Scarlett Sophrenia Mullikin

Welcome friends and family! We are gathered here today to witness the union of Bryan and Jessica. We're glad to have you with us.

Today is the beginning of a remarkable journey for this couple. Drawing on their mutual admiration, respect, and trust, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in their lives. We celebrate the love and light evident in their relationship and wish them well on this joyous occasion.

Wedding Sermon

Marriage is an integral part of the human tradition. Let us remember, as we stand here before the Universe , that the vows taken today hold great importance, just as they did to our ancestors. As individuals, we make the choice to enter the union of marriage in order to share all aspects of ourselves with our soulmate. Today, this is true for Bryan and Jessica.

Reading:

There are few greater joys in life than finding someone with whom we truly "click." In that spirit, I will now share a short reading on soulmates from author Richard Bach:

"A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life."

Personal LOVE Story: (Rest of this is saved for at Ceremony, spoken from the heart)

Ironically, Jessica and Bryan requested this same reading from Richard Bach as I had already picked out for them…

Consecration:

Under the eyes of God & the Universe, together we take a moment to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being entered into today. With great joy, we also recognize the special bond shared by Bryan and Jessica.

Love is the soil from which life itself grows. As Carl Sagan famously wrote:

"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love."

Vows: (they wrote their own)

Now, I invite Bryan & Jessica to read their vows they wrote for one another.

Bryan, as Jessica’s leading man, would you like to lead the way?

Bryan: (reads his Vows to Jessica)

And Jessica, will you follow his lead with your own vows now?

Jessica: (reads her Vows to Bryan)

Declaration of Intent:

Bryan and Jessica, it's time to join hands.

Bryan, before your family and friends, do you take Jessica as your beloved Wife, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, poor or riches, to honor and respect, so long as you both shall live?

Bryan: I do.

Jessica, before your family and friends, do you take Bryan as your beloved Husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, poor or riches, to honor and respect, so long as you both shall live?

Jessica: I do.

Ring Exchange: (Take rings out)

Wedding rings are a traditional symbol of the strength of the bond between two soulmates. This bond is never broken, and continues in a perpetual circle, glowing with the warmth & eternal light of two souls in a perfect union. By wearing these rings, may you always be reminded of the connection you share & the vows you have made today.

Please repeat after me:

I, Bryan, present you, Jessica, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade.

I, Jessica, present you, Bryan, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade.

Pronouncement:

Bryan and Jessica, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the state of Illinois, under the eyes of the Universe, I happily pronounce you Husband and Wife!

Kiss: Bryan, you may now kiss your beautiful Bride.

Presentation:

It is my honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Green!!