Paryss Michelle Dowling

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests, both physically present as well as virtually,

We are gathered together to join the beautiful Betty Nicole Taylor and wonderful Lewis Alphonse Hayes in the spiritual and lawful union of marriage.

I am humbled to be blessed with the task to officiate this wedding, as the bride is not only a good friend to me, but a sister from another great mister, and her husband-to-be is an amazing stand-up man. They both understand and realize that although- yes, they have a lot of years under their belt together, this journey they're about to embark on... This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Contrary to what others may believe about how marriage works, this is NOT just an extension of the relationship you are in now. Your union is not just a piece of paper! Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy, exciting and enduring marriage and home.

* let us pray* 《moment of prayer》

Betty and Lewis, if it is your desire to take the vows which will legally unite you at this time, please respond loudly and with confidence, "Yes, it is"

☆wait for response☆

Before we move forward, the Bride's sister and Maid of Honor, Linda Marie Taylor, have words of blessings to the couple, followed by the Groom's cousin and Best Man, Duetrell Perry of whom will also speak a word of love to the couple.

•Stops for words from both Maid of Honor and Best Man•

The Bride and Groom will now recite personal vows to each other, starting with Lewis, followed by Betty.

*(Vows)*

●DECLARATION OF INTENT●

Do you Lewis Alphonse Hayes take Betty Nicole Taylor to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Betty Nicole Taylor take Lewis Alphonse Hayes to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Before the exchange of rings, we will take a moment to honor Lewis and Betty's loved ones that are no longer here in the physical, with a candle lighting ceremony.

☆moment for candle lighting☆

*(Ring Exchange)*

Lewis, please take the ring you have selected for Betty. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me: "With this ring, I *name stated* pledge that we will become one. I thee wed.

*Repeats for Betty's turn*

We will now do a sand ceremony with the couple. In blending the sand, it represents the blending of these two hearts, just as the impossibility of attempting to separate grains of sand.

♡Sand ceremony by the couple♡

●PRONOUNCEMENT●

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of New Jersey I now pronounce you Husband and Wife! What God has put together, let NO man tear apart. You may now kiss your Bride and live your unified life.

♡Couple then jumps the broom♡