James Scott Williams

Father of the Bride Presents the Bride

[Father of the Bride walks the bride down the aisle] Officiant: "Who gives this bride in marriage?" Father of the Bride: "Her mother and I do."

Invocation

Dear Lord, we thank you for this beautiful day and for bringing Colton and Stephanie together. We thank you for their family and friends, and the love and support they have given to them. We ask that you bless this marriage, guide them in their life together, and keep them always in your loving care. May their love grow stronger with each passing day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Opening Remarks

Welcome, family and friends. We gather here today to celebrate the love between Colton Williams and Stephanie Vickroy. Each of us attending has somehow touched their lives, and we are the community that they have called together to witness their marriage. Your presence serves as a symbol of the love and support that each of you offers and allows them to officially begin their life together surrounded by those who are dearest and most important to them.

What can I say about a person who is kind to everyone they meet? A person who is smart, gifted, stunning, successful and so much more? A top human in every situation? Well, enough about me, let’s move onto the bride and groom.

Stephanie and Colton, love is a powerful force, capable of inspiring, healing, and transforming lives. It is a gift from above, a reflection of God's boundless grace. As a parent, there are few moments more profound than watching your child find the person who makes their heart whole. For the last 4 years I have watched you go from two individuals trying to figure out if they were right for each, to a couple that is crazy about one another. Wondering if Colton would ever get the courage to propose and then would Stephanie say yes. So grateful you did! I could tell it was meant to be by way you looked at each other, the kindness you showed to one another, the laughter and the occasional tear, the love and respect you have for each other is both inspiring and undeniable. Stephanie, we love the way you love our son and Colton, we are happy you found someone you love more than your Legos.

Marriage is not just about beautiful moments like today, but about a sacred covenant, a partnership built on love, trust, respect, and unwavering commitment and devotion. It is about laughter on the best days and love that carries you through the hardest ones. It is about holding each other up, cheering each other on, and never losing sight of the deep friendship that brought you together.

So, as we gather in the presence of love, let us celebrate this incredible couple, honor the journey that has led them here, and bear witness to the vows they are about to make—vows that will guide them through the beautiful adventure of marriage.

With joy in our hearts, let us begin.

Declaration of Intent

Colton and Stephanie do you come here freely and openly, with full purpose of heart, to be joined in marriage?

[Groom and Bride respond, "Yes"]

Scripture Reading

Colton and Stephanie have chosen two special passages of scripture for me to share.

[1 Corinthians 13: 4-8; Colossians 3: 14-15]

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV):

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Colossians 3:14-15 (NIV):

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Vows

Colton and Stephanie have decided to share with one another their own heartfelt vows.

[Couple exchanges their own vows]

Colton and Stephanie, because of the love you have for each other and because of the sacred vows you are about to take, will you please join hands.

Colton, do you take Stephanie to be you wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her, comfort and keep her, and forsaking all others remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live? [I Do]

Stephanie, do you take Colton to be you husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, comfort and keep him, and forsaking all others remain faithful to him as long as you both shall live? [I Do]

Exchange of Rings

I would ask you now to seal these vows by the giving and receiving of the rings.

The ring itself is a powerful symbol of unending love and commitment, a circle with no beginning or end. May it be a constant reminder of the vows you have made today and may your love for each other grow deeper with each passing year.

Colton, will you take the ring and place it on Stephanie’s finger. And, as you do, repeat after me:

With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you. I give you my heart, my soul, and my love, now and for all time.

Stephanie, will you take this ring and place it on Colton’s finger and as you do repeat after me:

With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you. I give you my heart, my soul, and my love, now and for all time.

Unity Ceremony

Before you are containers of glass crystals, each represents your separate lives, your friends, your families. I will ask that you each pour the contents within your own vase into the middle vase together. As the glass from each individual vase is combined it symbolizes the joining of your separate lives, friends and family, into one union, the beginning of your journey as husband and wife. This combined glass will be used to create a lasting piece of art, never to be separated again, and so may your marriage be blessed with the same enduring unity.

Marriage and this beautiful sculpture are alike. Both are examples of what can happen when raw, unfinished elements come together. They can be two separate entities, fluid and independent of each other and can have an exquisiteness of their own but join them together and the result can be stunning in its beauty, inspiring in its strength, humbling in its function. Continual flow....no beginning and no end.

As with your marriage.... this sculpture requires great care. Cherish it, polish it, protect it from any harm (aka Chester), and it will remain a thing of beauty.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today to bless the union of Colton and Stephanie. May Your love be the foundation of their marriage, a love that is patient, kind, and enduring. Grant them wisdom to navigate life's challenges together, strength to overcome obstacles, and grace to forgive one another. May their home be filled with laughter, joy, and Your presence. Bless them with children, if it be Your will, and surround them with loving family and friends. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Pronouncement

And now, having pledged your love for and loyalty to each other, and having sealed the pledge with the marriage rings. By the power vested in me by the state of Missouri, American Marriage Ministries and with the blessing of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your love for one another always reflect God’s unconditional love.

Colton, you may now kiss your bride. (Get out of the way for pics)

Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Williams.

Recessional

[Wedding party exits]