four. Being the oldest, he was the first grandchild on both sides and received the attention the first born normally receives. Yet 16 months later when his sister was born, instead of being jealous he became a best friend and brother, a trait he continued for all of his siblings and friends. As someone who calls Mike a friend, they are correct, there is none greater. Mike's parents have shared how proud they are of Michael, how hard he worked in school and in helping others, and that he has a big heart, which is evident in his love of Lucas. And I must agree with all of their sentiments.

In talking to Mike and Katie before the wedding, I know they shared that they hope things don't change after today. I am here to tell them, it will. Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that—through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners.

So, with that said, marriage is an honorable estate, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, advisedly, soberly and with God’s blessing.

Let us Pray

Heavenly Father we are here on this day to give thanks for the love you have shared with these two individuals. We ask that you help Katie and Mike to always remember when they first met and to remember the strong love that grew between them. To work that love into practical things so that nothing divides them. Please help them find words that are both kind and loving, and may their hearts always be ready to ask for forgiveness, as well as able to forgive. Father, we put this marriage in your hands. Amen.

At this time we will have a reading from Katie’s dear friend, Danielle Sorci:

A reading from the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians, 13, verse 4-13

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This is the Word of the Lord. (Thanks be to God)

Now for our second reading, we be read by Katie’s stepmom, Chrissie Troendle

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes 4: verse 9-12

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Furthermore, if two lie down together, they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?

And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

This is the word of the Lord. (Thanks be to God)

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Mike and Katie, the relationship you enter into today must be grounded in the strength of your love and the power of your faith in each other. To make your relationship succeed it will take unending love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want what is best for one another and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds. If you both come freely, and understand the responsibility and work involved to make your relationship thrive, and are committed to not only each other but your family, please take each other by the hands and reply 'we do.'

Katie Corrado and Mike Needam will now share their vows.

Michael, repeat after me:

Katie, I take you to be my wife;

To share with you the laughter;

To kiss away the tears;

And to give you and Lucas all the love in my heart,

As long as we both shall live.

Katie, repeat after me:

Michael, I take you to be my husband;

To share with you the laughter;

To kiss away the tears;

And to give you all the love in my heart,

As long as we both shall live.

Ring Exchange

Katie Corrado and Mike Needam will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Rings are made of precious metal, but that same metal is also made precious by wearing them. Your wedding rings are special because they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle, a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

May I please have the rings?

Michael, as you place the ring on Katie’s finger, please repeat after me:

Katie I give you this ring as a reminder

that I will love, honor, and cherish you,

In all times,

In all places,

And in all ways, now and forever.

Katie, as you place the ring on Michael’s finger, please repeat after me:

Michael, I give you this ring as a reminder

that I will love, honor, and cherish you,

In all times,

In all places,

And in all ways, now and forever.

Katie and Michael, to make your relationship work will take love. 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 what the future holds. And it will take commitment, to remain true to the journey you both have pledged to begin today.

You both have stated your intent, you have declared commitment to one another, and have exchanged rings. There is now only one thing left to do before we sink Johnny with a hefty bar tab,

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of New York I now pronounce you husband and wife. Katie, you may kiss your bride.