The Wedding ?

In our society, we have weddings that are either private or public, before a magistrate or before a minister in a public assembly. But usually, in either case, there is some kind of a ceremony in which admonitions are given, vows are said, and pronouncements are made. For your viewing, I have added in this lesson the marriage ceremony that I have used with couples getting married. Along with the admonitions from Scripture of the responsibilities of husbands to wives and wives to husbands, there are the vows that are made to each other. Some choose to work up their own vows that they want to say to each other. In most cases, these have been excellent. The basic vows that are usually said to each other are as follows: There are some considerations to attend to before the marriage that should be taken care of as soon as the engagement is announced. See the following: 1. Seek to know the legal requirements of marriage in the state where you intend to be married. 2. Find out what is involved in securing a marriage license. 3. Pre-marital counseling from a minister would be advisable. 4. Be sure you request a certified copy of your marriage license from the state—you will need such later. A MARRIAGE CEREMONY PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS Friends, we have come together before God and these witnesses for the happy occasion of uniting in marriage Andy Dutka and Marie Kowal. Both Andy & Marie are happy that you can be with them on this important occasion. (Who gives this woman to this man?) Marriage Originated with God in the beginning and He is the one who joins the man and the woman together as husband and wife. But marriage also involves a Decision on the part of the man and woman to get married, as well as, a commitment to stay married. Sometimes, however, a Marriage breaks up and is dissolved either by death or divorce. God’s original intentions were for Marriage to be for life. If death occurs, the living mate has a right to remarry if they so desire. Jesus did give an exception to the breaking of a Marriage contract through divorce when He said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoso marries her which is put away commits adultery.” Thus, on the basis of unfaithfulness to one’s partner, the marriage bond can be broken and remarriage is allowed to the innocent party. We have been assured that this is the case with Andy and Marie. This ceremony is a public way for Andy and Marie to openly commit themselves to each other as husband and wife. We now turn to instructions that God gives to help regulate your marriage. RESPONSIBILITIES OF HUSBANDS & WIVES Andy, God wants you to recognize and accept the following responsibilities as the husband of Marie: 1. To love your wife & show it: a) By caring for her as you would yourself; b) By leaving father & mother and putting her fir in your life—after God; c) By being considerate of your wife’s needs & wishes; d) By respecting, esteeming & honoring her. 2. He has given you the grave responsibility of being the leader in your new home. a) Assume that role as head in an honorable, loving, and considerate way. b) Lead the way that your family ought to go. 3. God warns you about not being bitter towards her. 4. Prov. 18:22—“Whoso finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord.” Marie, God wants you to recognize & accept the following responsibilities as the wife of Andy: 1. To love your husband & show it: a) By seeking to do him good al his days; b) By being responsive to his needs & wishes; c) By living a chaste, discreet, and high-principled life; d) By the adornment of a meek & gentle spirit. 2. God wants you to: a) Be submissive to your new head in all things. b) Respect him as the leader in the home. 3. Prov. 12:4—“A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: But she that makes ashame is as rottenness in his bones.” THE MARRIAGE VOWS Andy and Marie, upon recognizing these basic responsibilities, you are now called upon to make your vows to one another; indicating that you will make a sincere effort to fulfill your part of the marriage bond. May God be allowed to help you to always respect and reverence these vows to each other. Will you join right hands. Now, will you listen carefully and indicate at the end of these vows your acceptance of the seriousness of your responsibilities to each other by saying, “I do!” Andy: Do you take Marie Kowal to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love, honor, and cherish as long as you both shall live? Would you indicate your intent by saying, “I do!” Marie: Do you take Andy Dutka to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love, honor, and obey as long as you both shall live? Would you indicate your intent by saying, “I do!” EXCHANGE OF RINGS & VOWS Andy and Marie have both brought rings to serve as continual reminders of their vows & obligations to one another. May they be accepted with love, worn in sincerity, and be a true representation of the unendingness of their marital relationship. Andy will you place the ring on Marie’s left hand and repeat the vow of the ring: This ring I give thee, in token and pledge, of our constant faith and abiding love. With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my earthly goods, I thee endow. Marie will you place the ring of Andy’s left hand and repeat the vow of the ring: This ring I give thee, in token and pledge, of our constant faith and abiding love. With this ring, I thee wed, and with all my earthly goods, I thee endow. CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY (If Desired)[/size] Marie and Andy, you have chosen the unity candle as a symbol of your love and life to come, and the lighting of it signifies that you two are now to become one. The center candle you are about to light is a candle of marriage. Its fire is special because it represents the light of two people in love. It is a candle of unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves to create the new light. This candle is also a candle of commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. Marie and Andy, would you please light the candle to symbolize this union of your lives together by God. May the radiance of this one light truly be a testimony of your oneness! May this candle burn brightly as a symbol of your commitment to each other. May it give you strength and joy in you bodies, minds, and spirits. From now on, you will grow together as unique persons becoming a light to bless others about you. May your union be forever blessed. FORMAL PRONOUCEMENT Andy & Marie, In as much as: 1. You have each consented and vowed to each other of your intentions to live together as husband & wife; 2. And, have sealed it with the giving & receiving of rings; 3. And, in conformity to the laws of the State of Pennsylvania... 4. And, most of all in accordance with the Laws of God....You are from this moment on to be recognized as Husband & Wife. “What God joins together, let not man put asunder.” 5. Let us Pray 6. You may now kiss the bride. 7. May I introduce to you: Mr. & Mrs. Andy Dutka! MISCELLANEOUS WEDDING MATTERS Information for Weddings 1. Name of Bride... Phone... 2. Name of Groom... Phone... 3. Names of Wedding Party:... a) Bridesmaid or Maid of Honor... b) Best Man... c) Flower Girl... d) Ring Bearer... e) Ushers: ... f) Bridesmaids: ... 4. Bride’s Parents... 5. Groom’s Parents... 6. Dates & Times of Rehearsal... 7. Dates & Times of Wedding... MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TO DISCUSS -Group Arrangement during Ceremony. -Someone to take care of book for registering. -Table for gifts.[//p] -Reception afterwards... -Marriage License: a) What you will receive from me; b) Secure an official copy at Court House. -Schedule of Events: a) Music (before & during Ceremony). b) Candles. c) Flowers. d) Isle Runner. e) Unity Candle. f) Rose to Mothers. g) Rings.