Elizabeth H Johnson

INVOCATION

We are gathered here today to celebrate with Dalton and Kendra as they proclaim their love and commitment to the world. We are gathered to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Dalton and Kendra , 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.'

VOWS EXCHANGE

Dalton, repeat after me:

Kendra, you are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours.

Now place the ring on her hand and repeat after me... with this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life, and cherish the memories we make together.

Kendra has written her own vows Please proceed

Now place the ring on his hand and repeat after me.... with this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life and cherish the memories we make together.

POETRY READING AND RECOGNITION OF THE children

Kendra shared with me how much their family means to her and Dalton . The bond between children and their parents are lifelong, and special. You are both bringing children into this marriage and including them in this special day, however their is one special parent child relationship that is sadly missing one today, the brides father. In recognition of that, I’d like to share a poem with you called, 'I am Yours to Keep' by Mike Quinn:

You are my princess in my heart, and I care for you so much. I love the fondness in your eyes and your tender little touch. I looked at you when you were born, And knew straight away, That I would be forever here to watch you grow and play. You bring to me a heart of joy, And memories so great, And a powerful sense of fatherhood that no one can debate. I watch you sleep and dream of things that I can only wonder. That innocent look upon your face Just makes my heart grow fonder. I see you run and jump and shout and calling out my name. No love that I have ever known could ever feel the same. No suffering or tragedy Nor deeply seated pain could ever overshadow the bond that we retain. And so my little princess before you go to sleep, remember I am your daddy and I am yours to keep.

Dalton and Kendra you can place the necklaces you have brought to share with Brantley and Eli around their necks.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Dalton and Kendra, prior to this moment you each walked a separate path. Now, you embark together on a shared path. Yet the journey is not yours alone, for you have already been blessed with beautiful children. It is the strength of your love that shall nourish you all together as a family.

Kendra and Dalton, today you have stood before these witnesses and declared your intent to commit your lives to each other in marriage. You have made promises to each other and your family. Your road to this moment has not always been smooth, but you continued to fight for one another. I hope you will never forget the fight and perseverance it has taken to get to this moment. And I hope you will never forget the love and joy you feel today, because these are the values that will keep your marriage, family and bond to one another strong.

And so, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Wisconsin , I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Dalton, you may kiss your bride.