Brandon McMillin

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to recognize the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words that will unite Allison and Tyler in marriage.

Today is a day they will always remember as they declare their love and commitment to each other before family and friends. But before we proceed, there's a question that needs to be answered: Who here gives this woman to be married to this man?

Allisons Father says, “Her Mother and I”.

You all may be seated.

My name is Brandon McMillin. It is my great honor and privilege to officiate today's ceremony of marriage and welcoming you all as we gather on this joyful occasion.

Each of you here represents a piece of Allison and Tyler's lives. Whether you came into their lives years ago or more recently, your presence here is a gift to them, as they wanted to be surrounded by the people they love most. So, thank you for being here today.

Allison and Tyler would also like to take a moment to especially thank their parents. You have provided the love and support they needed to become the people they are today. Each of you has demonstrated the true meaning of a loving and unconditional marriage and has helped guide them to where they stand today.

Before we begin, Allison's father would like to share a prayer:

Allison's Father shares a prayer.

Eight years ago, these two incredible individuals embarked on a journey together, one that has been filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Today, we have the honor of witnessing the next chapter in their story as they pledge their lives to each other in marriage.

Allison and Tyler, your love story is one for the books. You met, you laughed, you fell in love, and over the years, you’ve built a life together that is as beautiful as it is unique. Your journey has been enriched by the presence of two wonderful children, Bowen and Jamson, who are here today to share in this moment of joy.

Allison, you have brought so much light and creativity into Tyler’s life. Your infectious laughter and boundless energy make even the most ordinary moments extraordinary.

Tyler, your unwavering support and steadfast love have been a rock for Allison. Your humor and gentle strength are the pillars upon which this beautiful partnership stands.

Together, you have created a home filled with love and warmth, a place where Bowen and Jamson can grow and thrive. Bowen, with his endless curiosity and adventurous spirit, and Jamson, with his sweet nature and bright smile, are a testament to the love and dedication you both have poured into your family.

Allison and Tyler, today, your lives blend seamlessly together and you’re about to embark on the greatest of adventures. A new path is ahead of you, and to navigate it well, there are skills to be learned and practiced daily.

Wilferd Arlan Peterson's “The Art of a Good Marriage” reminds us that a good marriage doesn’t just happen, one must be created. In marriage, the little things are the big things; like never being too old to hold hands – and remembering to say, “I love you,” at least once a day. It also takes patience, kindness, and fighting the urge to snarkily respond when it’s best to keep your mouth zipped.

On that note, a good marriage sometimes takes a really good sense of humor, as the following reading reminds us.

READING: "MARRIAGE" - BY ANONYMOUS

"Marriage is about giving and taking

And forging and forsaking

Kissing and loving and pushing and shoving

Caring and sharing and screaming and swearing

About being together whatever the weather

About being driven to the end of your tether

About sweetness and kindness

And wisdom and blindness

It’s about being strong when you’re feeling quite weak

It’s about saying nothing when you’re dying to speak

It’s about being wrong when you know you are right

It’s about giving in, before there’s a fight

It’s about you two living as cheaply as one

(you can give us a call if you know how that’s done!)

Never heeding advice that was always well-meant

Never counting the cost until it’s all spent

And for you two today it’s about to begin

And for all that the two of you had to put in

Some days filled with joy, and some days with sadness

Too late you’ll discover that marriage is madness."

Marriage is a beautiful partnership between two people who share mutual trust, respect, and love. It is about supporting each other through life's joys and challenges, growing together, and creating a life filled with shared dreams and values. Today, Allison and Tyler stand before us ready to embark on this new journey as husband and wife.

Allison and Tyler have chosen to exchange their personal vows in private. So for today's ceremony, I will have them recite the traditional vows in front of their family and friends. Before we begin, I ask you to take a moment to look into each other’s eyes and remember why you chose to spend your lives together. Remember the laughter, the adventures, the quiet moments (when your kids are not around), and the love that has brought you to this day.

[Officiant turns to the Groom]

Tyler, do you take Allison 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]

Allison, do you take Tyler 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.

Allison and Tyler will now exchange rings before us all today as a symbol of their unending love and commitment to each other. These rings are a reminder that even in the most challenging times, their love is constant, enduring, and unbreakable.

May I have the rings?

Tyler, please take Allison’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, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for all the days of our lives.”

Allison, please take Tyler’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, and to love you always, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for all the days of our lives.”

Allison and Tyler, you’ve made your vows and promises to each other, so now I ask you to perform the Cord of Three Strands Ceremony. There are three cords on this cross:

The first cord symbolizes God’s love and guidance.

The second cord symbolizes the Groom; his faith, love, and life.

The third cord symbolizes the Bride; her faith, love, and life.

As you bind these strands, remember to lift each other up, support each other, and keep God at the center of your marriage. Let his love be the example that unites you each day, as you learn to be good and true with each other.

“So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no one separate." - Matthew 19:6

Now that you both have shared vows, exchanged rings, and performed the Cord of Three Strands, it’s my turn to be untraditional for a moment. Instead of ending this beautiful ceremony with my best wishes for the newlyweds, I wouldn’t be true to myself if I did not involve tequila. Therefore, I gift you with these shots!

These shots of tequila hold many similarities to marriage. They may make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, and sometimes might cause slight headaches. But they will always be there for you, no matter what time of day. May these shots begin a fulfilling marriage.

Bottoms up!

Allison and Tyler, you have declared your love and commitment to each other in front of your family and friends. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Tyler, you may kiss your bride!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great honor to present to you, for the first time as a married couple, Allison and Tyler Shuler!