Kenyota Denyel Clark

The Blessing:

Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Kelli Nicole Hersey and Linwood Keith McGill have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, “who gives the bride in marriage,” but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will. Kelli is it true that you come of your own free will and accord? WAIT FOR RESPONSE...

Opening Remarks:

Linwood and Kelli, we are honored to be here to celebrate this most important day with the two of you. This is the day when you publicly declare your love for, and commitment to, each other. This is the day when the bond between you will be sealed in word and action...and witnessed by those you hold most dear. Without context, marriage is just a word. It’s the love that you have for each other that gives the word its power. It’s the promises that you are about to make to each other that give marriage its significance. It’s the unity of your bond that stands as a testament to the world, affirming that you, Linwood and Kelli share the deepest and most sacred love.

Religious/Spiritual Words:

“Love is always patient and kind...It is never jealous...Love is never boastful nor conceited...It is never rude or selfish...It does not take offense...It is not resentful...Love takes no pleasure in other peoples’ sins...But delights in the truth...It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love never ends.” ~Corinthians 13:4-8

Words on Marriage:

A lifetime bond. A commitment to each other for eternity. A lifelong embrace. All are wonderful, and precious, ways to describe marriage. But marriage is also about the little things. The warm smile your partner gives you when you need it most. The hug that calms your nerves. The laughter that lightens the moment. And of course, the kids that lets you know that you are in this together. Marriage is committing to not only a lifetime together, but to be there for the other person at any moment. To provide the support that your partner needs. Marriage is a bond created on a single day that is renewed every day thereafter, through thought and action.

Fawn Weaver said it best “A great spouse loves you exactly as you are. An extraordinary spouse helps you grow; inspires you to be, do and give your very best.”

Vows:

REPEAT AFTER ME:

I, (anyone) take you, (anyone), to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you, I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully; through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. No matter what may come, I will always be there for you. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

VICE VERSA

Rings:

As you, Linwood, place this ring on Kelli’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore.

VICE VERSA

Closing Remarks:

We are almost there; you have just sworn your love to each other, and promised to support and remain committed to each other. In just a moment, I will make the pronouncement that everyone has been waiting to hear. But before we do that, I want to wish you, Linwood and you, Kelli a wonderful life together and remind you to never take the other for granted. As you settle into married life together, remember that you are stronger as a pair than as individuals. You will make mistakes. We all do. But the key is to remember the reasons why you are together, why you got married, and why you love the other person. Remember these reasons, communicate with each other, have a good laugh or cry, and as long as you do so together, you will be able to get through anything.

FINALLY:

Linwood and Kelli, you are now officially, as you already have been in your hearts, HUSBAND AND WIFE! You may now begin your marriage with your first kiss as husband and wife! WAIT FOR THEM TO FINISH KISSING...I am honored to present, for the very first time, Linwood and Kelli McGill!

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