Angela Ellen Williams

Monica & Doug, it is this day you make a giant step of courage, of commitment, to communicate, to love, to understand & to grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that commitment, of that love, of that courage, reaches out & touches all of us around you, so that our lives are changed & we share a part of your love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the love from this celebration extends & changes the world we live in. At this time, we'd like to take a moment of silence to remember those who are not here with us. Even though they are not here physically, they are part of the foundation that makes the Bride and Groom the people they are today. May we remember Doug's grandpa, Monica's grandparents and her Aunt. We are certain they are here today in spirit. In their memory, let us be silent together.-----moment of silence----Thank You. Before we unify you both in marriage. I'll share a short reading by Dana Glover----Reading-----Now, to the good stuff----To truly love, you must both bind your life together with vulnerability. To truly trust, you must have good faith, allow for freedom & independence. To truly respect, you must consciously treat your partner with reverence. Monica & Doug, cherish one another. Never stop doing the small things that convey respect & trust. Hold doors, write notes, listen & strive to understand. Let kindness & tenderness be the rule not the exception. Remember that you're both on the same team. Together you will fight adversity, defeat enemies, build a life & forge a bond that is greater than the sum of its parts. Now, Doug, do you, of your own freewill, take Monica, as your lawful, wedded wife, to love, honor, cherish, protect & defend, as long as you both shall live?---Wait for response. Now, Monica, do you ,of your own free will, take Doug, as your lawful, wedded husband, to love, honor, cherish, protect & defend, as long as you both shall live?---Wait for response. Do you, Doug, vow to place Monica, above all others, before all others & stand true & unmoveable in your support for her through good times & bad?---Wait for response. Do you, Monica, vow to place Doug, above all others, before all others & stand true & unmoveable in your support for him through good times & bad?---Wait for response. Doug & Monica will exchange rings as a symbol of love & commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle, a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vow you have just taken to love each other without end. Doug, please place the ring on Monica's left hand & repeat after me. As a sign of my love---He repeats. That I have chosen you----Repeats. Above all others---Repeats. With this ring I thee wed---Repeats. Monica, please place the ring on Doug's left hand & repeat after me. As a sign of my love---Monica Repeats. That I have chosen you---Repeats. Above all others---Repeats. With this ring I thee wed---Repeats. With these public promises and vows & the symbolic exchange of wedding rings, I now pronounce you by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries & the state of Indiana, husband & wife. You may now kiss the bride! ---Wait for the kiss.(Stepping out of the way for pictures). I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Steele!