Matthew Corey Yount

*(Opening Remarks)*

“Good evening everyone!…” *(Get crowd involved)*

“My name is Matthew, Uncle of the Groom, and I am honored and excited to be the Officiant this evening.”

“The happy couple does encourage photo taking, but they ask us to do so respectfully, not blocking anyone’s view, and being mindful of the photographer(s). Please take this time before we begin, to silence any electronic device.”

“If everyone is ready, shall we begin?…”

“Let’s begin!”

*(Procession)*

*(Invocation)*

Welcome Friends and Family!

We gather here today to witness this celebration as we join together Covin Robert William Ray and Ciera Dawn Baker, as they make a promise of love and commitment to one another."

“These young souls have met, without any idea where they would be today. They have gone from simply knowing the other’s name, to sharing long conversations. They told stories, shared ideas, and found their hearts growing fond of each other. Went from sharing space and conversation, to sharing a life. Now, they wish to stand here and commit to their future together.”

“What a gift and joy to find someone with whom to spend our life. Committing to share our brightest days and weather our darkest nights with someone is no small thing, and cannot be done lightly. However, doing so together makes us grow. We continue to learn from and guide each other, bettering ourselves year after year.”

"Commitment is about trust. It’s about patience, forgiveness, devotion, and hope. It’s what happens when a relationship becomes a home... a place of safety and love… to which each partner can return. Building a foundation for those many years of growth.”

“Now, we allow our couple to formally speak their commitment to one another. Covin, we’ll begin with you…”

*(Vows)*

“Do you Covin, take Ciera, to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

“Do you Ciera, take Covin, to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

“Covin and Ciera will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.”

*(Ring Exchange)*

“As you each place the ring on the other’s finger, repeat after me:”

“I give you this ring *(Repeats)* as a sign of my commitment to you. *(Repeats)*” x2

*(Pronouncement)*

“By the authority given to me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife! You may now kiss the Bride!” *(Couple faces crowd)*

*(Closing Remarks)*

“Our couple will leave us momentarily to sign papers, take photos and prepare for the Reception. When you depart, you may wish to continue the celebration by making your way down along the tree line. I believe we will have someone giving rides with the side-by-side, if wanted. If you happen to be leaving, we want to wish you safe travels. On behalf of the happy couple and their families, I would like to thank everyone who could attend this celebration of love, and help make this moment happen!”

*(Presenting Couple)*

“Finally, everyone (please stand with me now)… It is my honor to present to you, for the first time: Covin and Ciera Ray!”

*(Recessional)*