Michael Erling Brown

PROCESSION: GUESTS ARE SEATED. WEDDING PARTY ENTERS.

INVOCATION: OFFICIANT'S OPENING WELCOME & WORDS ON MARRIAGE.

Mike TO RECEPTION

Welcome, family and friends. We're gathered here today to celebrate the union of Debra and Gus. Each of you here has had a role in this love story, sharing moments of laughter, connection, and support along the way, as these two found each other and fell in love. We know that this is what love looks like when you finally meet your soulmate! A love that delights in differences, and shines with honesty and openness. The love of two people in Recovery — sharing in one grand adventure!

Love isn't just a feeling. It's an action, and deciding not to act. It’s messy sometimes. It’s kids and activities. It's an essence, and an energy, the invisible fabric of our cosmos, our paths woven together in intricate patterns of compassion, compromise, understanding, and acceptance. Love is true selflessness. Love is a power greater than us, and within us. Love is language, and the warmth of sitting in shared silence with someone who truly sees us — the way Debra and Gus truly see each other.

Now, we celebrate with them as they commit to honor this love for a lifetime.

MIKE TO THE COUPLE

Debra and Gus, we welcome you to this moment in your lives. This moment in your children’s lives. Reminding us that it’s not “All about You” anymore. It’s about both of you and all of your complicated and beautiful family. A moment that all here share with you both in the Spirit of Love. You have our unwavering support and friendship. You have built a home for each other, in your hearts, a safe and infinite haven. A place of Peace and Loving Kindness. Today, we celebrate you as you begin to build a marriage.

May you both be filled with Loving Kindness. May you both be well. May you both be at Peace and Ease. May you both be Happy.

Repeat using “We”.

SPIRITUAL WEDDING READING

MIKE -

Debra and Gus will now read a prayer special to them. Please join them in Prayer.

3rd Step Prayer

DECLARATION OF INTENT: VERBAL DECLARATION TO WED.

MIKE TO THE COUPLE

Do you, Gus, take Debra to be your lawfully wedded Wife, to love and to cherish, to support and to grow with, in times of joy and in times of challenge, for all the days of your life? (Gus – “I do”)

Do you, Debra, take Gus to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to support and to grow with, in times of joy and in times of challenge, for all the days of your life? (Debra – “I do”)

EXCHANGE OF WEDDING RINGS AND WEDDING VOWS

MIKE TO WHOEVER HAS THE RINGS

May I have the rings, please?

(THE GUEST PLACES THE RINGS IN THE OFFICIANT'S OPEN PALM.)

MIKE

Debra and Gus have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of their commitment.

Each ring is a circle - a symbol of a shared path that is open and endless, without beginning or end. These rings are made of precious metal, unbreakable, like your bond. Wear them proudly as a reminder of the promises you make today.

Gus, please place Debra's ring on [HER] finger and make your vow to [HER].

(GUS PLACES THE RING AND RECITES THEIR WRITTEN VOWS.)

MIKE

Debra, please place Gus's ring on [HIS] finger and make your vow to [HIM].

(DEBRA PLACES THE RING AND RECITES THEIR WRITTEN VOWS.)

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE: MARRIAGE IS DECLARED AS OFFICIAL.

MIKE TO THE COUPLE

By the power vested in me by the State of Florida and American Marriage

Ministries, and with the support of friends and family, I now Pronounce you Husband and Wife.

You may now kiss the Bride.

(THE COUPLE KISS / EMBRACE.)

INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWLYWEDS & WEDDING RECESSION 1 RECESSIONAL

MIKE TO THE GUESTS

It is my great pleasure to present, for the first time as a married couple, Mr and Mrs John Harrington

(APPLAUSE. THE COUPLE MAKE THEIR EXIT DOWN THE AISLE AND THE CEREMONY ENDS.)

NOTES: