Suzanne Kay Goben

Opening

Welcome everyone on this beautiful afternoon…—the day we have all come together to witness the joining of two lives and of two hearts. Jay Ollis & Nikki Bogart.

Mollie, her Mother is giving Nikki away today—a task that Nikki’s Father would have gladly been honored to have, had he not passed away 6 years ago-- thank you so much Mollie, for standing in for Nikki’s Dad. (Mollie…)

Nikki & Jay… out of the routine of ALL of our ordinary lives, the extraordinary has happened, the 2 of your fell in love. For those that don’t know their story-- they actually met almost 20 year years ago when Jay was doing some contracting work on Nikki’s house, but it was only 2 years ago, they ran into each other again at one of their favorite watering holes- And Jay decided to take a chance, and ask her to dinner, and Nikki says they haven’t been apart ever since!

So you see, this time when they met 2 years ago… something wonderful and life changing happened…(pause) the road to this day, (pause) and their path to forever. They have each found TRUE LOVE in the other. And sure, we all know romance is fun, of course! But true love is something far far more and it is their desire and their proclamation today, to love each other FOR LIFE and that is what THEY are celebrating here this afternoon.

But today is also a celebration for the rest of us, for it’s truly a pleasure for US to see their love in bloom, and to participate in this union of two people so delightfully suited to one another. And of course to maybe have a couple of cocktails in the process.

So let’s get on with it already!

A good marriage must be… created.

In marriage, the “little” things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands. (And I have seen them so often doing just that, even when getting the mail! How cute is that!)

Marriage is remembering to say, “I love you” at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is standing together and facing the world.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in all kinds of thoughtful ways.

It is having the capacity to forgive and to forget.

It is not only marrying the right person — it is also being the right partner.

Always remember, you fell in love by chance, but you're here today because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other.

Declaration of Intent

And now for the I Do’s—and there are a few--l (will you face each other and hold hands?)

(Now Jay, I have several promises I am going to ask of you, for your promises to Nikki, so please wait to answer I DO until I am all finished….)

Jay, do you take Nikki to be your Wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, protect and be faithful to her?

Do you promise to take out the trash and pick up your clothes off the floor?

And do you promise to love her even when she is cranky?

But most of all, do you promise to love her, and only her for the rest of your days? (If so, please answer by saying “I do”)

Nikki do you take Jay to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, protect, and be faithful to him?

Do you promise not to whine at him when he forgets to take out the trash or pick up his clothes from the floor?

And do you promise to love him even when HE is cranky?

And also, do you promise to love him and cuddle him as much, if not more than your puppy dogs?

But, most of all, do your promise to love him, and only him for the rest of your days? (If so, please answer by saying “I do”)

Jay & Nikki have written their own Vows to share with each other.

If you would please, face each other, and Jay, please share your vows with Nikki.

*****

Nikki, if you would please share your vows with Jay.

*****

Jay & Nikki, This afternoon the two you have put the past behind you, and you have said I DO... and I WILL to each other. No other ties will be more tender, no other promises more sacred than those you have shared with each other. If you are able to keep the vows you have made here today, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of a desire, a true desire to love and be loved by another person fully, without limitation, then your lives will have joy and the home you establish will be a place in which you both will find freedom, peace, direction and growth.

Ring Exchange

Nikki and Jay have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. Bud, may we have the rings?

Jay, will you please take Nikki’s Left Hand, and as you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me.

I give you this ring,

as a sign of our love trust and marriage.

I promise to care for you above all others,

and to give you my love, friendship and support,

and to respect and cherish you

throughout our life together.

Now Nikki, will you please take Jay’s Left Hand, and as you place the ring on his finger, please repeat after me. I give you this ring,

as a sign of our love trust and marriage.

I promise to care for you above all others,

and to give you my love, friendship and support,

and to respect and cherish you

throughout our life together.

Pronouncement

Everyone has advice for newlyweds. Jay and Nikki, I offer these good wishes to you on this special day.

May your life together be blessed with prosperity and good health. May you always share open and honest communication between each other. May you respect each other’s individual talents and gifts and give full support to each other’s professional and personal pursuits.

May you cherish the home you will create together. May all the years to come be filled with moments to celebrate and to renew your love. May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and devotion for one another.

Jay, Nikki, you both have come here today of your own free will and in the presence of family and loved ones, you have declared your love and commitment to each other. You have given and received rings as a symbol of your promises. So, by the power of your love and commitment to each other, and by the power vested in me by the State of IL and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.

Jay Ollis, Nikki Bogart, YOU 2, are OFFICIALLY MARRIED!!!!

And thank you for giving me the extreme honor of being the first person to say: Congratulations!!!