Bobbie G Estes

Wow what a group we have here today to witness the joining of this marriage between Andrea and Matt. Andrea and Matt and myself would like to say thank you to each and every one that could come today for this joyous event.

It’s been a long time waiting for this occasion. Andrea and Matt had planned this occasion 4 years ago and had to cancel nothing due to their liking. You remember the whole world stop then.

Andrea and Matt, thank you for letting me officiate this special occasion today. I am really happy your choice was me. I hope I do you justice.

Let me start off with What is commitment- willingness to give your time and energy to a job, activity, or something that you believe in. What is love- an emotion of strong affection, tenderness, or devotion toward a subject or object. What does marriage mean- Marriage is the mix of love & a heartfelt commitment between 2 people who promise to stand by each other through life’s journey. Let’s not forget the tax breaks. Smile. The bible speaks of marriage and love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is Patient & Kind, love does not envy or boast, it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own ways, it is not irritable or resentful, it does not rejoice at wrong doing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Ok Matt before we go any further, here’s your chance to change your mind. On the count of 3……3

Let me tell you about Andrea and Matt: pay attention to the timeline: they have been together for 18 years WOW. The first thing they bought together and shared the cost was a lawnmower, mmmm putting Matt to work. They have been splitting the cost every since. So, they know how to keep everything separate and equal.

After 13 years of being together: Andrea and Matt were sitting out in the garage, and Andrea leaned over and placed her hand on Matt’s leg, and said “We should get married” and Matt replied with “We should get married”. 5 years later we are finally here! Talk about moving slow. Smile.

Song “Anticipation”

Andrea and Matt have had happy times, sad times, but they are here today to pledge their love for one another. What took so long? Smile

Matt first then Andrea Are you ready Matt? Andrea?

(Matt) (Andrea) if you will repeat after me, I take you (Andrea) (Matt) to be my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and I will love you today I will love you tomorrow, and I will love you forever. I will trust you and I will honor you; I will laugh with you and I will cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst. I will love you through the difficult and the easy What may come I will always be there As I have given you my hand to hold So do I give you my life to keep. According to God’s holy ordinance.

I read a poem the other day and thought it would be good for today. When this poem says me or I think of it as your partner saying it to you. No, it’s not from Hitch!

May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows, and if you must lie, then lie with me all the nights of my life, and if you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn’t live a day without you.

Ok (Matt) (Andrea) do you have a ring for (Andrea/Matt………….)? Repeat after me: Andrea I give this ring as a token of my endless love There is no Ending or Beginning to the circle on this ring to be pledge to you that my love will last through all Eternity May all the Love and Happiness, I have found with you Go on and on forever and ever.

– Ask the couple to face each.

“Do you, [Matt/ Andrea], take [Matt/Andrea} to be your lawfully wedded spouse?” (I do, I will, Yes,)

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” You may kiss your bride. Please get a room.

Song At Last

Congratulations and May you fill the same always as you do today. Don’t let everyday life steal this from you.

Andrea and Matt would like to invite each and every one for the celebration of this joyous occasion at Fiddlestrings on Arden Rd. In the back. There will be food and cake served. This will start at 1:00.

Turn and face your family and friends, I’m happy to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Merritt please give them a hand, your best wishes and your wallets. Smile.