Aaron Troy Brown

BEFORE THE PROCESSIONAL

The bride and groom request that all phones are turned off for the ceremony and promise that all pictures will be shared by the couple in the coming weeks.

THE PROCESSIONAL

WORDS OF WELCOME

You may all be seated.

Welcome family, friends, and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate the very special love between Ally and Greg by joining them in marriage.

[turn to Ally and Greg]

Before we continue, Ally and Greg, please take a second to turn towards your guests, and take in this moment, and appreciate those who have come to celebrate with you two. Everyone here holds special places in each and both of your hearts and are here to support the love you've created, together.

Ally and Greg have invited you all here today to witness their love and the start of their marriage. They value each role you have played in the experiences of life that lead them here today, and are so grateful that you could join them in this monumental milestone.

[Ally and Greg look back at each other]

INTRODUCTION

I think I've had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those who I haven't met, my name is Aaron Brown.

You're probably wondering "who is this guy?" He doesn't have a white collar. He's not wearing a sole. I'll answer that question with a short story. It all started in 1997. Bill and Deb moved into the house across the street in Mount Laurel. Deb was pregnant with Ally, and Eileen was pregnant with Keely. Little did we know how close the Wesoly's and McHugh-Brown's would become over the next 25 years. But it got off to a rocky start because I asked "what is this guy doing to perfectly good two-car garage?" "He's turning it into a mother-in-law suite?!" Over time, our kids became their kids, and vice-versa. It evolved from Friday nights in the driveway with tiki torches and baby monitors, to birthday parties, youth and high school sports, learning to play poker with Oma and Opa, colleges, beer pong, and 22 years of New Year's Eve celebrations. We four had the pleasure of watching these six kids grow into young adults. I think Sam started the tradition of getting Mr. Brown's approval of boyfriends by bringing them over to the house. Lindsay followed. I'm sorry Greg, but Ally didn't bring you over, so you're out of luck. But we can still get to know each other. Tee time tomorrow at 0700 good for you?

The point is that it's been my privilege to have known Ally for her entire life.

And y'all thought I was going to stick to the script?

Okay, the scripts says "the most important aspect of being a good kid is having good parents as role models." Wait a minute. I just disclosed to your guests that Bill and I taught you how to play poker and beer pong? How is that being a good role model?

The truth is that Bill and I was just along for the ride. And what a ride it was. It was my greatest honor to call her dad, Bill, my best friend for over 20 years.

It is very obvious why Ally and the rest of the Wesoly's are so incredibly witty, strong, and good drinkers. Bill was the first person to every hear about Greg when the couple first met. In fact, he was the one to tell Ally to "chill out" after not hearing from Greg after a few days. But like all good Sakos', Greg came through at the perfect moment. And so did Greg's nickname from Bill. The "Jersey Redneck" stuck as Bill never heard of anyone from New Jersey hunting and fishing before. And Greg's respect for Bill went far beyond his support for Ally and the family. Greg made it a point to ask her father for permission to marry Ally before he passed away. I and everyone else hear knows that Bill is with us today in spirit and couldn't be happier about of this union.

OFFICIANT ADDRESSES ALLY AND GREG

[share a memory of both of us, or when you met Greg for the first time]

Greg and Ally, what you've accomplished here today is no small feat. Your journey began long before you sent out the wedding invitations. You took the time to learn what makes the other person smile, what makes them laugh, and how to best support them when life is less than simple. You welcomed each other's families, communities, and lifelong friends, and joined them together with warmth and enthusiasm. You built a new village with your love, and have worked every day to support this village as it changes and grows.

Marriages can encounter hard days, just as they bring beautiful ones. This day is a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, and the amazing possibilities of what it can continue to accomplish and overcome in the many years ahead of you.

EXCHANGE VOWS

Dear beloved and honored guests. We are gathered here today to join Ally and Greg in 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.

The bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now.

[rock-paper-scissors]

[Ally reads vows]

And now Greg

[Greg reads vows]

Ally, do you take Greg to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?

[Ally: I do]

And Greg, do you take Ally to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

[Greg: I do]

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never-ending. Thes rings should be a reminder of the commitment to love each other that you have made today.

[Jake passes ring to Greg]

Repeat after me. I, Ally give you Greg, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

Okay, Greg, your turn. Repeat after me. I, Greg, give you Ally, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you.

BLESSING

Ally and Greg, you have now affirmed your love for each other before your family and friends. You have come from different backgrounds, and have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love has transcended these differences. In the years before you, may your adventures together always enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.

CLOSING REMARKS

I tried to find something clever to say in Polish or German but since Guinness and the Irish have had such an influence on Bill and I, I'll offer you both this Irish blessing:

My God be with you and bless you.

May you see your children's children.

May you be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessing.

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

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

Greg, you may kiss the bride.

[step out from the pergola to the side]

PRESENTATION OF THE NEW COUPLE

It is my pleasure to present you as husband and wife.

THE RECESSIONAL