CELEBRATING THE MARRIAGE OF
Lauretta Cole George Bennie AND
THE
MARRIAGE OF
LAURETTA & GEORGE BENNIE
Saturday, twenty fifth of July, two thousand fifteen half past three in the afternoon
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
65 PENN BLVD, EAST LANSDOWNE, PENNSYLVANIA
Officiant: Rev. Dr. Moses Suah-Dennis
ORDER OF CEREMONY Prelude ORGANIST
Welcome and Opening Prayer Seating of the Parents Praise Dance Bridal Party Procession Bride Procession Presentation of thr Bride Scripture �eading 1 CORINTHIAN 13: 4-13 ECCLESIASTES 4: 2
Marital Message Marriage Vows Exchange of �ings Selection and Offering Lighting of the Unity Candle Pray/ Blessing for the Couple The �iss Declaration of Marriage Pronouncement Presentation of Couple
L
PRAYER
FOR OUR
WEDDING DAY
ord, we give you praise, for You are all loving and all compassionate, and You give good giſts to your children. Thank you so much for bringing this wonderful day into our life, and for guiding our footsteps toward you and our friends and family. Moreover, we are most thankful for all the wisdom and understanding you have bestowed on us.
God, please Lead us as we prepare ourselves for marriage and show us how to begin our life together in harmony, whereby you will always be front and center in our lives. Continue to direct our journey so we can stay on the right path in our new life together. Allow all of our unique perspectives, experiences, and outlooks on life to be united in Christ. May we yield to your words given to us directly and those given through the vessels of your wise servants. May our deepest desires always be to please you and follow you closely.
May we constantly focus on praising you and being thankful.
May we always see and continually dwell on the good things in one another.
May we receive great understanding on how to love one another, and may our zeal to bless each other create awe in those who observe us. May our home be filled with the warmth of your peaceful presence and the beauty of holiness. Amen
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you
Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV)
BENNAIAH BENNIE We are blessed with a handsome son called Bennaiah Naawarlee Bennie. Bennaiah love to spend his time in the house of God and we pray that he will live his life doing those things that are right in the sight of God. He is a blessing to us and we are grateful to God for giving him to us.
My name is Bennie boy, I was born on the 4th of February 2009. Am happy to be a part of this special union celebration between my mom and dad. May the love you both share last forever, I pray that someday I may love as much as you two love each other. Congratulation Mom and Dad, Bennaiah love you very much and is bless to be a part of your live.
LAURETTA’S STORY I’m the bride to be. My name is Lauretta Cole. Born onto the union of Mr. Joseph S. Cole and Mrs. Mamatu B. Cole on December 15, 1989 in kakata Margibi County located in Liberia. My family and I leſt Liberia in 1990 during the civil war to a neighboring country called Ghana where we stayed as �efugee for ten years and by the grace of God we where qualified for the �efugee program to travel to the USA which was sponsored by my sister Dorice Okyne. We arrive in the US on January 30, 2007. A day that started a new beginning in my life. I met my husband to be in 2007 during the summer at our church. We started as friends and now has built a life lasting love. I’m grateful to God for giving me a hero I can look up to and most of all my best friend for life.
GEORGE’S STORY I’m the Groom to be, My name is George Q. Bennie, born onto the union of Mr. Mosses Bennie and Mrs. Nyanah Suah on July 25, 1988 in Bong county at a Midwife’s home in Liberia. My family and I leſt Liberia in 2005 and tavel to a neighboring country called Ghana where we stay as �efugee for one year and by the grace of God we where qualified for the �efugee program to travel to the USA which was sponsor by my brother �ev. Moses S. Dennis. We arrive in the US on November 6, 2006. That day was the day of my dreams being a reality. I met my wife to be in 2007 during the summer at the Lutheran church, it was a beautiful moment and a spiritual blessing from God which I cherish always. Her beauty is pure in quality that has no competitiors. My wife to be has been a knowledgeable adolescent with potential support that thrive me academically, socially and emotionally daily. Therefore, I proudly dedicate myself to becoming the best I can be to this appealing, exquisite, and elegant woman God has blessed me with.
THE BRIDE’S MOTHER MAMATU COLE My beloved mother, I woke up this morning and the first thing I did was to say a prayer, thanking the Lord above for blessing me with a lifetime of your tenderhearted love. You’ve shown me care in everyway through the years. You have walked with me in my good and bad times; no matter what I did, you were always there to give me your love. Each time I smile it was because of your warm touch and love. I am grateful mom for your endless love that has always been priceless. I thank the lord for giving me the best mother there could be. I will always love you mom
THE BRIDE’S FATHER JOSEPH COLE I want you to know how much your love and support has meant to me. I know that I am who I am today because of the love you contributed in my life. I knew you were there for me no matter what, for that I will forever be grateful. I realize that not everyone has a father like you and I want you to know that I don’t take that for granted. I will take the guidance that you have shared with me and make it a part of my life. I could not have had a better teacher. Thank you Dad for Everything I Love You
THE PARENTS OF THE GROOM MR. AND MRS. DENNIS
I don’t always show it but you know that I do appreciate how much the both of you have helped me with my life, love, and career and given me all of the things that have gotten me here.Thank you Mom and Dad.
THE GROOM’S MOTHER MA SUAH Today I want to thank you mama for all the times you have been there for me. From the day I was born, you gave me the courage to make the best out of life. You kept me safe and warm, taught me to be faithful. Today I am who I am because of you, and that I will forever me grateful. Thanks for your endless love, I will always love you mom
FLOWER GIRLS
AYRIAH OMOIRAWUA
DANNA WILONDJA
JENIELLE GBAHN
RING BEARERS
BENNAIAH N. BENNIE
SAMUEL MITCHELL
MAXINE SUMO JR.
TOWN CRIER MORROW MITCHELL
MAID OF HONOR NADIA MILLS
My twin sister, the second love of my life. My endless friend/sister, the happiness that has bought me this far, my shelter, God send just for me alone. My guarding angel on this earth. The one that share my tears and joy. Thanks for being my dreams, hopes, and guarding angel. Words will never be enough to express how grateful I am to God for sending you my way. I could not have done this without you. Thanks for sharing this day with me by standing right beside me.
BEST MAN SACKIE BENNIE
Mr. Bennie is one of my older brothers, and my best friend. He has always play the big brother role in my life and always supported me in everything that I plan to do. Growing up I have all the good memories of us both and I thank God everyday for giving me a great and caring brother like you. Thanks for standing by me on this special day of mine.
MATRON OF HONOR DORICE R. A. OKYNE
Mrs. Okyne, I know right now you are asking your self where did the time go. You took care of me from baby up to today you are stilling taking care and can’t believe that your baby sister is now a woman. Thanks for being the best big sister in the world. You did a great job with me that’s why am here today being who I am now. I love you very much, thanks for everything. Thanks for standing by my side on this special day of mind.
BEST MAN MAXINE SUMO
Mr. Sumo is my country man and my brother in Christ. We have grown so strong in our friendship and am glad I met him in life. We both met in the church and we sing in the Choir. Today as you stand by me on this special day, you are indeed telling me you are a true friend/brother, and I’m glad that you are a part of my life especially on this special day of mine.
MAID OF HONOR JOSEPHINE COLE MAID OF HONOR JOSEPHINE COLE
Ms. Cole is my little sister, the one I can mentor, as we grow older. Ms. Cole you have always been my secret admiral. You are the second mother to my son Bennaiah. He loves his aunty Yah so much that he cannot go a day without seeing you. You helped me a lot and am glad that you are my sister. I feel proud with you standing by my side on this special occasion.
BEST MAN EMMANUEL BENNIE
Mr. Bennie is one of my older brothers, and my best friend. He has always play the big brother role in my life and always supported me in everything that I plan to do. Growing up I have all the good memorials of us both and I thank God everyday for giving me a great and caring brother like you. Thanks for standing by me on this special day of mine.
MATRON OF HONOR FINDA WILLIAMS
Mrs. Williams, you are a special friend send from God just for me. You helped me when I needed it the most, and today I can say that I made it through school with your help, taking care of my son without any pay. Thanks so much for being a sister to me when you did not know me that well. George, Bennaiah and I will forever be grateful to you. May the good lord gives you everything you desire on this earth, you are a good and one in a million best friend. I could not have done this without you standing by my side.
BEST MAN FREEMAN WILLIAMS
Mr. Williams is a special God send friend for me. Sometimes we don’t understand God’s plan for us. But I now understand why we became so close when we were so far apart in many ways. God did it so that you could celebrate this great day with me. I am grateful having you by my side for this one time in a life commandment.
BRIDESMAIDS LUCIA MITCHELL Mrs. Mitchell is my sister in-law, she is married to my oldest brother Wilmot Mitchell. She has played the role as a mother in the lives of their children and that I admire her for. We have a great friendship as sisters in laws, Thanks for those little advices, which made me see life in a different way. I know God put you in my life for a purpose. Thanks for standing by me.
GROOMSMAN MOORE MASSAQUOS
Mr. Massaquos is my brother in Christ and my partner on the football field. We met at my mother’s in law house and from there we became inseparable. It was God’s plan to meet someone as great and caring as you. Thanks for standing by me as I married the woman of my dream.
BRIDESMAIDS EVELYN A. ADAMS Ms. Adams is a great friend of mine. We met for the first time at our church (FEL Church). I have come to admire her in so many ways base on the relationship we have as friends. We both sing in the Choir and attend church service every Sunday. I want to take this time to thank you Ms. Adams for your love, kindness, care and support. Today I recognize you as a special sister and friend. Thank you for standing by me on this special day of mind.
GROOMSMAN GOBODIA JUSU KAMARA
Mr. �amara is my bole; we talk about the world and things happing around us everyday. He’s a good companying to be with, We met in church and join the choir department, from there we became very close friends. Thanks for being my right hand me. Am glad to have you by my side as I say the big word “I DO”
BRIDESMAIDS KWETA WOAH
Ms. Woah is a special person; we met here in the United States. God works in mysterious ways, connecting two people from two dierent walls of life. When we met for the ďŹ rst time I knew we were meant to be friends for life. You are a happy and positive person, I have the opportunity to laugh when ever am with her. Thanks for standing by me.
GROOMSMAN FECO SMITH
Mr. Smith is the cousin of my beloved wife to be. I have known him for as long as I have known the Cole family. He is a positive person and always want to do his best in everything he has to do; I admire him so much for that. We have a great family relationship and I am glad today I have you right her by my side as I join this great family.
BRIDESMAIDS HENRIETTA SMITH
Ms. Henrietta is my cousin, she’s the daughter of my aunty, and she’s a sweet heart to be around. When I look back and see how far life has taken us, I realize how grateful I am to have you as a cousin. We have a long and happy memory together. Thanks for standing by me on this special day.
GROOMSMAN EMMANUEL BANDA
Mr. Banda is someone I look at as my little brother, I watched him grow up in the church and admire him so much for his willingness to work in the house of God. We are both members of the choir, and football team. I am happy that you are sharing this day of mind right beside me.
BRIDESMAIDS MICHAELINE JAMES
Ms. James is my childhood friend and sister. We attended the same �indergarten at St. Michael Elementary School in Liberia. Ms. James, we did everything together as kids growing up. You watched me grow but at some point we had to go our separate ways. Little did we know that you could be standing by my side again no matter where life took us. Thanks for being a sister.
GROOMSMAN RUBEN SWEN
Mr. Swen is the cousin of the love of my life. He is one of the positive and joyful people I have seen. He is always smiling and in action when he’s talking. Am blessed to meet you and be a part of your family. Thanks for all your support and hard work. I am grateful having you stand by me on this special day.
BRIDESMAIDS SAMANTHA YORMIE
Mrs. Yormie is a beauty of a true African queen; she’s always in a good mood when you are around her. We both met in the church and sing in the Choir. Mrs. Yormie, a true friend never says who they are, but let you know who they are by what they do. Today as you stand by me on this special day, you are indeed telling me you are a true friend, am glad that you are a part of my life.
GROOMSMAN SANNOR LEPOLU
Mr. Lepolu is the cousin of my sweet heart. Since I met him we have been friends. Thanks so much Mr. Lepolu for your kindness and the great friendship that you have always share with me. It is with great pleasure having you celebrate this day with me.
BRIDESMAIDS ANGELYNE SAYEE
Ms. Sayee my American friend! We met in high school and since than we have not parted, you are a friend that I thank God for everyday. We had all the good and bad school days together talking and dreaming of what the future will be aer school. Today I still have you by my side as we both sing together in the choir. My endless friend, thanks for standing by me on this day.
GROOMSMAN JOSEPH COLE
Mr. Cole is the brother to my wife to be. I will tell you that he is the best brother in law to have, because he is kind, nice and caring. He is always willing to help me whenever I need him. We have a great relationship and I am happy to be a part of his life. Thanks Joe for standing by me as I married your beloved sister.
BRIDESMAIDS EDWINA LANABA
Ms. Lanaba is a sweet and thoughtful woman; sometime we don’t understand God’s plan for us. I now understand why we became so close when we were so far apart in many ways. God connected us through my sister Tabitha so that you could celebrate this great day with me. Am glad that we are friends.
GROOMSMAN WILMOT MITCHELL
Mr. Mitchell is the oldest brother of my honey for life. He is also a brother to me, because he has always be concerned of my family wellbeing. He is a loving and caring brother in law. Am blessed to have you as my brother in law. Thanks for accepting me into your family and most of all for standing by me on this special day.
BRIDESMAIDS JOSEAR SAYEE
Ms. Sayee is also my American friend! We met in high school and since than we have not parted, she’s a friend that I thank God for everyday. We had all the good and bad school days together and aer high school we kept that union and today we both attend the same church praising God for his goodness in our lives. My endless friend, Thanks for standing by me on this special day.
GROOMSMAN JAMES FLOMO
Mr. Flomo is my fellow compatriot and one of our commonalities is that we are both men of very few words. I have always admired you for being such a great family man. Thank you Mr. Flomo for being a great friend and brother to me, and thank you for standing by me on this historical day of mines.
BRIDESMAIDS TABITHA CAMPBELL
Mrs. Jones is a sister and a friend; we met on the �efugee Camp in Ghana. We walked side by side praying and hoping that one day we would see ourselves in this great land call the U.S.A. and today we are here, all thanks to God. Our friendship grows stronger as time passes, am bless to have you in my life. Thanks for sharing this special day with me.
GROOMSMAN AUGUSTINE GONGAR
Mr. Gongar is the youngest brother of mine, and I can say to you that he is the cutest little brother any one would want to have. Can’t believe how fast the time went, today you are a grown man working towards a successful future. I wish you all the best in school and the life aſter, most of all I love you very much. Thanks for standing by me on this special day of mine.
BRIDESMAIDS VATHEZ B. WILLIAMS
Ms. Williams is an adorable friend; she’s a special kind of friend that you cannot just ďŹ nd easily. Singing is her passion and that I admire her for so much. We have many things in common when it comes to serving God and that bought us closer as time went by. I have a great time whenever we are together, she knows how to keep a conversation going. Thank God for a friend like you dear. I am glad having you stand by me on this day.
GROOMSMAN PATRICK SUBAH
Mr. Subah is my brother in Christ. We have so many things in common that connected us and together we are best of friends for life. We play soccer together and share all the great jokes together. Thanks for all your support and most of all standing by me on this special day of mine.
BRIDESMAIDS LOUISE OKYNE
Ms. Okyne is my little niece, I can’t believe how old am getting each time we are together. She’s also my friend because she’s mature than her age. When we are together doing girls shopping, I have the best time, she’s a great partner for shopping. She’s on her way to college this year. I’m proud of you dear, thanks for being a great friend and niece. I am glad having you right beside me on this day.
GROOMSMAN GEDEON WILONDJA
Mr. Wilondja is the oldest son of our beloved family. He is also a great brother to his siblings and he loves to play music for mom whenever she is in a sad mood. He’s our little light of joy send from God. Thanks so for being a wonderful child.
JUNIOR BRIDESMAID DENNISE DENNIS Ms. Dennis is the daughter of Pastor & Mrs. Dennis, niece to my husband to be Mr. George Bennie. She’s a great and intelligent young lady. I’m glad to have her stay by me today
JUNIOR GROOMSMAN CARLOS TYCHICUS WASHINGTON
Mr. Washington is a spiritual inspiration to my family, and at a little age, he is so responsible and I admire him for that. Thanks for being one of the greatest kids I have met and I wish you all the best in your life journey. Thanks for standing by me
JUNIOR BRIDESMAID FLOWER MITCHELL
Ms. Mitchell is my niece, my oldest brother’s daughter. She’s smart and intelligent. One thing she always says “ Aunt Leemu, I want to be like you someday” Thanks for making me feel special dear, you are and will do great in this life. I love you very much and I’m glad to have you stand by me on this day.
JUNIOR GROOMSMAN JOHN KPANKPA Mr. Kpankpa you are a hard, respectful and responsible young man full of the positive things this life can give. Thanks for being a part of my life and for standing by me on this special day of mine.
JUNIOR BRIDESMAID SERENA DENNIS Ms. Dennis is the daughter of Pastor & Mrs. Dennis, niece to Mr. George Bennie the love of my life. She’s a nice and friendly young lady. She will always look for you to ask you how you are doing. �eep being the nice person you are dear Serena. I’m glad to have you right here beside me.
JUNIOR GROOMSMAN DAVID WILONDJA Mr. Wilondja is the middle son of our beloved family. He is also a great brother to his siblings, a man of few words but has a wealth of knowledge and widsim for his age. We love you
JUNIOR BRIDESMAID AMAKA JASMINE AMOBI JUNIOR GROOMSMAN ALBERT ZEON JR. Ms. Amobi is the granddaughter to my mother. Her mother is one of my special sisters who is one of the nicest person I have met. Ms. Amobi is a great and intelligent lady. I’m glad to have her stay by me today
Mr. Zeon you are one of the little boy I watched grow up from baby, and today you are one of the great boys coming up in our church. Thanks for standing by me Albert. I wish you all the success this life can give.
THE BENNIE FAMILY GOD WILL ALWAYS BE OUR FOUNDATION AND
LOVE
WILL BE
OUR HOME
ORDER OF RECEPTION
4700 Drexelbrook Dr, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 ARRIVAL OF THE PARENTS INTRODUCTION OF THE BRIDE & GROOM OPENING PRAYER WELCOME REMARKS BLESSING OF THE FOOD REMARK FROM THE BRIDE FAMILY REMARK FROM THE GROOM FAMILY THE TOASTS VARIOUS PARTICIPANTS RESPONSE FROM THE GROOM FIRST DANCE FATHER AND DAUGHTER DANCE GROOM AND MOTHER DANCE BRIDE AND MOTHER DANCE CUTTING OF THE CAKE TOSSING OF THE BOUQUET REMOVAL AND TOSSING OF THE GARTER GRAND MARCH
Thank You O
n this day as we begin our new life together; we would like to say thank you. We are blessed by each of you through your friendship and honored with your presence here today. We appreciate your prayers and support as we embark on this new and exciting journey. You all have a special place in our hearts.
We wish to give special thanks to our parents for all they have done for us and the love and encouragement they continue to provide. Thank you for raising us in caring homes ďŹ lled with love and laughter. You have molded us into the man and woman we are today; for that we are eternally grateful. It is our wish to continue to build on this foundation so we may grow and prosper in our love for one another. We look forward to a lifetime full of laughter and memories with all of you.
Thank you again for your presence here today. Much love,
MR. & MRS. GEORGE BENNIE
Mr. & Mrs. George Bennie will like to say a big thank you to N&J Mr. & Mrs. Smith for giving us a dream decoration at our shower. May God bless you so much for what you did for us.
OUR CHIEF ORGANIZER MRS GUELY JAMES
You have been a part of is journey from the beginning. Our hearts will forever be grateful to you for your love and support. “In life, you get to know the true meaning of love when you have been shown one” today we can say that we are one lucky family to have been love by someone special and that is you. You made our traditional marriage cloths, because of the love you put in it, we just can’t compare them with any other cloth, and we cherish them a lot. �nowing you were one of the greatest parts of life we thank God for everyday. Thanks a thousand times for standing by us through the good and bad times. Planning a wedding is not an easy text but having you there to lead made it seem like a pie of cake. Thanks for all your hard work that made this day what it is today.
ASSISTANT CHIEF ORGANIZER MRS. M. OKYNE
Today we want to shout out a very BIG thank you to Mrs. Okyne for standing beside our Chief Organizer and us. She has gone the extra miles to ensure that our dream will be a reality today. May the good Lord bless you for your attentiveness towards making our day a success. We are forever grateful to you for your diligence.
FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
Mr. & Mrs. George Bennie will like to extend a basket full of thanks and appreciation to our families: The Cole’s, Dennis’s, Swen’s wolapaye’s in New Jersey, Lepolu’s in Maryland, Gongar’s, Bennis’s, Okyne’s, Kpankpa’s, Smith’s, and all those that kept us in their prayers and advises. May the lord blessed and flourish you as you did for us.
ORGANIZERS
Mr. & Mrs. George Bennie will like to extend a basket full of thanks and appreciation to our families: The Cole’s, Dennis’s, Swen’s wolapaye’s in New Jersey, Lepolu’s in Maryland, Gongar’s, Bennis’s, Okyne’s, Kpankpa’s, Smith’s, and all those that kept us in their prayers and advises. May the lord blessed and flourish you as you did for us.
LOVE WILL BE OUR HOME