Otis Jarield Greene III

Friends and family, in-laws and outlaws, thank you all for coming today.

My name is O.J. Greene and I have the honor of officiating the wedding today. That means I get to tell everyone what to do, or not do and when. I love that part.

Let's start out by everyone getting their phones out and taking a selfie. I'll start and I want all of you to be in the background. Then each of you turn around and do the same. Ok now that we have that out of our systems, please silence your phone and put it away. We have a photographer. After the reception I will create a schedule to start texting those pics to the bride and groom once they are alone at the hotel in 10 minute intervals.

I knew Lance before he and Jill started dating. I like him a lot more now. He is a much better person because of her. I truly love them both.

Now that you know why I am here, let's talk about why you are here. You were asked to come so that you would bring gifts. Seriously though. We are gathered together here to witness Lance Tollison and Jillian Wardrop in the spiritual union of marriage. But let's don't forget that it is a contractual union as well. You have been asked to come as witnesses and to give accountability to Lance and Jill in their marriage. Especially the wedding party. It is your job to tell them when they are screwing up and hold them accountable.

For example, it is my job as a hunting buddy to make sure that Lance doesn't go hunting on their anniversary, so I can sit in his stand. It is also my job to help Jill remember that opening weekend is sacred, and she should help make it possible for him to go. Unless I plan to sit in his stand.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring relationship.

Words of Wisdom

A good marriage must be created.

In marriage the "little" things are the big things.

It is standing together and facing the world.

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

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner

Lance and Jill will now share their vows.

VOWS (face each other and hold hands)(repeat after me)

I, LANCE, take you JILL to be my wife. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you

I will laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully

Through the best and the worst,

Through the difficult and the easy.

Whatever may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold

So I give you my life to keep

I, JILL take you LANCE to be my Husband. I will cherish

our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

I will trust you and honor you

I will laugh with you and cry with you.

I will love you faithfully

Through the best and the worst,

Through the difficult and the easy.

Whatever may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold

So I give you my life to keep

LANCE and JILL, I would ask that you always treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today. When frustration and difficulty comes - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness.

I Do's

Do you Lance take this woman Jill to be your lawfully wedded wife?

And do you promise to always love hunting season; I mean do you promise to always love her even during hunting season?

Do you promise to love her in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer?

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

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

for as long as you both shall live?

Do you Jill take this man Lance to be your lawfully wedded husband?

And do you promise to always love him, even during hunting season?

Do you promise to love him in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer?

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

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, and be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

Lance Tollison and Jillian Wardrop will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Ring Exchange (who has the rings) (repeat after me)

There are 3 rings of marriage. The wedding ring, The Engagement ring and the suffering. We hope the latter can be held to a minimum.

Closing Comments

To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today.

It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.

It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together.

It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today.

By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!

The Kiss/Face the crowd:

I would like to introduce to you, Lance and Jill Tollison.