Christian Gerber

Welcome, family and friends.

Today, we gather not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. Samuel and Hope have known each other since childhood. Life happened and they’ve had their fair share of joys and challenges before finding their way back to each other. Now after 6 years of being together, they are choosing to never be apart again. Today they are making the commitment to continue growing together, and to continue to fight for their love.

Before Samuel and Hope share their vows I would like to share a poem that I found, the author is unknown.

Love isn't always perfect.

It isn't a fairytale or a storybook.

And it doesn't always come easy.

Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go.

It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without.

Love is work, but most of all, love is realizing that every hour, every minute, and every second was worth it because you did it together.

Samuel and Hope keep fighting for each other, never stop loving one another. Never give up, no matter how hard life gets.

Samuel and Hope will now share their vows, which they have each decided to write. Hope will share her's first.

Samuel shares his vows. (DO NOT SAY)

Rings:

As a promise of these vows, Samuel and Hope will now exchange rings.

A ring has no beginning and no end, it is a symbol of your never ending love.

By placing these rings on each other's fingers, you are promising to keep the vows you made and showing the commitment you're making as you continue to build your life together.

Samuel place the ring on Hope's finger and repeat after me:

Hope, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.

Hope place the ring on Samuel's finger and repeat after me:

Samuel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.

Before I announce you husband and wife I would like to share one more piece of advice from Harry Potter:

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.

It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities do.

You are protected, by your ability to love!"

Now that Samuel and hope have exchanged promises and rings, I am happy to pronounce them as husband and wife. Samuel, you may now kiss your bride!

It is my honor to present, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Barrow!