Heidi Elaine Williams

"We are gathered here today to celebrate a time of gratitude, gladness, and joy. It is one of life's greatest miracles when two people love each other so much that they are willing to commit their lives together, as one in spirit.The ability to love is a miraculous gift that God has given us, and a wedding is a celebration of that gift. Today, we have been invited to share and to rejoice with and , and to vow our unconditional love and support to them as they begin their journey as husband and wife.

Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing more courageous, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven or earth, because love is born of God, and cannot exist but in God; it is above all created things. Love is the reason we are here.

According to God's plan for their lives Brooke and Reggie have chosen each other, and we are gathered here to witness their vows of love and to offer our blessings and support for their marriage.

And they would like to thank all their guests for being here today. And we take a moment now to recognize the family members of Brooke and Reggie and to thank them for their love, support and devotion, as these two grew from adolescence and into the beautiful individuals who stand here before us on this special day. Thank you for teaching them values and showing them the beauty and joy of loving another person.At this time, we would also like to honor those who could not be with us today. Although some of our loved ones are not here with us physically, we feel blessed they are with us in spirit on this beautiful day. We offer a moment of silence to honor their memory."

● MOMENT OF SILENCE.

RECOGNITION OF CHILDREN

officiant to the reception

"Brooke and Reggie have enough love for each other to share with all of us, but also to envelope four 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.

JERAMIAH’s curiosity, humor, and determination remind them to look at things with a light heart and focus.

RHEAL’s’s playfulness, affection, and flexibility remind them to be open to new changes and to find the fun in every step they take.

RAYEN’’s unapologetic attitude, passion, and kind heart remind them that even through the rain they will find a rainbow.

JACK JACK’s compassion, acceptance, and forgiving nature remind them to tend to the others needs and forgive moments of imbalance.

Without you, Jeramiah, Rheal, Rayen, and Reggie Jackson, this day would not be complete.

SERMON ON RELATIONSHIPS

officiant to the couple

"The two of you know quite well that life is difficult and relationships are challenging . . . but as you travel through life together you'll always have someone to share the good, the bad & the ugly!

But what I’d like you to do now, is reflect on the here and now . . . how you are feeling; what does the air feel on your skin, how does the sun feel, how do your hands feel in each other. Soak it all in. Look (out of the corner of your eye) and see your friends and family. Who is sitting where and next to whom? Who's smiling or crying (why are they crying?).

Soak the day in and remember it . . . treasure it, so you can forever remember what this moment felt like. You'll need this memory to face the challenging times when you disagree."

BIBLE READING

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

I just wanted to share a couple scriptures about what the Bible says about Marriage and Unity.

Matthew 19 v.6 “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Corinthians 13 v.4-8 “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.”

PRAYER

officiant to the reception

"Let's pray...

Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice 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 Brooke and Reggie and for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts.

Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, given to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish.

In your loving arms we pray, Amen.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

officiant to the couple

"The covenant of marriage is one that can be entered into only by persons who are both legally and spiritually free to offer themselves to each other."

Therefore, in the presence of God and in the presence of all of the witnesses here, I will ask Brooke and Reggie to state their intention. Have the two of you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in the holy state of matrimony?"

● The couple responds in unison with 'We have'.

VOWS EXCHANGE

officiant to partner a

"You have chosen to write your vows, and it is with these words you express your binding promises to love, honor, and cherish one another. If you are ready to make these promises to each other I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions.

When you're ready you may begin.

● THE couple readS the vows they have written.

RINGS EXCHANGE

officiant to the ring bearer

"Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us. The rings you are about to place on each other's fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of the vows you have just spoken, and of the eternal love that you have for one another."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

"Brooke, place the ring on Reggie’s finger and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger…From this moment forward...So will my love forever encircle you...You will never walk alone...My heart will be your shelter...My arms will be your home...We will walk thru life as partners & best friends...I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you...Just the way you are...I give you my heart until the end of time...I have no greater gift to give."

● PARTNER A REPEATS THE WORDS PHRASE BY PHRASE.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

"Now,Reggie, place the ring on Brooke's finger and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger...from this moment forward...so will my love forever encircle you...You will never walk alone...My heart will be your shelter...My arms will be your home...We will walk thru life as partners & best friends...I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you...just the way you are...I give you my heart until the end of time...I have no greater gift to give."

● PARTNER B REPEATS THE WORDS PHRASE BY PHRASE.

PRONOUNCEMENT

officiant to the couple

"We close with a final blessing for your marriage:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be a shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth. Amen.In as much as Brooke and Reggie have truly and openly chosen each other, declared their love and purpose before family, friends, and God, and have made their pledge to each other, symbolized by the giving and receiving of rings.

It is my pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss!"

officiant to the reception

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson ."