Christy L Williams

Happy day Friends, family and honored guests

We are gathered together here on this beautiful day to join Azriel Mackey and Dontae Smith in the spiritual union of marriage. First, Let us first bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father Jehovah, We come to you this evening asking for your presence as we join Dante and Azriel in marriage. We ask that you bless this ceremony and the vows that they make to each other today. We know that if they draw close to you and let your word guide them in their union it will be a successful one. We ask you to strengthen their bond and arm them with the tools needed to remain steadfast in the covenant they enter into with you today. We thank you for the grace and mercy that you have with us, for the immeasurable love that you have for us and for all that you have and continue to do for us. In your son Jesus' name we pray ... Amen

Dontae and Azriel, you stand here today before your friends, family and Heavenly Farther ready and eager to embark on the 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, grace and understanding and respect are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. Putting God first and each other right behind that will ensure that you are successful in your marriage. Difficult times will come surely surface but you can take comfort in knowing that you have a strong partner to get through it with. Be each other’s strength in times of weakness and each other’s encouragement and times of defeat. Beach others voice of reason in times when you are unsure. Be each other’s best friend.

Dontae in Azriel, you are getting a beautiful, talented, loyal partner who has shown that she can withstand the tests of time. This gift is not to be taken for granted but to be cherished and appreciated. Always remain loyal and do not allow temptation to bring disarray to your house. Lead by example and with consideration. Remember to keep the outside noise out of your thoughts when it come to matters of your union. Genesis 2:24 says "therefore a man leaves his father and mother and is united with his wife, and they become one flesh." Hold on to those words and protect her at all costs. Because what the Bible also says at Proverbs 18:22 is that He who finds himself a wife, find a good thing!”

Azriel in Dontae, you are getting a protector, who is strong but gentle, stern but kind and has already shown that he will support you at all times. Remember to always appreciate him, outwardly. Knowing that he is rare like the finest of gems. Remember to listen to and hear him. Let him lead you as you are choosing him to do.

Ephesians 5:22-27 tells us that Wives should submit to their husbands for the husband is the head of the household just as Christ is head of the church. It tells husbands to love your wives just as Christ loved the church and even gave himself up on behalf of it. It says that a husband should love his wife as he does his own body. Because no man has ever hated his own body, but instead he feeds it and cherishes it just as Christ did... And we know she loves some Chicken wings..so feed her

Azriel Mackey and Dontae Smith will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Azriel Mackey take this man Dontae Smith to be your lawfully wedded husband, choosing him to be no other than himself, loving what you already know of him and trusting what you do not yet know? Do you choose him over all others and vow to never put anyone before him? to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

Do you Dontae Smith take this woman Azriel Mackey to be your lawfully wedded wife, choosing her to be no other than herself, loving what you already know of her and trusting what you do not yet know? Do you choose her over all others and vow to never put anyone before her? 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?

Dontae and Azriel have exchanged their vows as a display of their dedication and commitment to one another as whole people, supporting each other’s individual dreams and goals. But marriage is also about the blending of two distinct lives, and two distinct personalities, into a new, synergetic and meaningful partnership. While both will stay whole, their paths will join and become one.

To honor this, they’ve asked us to join them as they perform a sand ceremony, symbolizing this blending of two into one.

Azriel and Dontae, before you there are 3 vases. The two filled vases represents each of you standing on your own individually. Once blended, the third, will represent the two of you coming together and standing as one. You may now take turns pouring your sand to the larger vase, thinking, as you do, of the journey you will now walk together. Azriel, would you like to go first?”

The sand mixed together in this vase is virtually inseparable, just as your marriage should be until one of you perishes... "Thank you both for sharing this beautiful ritual with us! Now, please join me back at the podium.”

As their final visual symbolization of their love and commitment, Azriel and Dontae will now exchange rings.

Dontae please place your ring on Azriel's finger and repeat after me...

With this ring, I wed you Azriel, for today, tomorrow and for all of the years to come...

Please wear it as a reminder of my eternal love, unwavering loyalty and dedication to the vows taken here today.

Azriel please place your ring on Dontae's finger and repeat after me...

With this ring, I wed you Dontae, for today tomorrow and for all of the years to come...

Please wear it as a reminder of my eternal love, unwavering loyalty and dedication to the vows taken here today.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Louisiana I now pronounce you husband and wife! And I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

Dontae you may kiss your bride!!!!