Julie Ludington O'Brien

On behalf of JG and Nicole, I want to welcome you to their very special wedding day.

Although marriage is in some ways, just another step in their relationship, which we have all seen grow over the years, it is the most important one they will ever take. It is a bond that will unite their hearts, their minds and their spirits into a lifelong partnership that is stronger than any two individuals could ever be – alone. The marriage that will join Nicole and JG in the spiritual union of marriage is a public act that we are all witness to. This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations, responsibilities, and most of all enduring love.

Let’s pray:

Father, we ask for your blessing over Nicole and JG. We ask that you would bless this amazing day and act of marriage. Help us to realize your design and purpose for marriage and relationship. That realization of your love for us and your love for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Poem Reading: “Long View”

Marriage is a declaration of commitment. It is an unending love. The recognition of best friends, partners in life, and a true match for our soul. You pick each other up when you fall. When you are lost, you find one another. When you are sad, you make each other laugh. Patient, loving, and kind… always accepting. There is no other person, on the planet, that can do that for you. Marriage is a promise to stand by one another, to listen, and to dream - together. To bear one another’s burdens, and overcome the losses. To celebrate the victories and always share the “long view” forever and ever.

Nicole and JG will now share their vows.

Do you Nicole take this man JG to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you JG take this woman Nicole to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Nicole and JG will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

(Give me the rings)

Bless the Rings:

The wedding ring seals the vows of marriage. It is a physical manifestation of the promises joining JG and Nicole together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this finger had a direct connection to the heart.

Let us pray:

Father, bless these rings. May they always be a reminder of the unbroken commitment JG and Nicole have for one another, and a reminder of your unending love for us. Amen

*(Ring Exchange)*

JG first –

Repeat after me: I JG, place this ring on your finger_______ before our family and friends_______ as a reminder that I will love and cherish you always.

Nicole repeat after me: I Nicole, place this ring on your finger ______before our family and friends _____as a reminder that I will love and cherish you always.

JG and Nicole wanted all of you to be a part of the final blessing on their marriage today. In a moment, we will all extend our right hand, in their direction, as a symbol of your support of their relationship and marriage. Not only today (when things are perfect) but in the days, the months, and the years to come. This is your vow to always support and bless them.

Let’s pray:

Father God, We bless Nicole and JG in their new life together as man and wife. We wish them love and happiness, we pray for their hopes and their dreams. May they know that every person represented here today will support and honor what you have brought together, In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

By the authority vested in me, by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Maryland, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Kiss your bride Ladies and Gentlemen: Mr. and Mrs. John Greene.