Derek Mathew Furniss

Opening Remarks

I’d like to welcome the family and most importantly, the couple, Nicole Furniss and Justin Moon. Each and every one of us is honored to be here celebrating this incredibly joyous occasion, witnessing the most important day in their lives together. As Nicole and Justin take their relationship to the next level, this gathering is a testament to love and solidarity.

Some might say that Nicole and Justin are already committed to each other, and I wouldn’t disagree. But today, they are proclaiming that commitment not only to us, the people closest to them, but to the world as well. They are saying, “we love each other, we support each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Reading

To the families of Nicole and Justin, many years ago, though it may feel like only yesterday, two children were born into this world. With you they uttered their first words and took their first steps. You rejoiced in their victories and cried with them in their grief. You guided them, nurtured them, educated them and loved them. You gave them all you had to give, so they would grow up strong and independent, capable of great love, which they share here today.

All this love and caring you gave to Nicole and Justin, they will give to each other today. We thank and honor you.

Vows

Nicole and Justin will now speak their vows to each other.

Ring Exchange

Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. The ring has long been a symbol of this union and as the circle can begin anew at any point, so marriage can always be renewed. These rings are symbols of your eternal love.

As you, Nicole, place this ring on Justin’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and to our partnership in life. You have my heart always.

As you, Justin, place this ring on Nicole’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and to our partnership in life. You have my heart always.

Sand Ritual

Nicole and Justin, today you are making a commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other. Your relationship is symbolized by the pouring of these two individual containers of sand; one, representing you Nicole, and the other representing you Justin.

Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without requiring anything else. But when the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the whole. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into their individual containers, so will your marriage be.

[Nicole and Justin pour the sand]

Nicole and Justin love all of us very much and want us to know that we are, and will always be, a very important part of their lives. Will you each please pour your sand into this glass container along with your good wishes?

Closing Words

As this ceremony nears its end, the marriage of Nicole and Justin nears its beginning. We can plainly see this union will be filled with love, joy and laughter. The progression of this amazing relationship has brought them to this special day during which they publicly vowed to be partners for life. I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we are honored to have been chosen to witness those vows.

By the authority vested in me by the Internet, it is with great joy that I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now celebrate your marriage with a kiss.

It is my honor to introduce the newlyweds, Nicole and Justin Moon.