Jason P Bull

Dear Family, Friends and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Derek and Jessica in the spiritual 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. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

When reflecting on the meaning of marriage, I came across an excerpt by Daphne Rose Kingma that I'd like to share with you.

'In marriage, we say not only I love you today, but also I promise to love you tomorrow, the next day and always. In promising always, we promise each other time. We promise to exercise our love, to stretch it large enough to embrace the unforeseen realities of our future. We promise to learn to love beyond the level of our instincts and inclinations, to love in foul weather as well as good, to love in hard times as well as when we are exhilarated by the pleasures of romance. We change because of these promises, We shape ourselves according to them; we live in their midst and live differently because of them. We feel protected because of them. Our souls are protected; our hearts have come home.'

I have to share a story, Jessica had gone on a trip, and I saw a picture that was posted or was sent to me, I cant remember, and I remember seeing this young man standing behind her and something about him spoke to me, something good and sincere. Of course as a nosey father, I inquired on the young man in the photo and was assured he was just a friend that was along for the trip, I could tell by the sound of her voice she was excited about this guy. I kind of pressed and said maybe you should go on a date and what not and of course I was abruptly told no, he's just a friend. I believe I may have brought it up a couple of more times and then I got a phone call that she was in fact going on a date! I remember feeling a sense of happiness and relief as A father just knows, and I knew this young man deserved my daughter and he would be the perfect partner for her. Fast forward 6 month and I get a text/call from Derek, now mind you, this young man has never called me and I remember looking at my wife and saying, Derek wants to talk, THIS IS IT!, he was such a gentleman and I cold tell he was nervous and I think I said yes before he even asked the question, and I almost drove off the road.

When two souls belong together, there is little in the universe that can keep them apart, its an energy that cannot be ignored, and it is one of the times as a father I can say "I told you so!"

So enough with the sappy dad stories, I could go on forever. Lets get on with the wedding

Do you Derek take this woman Jessica to be your lawfully wedded Wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Jessica take this man Derek to be your lawfully wedded Husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Derek and Jessica will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Derek, placing the ring on Jessicas hand, please repeat after me. "Jessica, with this ring, I promise to give my all to you, and to love you for all eternity.

Jessica, placing the ring on Dereks hand, please repeat after me. "Derek, with this ring, I promise to give my all to you, and to love you for all eternity"

*(Ring Exchange)*

At this time we will light the Unity Candle. Derek and Jessica, please take one of the smaller candles. Each of the candles represents you as individuals. After lighting your candles. Jessica and Derek please take your candles and light the center candle together. The center candle represents your joining of two individuals into one married couple. Each year on your anniversary you will relight your candles and relive your vows."

(soft music plays during unity candle lighting)

(return to alter after lighting)

Jessica and Derek, having given your promises to one another and professing your endless love in front of all of your friends and family,

By the authority vested in me by the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife, Derek, you may kiss your bride.

Everyone, let me be the first to formally introduce you to Mr and Mrs. Derek & Jessica Johnson

(recession starts)