Brandon McMillin
Minister ID: 770101-506737 View Ordination Certificate
Officiated by Brandon McMillin at Ridgefield in Arcata, California on August 24th, 2024.
"The Beach wedding was a truly special celebration. As close friends, being asked to officiate their ceremony was a meaningful honor. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the day was filled with love, connection, and moments that made it an unforgettable experience."
Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand.
Who here gives this woman to be married?
You all may be seated.
Good afternoon everyone! My name is Brandon McMillin. I am a long-term friend of Taylor and Lances. I had the pleasure of living with these two when they first became a couple, and now I have the great honor of officiating today's ceremony.
We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate a truly special moment in the lives of Taylor and Lance. Today, we witness not only the joining of two hearts but the merging of two souls who have found in each other a love that is deep, genuine, and unwavering.
At this time, we’d like to take a moment to remember those who are not here with us today, those who could not be here, and those who have passed on. In particular, we remember Taylors Grandma, Kay, and Lances father, Jerry. We also remember our beloved friend, Barb. We know that they are here with us in spirit.
And before we begin todays ceremony, Taylor and Lance would like to take a moment to express their heartfelt gratitude to their parents. Today would not be possible without you. You have been their greatest teachers, their most trusted confidants, and their unwavering support system. Through your love, patience, and sacrifice, you have shaped them into the remarkable individuals standing before us today.
Taylor and Lance want you to know how much they cherish the values you’ve instilled in them. Your examples of love, commitment, and strength have been the foundation upon which they’ve built their lives, and now, their marriage.
As they embark on this new journey together, they are filled with immense gratitude for all you’ve done. They know that without your guidance, they wouldn’t be the people they are today, ready to take on the world as husband and wife.
So, from the bottom of their hearts, thank you for being such wonderful parents. Your love has made all the difference, and they hope to honor the legacy you’ve created as they build their own family together.
Now the moment we have all gathered here today for. I want to hear everyone cheer and celebrate. Are we ready to get these two married?!
Speech:
Taylor and Lance, your journey together has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment you met, there was an undeniable spark – Lance, drawn to Taylor's infectious laughter and Taylor, captivated by Lance's kindness and charm. Over time, your bond has grown stronger, weathering the highs and lows of life with laughter, patience, and an abundance of love.
Now, for those of you who know Taylor and Lance well, you know that they bring out the best in each other – whether it's in the kitchen attempting to cook a gourmet meal or embarking on adventures that always seem to involve a healthy dose of laughter and spontaneity. And today, as they stand before us, ready to take the next step in their journey, they do so with joy in their hearts and a twinkle in their eyes that only comes from finding your true soulmate.
Today, Taylor and Lance stand before us, ready to embark on a journey together, a journey that will be filled with both challenges and triumphs, but above all, with love.
Marriage is often described as the ultimate partnership. It is a union where two people choose to stand by each other’s side through the highest peaks and the lowest valleys. It’s important to acknowledge that marriage is not always easy. There will be days when things don’t go as planned, when misunderstandings arise, and when the challenges of life seem overwhelming. But it is in these moments that the strength of your love and commitment will be tested—and ultimately deepened.
The difficulties you may face are not signs of failure, but rather opportunities to grow closer, to learn more about each other, and to strengthen the bond you share. It’s about understanding that it’s okay to disagree, but it’s important to always listen, to communicate, and to forgive. Marriage teaches us patience, resilience, and the importance of compromise.
But let us not forget the joys that marriage brings—the shared laughter, the quiet moments of peace, the triumphs, big and small, that you will celebrate together. The joy of marriage lies in the everyday moments: the comfort of knowing someone is there for you, the warmth of shared memories, and the excitement of building a future together.
In marriage, you will create a home filled with love and respect, a place where you can be your truest selves, where you can find solace and joy in each other’s presence. Marriage is a journey that takes you to places you could never have imagined, and through it all, you will grow not only as individuals but as a team.
Taylor and Lance, as you take this step today, know that you are not just committing to each other’s happiness, but also to each other’s growth, dreams, and well-being. Marriage is a promise to be there for one another, to support each other, and to build a life together that is rich in love and full of purpose.
So as you exchange your vows today, remember that you are not just marrying the person standing next to you—you are marrying your best friend, your confidant, your partner for life. Embrace the challenges, cherish the joys, and let your love be the guiding light that leads you through every season of your lives together.
Personal Vows:
Taylor and Lance have chosen to read their person vows in front of you all today.
Taylor, will you please go first?
Lance, will you please now go.
The I Do:
Now that you have exchanged your personal vows, its time for the important part!
[Officiant turns to the Groom]
Lance, do you take Taylor to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?
Groom: I do.
[Officiant turns to the Bride]
Taylor, do you take Lance to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?
Bride: I do.
Exchange of Rings:
Taylor and Lance, you will now exchange rings before us all today as a symbol of your unending love and decision to choose eachother above all else. These rings are a reminder that even in the most challenging times, your love is constant, enduring, and unbreakable.
May I have the rings?
Lance, please take Tays’s ring and place it on her finger. As you do, repeat after me:
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I promise to stand by your side, to share your dreams, and to love you always, for all the days of our lives.”
Taylor, please take Lance’s ring and place it on his finger. As you do, repeat after me:
“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I promise to stand by your side, to share your dreams, in good times and in bad, for all the days of our lives.”
Group Vow:
Now that we have heard Taylor and Lance recite their vows to each other, all of us here today also have an important part to play in this couple's lives.
Taylor and Lance, please turn to the crowd.
Friends, and family, you occupy an important place in Taylor and Lances lives. Their marriage units two families and creates a new family. It is in your company that they have learned the lessons of friendship and tremendous acts of love.
Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish each other and the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, are responsible to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today.
Will you who are present here today, surround Lance and Taylor in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage? If you agree, yell “We Do” on the count of 3.
1..2..3.. WE DO!
Closing Words:
Taylor and Lance, by the power vested in me and the State of California, and with the love and support of all those gathered here today, it is my honor to pronounce you husband and wife.
Lance, you may kiss your bride!
Presentation:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Beach!
Final Remarks:
Thank you everyone for attending todays ceremony. Please join us up at the bar for appeitzers and drinks.
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