Bernadette Riley

Good Evening Family & Friends,

Before we begin, I'd like us to take a moment to remember those of our family who are with us in spirit today.

Grandpa Augustine, Uncle David, Uncle Lawrence, Uncle Gerard

Grandpa Lawrence, Baba Ruth, Grandpa Ralph, Uncle Tone, & Aunt Peg.

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone today as Niall & Rebecca join in marriage.

When I was initially asked to do this, my first thought was "How am I going to be serious and not crack a joke? People know I'm the sarcastic one!"

But then the moment of when my parents brought Niall home came to mind. Back then we didn't find out if the baby was going to be a boy or a girl. My brothers wanted a boy, and my sister and I was a girl. My parents just wanted the baby to be healthy. They walked in the door with this tiny human and introduced us to our new brother. My brothers cheered but my sister and I were not as happy because we knew we'd be officially outnumbered. But...over the years I've loved watching him grow up. Today he stands before me a man. God knew we needed him in our lives. He is loving. He is kind. He makes me laugh and has been my partner in crime.

I am honored today to join him to Rebecca. His partner in life. She has brought out the best in him. I've seen how she cares for him, takes care of him, and respects him. I couldn't ask for a better person to join our family.

All of us have gathered together today to wish your marriage be one of trust, understanding, patience, communication, and forgiveness.

Trust: To always take each other's feelings into account through the good times and bad.

Understanding: As you will continue to change as individuals

Patience: To love each other through the difficult times

Communication: To work together to solve life's problems

Forgiveness: Knowing we are all imperfect beings

Niall & Rebecca

You are about to make vows that promise each other, that over the years you will invest your time, love, and commitment to each other.

Do you promise to respect, care for, and love each other unconditionally from this day forward?

Both respond "We do"

I will now have you turn and face each other and join hands.

Niall repeat after me:

Rebecca, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love

To share life's journey

To love you for all time

To be faithful in heart, mind, and soul

Rebecca repeat after me:

Niall, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love

To share life's journey

To love you for all time

To be faithful in heart, mind, and soul

Niall & Rebecca will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and fidelity.

Niall & Rebecca, you have promised your hearts and pledged your commitment to one another through these vows.

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and The State of New Mexico, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now seal this joining with a kiss.

Final Blessing

May your love be as beautiful each day from this point forward, as it is today.

May each day you share be as precious as the day you were joined.

May you always see and encourage the best in each other.

May the challenges life brings, make your marriage stronger.

And, may you always be each other's best friend and greatest love.