Wedding Ceremony – John & Wania

The Opening

Welcome to the quiet edge of the world. This evening we gather in the sacred space between the brightness of the day that is fading and the gentle calm of the night that is approaching.

Feel the soft coastal breeze, notice the golden light stretching across the water, and let the peace of this moment settle over you.

The Scriptures remind us of the divine beauty in this exact moment. In Psalm 113:3, it is written:

"From the rising of the sun to its going down, the name of the Lord is to be praised."

And we look to Lamentations 3:22–23, which tells us:

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

This sunset is a physical reminder of that very faithfulness. God has granted you a beautiful canopy under which you will build your future.

As the sun lowers toward the horizon and casts its warm light across this beach, think of the light you are promising to bring into each other's lives. Marriage is a spiritual journey. It requires a daily decision to forgive, to encourage, and to shine light into the dark spaces of life.

Declaration of Intent

John, love has brought you to this moment — a love that has grown through shared days, deep understanding, and the quiet certainty that life is better when the two of you walk it together. So, I ask you now: do you choose Ciara to be your partner in life — to love her, honor her, and walk beside her through every season that comes?

And Wania, do you choose John — to share your days, your strength, your laughter, and your heart; to stand with him in joy and in challenge; and to continue building a life shaped by grace, trust, and devotion?

Vows / Rings

Now we'll do the vows (promises), and exchange rings.

To guide these promises, we look to the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4–7:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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, always perseveres."

John, take her ring, and before you place it on her finger, repeat these words after me:

With this ring,
I give you my promise.
I will love you faithfully,
walk with you patiently,
and stand with you courageously.
This ring is a sign of my devotion,
and my commitment to you alone.

Wania, take his ring, and before you place it on his finger, repeat these words after me:

With this ring,
I give you my promise.
I will love you faithfully,
walk with you patiently,
and stand with you courageously.
This ring is a sign of my devotion,
and my commitment to you alone.

In the beginning, it was spoken:

Mark 10:7–9: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate."

Blessing

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this time together, for the majesty of Your creation, and for the deep love binding these two spirits together. May Your light always illuminate their path. Grant them a love that is as steady as the sunrise and as vast as the ocean before us. Protect their covenant, bless their home, and anchor their hearts in Your grace.

And now, by the authority entrusted to me, I pronounce you husband and wife. John, you may kiss your bride.

Congratulations!

Officiated 9/5/2026 by Pastor Steven Gray, Anchored Marriage

May your life together be rich in joy, steady in commitment, and filled with a love that grows deeper with every passing year.