Jessica Doherty Woods

We are gathered here today to join Merija Catherine Reuber and Benjamin Blake Riker in the spiritual union of marriage.

Some might say they are already committed to each other and I wouldn't disagree. But, today they are boldly stating their commitment to those who are able to share this private moment. They are saying to us, we love each other, we support each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together.

Normally at this time I would ask, "Who gives the bride in marriage, but as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I will ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her families blessing.

Merija, is it true that you come of your own free will

Answer from bride: "Yes it is"

Does she come with her families blessing

Answer from family: Yes, she does

Do you Merija Catherine Reuber take this man Benjamin Blake Riker to be your lawfully wedded husband,

To have and to hold, from this day forward.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health, until death do us part.

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Benjamin Blake Riker take this woman Merija Catherine Reuber to be your lawfully wedded wife,

To have and to hold, from this day forward.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer

In sickness and in health, until death do us part.

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Through marriage, two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. Its difficult to express in words the profound relationship that is love. The marriage ring is a physical symbol of the promises joining both the bride and groom together. The wedding ring is placed on the forth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart-the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment. These rings are visible symbols of your bond

As you Ben place this ring on Merijias finger, please repeat after me.

Merijia, with this ring I thee wed, you are my love, you are my best friend, you are my partner in crime. May this ring be a reminder of my true love, and the sacred commitment I have made before God today.

As you Merijia place this ring on Ben's finger, please repeat after me.

Ben, with this ring I thee wed, you are my love, you are my best friend, you are my partner in crime. May this ring be a reminder of my true love, and the sacred commitment I have made before God today

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

Ben you may kiss your bride Mrs Merijia Catherine Riker