Cynthia Marie White

WEDDING CEREMONY – BETH ANN BELL and TAYLOR JAMES SOWERS

TUESDAY, MAY 12 – 6:00 PM

GATHERING WORDS

We have come together today to honor and uphold Taylor and Beth as they are joined in the spiritual union of marriage.

We celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other, and we support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

Marriage is a sacred union and this contract is not being entered into lightly, but rather thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

CONVOCATION

We come together today not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. As the two of you are joined on this day, you become a part of each other.

Your feelings become each other’s feelings. Your sorrows become each other’s sorrows. And her children become your children.

Marriage is about becoming a team. You are going to spend the rest of your life learning about each other and there will be many great unknowns.

Great marriages don’t happen by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, mutual respect and a rock-solid commitment to one another.

Marriage isn’t “I promise to love you until I stop loving you.” It’s a conscious decision to continue to love each other even when it’s hard, because you understand that no one is perfect, but that your relationship is worth it.

Your relationship will take Trust - to know in your hearts that you only want what is best for each other.

It will take Dedication - to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so.

And finally, it will take Faith - to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

Marriage is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and thrives on the joy of each new day.

May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace when the day is over.

May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.

CHARGE TO THE COUPLE

Taylor and Beth - This is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife and to form a family, complete with Aedan.

You come together today to give each other your love, your hearts and your hopes for your future together.

We all know that stresses are inevitable in any life. But,

we who are witnessing your marriage today, hope that your love and respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other, and your commitment to the vows that you take today will create an unshakeable foundation upon which you build your marriage.

We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you all every happiness in your life together.

As you exchange your vows, we will be listening and supporting you with our love.

VOWS AND EXCHANGE OF RINGS

Taylor, do you take Beth as your wife and Aedan as your step-son today? (I do)

Beth, do you take Taylor to be your husband today? (I do)

Taylor, place the ring in Beth’s hand and repeat after me:

With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours. (repeat)

It is a symbol of my eternal love, (Repeat)

My everlasting friendship, (Repeat)

And the promise of all my tomorrows. (repeat)

As I have given you my hands to hold, (Repeat)

So, I give you my life to keep. (repeat)

Beth, place the ring in Taylor’s hand and repeat after me:

With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours. (repeat)

It is a symbol of my eternal love, (Repeat)

My everlasting friendship, (Repeat)

And the promise of all my tomorrows. (repeat)

As I have given you my hands to hold, (Repeat)

So, I give you my life to keep. (repeat)

CLOSING WORDS

Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Remember to do the simple and beautiful things that will make your love a treasure.

Communicate with one another. Focus on what is best for your family and turn your dreams into reality.

Your love is to be nurtured, to be lived out to the fullest in every aspect of life, even in the simple ceremonies of shared daily life.

And finally, remember to remember love. For it is love, after all and before all, that has brought you to this place.

Love is the inspiration, the magic, the healing balm of any marriage.

Love is what brought you together; love is what will keep you whole. For love is life’s highest destiny, its greatest purpose, and its finest work.

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

At this time, I ask that you please face each other and join hands.

You join your hands on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family together as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

As you begin your married life together, hold close to you the words that you spoke to each other today. Life isn’t always an easy road, as you both know.

Rely on your faith and in the promises you made today to help you through those times. You have declared before all of us that you will live together in marriage.

You have made special promises to each other, which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, the taking of vows and the giving and receiving of rings.

And so, at this time, by the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries, it is my great pleasure and my privilege to announce that you are now Husband and Wife.

You May Now kiss the bride.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you…….

MR. and MRS. TAYLOR SOWERS