Cameron Speer

Good afternoon everyone,

On behalf of Kathleen and John, I would like to thank you all for being here today. You not only took the time and made the journey to join them here today, but have also been with them in their relationship's journey over the past 3 years. You have been their support system and their cheerleaders all along, and so they are grateful and glad that you are here to witness the next step in their journey as they begin the rest of their lives together.

I think I've been lucky enough to meet most of you here today at one point or another, but for those of you who I haven't met yet, my name is Cameron Speer and I have known Kathleen for about 7 years now. In that time, we've shared apartments and food, we've hunkered down together for weeks at a time during hurricane season, and really, we've become more like sisters than just best friends.

It's because of this wonderful friendship we've had that I was lucky enough to witness this love story between John and Kat unfold. Kat and I have long discussed the idea of her "person": the man that would sweep her off her feet and finally drag her away from living with me (and she would go willingly! Can you believe that?). We imagined her "person" would be a caring, nerdy guy that would geek out with her, but could also be her rock when she needed someone to lean on. He would have morals as strong as her own and he would love as deeply as she does. He would be a great partner to her, but also a great father to the children that she always dreamed of having. And most importantly, he would watch Miami Heat games with her and yell at the 76'ers.

Now this being such a tall order, I thought surely I could hold on to my perfect roommate forever. However, as everyone here who knows John already knows, he fits the bill perfectly. As a third-party spectator to their love story, it was very clear, almost immediately, that Kat had found her "person".

I've wracked my brain to find a single story or memory of Kathleen and John that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, and the lives of each of us. But the truth is there isn’t one single event that can encapsulate what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. But what I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh. They balance one another, and while both of them are incredible, amazing people on their own, together they are somehow even better. And being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners in crime, is what has been 3 years in the making now and ultimately leads to us being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those that they love most.

So with a confident "I told you so" and without further ado...

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered together here to join Kathleen Chung and John Millbank in the union of marriage.

This union is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a clear understanding of its obligations and responsibilities.

The bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now. Kathleen?

*(Vows)*

And now:

Do you, Kathleen, promise to love John and share your life and your dreams together? To build with him a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment, and growth? To always seek out the best in him; Always loving him with all your heart, taking him as your lawfully wedded partner, as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you, John, promise to love Kathleen and share your life and your dreams together? To build with her a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment, and growth? To always seek out the best in her; Always loving her with all your heart, taking her as your lawfully wedded partner, as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Kathleen and John will now exchange rings.

Kathleen, as you place this ring on John’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.

John, as you place this ring on John’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Now kiss and let's celebrate!