Julie Ludington O'Brien

Welcome, everyone. (please phones away)

On behalf of Nicole and Nicholas we want to say thank you for being here to share this truly extraordinary and heartfelt day. Your presence means the world to them, and they are grateful that you’ve chosen to be a part of this once in a lifetime moment for them.

Today, two souls are joined, lives and families are woven together, and a shared journey begins - rooted by an enduring love, shaped by trust, and carried forward by devotion.

You may have noticed, some bridal party members carrying a single rose down the aisle as a tribute to very special loved ones who could not be here today, but are with us in spirit – celebrating from the best view in heaven. Placing the roses in a vase, we honor their memory and feel their spirit with us on this special day.

Let’s open in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you – acknowledging the sacred purpose of this day. Thank you for placing within us the desire to love and the ability to love others in return. Today we give thanks for Nicole and Nicholas – for their open hearts, their willing spirits, and the deep love they share in Your presence.

We ask that You bless them individually and as a couple as they step into this new chapter, becoming one in Your name. Be with us, their family and friends, as we surround them with our prayers, our joy, and our lasting support, not only today but for all the days to come…In Jesus’ name we pray – Amen.

Now a reading by Nicole’s friend, Monse

We were twenty and twenty-one,

Two hearts just learning to run.

The world felt wide, our dreams so new,

And somehow, in the chaos, I found you.

Then came the miles, the lonely nights,

The endless clocks, the long goodbyes.

Every call, every message, every whispered “I love you,”

Kept our hearts close, even when far apart.

Two years of waiting, of holding on tight,

Of dreaming of this day, our shared light.

And now we stand, hand in hand,

No distance can touch what we’ve planned.

From youthful love to a lifetime’s vow,

We’ve grown together, and we know how:

To laugh, to trust, to love, to stay—

Forever begins for us today.

Now Nicholas and Nicole are going to share their intentions with one another.

"Nicholas - face your bride –

Nicholas - Do you take Nicole to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer -for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to her, as long as you both shall live?"

● "I do."

Nicole – Do you take Nicholas to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer -for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

● “I do.”

● Now a reading by Hailey, Nicole’s Matron of Honor- Hailey

Hailey - In english we say, “Till death do us part”. But in the bible specifically in Ruth 1:16-17 it says “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die. and there I will be buried.”

Exchange of Promise – respond together

Nicole and Nicholas wanted to share a personal moment to express their love, commitment and promise to each other. Face each other:

Repeat after me but together

● I promise to be your best friend

● I promise to be your lover

● I promise to be your trusted confidant

● I promise to support your dreams

● I promise to celebrate your successes

● I promise to comfort you in times of sorrow

● I promise to cherish you always

● and I promise to love you unconditionally

Reflection: Most people wouldn’t think of necessarily quoting Helen Keller at a wedding, but her words are a beautiful profound reminder of what truly matters:

She said, “When do we close our eyes?

When we pray

When we cry

When we kiss

When we dream

Because…the most beautiful things in life are not seen but “felt” only by the heart.

With that reminder – Nicholas and Nicole will now share their vows:

Nicole face your groom and follow my lead:

Nicholas – I love you.

You are my best friend.

Today I give myself to you in marriage.

I promise to encourage and inspire you.

To laugh with you.

I hold you in the highest regard in my heart.

I promise all these things on all days always.

Nicholas face your bride:

Today I will marry my best friend.

The one I live with, dream with and love.

I look down a path of excitement and joy.

A path that leads to tomorrow.

I know we will walk it together, side by side.

Hand in hand and heart to heart.

CROSS CEREMONY WITH 3 STRANDS

Ecclesiastes 4:12 “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Today, as you unite your lives, you honor the bond you share—not just with each other, but with God at the center of your marriage. This three-strand cord represents Nicole, Nicholas, and our Father in Heaven—stronger together than either could ever be alone. As you weave these strands, may it be a reminder that with your heavenly Father at the center of your love… your marriage will be resilient, enduring, and unbreakable.

Present the final product: This is a symbol of unity and the unified faith in your marriage.

Prayer to bless the rings. (Noah has the rings)

Let’s pray –

Lord, we ask that you bless these rings as symbols of this affectionate union. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. A promise to grow in understanding and compassion. We pray that the home they establish together will be such a place of sanctuary and friendship. These rings symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts, as we ask You, Heavenly Father, to bless them. Amen

Nicholas repeat after me: Give him the ring

Nicole, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our life together. May it always remind you that you are safe with me and surrounded by my love always.

Nicole repeat after me: Give her the ring

Nicholas, I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our life together. May it always remind you that you are safe with me and surrounded by my love always.

At this time, I would like to invite everyone here to extend a hand in the direction of our couple. We are going to pray a blessing over Nicholas and Nicole, as we pray together:

Father God,

We lift Nicholas and Nicole to You and thank You for this beautiful covenant they are establishing today. May their hearts remain steadfast, their bond unbreakable, and their home filled with grace, laughter, and love. We ask for Your presence to guide them through all seasons of life. Let them be a reflection of Your love in this world and a light to those around them.

Father, let us – their family and friends, commit to walking beside them, offering our love, our wisdom and our constant unwavering support. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pronouncement:

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great joy that I introduce to you for the first time, in public or anywhere else – Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Tucker. Kiss your bride!"