Reverend A. Childress

*Procession*

Thank you all for coming this beautiful evening. Today we gather, in the presence of family and friends to join Charlene King and Mitchell Hodges in marriage. We celebrate the two coming together with love of this woman and this man. We remember that marriage is a time when growing love is made public, when two people share mutual promises. We join in our support of them today and always, as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations.

Who gives this woman to be wed to this man? "I Do her Father

(Thank You, You may all be seated)

Charlene and Mitchell, the covenant in which you are about to make with each other is meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows and you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy, with deep conviction that you are committing yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support and caring love.

*Reading*

This evening, I would like to share with you a reading that I hope each of you carry with you through out the years. This piece of writing is not only romantic, but it resonates beautifully as the meaning of love and what great relationships are all about.

"Love

by: Roy Croft

I love you, Not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

I love you, Not only for what you have made of yourself, But for what. you are making of me.

I love you. For the part of me. That you bring out;

I love you. For putting your hand. Into my heaped-up heart and passing over all the foolish, weak things. that you can’t help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.

I love you because you are helping me to make the lumber of my life, not a tavern, but a temple out of the works, of my everyday. Not a reproach. But a song.

I love you. Because you have done. More than any creed, could have done To make me good. And more than any fate. Could have done. To make me happy. You have done it. Without a touch, Without a word, Without a sign. You have done it. By Being yourself. Perhaps that is what. Being a friend means. After all."

(These beautiful words were written by: Roy Croft)

We shall now move forward to your declaration and vows.

*Declaration of Intent*

Will you, Mitchell Hodges have Charlene King to be your lawful wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort and keep her, forsaking all others, remain true to her as long as you both shall live?" "I Do/Yes"

Will you, Charlene King, have Mitchell Hodges to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort and keep him, forsaking all others, remain true to him as long as you both shall live?" "I Do/Yes"

Now that you have both declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows and exchange of rings with one another.

*Vows & Ring Exchange*

Mitchell, please repeat these words after me, while placing your ring on Charlene's left finger: "Charlene, I have chosen you alone, no other to be by my side through life. I promise to always love you and remain faithful to you with all that I am. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and trust as your husband. As I place this ring on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you, today, tomorrow and always. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows and promises we have made here today.

Charlene, please repeat these words after me, while placing your ring on Mitchell's left finger: "Mitchell, I have chosen you alone, no other to be by my side through life. I promise to always love you and remain faithful to you with all that I am. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and trust as your wife. As I place this ring on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you, today, tomorrow and always. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows and promises we have made here today.

*Reading*

Mitchell and Charlene, please look down at the hands you are holding, as you continue your new life's journey together,

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

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

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 continue to tenderly hold your children, the hands that will join your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.

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.

And now by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the Great State of Wyoming I now pronounce you husband and wife! Mitchell, you may now finally kiss your bride.

*Pronouncement*

It is now my honor to introduce to you for the first time: "Mr. and Mrs. Mitcheell and Charlene King-Hodges"

Congratulations!