Troy Daniel Reece

I would like to welcome each and every one of you to this heartfelt ceremony. My name is Troy Daniel Reece and as the Minister, I will be leading this ceremony, it’s an honor to have been asked to lead this event. As well it’s an honor to have all of you here to witness this joining of Felicia and LoriAnne as a couple before God. I got to meet with Felicia and LoriAnne over 90 days ago, and we spoke about this special day. I asked the two what they wanted me to include in this ceremony, and as most know Felicia was quiet and LoriAnne told me to keep things simple as Felicia shook her head yes. I shared that I do my best to keep these events light and funny... but most importantly, to keep it around the couple. You’ve been asked here today because you all have played an important part in Felicia and LoriAnne’s life. As well as to those who are here in Spirit that pass before this grateful day. Maybe you were that childhood family member who taught LoriAnne or Felicia who to act outside the home, or that friend who taught either of the bugs aren’t gross, or who showed them how to sneak out of there bedroom window at night -- don’t worry, we won’t name names, but we’re glad you’re here. I know some of you, definitely held LoriAnne or Felicia's hair back after those infamous Home High School football game parties. And a few of you have only met these two recently, as the incredible power couple, they’ve become. Regardless of how you first met Felicia and LoriAnna there, happy you made it here in person or in Spirit, to show your love and support for this momentous occasion…

And of course to get free food and drinks! As they share the next decades of their life together, they’re going to experience their fair share of ups and downs. But one thing I know about these two is that they complete each other perfectly, and are happiest when they’re together. They’re like chips and guacamole, peanut butter and jelly, chocolate sauce and milk! You just can’t have one without the other!!! Once you put ‘em together, you can’t take ‘em apart. They’re better together and bonded for life.

The Couple requested this verse to be shared (1Peter 4:8 - Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins)

Who gives this person away today? To Felicia/ To LoriAnne

If there’s anyone here today who has just cause, that these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Let's pray...

Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. I ask that this space and all here be blessed by your kindness and healing hand and let it protect us as we go forth. We are joyed that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched all our lives with a variety of loving relationships, and we give thanks today for LoriAnne and Felicia and their family and for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Aman

Sand Ceremony - Felicia and LoriAnne , while the words you spoke will seale your union, it is the combining of sands that truly symbolizes the melding of your family souls together. At this time Felicia and LoriAnne and LoriAnne seven children should receive a vessel, each containing sand of a different color. Each of you now holds a vessel of sand. Allow this sand to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every grain of sand is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be. And now, tilt your vessels forward and pour your sand into the vessel of marriage. Watch as the grains of sand mix together, forming one structure. So too, today, have your two spirits and the spirits of the kids come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined sands have combined to form a collection much grander than you ever could have accumulated on your own. Note also, that now combined, the sands may never again be separated. Your lives, like the sand, have become even more combined. Your spirits are so intertwined that they may never again be truly torn. As you move forth in life, keep each other close to the heart, recognizing that each of you is part of each other now.

As we celebrate this bond of unity today under the eyes of God, it is important that we keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we witness here today are serious and life-altering commitments. LoriAnne and Felicia have enough love for each other to share with all of us, but also to share with their seven very special hearts with a love and protection stronger than any other. Their children are a constant source of joy, inspiration, and hope for them. The Kids with their curiosity, humor, and determination remind them to look at things with a light heart and focus. And their compassion, acceptance, and forgiving nature remind them to tend to the others needs and forgive moments of imbalance. And the playfulness, affection, and flexibility remind them to be open to new changes and to find the fun in every step they take. Without you seven kids this day would not be complete.

Felicia and LoriAnne , I would now invite you to face and publicly speak your commitment to each other. Felicia, would you like to begin? (Spouse states their vow...)

LoriAnne , your turn. (Spouse states their vow...)

Children : Do you all accept this bonding with your mother and Felicia, and accept Felicia as a member of your family and into your life as a friend, mother, father, and guardian from this day forth. Austin – I Do, Hunter – I Do, Noah – I Do, Tanner – I Do, Zander – I Do, Lakota – I Do, Cruz

The wedding ring's circular shape reflects the unending power of love – a force with no beginning and no end. You should wear these rings proudly and let them remind you each day of your commitment to one another. Please repeat after me:

I, Felicia , give you LoriAnne this ring as a symbol of my love. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my days. I give you all that I am, and accept all that you are.

I, LoriAnne , give you Felicia this ring as a symbol of my love. As I place it on your finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my days. I give you all that I am, and accept all that you are.

Family and friends, by the power vested in me by the state of North Carolina, I am pleased to pronounce Felicia and LoriAnne as Wife and Wife, sealed together by law and in love.

Kiss - Minister: You may now kiss.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Mrs. and Mrs. Chambers!