Julie Ludington O'Brien

McFadden Wedding

The warmest welcome to all of you – family and friends who have come some distance to celebrate with Tom and Jamie. They have asked us to be a part of this celebration of their love for each other, and it is with great joy and reverence, that we all take part.

Tom and Jamie seek to continue their commitment, which of course does not begin with today, but began some time ago when they found love in each other.

I’ve known these two for some time and watched their relationship shift and change with time. I can testify to the fact that they are stronger, happier and more complete together, than they ever were apart.

With this step, Tom and Jamie are merging their individual lives, their families, and their friends. They are joining themselves and their personal community into something bigger and more powerful. Their love has prevailed by virtue of its strengths.

Tom and Jamie: The promises you are about to make, will give your marriage significance. It is the unity of your bond that stands as a testament to the world, affirming your love for each other.

Tom and Jamie have selected their vows for today, and I think you will agree that they are most fitting for anyone that knows them.

Jamie: take Tom’s hand and look at him.

Will you take Tom to be your husband, will you love, honor and cherish him, now and forever?

I will

Do you promise to hold Tom’s hand, look him in the eyes, and listen to his hopes, dreams and thoughts?

I do

Do you promise to always laugh at his goofy jokes – forever?

Yes

Tom: Will you take Jamie to be your wife; will you love, honor, and cherish her now and forever?

I will

Do you promise to hold her hand, listen to her needs, and do the little things that brighten her day?

I do

Do you promise to tease her, make silly jokes, and come up with new and creative ways to drive her crazy…forever?

Yes.

Excellent!

Jamie and Tom have chosen to add a sand ritual to their ceremony today. I cannot think of a more appropriate place than Virginia Beach to do this.

Today, you guys are making a commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other. Your relationship is symbolized by the pouring of these to individual containers of sand; one representing you Jamie, and one representing Tom. These individual containers represent all that you were, are, and will ever be, as individuals. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They CAN stand on their own and be whole, without requiring anything else…But when the two are blended together – they represent something more beautiful and extraordinary.

Please mix your containers into one vase.

Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting picture, just as your lives are joined now together. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into their individual containers, your relationship will not ever be divided.

I will top the vase off with plain sand from this beach, as a memory of your commitment to one another this day.

Rings – Place them in my hand.

The wedding ring seals the vows of marriage and represent a promise of everlasting love. It is a physical manifestation of the promises joining this couple together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, because in ancient times, it was believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart…The perfect place for a symbol representing unbreakable love and commitment. These rings are the physical embodiment of the spiritual bond that now binds you two together – no beginning and no end.

Take the Rings

Jamie: Place this ring on Tom’s finger and repeat after me.

I promise Tom, before our family and friends

To commit my love to you

To respect your individuality

To be with you through life’s challenges

To nurture and strengthen the love between us

As long as we both live.

Tom: Place this ring on Jamie’s finger, and repeat after me

Jamie, I give you this ring to wear with love and joy

As a ring has no end, neither does my love

I choose you to be my wife this day and forever

Tom and Jamie have opted to require something of all of you as well.

We are going to pray a blessing over them and vow to support them always. All of you occupy an important place in Tom and Jamie’s lives. It is in your company that these two have learned the lessons of friendship and love.

Please extend one hand, in their direction, and agree with me in prayer:

Father God, we ask on this amazing day – that your steadfast love would continue to grow and manifest itself in Tom and Jamie’s life, reaching them in times of trouble, helping them to celebrate their achievements and joys, and always remaining to be the cornerstone in their faith.

As their family and friends, we pray our abundant blessing over them, and uphold them with our love, our encouragement, and our unwavering support. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen!

Hey Tom…Kiss your wife!

I am super honored to present to you…Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McFadden!!