Austin Robert Burns

PROCESSIONAL

Beginning of the Wedding Ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the Bridal Party.

INVOCATION

We are gathered here today to celebrate with Baeley May Ambos and Jeremiah Robert Nelson 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

Baeley and Jeremiah, 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

Baeley, repeat after me:

Jeremiah, 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.

Jeremiah, repeat after me:

Baeley, 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 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.

CORD OF THREE STRANDS

At this time, the couple has decided to incorporate the cord of three strands into their vows. The cord of three strands symbolizes the joining of one man, one woman, and God into a marriage through God's knot. It was God who taught us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.

Gold Strand – Represents God

The divinity of God is represented in Gold. This covenant relationship is initiated by Him, will be built under His authority, and is intended to glorify Him.

The Purple Strand represents the Groom

As a new creation in Christ, the Groom is represented in purple. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love in the marriage relationship.

White Strand – Represents the Bride

Having been cleansed by salvation in Christ, the purity of the Bride is represented in white. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will nurture and strengthen the marriage relationship.

(The groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife. Another variation: The officiant holds the small metal ring and the bride and groom work together in braiding the cords. After the braid is completed, the officiant can use the braid to bond the couple together. This can be done by draping the braid over clasped hands and saying a prayer.)

PRONOUNCEMENT

Baeley and Jeremiah, 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.

Baeley and Jeremiah, 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 Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Jeremiah, you may kiss your bride.

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.