Brent William Bauer

INVOCATION 1

(Spoken to Friends and Family in attendance)

What greater thing for two people than to feel they are joined together • to strengthen each other in labor • to rest on each other in sorrow • to help each other in need • to share joy, and to be one with each other • whatever life has to offer.

This is a special time of celebration that Joanna and Tyler will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here today to share in their joy.

(Spoken to the couple)

Joanna and Tyler, today begins a life of giving and sharing / nurturing and support • allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals • while developing your mutual spirit as time goes by • In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things • It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal • dependence is mutual • and the obligation is reciprocal.

Today • your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union • Today we are privileged to witness two very dear friends • two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

ILLUSTRATION FROM SCRIPTURE

Early in the book of Genesis, we see the creative power of God at work, which culminated in his creation of the first man, Adam.

It wasn’t long into Adam’s young life that he became aware that he was one of a kind… that there was something missing… and God acknowledged (Genesis 2:18) that is wasn’t good for man to be alone. He went right to work on Adam’s behalf, creating from Adam’s own flesh, a helper that would be uniquely suited to fill that need for companionship •••

There’s another dimension to companionship. One that better 2 enables us to withstand the destructive forces that often 
assail us in life...

In the book of Ecclesiastes (4:12), King Solomon, who was named among the wisest of the kings of Israel, penned for us a short and simple phrase that gives us a word picture which has been making an occasional appearance at celebrations like this one for several millennia.

In that passage, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Solomon makes the statement that a “cord (or rope ) of three strands is not easily broken." This illustration is often used to depict the strength that comes to the marriage union when the first two strands (husband and wife) allow themselves to be bound together by a third strand, representing God. In a braided rope of this kind, when a load is applied, not only is each cord able to carry more weight, but the cords themselves are pulled together even more tightly.

The couple that allows themselves to be bound together in this way with each other • and their Creator, is able to withstand even the most significant challenges of life.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

(Spoken to the couple as they face forward? each other?)

Joanna and Tyler, you are about to make your promises to one another • You will find that as you live by these promises over the years • investing your time • love • and your commitment to one another • the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you'll share these joys in marriage.

(Spoken to Tyler)

Tyler • will you take Joanna • whose hand you hold • choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? • Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? • Will you love her and comfort her through good times and bad • in sickness and in health • honoring her at all times • and being faithful to her?

(Tyler’s spoken response) 3

"I Do.”

(Spoken to Joanna)

Joanna • will you take Tyler • whose hand you hold • choosing him alone to be your lawfully wedded husband? • Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? • Will you love him and comfort him through good times and bad • in sickness and in health • honoring him at all times, and being faithful to him?

(Joanna’s spoken response)

"I Do.”

RING EXCHANGE

(Spoken to Friends and Family in attendance)

The Ring • an unbroken circle • represents unending love. • As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

(Spoken to Tyler)

Please place this ring on Joanna’s finger and repeat after me…

• I give you this ring,

• as a symbol of my love,

• and that I am choosing to share my life's journey with you.

• I give you this ring, with the pledge

• to love you today • tomorrow • always • and forever

(Spoken to Joanna)

Please place this ring on Tyler’s finger and repeat after me…

• I give you this ring,

• as a symbol of my love,

• and that I am choosing to share my life's journey with you.

• I give you this ring, with the pledge 4

• to love you today • tomorrow • always • and forever

Joanna and Tyler, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind.

BLESSING

(Spoke to the Couple)

I leave you now with the following words:

May all that you are... always be in love.

May all that is love... always be in you.

May your love be as beautiful in each day you share,

as it is on this day of celebration;

And may each day you share be as precious to you

as the day you first fell in love.

May you always see and encourage the best in each other.

May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other's best friend and greatest love.

PRONOUNCEMENT

(Spoke to the Couple)

Joanna and Tyler • you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of two wonderful families • your circle of friends • and before God; • SO by the power vested in me • by the GREAT State of Alabama, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

Tyler • You may KISS YOUR BRIDE!

(Spoken to Friends and Family in attendance)

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to present for the first time... Tyler and Joanna Covington!