Ethan Michael Albrigo

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered here today to join Hannah Albrigo and Shane Smithhart in the spiritual union of marriage.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

I would like to thank you both for choosing me to have the privilege of officiating your wedding. As I stand here today, I can honestly say that it is every brother's dream to have their sister marry someone like Shane. After meeting Shane for the first time, I told my sister "How did you land that one? Better not mess that up". Shane has been a part of our family ever since, and I consider him a brother to this day. I suppose I have to say something nice about both of you, so now it's your turn *look at Hannah*. I remember when I was little, I always told mom and dad that I wanted a baby sister with a bow in her hair. One of my first memories was holding you in the hospital the day you were born. Ever since that day, you've learned to test my patience better than anyone. But with that said, I love you and I'm proud of the person you've become today.

Hannah and Shane chose to exchange their vows privately. I was ecstatic to learn this, because that meant I got to fill in this ceremony with my own script. Hannah shot that down rather quickly, so today we will be taking part in a Trinity Braid ceremony.

The Trinity Braid is an example to symbolize the covenant formed between Man, Wife and God. It is to be displayed as a reminder that God is at the center of your marriage and for as long as you keep close to God, your marriage will be fulfilled. Once the braid is complete it is to never be broken for it took effort to create as marriage will take effort to build and honor God and His perfect design. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Displayed are the three cords that the Bride and Groom are going to braid together.

*Begin braiding*

The middle strand represents God. The covenant of marriage in initiated by Him. Your marriage will be built under His authority, and is intended to glorify Him.

The Right strand represents Groom. As the husband loves his wife and submits himself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will demonstrate His great love in the marriage relationship.

The Left strand represents Bride. As the wife honors her husband and submits herself to the Lord, the Lord in turn will nurture and strengthen the marriage relationship.

Marriage takes three: The two of you and God, but God is not an after thought, He is the center. It is God who teaches us to love. By keeping Him at the center of your marriage, His love will continue to bind you together as one throughout your marriage.

Now for the fun part

Do you Hannah Albrigo take this man Shane Smithhart to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Shane Smithhart take this woman Hannah Albrigo to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Hannah and Shane will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

A ring has no beginning or end. Its path is endless and a symbol of your endless love and respect for each other.

By placing these rings on each other's fingers, you are promising to not just to love each other, but to honor each other, to be compassionate, patient, and understanding as you build your future together.

*(Ring Exchange)* Shane, take this moment to place the ring on Hannah's finger. Now Hannah, take this moment to place the ring on Shane's finger.

By the authority vested in me by the State of California and www.GetOrdainedNow.org I now pronounce you husband and wife. Shane -you may now kiss your bride.

I now present you all, Mr and Mrs Smithhart!