Andrew Gerard Holloman
Minister ID: 994181 View Ordination Certificate
Officiated by Andrew Gerard Holloman at Ironworks Event Center in South Bend, Indiana on August 31st, 2024. Witnessed by Wayne Ward and Brianna Parker-Potucek.
"This is my first wedding. With it, came a whole emotional rollercoaster. Both the Bride and Groom said the wedding was as if it were a dream! I was nervous the whole time, but didn't let it show. It was very exciting because both the Bride and Groom are very close friends of mine. I didn't expect all the crying and joy that came with this wedding, as previous ones I attended were from family members. It was a great time sharing stories with all the people I know closely. Starting with the Groom. I met him back when we were in the 5th grade. Things were rocky for the first 2 years as we had different teachers. When we both started talking more in middle school during our 7th grade year, we found we were very similar. A love for music, acting, action and so much more! We have been through many battles and journeys together. He is one of the best people in my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Next to the Bride. I met her when we were both starting a job at the same time. We sat through our orientation together, even though we were in completely different job positions. We didn't associate much given that fact, but I still thought she was a cool person. I don't think I would've bonded with her if it weren't for her now Husband. I was invited to a New Years Celebration to watch The Ball Drop with a few other coworkers and great friends of our. Since then, she is one of the greatest people in my life, and is solid and dependable. I can say, I love both the Bride and Groom as family that will never diminish. Now for the Wedding, the Bride and Groom have asked me to keep the details to a minimum. During the ceremony practice the night before, everyone (including myself) was jittery and nervous all wrapped into a masquerade of joy. We were laughing, enjoying the nice weather, all while getting ready for a life changing event. After a few hours of spoofs and trying to get things perfect, we finally got everything down. We finished the night by enjoying pizza and reminiscing on the two important people. We all went our separate ways, the ladies to their rented Airbnb, and the guys to our hotel room. The next morning, myself and the rest of the gentleman went to the venue to get set up for the ceremony and the reception. We worked for a few hour to get everything setup and perfect for the later night to follow. While we were setting up, we were missing decorations, had less space than we realized for certain things, and the Fire Department even had to show up for a gas leak! A while whirlwind of events one after the other. But through all of it, we prevailed and finished setting up with plenty of time before the ceremony. After we split for lunch, the men and I started to get ready. We got into our suits and tuxes and started to take some photos for memorabilia. Guests were starting to arrive. The Bride was in her tent finishing getting ready as everyone lined up to walk down the aisle. The Groom started crying immediately as things started to unfold. Everyone was joyous and waiting for the Bride to walk down to her husband. The moment she did, the Groom sobbed even more with nothing but joy! We went through the wedding without a hiccup! My speech, the vows, ring exchange, and even the final kiss were perfect! I think my favorite part of the wedding was after announcing they are married, seeing them joyous and everyone cheering. Seeing my bestfriend of many years now committed to the love of his life. The reception was amazing at every aspect and every event. The Bride and Groom have asked that I do not share any information regarding this, but I can say that this was one of the best nights with all the people I love and call my family. If I could do it all over again, I would without changing a single detail. I want to say thank you to both of them for letting me be apart of their amazing lives, and I cannot wait to see what you future has to hold."
Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,
We are gathered together here to join Brock Robert Weston and Ellie Jean Gagnon in the spiritual union of marriage.
This contract 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’d like to start with an excerpt by Hilary T. Smith: “People are like cities: We all have alleys and gardens and secret rooftops and places where daisies sprout between the sidewalk cracks, but most of the time all we let each other see is a postcard glimpse of a skyline or a polished square. Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves.”
You are here accompanied by witnesses of the best kind. To our guests: You are the dear and important people in Brock and Ellie’s lives, to celebrate their union. You are the ones who know them well, and you are an integral part of this ceremony, for the witnesses of a ceremony are just as important to the ceremony as the participants themselves. We feel your love and caring which fills our ceremony with meaning, and is the same love and caring that will create a web of ongoing support for these two throughout their marriage. In this way, you make this ceremony more than just a moment in time between two people, you make this a community milestone event to be remembered for years to come.
I would like to share a poem for the couple to always remember the love they have for one another: “In the quiet moments before the dawn, when stars still whisper, and dreams are drawn, Two hearts, entwined in soft embrace, Begin a journey, a sacred space. With vows that echo through the skies, And love that shines in both your eyes, You stand as one, beneath the sun, A new chapter, a life begun. In laughter’s light and in sorrow’s rain, Through sunny days and any pain, Your love will be a guiding star, A beacon near and never far. Together you’ll face each rise and fall, In the grand adventure, big and small, With hands held tight, and spirits free, You’ll write your tale of “we” and “me.” So as you join this sacred dance, Seize this day, embrace your chance, cherish each and every part, And weave together heart to heart. For in this moment, bright and true, The world is made, just for you, May love and joy, like rivers flow, Together forever, as you grow.”
Do you Brock take Ellie to be your lawfully wedded wife, 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?"
-Response-
And do you Ellie take Brock to be your lawfully wedded husband, 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?
-Response-
Brock and Ellie have chosen to share their Vows, their promises, unto one another as a commitment to be held eternally.
-Brock Reads Vows-
-Ellie Reads Vows-
Brock and Ellie have also chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love.
Brock, as you place this ring on Ellie's finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever.
Ellie, as you place this ring on Brock's finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever.
By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Indiana I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
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