Barbara Ann Brooks

Alex Crud and Kelsey Beard

We are here today on this 13th day of September to celebrate the union of Alex and Kelsey. Lucky 13!

In the time that they have been together, your love for each other has grown, now you are ready to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.

Let us think back a couple of years to .....say.... middle school... Who would have thought that after all that time, you would reconnect.? It is proof of true love.

understand that you are who you need to be for each other right now. You were not ready - you were not the person the other needed until now.

A true marriage begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage continue well beyond the ceremony.

Marriage isn't something to be entered into lightly. The uniting of two paths into a single journey asks us to be thoughtful, intentional, and honest.

Marriage brings with it a deep realization of our responsibility and commitment to our partner and the understanding that; compassion and compromise are the foundations of a happy and enduring home

Today, you both come freely, and understand the responsibility and work involved to make your relationship thrive, and are committed to not only each other but also to the blending of two families and five children. No matter their ages, they are apart of this new family unit.

Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.

We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we're reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

Don’t be afraid to ask guidance from those you care about and care about you. But remember this is a one of a kind relationship between Alex and Kelsey.

You have known each other for a while. As a couple you are learning each others quirks and habits.

Your figuring out toilet seat up or down. Who cooks, who cleans? Who cleans up after Nala?

Understand there will be burnt meals or perhaps some raw ones as well.

Do you eat it ....if its safe Because you know the time, effort, and frustration the other has put in or just throw it out and go out to the Colorado Grill?

I encourage you to continue to have date nights.

communicate with your spouse.

Don't break the bond of trust.

Marriage is hard and you have already proven that your relationship can stand up to hard times. Let’s look ahead to happy and healthy beginnings.

You need to figure out what works for you.

Is it ....Always kiss me good night or Baby, I love you

but I don't really like you right now. Lets sleep on it and talk tomorrow.

Many trials and tribulations have bought you here.

Now is a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought you here.

And a time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come.

you are here now, let me remind you that love isn't just happily ever after, love is the experience of writing your story.

It's not one moment - not even this moment.

It's every moment. Big ones like saying 'I love you,'

getting engaged - but mostly a million little ones

that come in between the big moments. Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together,

spending holidays with or without your families,

making your own traditions, binge-watching shows,

getting a big hug when you get home from work… These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.

And even though we describe love in different ways - and even though love can look different from one person to the next.

You fell in love by chance, and reconnected after years, but you're here today

because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other.

You've chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile,

Someone that encourages you and makes every day brighter.

You're about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You're going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in the other.

You're teaming up and saying to the other, 'Every experience I am going to have, I want you to be a part of.'"

Alex: do you take Kelsey to be your wife, to honor, cherish, and support for as long as you both shall last?

Kelsey: Do you take Alex to be your husband, to honor, cherish, and support as long as you both shall last?

Will you, Alex and Keksey

be each other's partners from this day forward?

Will you bring out the best in one another, share your happiest moments together, and love each other absolutely for whatever may come next.

“We will “

Bring rings forward

You've both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises.

People often say wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end.

Love comes from humble beginnings,

and through a combination of serendipity and effort,

imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary.

It's the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.

As you look at these rings over the years,

I hope you remember that. You've created something invaluable, and just as I know you'll protect these rings, I'm confident you'll protect the commitments you've made to one another today.

Groom to bride:

Alex- please place this ring and state: with this ring, I thee wed.

Kelsey- please place this ring and state: with this ring, I thee wed.

Handfasting is an old tradition. with each wrap of the cord, you deepen your commitment to each other, vowing to respect and support one another. to take each new challenge and adventure as it comes, together. This cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, shal your lives br bound as one.

I leave you now with this blessing:

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon the earth.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together

May the laughter of your children grace the halls of your home.

And may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love

Pronouncement: step aside

-You have pledged your faith to each other in this beautiful setting.

By the power vested in me by the state of Arkansas

I now pronounce you husband and wife,

You may now seal your vows with a kiss.