Vanessa Allen LaRotonda

INVOCATION

Webster's Dictionary defines 'wedding' as 'the fusing of two metals with a hot torch.' Well you know something? I think you guys are two medals. Gold medals.

Today is a celebration. A celebration of love between these two people who have decided they want to do this thing called life together, forever.

Chelsea and Carson are coming together today to publicly proclaim their undying love for each other. We are here to learn about loving and being loved, and to watch the miracle of love exchanged enriches every one of us. Their enthusiasm is contagious, their certainty of their destiny together is inspiring and their great expectations give us all a glimpse of the heights love can reach.

Marriage is a very special place. It’s an oasis, a haven, and a sanctuary where we can safely learn about ourselves in the presence of another. Like the harmony with the melody, marriage weaves two lives together, creating a deeper and richer song.

Kasey Musgraves sets the tone for this marriage for more than just one reason. She sang:

Late to the party with you

Oh, who needs confetti?

We're already falling into the groove

And who needs a crowd when you're happy at a party for two?

The world can wait

Cause I'm never late to the party if I'm late to the party with you

Your party for two is the most meaningful party you could ever create. Just like when Carson proposed at the Lincoln Memorial, in front of allllll of those people, and neither of you say anyone else around you. Those are the moments, the memories, the party for you two...and you're never late when it's your party.

We are honored that Chelsea and Carson are sharing some of their beautiful music with us on this day. We ask that the vision they have of one another always reflect the electric attraction that first brought them together, although maybe not grab and hold on to each other's butts out in public as much. And we pray that, as they enter into the lifelong bond that is marriage, they may always see one another in the light of all light; the light of love.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

As important as this ceremony is, the foundation of your marriage was formed long before we ever came here today, and that is the love that you share.

Love is gentleness. Love is kindness. Love understands and love forgives. It is loyal through good and bad. Love hopes for the future. Love is everlasting. Love makes up for things that you may not have. Without love, no matter what you do have it is never enough. So, search for love. Share your love. But most of all, Enjoy your love.

Spending your time watching and rewatching The Office has gotten you to this moment, where some of Jim's words will help guide you through this marriage. When troubles come you way, always remember what he had to offer...All I know is that every time I've been faced with a tough decision, there's only one thing that outweighs every other concern. One thing that will make you give up on everything you thought you knew, every instinct, every rational calculation. Love.

Seeing that no moment is without meaning, we ask that you take this marriage as a beginning of your lives together. Today signifies the creation of a new home and a new family for you both. May you be fulfilled by each other’s love and friendship. May you be overjoyed by the promises you are about to make and the life together you will create.

Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey – a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another.

May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins.

Chelsea and Carson, do you present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?

Together: We do

Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?

Together: We will

VOW EXCHANGE

Out of affection and honor for Chelsea and Carson, we are here today, before God, to witness their vows, which will unite them in marriage.

To this moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another. They bring the spark and spirit which is uniquely their own, and out of which has grown for some time, and will continue to grow, deepen, and strengthen, the precious reality of their life together.

You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter. You’re about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep.

You’re going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in the other. There’s a simple premise to each of these promises: you’re vowing to be there. You’re teaming up and saying to the other, “Every experience I am going to have, I want you to be a part of.”

Carson, please repeat after me…

I, Carson, take you, Chelsea, to be my wife. I will share my life with yours, and build our dreams together. Support you through times of trouble, and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and made new every day of our lives.

Chelsea, please repeat after me…

I, Chelsea, take you, Carson, to be my husband. I will share my life with yours, and build our dreams together. Support you through times of trouble, and rejoice with you in times of happiness. I promise to give you respect, love and loyalty. This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and made new every day of our lives.

RING EXCHANGE

For thousands of years, men and women have exchanged rings as a token of their vows.

Let these rings be a sign that your love has a past, a present, and a future.

Chelsea, please take Carson’s ring, place it on his finger, and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign that I choose you, to be my wife, my partner, and my best friend to the end of my days.

Carson, please take Chelsea's ring, place it on her finger, and repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign that I choose you, to be my husband, my partner, and my best friends to the end of my days.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Remember all the little things in your relationship. Take the time to be with one another. Walk around your neighborhood, go to a baseball game, chill on the couch and watch The Office. Whatever it is, be true to yourselves and the love you two have built this relationship on. Always remember how lucky you both are to have found your forever person.

Ben Folds had it right when he sang:

I don't get many things right the first time

In fact, I am told that a lot

Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls

Brought me here

And where was I before the day

That I first saw your lovely face?

Now I see it everyday

And I know

That I am

I am

I am

The luckiest

And now I am the luckiest one because...

It is my greatest pleasure to say that by the power vested in me by the State of North Carolina, I now pronounce you the C Otters!!

You may share your first married kiss!!