Wedding Ceremony of Blake Foster and Annsley Nelson

Wedding Ceremony of Blake Foster and Annsley Nelson

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pause in this sacred moment to give You thanks. Thank You for the gift of love — for bringing Blake and Annsley together by Your perfect hand. We know that every good and perfect gift comes from You, and today we celebrate one of Your greatest gifts: the gift of marriage. Lord, may Your presence fill this place. Let every word, every smile, every tear of joy be a reflection of Your love for us. Bless Blake and Annsley as they begin this journey together. May their love always point people to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Short Sermon

Blake and Annsley, what a joy it is to stand here with you today. The Bible tells us in Genesis that after God made Adam, He said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” And so He created Eve — not from Adam’s head to rule over him, not from his feet to be beneath him, but from his side — close to his heart — to walk with him through life.

That’s what God intended marriage to be: two hearts walking side by side, serving one another, growing together, and learning to love like Christ loves His Church. Scripture tells us that marriage is a mystery that points us to the Gospel — that as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her, so a husband loves his wife with selfless devotion. And as the Church responds in love and grace, so a wife loves and honors her husband in return.

Blake and Annsley, your love is more than just a feeling — it’s a reflection of God’s design. Every time you forgive, you’re showing grace. Every time you serve one another, you’re showing Christ. Every time you laugh together, pray together, or hold each other through life’s storms, you’re showing the world what the love of God looks like.

And you know, love isn’t always easy. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s about waking up every day and choosing one another again — just like God chooses to love us every day in spite of our flaws. 1 Corinthians 13 says love is patient, love is kind… it doesn’t envy, it doesn’t boast, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never fails — because God never fails.

My prayer for you both is that every day you live out this kind of love. That your home will be filled with laughter, forgiveness, and the presence of the Lord. And that everyone who knows you will see in your marriage the beautiful reflection of Christ’s love for His people.

Charge to the Couple

Blake and Annsley, as you stand here today, remember this moment. You’re not just making a promise — you’re entering a covenant before God. A covenant built not on emotion but on commitment. Keep Christ at the center of your marriage. When you seek Him first, He’ll give you everything you need to love one another well.

Blake, God calls you to love Annsley the way Christ loves the Church — with strength, gentleness, and sacrifice. Be her protector, her encourager, her safe place. Always lead with humility and faith.

Annsley, God calls you to love Blake with that same grace the Church shows toward Christ — with kindness, patience, and encouragement. Be his partner, his comfort, his greatest earthly blessing.

And to both of you — remember, you will face seasons of joy and seasons of trial. But through them all, hold tightly to each other and even tighter to the Lord. Because when He is your foundation, your love will stand firm no matter what comes.

Exchange of Rings

These rings are more than beautiful pieces of jewelry — they’re symbols of something eternal. A circle without end, reminding you of the never-ending love and faithfulness you’ve promised to one another. They are a daily reminder that wherever life takes you, you belong to each other.

Minister to Groom:

Blake, place this ring on Annsley’s finger and repeat after me:

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to love you, to stand by you, and to honor you — in good times and in bad — from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.”

Minister to Bride:

Annsley, place this ring on Blake’s finger and repeat after me:

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to love you, to stand by you, and to honor you — in good times and in bad — from this day forward, as long as we both shall live.”

Pronouncement and Presentation

Blake and Annsley, you have pledged your love and faithfulness to each other before God, your families, and these witnesses. It is my joy, by the authority given to me as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to pronounce you husband and wife.

Blake, you may kiss your bride.

→ [Step slightly to the side here to give the photographer a clear shot of the kiss.]

(Pause for applause and joy)

Presentation of the Couple

Family and friends, it is my honor and great joy to present to you, for the very first time — Mr. and Mrs. Blake and Annsley Foster!

(Applause — allow the wedding party to exit.)

Closing Invitation

→ [After the wedding party has exited and the couple begins walking up the aisle, step back to the microphone and address the guests.]

Blake and Annsley would like to thank each of you for being here today to share in this special moment. They invite you now to join them for cocktails and then a joyful celebration of their marriage. On behalf of the couple, thank you for being part of this beautiful day — may God bless you all.