Thomas Anthony Bowles

PROCESSION

WELCOME

Welcome everyone, we are here to celebrate the love of two people who are near and dear to our hearts, Ryan and Kelsey. Because a celebration is really what a wedding is about. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, and of two people who have made the choice to share their lives with each other. To bring family and friends together and to deepen the love, the connection, and the relationship that already exists. So today you won’t hear me give any advice, or explain the formula for a marriage to work. That’s not what a celebration is about. And it’s not what love is about either. There is no formula or rule book for love. That’s because love is simply about space. The space to be you.

Family, friends and loved ones, Ryan and Kelsey thank you for your presence here today. They ask for your blessing, encouragement and lifelong support, on their decision to be married. We would like to take a moment to recognize those that could not be here today. While they may not physically be with us, Ryan and Kelsey feel their love and support and know they are here smiling, watching over as they say “I Do”.

All of us here today have our own love stories. Some are short, others long, while some are yet unwritten. There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad and disappointing – and others that are exciting and full of adventure. When I talked to Ryan and Kelsey about each other, the overwhelming feeling I had was that these two are meant to be together – soulmates. For a soulmate does not complete you – they inspire you to complete yourself. A soulmate is the person who supports your direction, who motivates and encourages you to stretch, to change, to reinvest yourself until you are happy. A soulmate is someone who loves you with so much conviction, and so much heart, that it becomes nearly impossible to doubt just how capable you are of becoming who you have always wanted to be. Ryan and Kelsey, you stand here today, adding another chapter to your story as soulmates.

RYAN AND KELSEY

“One look at you, my whole life falls in line.” We heard those words a few minutes ago as Kelsey walked down the aisle and those words are so fitting to how Ryan and Kelsey met. When they originally met at a party, few words were spoken between them and not much time was spent together, but each of them without the other knowing instantly knew there was something special about the other. Or as Kelsey told her friends that night, “I have dibs on Ryan”. Their relationship was long distance for a while, lots of text messages and time on the phone and each of them would travel between Calvert and Salisbury to see each other. They knew it was love when the thought of leaving each other after spending another weekend together was something they didn’t want to do. Ryan describes Kelsey as thoughtful, supportive and extremely patient with him even if she doesn’t realize it. The person he leans on and someone that challenges him emotionally and intellectually. Kelsey describes Ryan as kind, thoughtful and a little nerdy, in a good way. He’s not overly romantic, but he tries to be in his own way and even the smallest efforts to make her feel special are appreciated. He makes her feel safe and comfortable. She said he is truly my best friend, a genuinely good man. So, that brings us to today. For a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them here. And a time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come.

VOWS

Ryan and Kelsey, today is the public affirmation and acknowledgement of all that you are to each other. Seemingly your relationship will be as it has always been; yet there is a power in the spoken word.

Ryan and Kelsey, you will know express your vows of love and devotion to each other.

Ryan, repeat after me.

Ryan: Kelsey, I take you to be my best friend (stop), my faithful partner, and my one true love (stop). I promise to encourage you and inspire you (stop). To love you truly through good times and bad (stop). To forever be there to laugh with you (stop), to lift you up when you are down (stop) and to love you unconditionally (stop) through all of our adventures in life together.

Ryan, please respond with “I Do” after this next sentence.

Ryan, do you choose Kelsey over all others, to share your happiness with, to care for and to love forever. (Ryan states I Do).

Kelsey, please repeat after me.

Kelsey: Ryan, I take you to be my best friend (stop), my faithful partner, and my one true love (stop). I promise to encourage you and inspire you (stop). To love you truly through good times and bad (stop). To forever be there to laugh with you (stop), to lift you up when you are down (stop) and to love you unconditionally (stop) through all of our adventures in life together.

Kelsey, please respond with “I Do” after this next sentence.

Kelsey, do you choose Ryan over all others, to share your happiness with, to care for and to love forever. (Kelsey states I Do).

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

This is the point in the ceremony where we usually talk about the wedding rings being a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings do have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metal is liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees, then molded, cooled and painstakingly polished. Something beautiful is made from raw elements. Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.

Ryan, please place the ring on Kelsey’s finger and repeat after me – Kelsey, this ring is my promise (stop) to accept your imperfections (stop) and appreciate all that makes you unique and beautiful.

Kelsey, please place the ring on Ryan’s finger and repeat after me – Ryan, this ring is my promise (stop) to accept your imperfections (stop) and appreciate all that makes you unique and handsome.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Ryan and Kelsey, love is a journey, so when things get too heavy, remember this moment. No one but you can declare yourselves married. You started that here today by speaking your vows before your family and friends and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing all the sweet and the bitter of life. Each tender act, each loving word, will be the declaration of what was made here today. Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done her today, and by the power bestowed upon me, it is my honor and privilege to pronounce you, husband and wife. Ryan, you may kiss your bride.

PRESENTATION OF COUPLE

Friends and family, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Price.

RECESSION