Shawn Michael Anthony

• Officiant’s Opening Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate a very special love by joining Tim and Jayme in marriage. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond, and as their community, it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event.

This couple has already joined their hearts and lives in countless ways, which makes what we do here today not a beginning of a union but a recognition of a bond that already exists.

Tim and Jayme, your journey began long before today. It all started with Tim’s post about his baked goods, and through shared dreams, challenges, laughter, and tears, you have built a deep, resilient love. You have found joy in each other’s happiness, comfort in each other’s presence, and strength in each other’s love.

Today, as we mark the continuation of your shared life, we also celebrate the love and trust you have cultivated. It is a love based on giving and receiving, as well as having and sharing. And the love that you give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have… and receive.”

• Exchange of Vows/Declaration of Intent

“Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.

Tim, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Jayme in marriage? If so, answer now, ‘I do.’

Jayme, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Tim in marriage? If so, answer now, ‘I do.’

Now, please face each other and join hands.

Tim, please repeat after me: I, Tim, take you, Jayme, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

Jayme, please repeat after me: I, Jayme, take you, Tim, to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.”

• Exchange of Ring

“The wedding ring is a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, and of the commitment you have just made. It encircles an unbroken circle, without beginning or end, and is a visible sign of the vows you have made.

Tim, as you place the ring on Jayme’s finger, please repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. I offer it as a symbol of our love and of the vows we have made this day.

• Pronouncement

“Tim and Jayme, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife. You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more, but today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise. Tim, you may now kiss the bride.”