Anika S. Benson

INVOCATION :

We are gathered here today in the presence of God and as witnesses to celebrate the marriage of JESSICA LAUREN WELCH and SAMUEL EDWARD BARKSDALE in holy matrimony. Surrounded by your love and support, we come together in this beautiful place to share in their joy as they begin their new life together as one.

🙏🏽Scripture Reflection

"From the very beginning, God designed marriage to be a sacred union. As it is written in Genesis 2:24, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.' This joining together is not merely symbolic—it is a divine covenant.

And as Jesus reminded us in Matthew 19:6, 'So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.' Today, we honor that Sacred Bond,

knowing it is Blessed and Sealed by God Himself."

TO THE PARENTS OF THE BRIDE

Today, we will witness the coming together of not only JESSICA and EDDIE but also their families. To honor the impact their families have had on their lives. 

Bride Mother & Brother - Mrs. Jacqueline & Shaundele Welch (who the oldest ?)

I want to ask! Do you give your blessing to the union of and EDDIE and JESSICA?

Answer:

(He responds. EDDIE shakes Mr. WELCH hand and takes JESSICA hand as they face each other.)

📖LOVE STORY

Jessica & Eddie

Jessica and Eddie’s story didn’t start with fireworks—it started with fishing hooks and flip phones.

Eddie attempted to teach Jessica how to fish. And while she still refuses to bait her own hook, Eddie never complains—he just quietly handles it, every single time. The kicker? Jessica somehow always ends up catching more fish than him.

But the most memorable catch didn’t even come from the water. During one of their early fishing trips down in Milford, Delaware, Jessica managed to cast her line directly into Eddie’s neck. Yes—his neck. A forever scar was left behind, both literal and emotional proof that when Jessica sets her sights on something... she doesn't miss.

Now, Jessica wasn’t just casting fishing lines—she was also reeling Eddie into the 21st century. She introduced him to the wonders of smartphones and gently encouraged him to finally retire his prehistoric chirping Nextel flip phone that could barely hold a charge past lunch. And she gently reminded him that yes, belts are absolutely necessary.

Together, through laughter, com-prom-ize, and lots of “gentle” life lessons (with more surely on the way), Jessica and Eddie helped shape each other into who they were always meant to be.

Becoming proud parents to Christian and Lilliana gave their love even more meaning.

It was never just about romance—it was about timing, faith, growth, finding the one person who fits your life just right and showing up for Each Other every Single Day-

even if they come with Fishing Gear and Outdated Tech.

Today, they continue their story—stronger, closer, and forever united.

Two lives, two stories, perfectly aligned—not by chance, but by God’s perfect timing.

And today, they begin the next chapter of that story... together, forever.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏽TO THE BRIDE & GROOM

EDDIE and JESSICA, The contract of marriage is most solemn and is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

It demands love, loyalty, communication, understanding, forgiveness, and a commitment to stand by each other, no matter what life brings. These are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. No other human ties are more tender, and no other vows are more important than those you are about to pledge.

DECLARATION OF INTENT Officiant:

“EDDIE, do you take JESSICA to be your lawfully wedded wife

Will you respect, honor, and cherish her; love,Trust, and commit to her,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

until death do you part?

(EDDIE responds)

“JESSICA, do you take EDDIE to be your lawfully wedded husband

Will you respect, honor, and cherish him; love, Trust, and commit to him,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

until death do you part?

(JESSICA responds) so everyone can hear you

💍RING EXCHANGE & VOWS

Officiant Says:
"Earlier today, during a quiet and intimate moment known as the 'first look” JESSICA and EDDIE shared their personal vows privately—heartfelt promises spoken just between the two of them.

Now, standing before their loved ones, they will honor tradition by exchanging their formal vows and wedding rings, sealing those promises in the presence of all who are gathered here today."

Officiant Says:
Ask for the Rings "Please place the rings in the officiant’s hand to be blessed."

Ring Blessing

"Bless these rings, O Lord, and grant that JESSICA and EDDIE, who GIVE them and WEAR them, may always live in faithfulness, unity, love, and peace. Amen."

🙏🏽Scripture Reflection

“And above all these, PUT on LOVE, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14

This verse reminds us that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice. A daily act of grace, patience, and commitment. Eddie and Jessica, may this divine love be the bond that holds you together through every season of life.

Ring Exchange – place the ring half up the finger hold till after you finish the vows they place fully on the ring finger

Repeat After Me

EDDIE Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, SAMUEL BARKSDALE, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you, and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge, I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward, I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

JESSICA Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, JESSICA WELCH, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you, and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge, I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward, I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

📝 Signing the Marriage Certificate

Now, as part of the legal proceedings, Eddie and Jessica will sign their marriage certificate. This document represents your commitment to each other and the legal acknowledgment of your union. Please invite your two chosen witnesses, to join you for this important moment.

🙏🏽PRONOUNCEMENT

EDDIE and JESSICA, having proclaimed your love and commitment to each other in the presence of God and your loved ones, and by the authority vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, it is my greatest joy and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

💋THE KISS

“Let this kiss be the first of many in your forever story—sealed in love, bound by faith,

and kissed into eternity.”

( officiant step to the side during the Kiss for the photographer)

Closing Remarks

AFTER THE KISS. GUEST, PLEASE STAND 

EDDIE and JESSICA turn to their family & friends/guests. 

May EDDIE and JESSICA life journey together be blessed with steadfast support and lasting love; we pray that God will continuously guide their paths both individually and as husband and wife. 

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

Husband & Wife

MR. & MRS. BARKSDALE

CONGRATULATIONS