Denise Chevere

Friends, Ashley Karissa and Nicolas

have invited us here today, in the presence of God, to share in the celebration of their marriage. We who gather here today are separated by the many different experiences that we have had.

Despite these differences, we gather here today in this place because we share something in common. We share a desire to affirm and support the relationship of Ashley Karissa and Nicolas.

Marriage is an act of will. It requires a commitment to care for another person. By caring we show concern for the life and growth of those whom we love. Marriage requires a commitment to take responsibility for another person. By responding we experience the needs of that other person and try to help meet those needs.

Today, guided by God’s love and wisdom, we affirm and celebrate Ashley Karissa and Nicolas wedding day.

Ashley Karissa and Nicolas, today you are here to join both of your lives together. These two separate vases of sand symbolize your separate lives before you found each other. They symbolize your separate friends, family, and choices.

Today, both of you will seal your bond by blending these two individual vases together. Once the sand is blended together, it cannot be separated. Just as the sand cannot be separated, your friends and family are here today to witness your love never separating.

By blending these sands together, we are recognizing the importance of blending two families together. May you always honor and protect your family.

Before God, your friends, and your families, I ask you to affirm your willingness to enter the covenant of marriage and to share all the joys and sorrows of your lives and your relationship, whatever the future may hold.

Nicolas, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?

Ashley Karissa, do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?

Repeat after me. I take you, _____, this day as my wife/husband. I promise to walk by your side forever as your best friend and your soul mate. You are my beloved one and I am proud to marry you. I promise to support your dreams and to be there for you all our lives.

From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never-ending. This ring should be a reminder of the commitment to love each other that you have made today.

Repeat after me. I, _____, give you _____, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

May God bless you and keep you.

Ashley Karissa and Nicolas, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nicolas, you may kiss the bride.

It is my pleasure to present to you Ashley Karissa and Nicolas as husband and wife.