Anika S. Benson

INVOCATION

Family, Friends, and Loved Ones,

We are gathered here today in the presence of God and as witnesses to celebrate the marriage of Jessica Lynn Magness and Zachary Aaron Smith in holy matrimony. Surrounded by your love and support, we come together in this beautiful place to share in their joy as they begin their new life together as one.

The Reading

4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5.  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

9. Whatever you have learned or received or Heard from Me, or Seen In Me—put it into practice.

And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4: 4-9

To the Parents of the Bride

Officiant:

Today, we will witness the coming together of not only ZACHARY and JESSICA but also their families. To honor the impact their families have had on their lives. 

FOB- Mr. Magness

I want to ask! Do you give your blessing for the union of Jessica and Zachary?

Answer:

Note: Zach shake hands with Mr. Magness and take Jessica hand and face each other

The Love Story

Zachary and Jessica met in April 2021 on the dating app Hinge. After several virtual FaceTime dates, they decided to meet in person, despite the challenges of COVID. Their first date was spent exploring the art at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Zach patiently waited as Jessica, running 45 minutes late, arrived apologetic and masked. They continued their date at a Mediterranean restaurant that Zach had thoughtfully chosen, knowing it was her favorite.

From that first meeting, Zach was captivated by Jessica's kindness, intelligence, and beauty, while Jessica was drawn to Zach's patience, love for family, and sense of humor. They were both surprised by the deep connection that sparked between them.

From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and soon after, Zach asked Jessica to be his girlfriend, and she gladly agreed!

February 2023, during a romantic getaway to Jamaica for Zach's birthday, he decided to "pop the question." Jessica, suspecting a proposal, tried to find the ring while he wasn’t looking but had no luck. During dinner, Zach pretended to go to the restroom but circled back with the ring in hand, dropping to one knee. To a cheerful applause from the other diners,

Jessica said "YES!"

And, in case you were wondering, the ring had been cleverly hidden in a pair of socks!

As we move to your vows, we're reminded that we're here to celebrate a love that has stood the test of time and now chooses forever.

The READING

Love is Patient, Love is Kind. 

It does not Envy or Boast, 

It is not Proud, Rude, Self-Seeking or Easily Angered, 

It Keeps No Record of Wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but Rejoices with the Truth. 

It Always Protects, Trusts, Hopes and

Always Perseveres. PER SE VERE

1 Corinthians, 13: 4-7 

TO THE BRIDE & GROOM

Jessica & Zachary The contract of marriage is most solemn and is not to be entered into lightly,

but thoughtfully and seriously with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

It demands love, loyalty, communication, understanding, forgiveness, and a commitment to stand by each other, no matter what life brings. These are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. No other human ties are more tender, and no other vows more important than those you are about to pledge.

Declaration of Intent

I ask you both 

OFFICIANT (to ZACHARY )  

Zachary do you take Jessica Magness to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Will you respect, honor, and cherish her; love, trust, and commit to her,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both,

until death do you part?

 Zach answer:

OFFICIANT (to JESSICA)

Jessica Do you take Zachary Smith to be your lawfully wedded husband ?

Will you respect, honor, and cherish him; love, trust, and commit to him,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

until death do you part?

Jessica Answer:

RING EXCHANGE & VOWS

NOTE: Please place the Rings in the Wedding Officiant’s Hand. To be blessed

The exchange of rings represents your commitment to each other,

an unbroken circle of love. Let these rings remind you of the vows you've made

and this cherished moment.

(Rings are blessed by the officiant)

"Bless these rings, O Lord, and grant that Jessica and Zachary, who GIVE them and WEAR them, may always live in faithfulness to each other, unity, love, and happiness. May they abide in Your peace and favor, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

NOTE: Place ring half way up the ring finger; when you’re finished repeating after me. Push the ring up each other finger

The Vows

Zachary and Jessica have partially written their own vows.

Zack’s Vows to Jessica

To My Love, Jessica,

I’ve been waiting anxiously to share something I’ve known for a long time, a sentiment I’ve kept close to my heart for this special moment. Though I’m sure you already know, I wanted to say these words today, in front of our friends, family, and God: You are my best friend.

From our first date and first kiss, you have been everything I’ve ever wanted. I found you to be as kind, thoughtful, and intelligent as you are beautiful. As the musician Rick Roberts wrote, “You are the woman that I’ve always dreamed of; I knew it from the start. I saw your face, and that’s the last I’ve seen of my heart.”

Today, and for all the days to come, I promise you three things:

I promise you my body. I will protect you and our family with all my strength. You will always have a place of safety in my arms.

I promise you my mind. You will always be first in my thoughts, and I will never make a decision out of selfishness or to your detriment.

And lastly, I promise you my heart. No one will ever come between us and the family we create together.

I make these promises before all who are here and with God as my witness.

Eternally yours,
Zachary

REPEAT AFTER ME

I, Zachary Aaron Smith With this ring, I give you my heart.

I promise to love and commit to you for life.

I'll be there for you, be honest and faithful only to you.

Together, we'll face life's challenges.

This ring is a token of my constant faithfulness and love.

My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home.

Jessica Vows to Zach

Zack,

Standing here in front of you and our closest family and friends, I am honored to soon become your wife. It’s hard to find the right words to express how much I love you and how special you are to me, but I’m going to try. Not a day goes by that I’m not grateful for you and your love. I thank God every day for bringing us together.

When people say they’re marrying their best friend, it often sounds cheesy or cliché, but for me, it couldn’t be more true. You've brought so much joy and laughter into my life, and your friendship has taught me to be a better friend to myself.

Thank you for always encouraging me to be myself and for having my back whenever I need it. Thank you for being my safe place, for speaking life into my dreams, and for making them your own. I know that with God at the center, we will bring them to life.

I promise to always encourage, support, and believe in you, just as you have always done for me. I vow to find joy in the simple act of being with you, to cherish our time together—whether in the small, mundane moments or in the big, unforgettable memories we create side by side.

I promise to grow with you, learn with you, and choose you every day.

Today, I take you as my husband, my partner in life, and my best friend. I can’t wait to see how our love will continue to grow and strengthen from this day forward. I love you.

REPEAT AFTER ME

I Jessica Lynn Magness With this ring, I give you my heart.

I promise to love and commit to you for life.

I'll be there for you, be honest and faithful only to you.

Together, we'll face life's challenges.

This ring is a token of my constant faithfulness and love.

My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home.

Signing the Marriage Certificate

Now, as part of the legal proceedings, Zachary and Jessica will sign their marriage certificate. This document represents your commitment to each other and the legal acknowledgment of your union. Please invite your two chosen witnesses, to join you for this important moment.

Jumping the Broom 🧹

Before we conclude the ceremony, Zachary and Jessica will now participate in a tradition known as "Jumping the Broom." This symbolic act represents their transition into a new life together as a married couple.

💐 Ms. Josephine Jones and Mrs. Victoria Magness Place the jumping of broom in front of

Zach and Jessica. As I start to state about the broom

The broom stands for several important things:

* 🌼 The Straws represent Family; providing your love and support as they now begin their life journey together

* 🌼 The Handle represents God Almighty, who we pray will continuously guide and bless your lives.

* 🌼 The Ribbon Signifies the tie that binds you together, both as individuals and as a married couple.

The Reading

“Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

[Officiant to the couple:]

Zachary and Jessica, this act signifies the sweeping away of your former single lives and any past concerns, and it marks the start of your new adventure together as husband and wife.

Pronouncement

[Officiant to the couple:]

Zachary and Jessica, having proclaimed your love and commitment to each other in the presence of God and your loved ones, and by the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministry and the State of Pennsylvania, it is my greatest joy and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

The Kiss

You may now seal your union with a kiss. 😘

The Closing

[After the kiss, Officiant to the guests:]

Family & Friend can you Please Stand

I invite you to count to 3 with me and cheer with joy as Zachary and Jessica perform their first act as husband and wife.

Zachary and Jessica turn to their family and friends.

May your journey together be blessed with steadfast support and lasting love. It is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife:

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

[Officiant:]

READY 1, 2, 3, JUMP!

Play Recessional. Music Session