James Darol Davis

Dear Family and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Richard Starr and Tara Riley into the most sacred of unions - the marital union.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

During the creation of the very first marriage, God made woman as a helper to man. She was not taken from his head to rule over him, nor from his feet to be trampled upon; but from his side so that she would be his equal, from under his arm that she would receive his protection, and from his rib that protects his heart so that she would own and deserve his love.

The relation of husband and wife is most sacred when it is that of two souls with a single thought, two hearts that beat as one. It is the blending of two lives, the union of two natures that become more than the sum of their individual parts. This is what marriage should be - greater than oneself with the capacity to love without condition. This is why we are here today. This is what Tara and Richard wish for their own lives.

So let's stop talking about it and get to it.

(To Father of the Bride) Who gives this woman to this man? ("Her mother and I.")

I told these two young folks that I love the fact that they are choosing Independence Day to give themselves to each other. So today will both represent Independence Day for our nation, but Interdependence Day for their own lives as they give themselves to each other in all things.

Richard Starr and Tara Riley will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Richard Starr take this woman Tara Riley 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?

*Richard responds "I do."*

Do you Tara Riley take this man Richard Starr 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?

*Tara responds "I do."*

Richard and Tara will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

Richard will repeat after me. "Tara - with this ring I pledge my faith and trust. Receive it as a symbol of our endless union and unbroken love."

Tara will repeat after me. "Richard - with this ring I pledge my faith and trust. Receive it as a symbol of our endless union and unbroken love."

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Ohio; I now pronounce you husband and wife! You both may now kiss while we ooh and ahh and cheer.

*(Pronouncement)*

(To the audience) - It is my extreme honor and privilege to introduce to you for the very first time - Mr. Richard and Mrs. Tara Starr.