Jamie Cantrelle Dufrene

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Leona Billiot and Matthew Bean 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.

Before we begin, I would like to share some insight into this beautiful couples love story.

In God’s perfect timing, two lives moving in different directions were gently guided toward one another. Leona and Matthew were complete strangers—walking their own paths, carrying their own hopes, dreams, and responsibilities. Neither knew the other existed, yet both were being prepared for something greater than they could have imagined.

Through the smallest of modern miracles, they met on social media. What began as a simple connection quickly grew into deep conversation. They talked about children, family, and the joys and challenges of life. And even before they fully understood who the other person was, their hearts recognized something familiar—a sense of comfort, understanding, and peace that can only come from God’s hand at work.

Day by day, message by message, they found themselves opening up, sharing their truths, and discovering reflections of their own hearts in one another. What were once two separate stories beginning to intertwine. What were once strangers became something far more.

Over time it became clear: this was no coincidence. This was for a purpose. This was their calling from God.

Leona and Matthew began to see what God had been gently revealing all along—that He had created them for each other. That in His eyes, they were meant to walk together, grow together, and build a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

Their journey is a reminder that God meets us exactly where we are, but He never leaves us where He found us. He leads us toward the people He knows will strengthen us, uplift us, and love us with the fullness of His grace.

And so today, we honor the beautiful truth of their story:

Two hearts. Two paths. One divine plan.

Leona and Matthew—brought together not by chance, but by the miracle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

*(Declaration of Intent)*

Leona and Matthew will now declare their intentions.

Do you Leona take Matthew to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times or in bad, for richer or poorer for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Matthew take Leona to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times or in bad, for richer or poorer for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Leona and Matthew will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

(Leona shares first)

(Matthew follows)

Now that the couple has declared their love for one another, I must ask those gathered here if there are any objections. Should anyone present know of any reasons why this couple cannot be lawfully wed, you must speak now or forever hold your peace.

Leona and Matthew will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

(Leona first placing ring on Matthew's finger)

With this ring, I choose you always and forever.

(Matthew placing ring on Leona's finger)

With this ring, I choose you always and forever.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Louisiana I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss your bride.