Dr. Shauna Moore Reynolds

Wedding of

Tawanda Renee Bridgeforth and Byron Carl Hazell

Invocation

We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Tawanda and Byron as they complete their family in holy matrimony. Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities to come.

This unity is comprised of dependence and independence, which are equal and mutual. You must allow each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while, becoming more inseparable and in love with each passing day. Love isn’t just a feeling in your heart, or just a word you say every day, love is also an action it’s something you do, by showing respect, kindness and understanding and by putting the needs of the one you love before your own.

Prayer

Please bow your heads;

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before you today praising You Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord we ask for your blessings upon Byron and Tawanda, as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another. Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen

Declaration of Intent

Please face one another and hold hands.

Tawanda, do you take Byron to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live? (I do)

Byron, do you take Tawanda to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live? (I do)

Vow Exchange

The Bride/Groom has prepared their own vows or words of encouragement?

Ring Exchange

Please place the rings in my hand. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote: Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,

and endures all things. Love never ends. The Ring, an unbroken, never-ending circle, is a symbol of unending love. As often as you look upon these rings, may they always be a reminder of the vows you have taken.

Byron, take your ring place it on Tawanda’s finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed, I take you as my wife, to have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, till death do us part?

Tawanda, take your ring place it on Byron’s finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed, I take you as my husband, to have and to hold, for richer and poorer, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, till death do us part?

Pronouncement

Byron, Tawanda, in the days ahead of you, there will be bad times and good times, times of sadness and times of joy. I ask you to remember this advice:

Never go to bed angry.

Let your love be stronger than your anger.

Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.

Believe the best of your beloved rather than the worst.

Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.

Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.

Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.

And Say “I love you” every day.

By the power vested in me by God and the state of Maryland, I now declare you to be husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate!

Congratulations to both of you! Byron, you may kiss your bride!

I am happy to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Hazell