Jasmine Sharnice Davis

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests, you may be seated.

GENDER NEUTRAL CEREMONY SCRIPT HINES WEDDING 7/12/2020

PROCESSIONAL

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

INVOCATION

Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Greg and Shannon. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in of their lives together. Greg and Shannon have spent the few years getting to know each other, and we now join them to bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This affirmation means more because it is shared with their most beloved friends and family members. As Proust said, 'Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.' Greg and Shannon will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us – including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Thank you all for being here this afternoon.

Greg and Shannon today you not only marry the right person, you also commit to being the right partner, the one with whom the other can stand and face the world. It's finally time to seal this chapter with questions that will lead us into the next chapter.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Do you Greg take Shannon to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

Do you Shannon take Greg to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

RING EXCHANGE

A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is also a symbol of completeness, just as you two complete each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. It encircles an opening, which is the door to your future. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.

Greg place the ring on Shannon's finger and repeat after me:

Shannon, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

And now, Shannon place the ring on Greg's finger and repeat after me:

Greg, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Greg and Shannon, before these witnesses you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Tennessee I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Hines! You may now seal this ceremony with a kiss.

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.