Cole and Sharria

Processional

~ Introductory Music ~

Welcome Statement

Minister: Please be seated. Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Cole and Sharria in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before God to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today. The Groom and Bride would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives.

In the time that Cole and Sharria have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind Cole and Sharria together.

Family Blessing

Minister: Who gives this bride today?

Bridal Companion: I do.

Wedding Sermon

Minister: (Addressing guests) Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, as Cole and Sharria embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves.

As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails."

(Addressing couple) Cole and Sharria, learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.

The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure.

Consecration

Minister: Under the eyes of God, I solemnly consecrate these matrimonial proceedings and the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.

Marriage is an ancient rite. As you enter into this union, you are choosing to take part in a historical human establishment and are pledging your commitment before the witnesses present here today to enter into that tradition with honor.

As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female," he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

Exchange of Vows

Minister: Cole and Sharria, the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love for one another.

Cole, do you take, Sharria, to be your lawfully wedded Wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. Do you promise to be true to Sharria in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. Do you promise to love her and honor her all the days of your life, until death do you part.

I do.

Minister: Sharria, you may now make your promise.

Sharria, do you take, Cole, to be your lawfully wedded Husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. Do you promise to be true to Cole in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. Do you promise to love him and honor him all the days of your life, until death do you part.

I do.

Exchange of Rings

Minister: To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day.

Will each of you please repeat after me as you place the ring on your loved ones hand?

Cole: I, Cole, give you Sharria this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

Sharria: I, Sharria, give you Cole this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.

Pronouncement

Minister: By the power vested in me, by the United Methodist Church and by by the state of Texas, I pronounce you, Cole and Sharria as Husband and Wife, lawfully wedded before God.

Kiss

Minister: Cole, you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union.

Presentation

Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Dalton!

Recessional

~ Exit Music ~