Raquel Solomon

Good Afternoon Family and Friends,

We are gathered here today to join Willenton Bridges Jr. and Stephanie Phillips in the spiritual union of 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.

Wil and Stephanie will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Wil take this woman Stephanie Phillips to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Stephanie take this man Willenton Bridges Jr to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Wil and Stephanie will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

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

Broom jumping:

We end this ceremony with the African American tradition of jumping of the broom. As our bride and groom jump, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. Today it represents great joy and at the same time serves as a reminder of the past.

It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into your lives. It is also a call of support for the marriage from the entire community of family and friends.

The leap they take together over the broom is a gesture they take of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead, as well as the easy times. They leave behind the past and jump into the future together secure in their love.The bride and groom will now begin their new life together with a clean sweep!

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Everyone, please count 1, 2, 3… Jump! together with me now, and shout with joy as they perform their first act of working together as husband and wife;

1, 2, 3, jump!