Good Morning!
We are gathered here today to witness Ann and Bill making promises to each other. Promises that they have already made in their hearts. Promises that will bind them through both easy and hard times. We are here to support them in those promises. We are here to celebrate those promises with them.
Bill knew that when he first held Ann's hand that he wanted to hold her hand forever. Since he held her hand he has not had a bad day. And Ann has been happier and more at peace than I have seen her in years. They are here, today, to share their happiness with you and each other. This is a celebration of the good times they've had and the good times they are going to have together. Ann and Bill wanted to thank you all for being here.
Who brings this woman to this man for marriage?
Marriage is an act of faith and personal commitment as well as moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust in one, it is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last. Life has been a hard journey and, if asked four years ago, neither one of these people would have thought they would be here today. They would have said you were crazy if you had suggested it. But a friendship that began 30 years ago has become a bond that will last the rest of their lives.
We read in "The Prophet":
True love gives nothing but itself,
and takes nothing but from itself.
Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed.
For love is sufficient unto love.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
To awake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.
To rest at noon and meditate love’s ecstasy.
To return home at eventide with gratitude.
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips."
May I have the rings?
{get rings}
Let these rings be a constant, daily, reminder of the promises you are about to make. Let them symbolize the unbroken love you two have for each other. May the two of you, wearing these rings, grow in understanding and compassion. May the home you make together be a sanctuary.
Bill, take the ring, place it on Ann's finger, hold her hand, and repeat after
me:
I, Bill, take you Ann, to be my wife, my partner, and my truest friend.
I promise to love, comfort and encourage you.
I promise to be open and honest with you.
I promise to stay with you through the happiness and the pain,
seeing you through the tides of this life.
I will trust and honor you.
From this day forward, your people will be my people.
And as I have given you my hand to hold - so I give you my life to
keep.
{personal vow}
Ann, take the ring, place it on Bill's finger, hold her hand, , and repeat after
me:
I, Ann, take you Bill, to be my husband, my partner, and my truest friend.
I promise to love, comfort and encourage you.
I promise to be open and honest with you.
I promise to stay with you through the happiness and the pain,
seeing you through the tides of this life.
I will trust and honor you.
From this day forward, your people will be my people.
And as I have given you my hand to hold - so I give you my life to
keep.
{personal vow}
Then, by the power vested in me by the Great state of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let
no one put asunder.
Bill, please kiss your wife; Ann, your husband.
Friends, family, it pleases me to introduce to you the Englehorns
