Lynn Feather

Good afternoon family and friends,

We have gathered together to witness the joining of Tonya Beavers and Brandon Gerard in the union marriage.

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 home.

DECLARATION OF INTENT:

What greater thing for two persons than to feel they are joined together, to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joy, and to be one with each other ~~ whatever life has to offer.

This is a special time of celebration that Tonya and Brandon will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here to share in their joy.

Brandon and Tonya, today begins a life of giving and sharing, nurturing and support; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while developing your mutual spirit as time goes by. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocated.

Today, your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union. Today we are privileged to witness two very dear people; two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

Brandon and Tonya, you are about to make your promised to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love, and your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you will share these joys in marriage.

*(Vows)*

Please face each other and hold hands.

Do you Tonya Sue Beavers do you take Brandon Lee Gerard, whose hand you hold, choosing him alone to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? Will you love him and comfort him through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring him at all times, and being faithful to him?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Brandon Lee Gerard take Tonya Sue Beavers, whose hand you hold, choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her and comfort her through good time and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all time, and being faithful to her?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Tonya and Brandon will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Brandon, please place this ring on Tonya's finger and repeat after me:

Tonya, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

Tonya, please place this ring on Brandon's finger and repeat after me:

Brandon, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life's journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

UNITY SAND CEREMONY:

Brandon and Tonya, today you are here to join both of your lives together. These two separate vases of sand symbolize your separate lives before you found each other. They symbolize your separate friends, family and choices.

Today, both of you will seal your bond by blending these two individual vases together. Once the sand is blended, it cannot be separated. Just as the sand cannot be separated, your friends and family are here today to witness your love never separating.

By blending these two sands together, we are recognizing the importance of blending two families together. May you always honor and protect your families.

Tonya and Brandon, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey. Remember to keep lots of laughter in your lives and love will never be far behind.

I leave you now with the following words:

May all that you are, always be in love. May all that is love, always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as previous to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other's best friend and the greatest love!

Now that Tonya and Brandon have pledged their faith and love to each in the company of your family and friends, and by the power bested in me by the State of West Virginia, I now pronounce you are married!

Brandon and Tonya, you may now seal this marriage with a kiss!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon and Tonya Gerard.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of West Virginia I now pronounce you wife and husband!