Lashayla Shamicia Downer-Thomas

Coming together is the beginning

Keeping together is a progress

working together is a success

Who supports Alison as she and James take this next step together? (Mom)~(I do)

With that blessing, I’ll like to welcome family & Friends & everyone who traveled to be here today. I know your presence means the world to them.

And James & Alison, I Know I speak for everyone when I say that we are honored

to be here. To celebrate this most important day with you two.

To the families of James & Alison many

years ago, two children were born into this' world.. When you first held them you felt very blessed. In your children you saw infinite potential.

With you listening they uttered their first words.. with you watching, they took their first steps.. you rejoiced in their victories and cried with them in their grief.

You nurtured them and guided them all while pouring all the love you could give into them.

Now today you will be blessed to listen

to them pledge their love for one another

You will watch as they embark on a new journey together and become one. And Know That now they will still need nuturing and guidance. Guidance in not so much of direction. But more so of Affection.

So family, still pour all the love you could give into them, as one.

James and Alison are coming before us to confess their love for one another in their hearts. May it be true and loving, may their hearts be filled with kindness and understanding, may they forgive each others weakness and embrace each other’s strengths.. may they laugh together often. may they be friends, companions and partners, continuing to meet the joys and sorrows of life as one..

As the years pass and you transition from one chapter to the next, may your love continue to deepen and mature. And may your home forever be a place of love and joy.

It's clear that these two were made for each other. And that they have an exciting future ahead of them. Ladies and gentleman the couple is about to exchange their vows, so grab your tissues and remain silent please.

Ring exchange

Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union, that is a greater love. And As love is such complex concept to express in mere words

we use symbols.

*** rings are being handed to both of you**

The circle represents eternity, fashioned as it is without beginning or end, The 4th finger was represented as having direct connection to the heart. So when the ring is placed on the finger, it’s the physical symbol that embodies the spiritual bond that will bind you two together. These rings

represent the eternal love you share leaving

it to anew at any point. So that this marriage can always be renewed.

As you ___ place this ring on ____ hand please repeat after me.

I _____ promise to you_____. To commit my love to you. To respect your individuality; to be with you thru life changes.. and to nurture the love between us. As long as we shall live.

***Vice versa exchange 💍***

A great spouse loves you exactly as you are.

An extraordinary spouse helps you grow; inspire you to be, do and give your very best.

Now that you have spoken the words and performed the rites that unite your lives , I do hereby, in accordance with

your beliefs and the laws of Missouri declare your marriage to be valid and binding.

And I declare you James Clayton and Alison Clayton to be Husband & wife.

You may now seal your commitment with a 💋 kiss!!