John Alexander Jordan

Dearly beloved…*smile…Beloved….I think of that word and I can’t help but stand here in awe as I think of the dynamic of this group before me. If you don’t know by now ‘The Story of Us’, the reception will be fun! I don’t know if it is a common trait of the youngest child to become observant of the world around you. But I stand here with a unique perspective:

Randy, I don’t know when Haughton High School coined the phrase "We Love Our Big Red Band", but I promise every time I hear any school's drum corps I hear you. When the movie Drum Line came out I was looking to see if you were in the background showing them a thing or two. I see where Gary gets his tenacity and determination.

Annie, you danced with both of my sisters on the dance line as the Haughton High-Steppers. I see the hair, I see the white round hat, I see the routines. I see where Gary gets his loyalty and smile.

Jason, unbeknownst to me that voice rang familiarities when we first met that brought back a memory from my younger days that I couldn’t quite place. Ah yes, the radio voice. As unique as a finger print. Behold, I do know who you are. I was… I am still...a fan. I see why Kenzie is one of a kind.

Debbie...Debbie and I chuckle a lot, at many things, and even though we grew up together 363 days apart, we first met when we went to prom my Junior Prom. Not as each other’s date, but in the same caravan. Debbie and I share in a lot and we forever will. I have always seen where Kenzie gets her strong independence.

As you taught them to walk. As you taught them to talk. You taught them to love. The result of that force applied to potential energy, kinetically, they learned to walk towards each other, talk to each other, love each other.

Two separate individuals took off on an adventure not knowing the outcome. Not knowing it would lead to this moment.

Randy and Annie…Jason and Debbie. You set in motion a Rube Goldberg machine. Their path crossing today, that passage does not end here.

“Beloved”…we are gathered here indeed; to witness God’s plan.

What is God's plan? I look up the word Luck.

Luck (Faith) - the FORCE that seems to operate for good in a person’s life, shaping circumstances, good fortune

How, in the planet of people did you two find each other. Of all the elementary joints in all the world, she had to walk into yours, eh? As they say, "Luck would have it".

Grit (Hope) - courage and resolve

The courage to put your heart out there for someone else, courage to see each other across the room, courage to smile at each other and say hello…courage to say yes. And resolve yourself to each other. The story of Gary and Kenzie is a story of true Grit.

Luck and Grit; force and courage. You can imagine I speak of Faith and Hope. There is a third.

Love - The greatest of these is Love.

Why is Love the greatest of these? There is a favorite song we sang at Airline Church of Christ. The entire song is just three words, sang in the four ranges. The Alto Ladies would start out. And as it repeats itself, the Soprano Ladies enter making it twice as beautiful. Then comes the fun part. To see which one the men will choose. I am a fan of Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavaratti, Jose Carreas, Andrea Bocelli, so naturally I am the only one who chose Tenor. Everybody else...Bass.

The most beautiful rendition of just three words I’ve ever heard when all four sing in harmony. God is Love.

Why is Love the greatest of these? Because, God is Love.

The notion of marriage as a sacrament, namely a Christian rite recognized to be of particular importance and significance, can be traced back to St. Paul. In the New Testament book of Ephesians, at Chapter 5, Paul compared the relationship of a husband and wife to that of Christ and his church:

-Verse 25: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”.

You are bound in God’s Love.

I'm inspired by the story of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 4:12

Where one may be over powered.

Two can defend themselves.

A cord of three is not so quickly broken.

I offer you this cord of three I wear and now give to you. Prayed over by your parents, your guardians, your friends and family. A cord of three representing -- Gary Waymen Wilson, Mackenzie Ann Coffel, and God --

If there is anyone here who believes these two should not be married…too late…stop hating!

We will now join Mackenzie Ann Coffel and Gary Wilson in the spiritual union of marriage.

This partnership 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.

Mackenzie Ann Coffel and Gary Wilson will now share their vows.

Do you Mackenzie Coffel take this man Gary Wilson to be your lawfully wedded partner, 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)*

Do you Gary Wilson take this woman Mackenzie Coffel to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

By the authority bestowed in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Oklahoma I now pronounce you wife and husband!