Brandon Reid Altman

CONVOCATION

We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments as Rachel and Joe officially join their lives together in the most sacred of human covenants. They come to you, side by side and hand in hand, bound by their love for one another and an intense desire to share this love with the world and with those who have meant so much to their lives and their collective stories - some of which have even come from as far away as Texas!

Though in this relationship joy and fun is always a constant companion, Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity.

INVOCATION

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before you today praising You, Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon Joe and Rachel as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another.

Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace.

In the name of the Lord we pray, Amen

MOMENT OF SILENCE

We would also like to take a moment to honor those who could not be with us today for whatever reason, we know that he would be happy and proud of you both on this auspicious day and we are certain that they are smiling down upon you and I know you can feel their loving presence in both of your hearts. We honor and acknowledge their loving memory. We also wish to honor and give our gratitude and eternal thanks for the servicemembers around the world who have given their last full measure of devotion in defense of this country, it’s citizens and our freedoms. For all those not with us, we will have a moment of silence, please bow your heads. Thank you.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those that trespass against us
and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
“Amen.”

WELCOMING OF THE GUESTS

Rachel and Joe are so incredibly blessed and lucky to have found one another and how wonderful it is that they are together surrounded by their family and dearest friends.

We are here to give recognition to the beauty of love that is shared between Joe and Rachel as they complete their family in holy matrimony. Having had the pleasure of knowing and loving Joe and Rachel for many years, I cannot express to you how much of an honor and a privilege it is for me to stand here and officiate this celebration of a relationship sparked by the beauty of music, solidified by a mutual understanding of hard work, softened by laughs (from bad jokes quite often enough) and kept fresh and meaningful through respect, commitment and the love and bond of family.

Over the weeks leading up to this sacred day I have no doubt that many of you have been sharing your cherished memories and the special connections you have made with these two wonderful people and your presence here today could not be more important. Surrounded by those whom they love most in the world, affirming their love in the eyes of the Lord and promising to love one another without limits, without preconditions for the remainder of their lives is the most meaningful decision that Rahcel and Joe will make.

They would like to send out their heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for each step you have taken on this path alongside them and for the miles still to travel together. They would like take one more moment to thank their parents and their children for all of their nurturing, compassion, support and unconditional love. Without their help, guidance and constant love throughout their lives they wouldn’t be standing in front of us now as the incredible people they are celebrating their remarkable love and remarkable lives together.

READING FROM CORINTHIANS

And now for a reading from Corinthians 1.13:

“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's faults, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end.”

The joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for personal growth that no other human relationship can equal. A husband and wife are each other's best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics. The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every fact of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger.

Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences, and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Joe and Rachel, as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today."

DUET

As I’m sure you are all already aware and I have already mentioned, music was the spark that lit the fire of passion, love and friendship among these two wonderful people. In true Rachel and Joe fashion, they have prepared a song for God, for one another and for you. Without further adieu, Joe and Rachel!

CONSENT/INTENT

In the presence of the Almighty, in the presence of your family and in the presence of your friends I ask that you state your intentions. Have you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? I have.

Will you love and honor each other as husband and wife for the rest of your lives? I will.

PERSONAL VOWS

The bride and groom have written personalized vows which they will read now.

CAN BE CUT IN PLACE OF PERSONAL VOWS TRADITIONAL VOWS

Repeat after me.

I, Joe, take you, Rachel to be my lawfully wedded wife,

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part.

I, Rachel, take you, Joe to be my lawfully wedded husband,

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.

RING EXCHANGE

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul.

Rachel, please place this ring on Joe's finger and repeat after me:

Joe, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Joe, please place this ring on Rachel's finger and repeat after me:

Rachel, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Rachel and Joe, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends.

By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss your beautiful bride. Wait until finished.

Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Rachel McGlone.