William Daniel Angel, Jr.

Marriage of Brianna Braun and Cole Davis, October 26, 2024

There is a precedent for this occasion, held in our back yard. On May 8th, 1993, Sally and I were married at my homeplace on my Dad’s farm in Sunbury, Ohio.

After the ceremony, we posed for a wedding picture in front of a lilac bush that was in full bloom. A few days later, we dug up a root of that bush, brought it back to our home here in St. Marys, and planted that root in a corner of our front yard. As years passed—after that lilac bush had matured— we planted additional roots in our back yard, and come early May, when the lilacs bloom, Sally and I are reminded of that day and the love that we have shared and still share with each other

Introduction:

Today, we welcome you to another day of celebration—a wonderful day—as we gather here to witness the union of Brianna Braun and Cole Davis We share with joy, Brianna’s and Cole’s decision to keep building an even more amazing life as a married couple.

Monologue/reading before vows:

Brianna and Cole--You have known each other from your first glance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of “Yes!” to this moment of “Yes, indeed!” you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held while riding in a car or perhaps over a meal or during long walks - all those conversations that began with "When we're married" and continued with "I will and you will and we will" – and all those late night talks that included "someday and somehow and maybe"- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed - well, we have meant it all, every word." Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher. You have learned much from one another.

Now, you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life: Things will never quite be the same between you both. . For after these vows, you will say to the world, this is my husband, and this is my wife.

Vows:

(Read poem---Murphy Hug for Sally by bill angel: Murphy was a golden retriever, who liked to give us hugs, especially when he wanted something. The poem explains what a Murhphy hug is and how we adapted it to express affection)

Murphy Hug for Sally

Sunday morning, 8 AM.

Father’s sermon takes another flight.

No landing yet. I lean… my shoulder into yours

like Murphy when he comes,

ball in mouth, eyes ablaze with hope.

He drops the ball,

then pushes his weight into my flesh,

just as I now press mine into yours.

You are ready.

Not like our neighbor. . . .

Crouching in a flowerbed, she calls to Murph. . . .

He hurdles across the yard, bounds into outstretched arms and. . .

bounces her—heels over head— into a stand of day lilies.

She was not ready.

But you are:

You smile shyly,

squeeze your shoulder into my side,

and offer your strength to meld with mine.

2007

Now your vows:

Do you Brianna take Cole to be your partner, your friend and your husband; to laugh loudly and to cry softly; to work and to play; to create a life together that cannot be imagined separate from him? Do you vow to be his strength and his sanctuary, as long you both shall live?

Brianna: I do

Do you Cole take Brianna to be your partner, your friend and your wife; to laugh loudly and to cry softly; to work and to play; to create a life together that cannot be imagined separate from her? Do you vow to be her strength and her sanctuary, as long you both shall live?

Cole: I do

Brianna and Cole plan to share their personal vows with each other on their honeymoon.

Ring Exchange:

In the words of St. Paul:

Love is patient; love is kind:

It does not boast; it is not proud.

It is not rude; it is not self-seeking;

it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth.

It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never ends.

The two of you come here today to affirm your love for one another and to formally acknowledge that which your hearts already know:

 That your lives are meant to be shared as one;  That you are stronger together than you are apart, and

 That, for all the days yet to come, you wish to share all life's joys and challenges. Committed one to the other, you will walk together through life.

 Your love for each other will never end.

Exchange of rings.

Do you, Brianna, give Cole this ring as the as a symbol of your commitment to love, honor and respect him?

Brianna: I do

Do you, Cole, give Brianna this ring as the as a symbol of your commitment to love, honor and respect her?

Cole: I do

(Ask Brianna and Cole to turn to those who have gathered here.)

By the power vested in me by the state of Ohio I am pleased to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Davis. You may seal your marriage with a kiss!