Terrica Patrice Williams

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each one of you for being here on this most happy of days. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Grelon and Dominque.

I truly can’t think of a better venue than Elegant Affairs for an occasion that I know is not only monumental for the wedded-couple-to-be, but for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals, but even more so as a perfect pairing.

The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For Dominique, that happened about 25 plus years ago when she met me, and we became friends [ I was like who is this confident short girl who commanded a crowd and always dancing]. But about 20 years ago she met Grelon, who is great man, too. Who would have known, in high school you two would end up here. I know how deeply these two cares for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is Terrica Williams, a long-time friend of both Dominique and Grelon.

I wish I could tell you a single story about Dominique and Grelon that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, and the lives of each of us, but the truth is there isn’t one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. But what I do know is that both cares deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves; that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they’re together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated.

The Vows.

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered together here to join Dominique and Grelon in the union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now.

[Exchanging of vows]

Officiant: And now:

Grelon, do you take Dominique to be your wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him/her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?

[“I do.”]

And Dominique, do you take Grelon to be your husband?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him/her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?

[“I do.”]

The Rings.

Officiant:

Dominique and Grelon will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

Grelon Before you place the ring on Dominique fingers. Repeat after me.:

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

And Dominique, Before you place the ring on Grelon’s left hand repeat after me:

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

The Good Wishes.

Officiant: To make your relationship work will take love. Continue to date each other. Take time to show each other that your love and marriage grows stronger with time.

It will take trust to know that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.

It will take dedication to stay open to one another—and to learn and grow together.

It will take loyalty to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment to hold true to the journey you have both pledged today.

The Declaration of Marriage / "The Kiss"

Officiant: And now by the power vested in me by America Marriage Ministries by the stat of Louisiana, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

[Kiss]

I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Dominique and Grelon Link.