Monica C. Blackwell

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Joel Rodriguez and Laila Thomas in the spiritual union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

As newly baptized Christians, you’ve built this relationship on God first, prayer second, and genuine appreciation for who each of you is as an individual.

Layla sees your relationship working because you take the time to understand one another — even when you don’t agree.

And Joel sees it working because you communicate, and you honor individuality inside

of unity.

What you value most about each other is the way you push, encourage, and lift one another — physically, spiritually, and mentally.

When one falls, the other rises.

When one doubts, the other speaks life.

Joel Rodriguez and Laila Thomas will now share their vows.

This is a love rooted in faith, respect, and partnership — and that is why we’re standing here today.

*(Vows)*

Do you Joel Rodriguez take this woman Laila Thomas to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Laila Thomas take this man Joel Rodriguez to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Joel Rodriguez and Laila Thomas will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Georgia I now pronounce you The Rodriguez's!