Edwin D Robinson

The Wedding of

Amanda Alyse McMahan & Nathan David Iles

Thursday the 17th of July, Two Thousand Twenty Five

Bayfront Park, Sarasota, Florida

Honored Family and Treasured Friends, we have assembled here to celebrate the union of this woman, Amanda Alyse McMahan, and this man, Nathan David Iles, and to be witnesses of this significant and important occasion in their lives as they declare their commitment one to another in marriage. In Scripture, Genesis 2:24 tells us that “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

We are not here to witness the beginning of their relationship, but rather to acknowledge, affirm, and celebrate a lasting bond that already exists between them. Think of all the moments that have led to this day—the laughter, the quiet comforts, the challenges they've overcome both individually and together. This ceremony is a reflection of that journey and a promise for all the chapters yet to be written. We are present to celebrate their marriage and to witness their vows of love to one another.

Love... a word that, depending on the object, can take on so many different directions. But true love, the kind Mandy and Nate share, is not just a feeling—it’s an active choice. It's the decision to stand by one another, to show up even on difficult days, and to choose grace and understanding.

And thankfully, God views love with more gravity and clarity than that. God defines love powerfully, permanently, sacrificially, and unconditionally. God’s love is like an anchor—unmoving and secure—even in the midst of life's storms.This kind of love is a testament to what is changeless and timeless, a love that is strong. A love that is both honored and honorable, genuine, pure, and life-giving. Indeed, it is an earthly picture of the unconditional, heavenly love that God bestows on us.

As we think about the promises Mandy and Nathan are making today, there are no better words to guide us than those given by God through the Apostle Paul. As you listen to these words, may you hear God’s voice speaking directly to your hearts, and may this be just as much a part of your commitment to one another as the vows you will soon exchange.

“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.

And now, these three things remain…faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.”

Mandy and Nate, do you come here today to be united in marriage, WITH GOD’S

STANDARD of love one for the other? If so, look upon one another and respond with, “I Do.”

You both have chosen to write your vows, and it is with these words you express your binding promises to love, honor and cherish one another. If you are ready to make these promises to each other, in your own way and in your own words, I invite you now to face each other and declare your commitment.

(Nathan recites his vows)

(Mandy recites her vows)

May I have the rings, please?

(Nathan hands me the rings)

Mandy and Nate, as you stand here today, ready to embark on this beautiful journey together, I hold in my hands two simple circles—your wedding rings. Yet, these rings are so much more than just precious metal. They are powerful symbols of the profound connection you share.

These rings, with no beginning and no end, perfectly mirror the enduring nature of your love. As you place them on each other's fingers, let them be a constant reminder of the promises you make today: promises of unwavering devotion, endless support, and a love that, like these circles, will continue to grow and encompass all your days as husband and wife. May they always remind you of the beautiful bond that unites your hearts forever.

Nathan, please repeat after me:

Amanda Alyse McMahan, my best friend

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love and devotion

I offer you my heart, my hand, and my love

I join my life with yours

To cherish and protect you as my wife.

With all that I am…

With all that I have…

I honor you as my wife, today and always.

Mandy, please repeat after me:

Nathan David Iles, my best friend…

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love and devotion

I offer you my heart, my hand, and my love

I join my life with yours

To cherish and honor you as my husband

With all that I am…

With all that I have…

I honor you as my husband, today and always.

Let us pray:

O God and Father of all, we come to you, the author of marriage asking you for your grace and blessings for Nathan and Amanda, not just for this moment, not just for this wedding ceremony, but for the work that it will take to build a healthy, vibrant, adventurous, life-giving marriage in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. We are thankful for the love we see here and even more for the love we feel from You. May we never take this love for granted. We pray that Your love will be a shield for Nate and Mandy. When joy comes, may they share it together. When sorrow threatens, may they bear it together. In gladness or in tears, in sunshine or in shadows, may they draw ever closer to each other and to You.

Grant them the Fruit of the Spirt, so that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control be given and received in abundance. We ask for health, long life, and for the fulfillment of every good dream. May their love grow and flourish now, and for as long as they both shall live. These things we ask in solemn adoration of your most holy name. Thus, may it be. Amen.

Nathan and Amanda, today each of you have vowed, in the presence of God and your family and friends, to be loyal and loving towards each other. The two of you have formalized the existence of this bond between you with your vows; your promises of faithful commitment and lasting devotion and have physically symbolized these vows with the giving and receiving of rings.

Therefore, by the powers vested in me as a proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and by the laws and ordinances of the great State of Florida, I pronounce that Nathan and Amanda are now husband and wife. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.

Nate, you may now kiss your bride.

Family and Friends,

It is my honor to present to you for the very first time,

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan David Iles