Justin A O’Neal

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Thomas Calvillo and Sarah Shea in the spiritual union of marriage.

If you didn’t already know, it is said that their wonderful relationship started with a meme. Believe it or not memes are defined as an element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation. With that in mind, I cannot think of a more perfect couple to have their behaviors imitated and their beliefs carried on. When I met Tommy, the first thing out of his mouth was a compliment. As small as it was, it was a testament to his character as his compassion and kindness has been unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He’s someone who always puts others before himself, even if it may be inconvenient to him. He’s someone who will push others out of their comfort zone, not to annoy them, but because he can see the the potential in everyone he meets. I didn’t think anyone could match his compassion, until I met Sarah. I remember when I met Sarah the first time, oh wait that’s a lie I don’t remember anything about that night because I was too inebriated, but neither did Sarah for the same reasons. What I do remember like yesterday was Tommy inviting Sarah to our designated boys night. For those of you who don’t know, boys night usually gets pretty wild. Needless to say I was worried about first impressions, especially since there were already signs that this girl was particularly special to Tommy. So Sarah walked in that night to a group of about four college guys playing rockband with nothing but their underwear on. Why you ask? Again I can’t remember. But did she get weirded out? Well maybe. But did she leave? No, she picked up a rockband guitar and showed us all what it’s like to be good at video games. This cemented her spot as a regular at boys night and was no doubt another one of the countless reasons Tommy fell for her. I can also remember the night I knew what they had was real when Tommy said to me “Hey I really like this Sarah, and Daniel does too”. Yes. Truly a historic moment. The only thing better than these two by themselves is the two of them together. Truly these two have a love that goes far beyond words, and this power also reflects in how they treat others, and I hope to keep them in my life forever as they’ve truly shown me (and many others) what it is to feel like a family despite not being blood.

I can go on and on about my memories with these amazing people, but tonight is about them and the memories they are going to be making together for the rest of their lives. So with that being said, let’s get down to business.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Thomas Calvillo and Sarah Shea will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Thomas Calvillo take this woman Sarah Shea to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Sarah Shea take this man Thomas Calvillo to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Thomas Calvillo and Sarah Shea will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Texas I now pronounce you husband and wife!