Nichole Lynn Yendriga-Grady

Welcome Friends & Family -

- Thank you all for coming today to share this special day. I know Conor and Samantha appreciate everyone being here. Today we have guests from near and far to celebrate this special occasion.

At this time Conor and Samantha would like to take a moment of silence to honor those who are not with us here today. We know they are here in spirit.

(pause)

Today we are here to celebrate the love, commitment, and friendship of these two people who love each other so much that they wish to spend the rest of their lives together.

As Conor and Samantha start on this journey, they will be able to nurture a love that will make them better versions of themselves from this day onward.

A marriage ceremony is a significant part of nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society. Despite all our differences, we all share love. Love is the greatest of all unifiers, regardless of who we are or what we believe in.

You know, I asked Conor and Samantha to describe their partners and the answers I received were, Conor is quirky, funny, loving, compassionate, and and absolute gentleman. So much so, that he asked permission prior to their first kiss. Conor described Samantha as smart, caring, sympathetic, and that she is his rock. I think he even may have thrown in the word temperamental, not sure where he got that from (pause for laughter), But what they both said, is that they are each other’s person, their soulmate if you will.

Now we can describe love in many ways and love can look different from one person to the next, but we all know love when we see it. And we all can see love right here.

However, if there is anyone here who sees differently, please let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

Conor and Samantha, on your journey together, keep your spouse of the highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished forever. Treat this as your most valuable treasure and always remember these words.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love does not dishonor others, and is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love never gives up and always keeps pushing through every hard circumstance.”

Now, you both have chosen to write your own vows. It is within these words you express your promise to love, honor, & cherish one another. If you are ready for these promises, Conor, please begin when you are ready.

(Conor states vows)

(Samantha states vows)

Thank you for sharing your vows with us.

Conor and Samantha, the rings you are about to place on one another’s fingers are a symbolization of your commitment and love for each other. May they always remind you of the vows you just made to one other and the love you share.

Matt can you please provide the ring for Conor?

Now Conor, please place the ring on Samantha’s left ring finger.

Do you Conor, take Samantha to be your wife, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward?

Megan, can you please provide the ring for Samantha?

Now Samantha, please place the ring on Conor’s left ring finger.

Do you Samantha, take Conor to be your husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward?

And now, Conor and Samantha have asked us to join them in a hand fasting ceremony that will symbolize the joining of two individual paths merging into one, and the start of a journey they will continue together.

(wrapping of the cord)

With the wrap of this cord, you deepen your commitment to each other, Vowing to respect and support one another, To grow with each other, and to offer each other compassion and understating. Let this bond be strong and loving.

By the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the State of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband & wife. You may kiss!

Ladies and Gents, it is with great pleasure to present Mr. & Mrs. Conor Clayton!!