Harvey Charles Huff

Lauren & Joseph

5/28/2022

We have gathered here to celebrate the coming together of two lives and to witness the joining of Lauren and Joseph in marriage. Meeting at Joseph’s annual family Luau and being introduced multiple times by different people turned into a joke. Having fun with the situation they began introducing themselves as different people. Here we are 8 years later buying a house and moved in together with their rescued cat Peaky. Enjoying dressing up and going to fancy places to eat. Joseph a down to earth and relaxed Bills fan and college basketball fan (North Carolina) who loves Eminem. Lauren being very caring and thoughtful enjoying family and family time and loves to cook and create gifts. We are here to celebrate with them, the love they have discovered in each other and to support them in the making of this important and everlasting commitment.

The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in their entirety as lover, companion and friend. It is a decision which is not to be entered in to lightly, but rather it is to be undertaken thoughtfully and reverently, with gratitude for the past, hope for the future and great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

Love of another is one of the greatest experiences that we can share, for it adds depth of meaning to our lives. Marital love is one of life's greatest joys and when combined with genuine giving and sharing, the lives of each other will be infinitely enhanced. The day-to-day companionship, the joy of doing things together, and the delight of recounting experiences of things done separately, is a continuous and central part of what two people who love each other can share.

Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives... it must not diminish the individuality of each self but rather enhance the character of each partner. A good and balanced relationship is one which neither person is overpowered or absorbed by the other. Deep knowledge of another and a real understanding of the others feelings is not something that can be achieved in a short period of time but can only be developed fully with years of commitment, love and trust.

We are here today to celebrate the love which Lauren and Joseph have for each other and recognize their decision to take each other entirely and eternally. Into this bond of marriage these two people now come to be united. Lauren and Joseph your love for one another and your constant and continuous commitment to your vows will result in a marriage which is blessed with a peaceful home and a relationship that will flourish.

Expression of Intent

Do you Lauren take Joseph to be your beloved husband, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Joseph and support him, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love him completely, to console and comfort him during difficult times, to laugh with him and to grieve with him, to share with his life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with him, and to cherish him, for as long as you both shall live?

Lauren: I do.

Do you Joseph, take Lauren, to be your beloved wife, knowing in your heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a loving companion? On this special day, in the presence of family and friends as witnesses, do you give your sacred vow that you will always be with Lauren and support her, in times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow? Do you promise to love her completely, to console and comfort her during difficult times, to laugh with her and to grieve with her, to share with her life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with her, and to cherish her, for as long as you both shall live?

Joseph: I do.

The Unity Candle Ceremony

Lauren & Joseph have chosen to commemorate their Marriage by lighting a Unity Candle. This represents the joining of two families.

At this time we would like Elizabeth, Lauren’s Mother and Julie, Joseph’s Mother please come up to light the individual candles as a symbol of their Love towards their children and where they come from.

Lauren and Joseph will now join these flames. Light is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses and inner glow that represents our hopes, our dreams, and aspirations of life.

Lauren and Joseph, the two distinct candle flames represent your lives before this day, individual, unique, and special.

Please take the candles symbolizing your life before today and together light the center candle to symbolize the union of your individual lives. Join hands.

As this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From now on your thoughts will always be for each other and not for your individual selves. Your plans will be mutual. Your joys and sorrows both will be shared alike.

Although you are now entering into a marriage relationship, you do not however lose your personal identity. Rather you will use your special individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of your marriage. Therefore, all three candles remain glowing. The individual candles represent all that makes each of you the wonderful and unique person the other admires and respects.

The Unity Candle in the center symbolizes the union of your lives, families, and friends as well as your shing commitment to each other, and to a lasting and loving marriage.

Ceremony of Rings:

Wedding rings serve as a symbol of the vows you have shared here today. They are the outward and visible sign of an inward and evident love... which binds your hearts together forever. Rings are without edge or seam, having no beginning or end, so they symbolize the perfection of love that does not end. May these rings be a reminder to you of the vows you have shared and a symbol to all of your commitment to the marriage. With these rings you are now one.

Lauren take your ring for Joseph and as you place it on his finger, repeat after me:

Joseph receive this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder to you that I am always by your side. As I place it on your finger... I commit my heart and soul to you.

Joseph take your ring for Lauren and as you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

Lauren receive this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder to you that I am always by your side. As I place it on your finger... I commit my heart and soul to you.

Pronouncement and Kiss:

Lauren and Joseph, may you live in love all your days. May this love, which has brought you together, continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet, any problems which may arise and challenge you with courage... and your relationship be one of love and trust. May the happiness you share, be with you always and everything you have said and done her today be a living truth in both your lives.

Declaration

Having declared to each other and those present, your intentions to take each other in matrimony and have pledged your faithfulness each to the other and have pledged the same by the giving and receiving of a ring, by the authority vested in me as a minister according to the laws of the State of New York and American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you husband and wife.

May I Introduce Lauren & Joseph Christopher!!