Henry O Badgett, Jr.

"We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments.

We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Greylyn Gilson and Vikki McDonald as they complete their family in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity."

PRAYER

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before you today praising You, Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon Grey and Vikki as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another.

Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen."

• THE RECEPTION RESPONDS WITH 'AMEN'.

"The joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for personal growth that no other human relationship can equal.

A husband and wife are each other's best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics. The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every fact of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger.

Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Grey and Vikki, as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with respect and remind yourself often of what brought you here today."

At this time, I understand you have some personal sentiments you would like to share with one another. After you both have completed, we will then proceed to the sand ceremony.

Vikki, you may start.

SAND CEREMONY

Today you join your separate lives to make one. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families, and separate sets of friends: they represent all that you are and all that you will ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are emptied, the individual containers of sand no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. And just as these grains of sand can never be separated neither will your love.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Please face one another and hold hands."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

"Vikki McDonald, do you take Greylyn Gilson to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

• PARTNER B RESPONDS WITH 'I DO'.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

Greylyn Gilson , do you take Vikki McDonald to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

• PARTNER A RESPONDS WITH 'I DO'.

RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE RING BEARER

"May we now have the rings?"

• THE RINGS ARE PRESENTED.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another."

OFFICIANT TO PARTER B

"Grey, please place this ring on Vikki’s finger and repeat after me:

Vikki, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always."

• PARTNER B REPEATS THE VOWS.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"Vikki, please place this ring on Grey’s finger and repeat after me:

Grey, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always."

• PARTNER A REPEATS THE VOWS.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Vikki and Grey, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey.

Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind."

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"Grey and Vikki, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends."

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

"By the power vested in me by the State of Wisconsin, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"You may now kiss your beautiful bride."

• THE COUPLE KISSES.

Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Greylyn and Vikki Gilson."

RECESSIONAL