We are gathered here today in the sight of God , and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words which shall unite Jamal Burt and Rachel Collins in holy matrimony. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union, which also rests between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.
(If bride is escorted forward)
Who is it that brings this woman to this man?
Reading
1 Corinthians 13 4-8 and 13 New International Version (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
Vows
Would you please face each other and join hands.
(Groom) Jamal do you take Rachel to be your wife?
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others
and holding only to her forevermore?
(“I do”)
(Bride) Rachel do you take Jamal to be your Husband?
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others
and holding only to him forevermore?
(“I do”)
Vows to be repeated
(Rings are needed)
(Groom) I, Jamal take thee Rachel, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.
Placing the ring on Rachel's left ring finger say: With this ring I the Wed.
(Bride) I, Rachel take thee Jamal to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.
Placing the ring on Jamal's left ring finger Say: With this ring I the Wed.
Charge to the Couple
Jamal and Rachel, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together as from this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect.
Sand Ceremony
Jamal and Rachel you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.
Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One, representing you, Jamal and One Representing you Rachel and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.
Pronouncement as Husband & Wife
Jamal and Rachel as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife.
You may kiss your bride.
Benediction
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto you, and give you peace.
Congratulations, you may kiss your bride.
I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jamal Burt.
Jamal & Rachel
Thank you for letting me be your minister for your wedding today, I love you guys lots & lots.
May you both have a long and wonderful life together!