Tiffany Sheree Fisher-Avalos

Invocation:

Friends and family,

We have all come together on this special day to witness Lyndsey and Brad share vows.

Brad and Lyndsey, you have taken a different path than many on this journey; nonetheless, that path has lead you here, to this moment in this place—this moment and this place that is perfect for you and only you. I could talk about how support, understanding and kindness are crucial to sustaining a marriage (during the difficult times as well as the easy times) but you already know these things. Your love has already been tested and been found to be true. Together you have already discovered the joys and the heartaches of love. You stand here today in front of all of us to formalize your love through the contract of marriage.

Today your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union. We are privileged to witness two very dear friends, two exceptional and driven individuals commit to sharing a lifetime together.

Declaration of Intent:

Lyndsey and Brad, you are about to state your vows. These vows are an expression of your love for each other. They are not meant to weigh you down, but to lift you up and to help you lift each other up when you cannot do it alone.

Please join hands, face each other and remain holding hands until you both have finished your vows.

Bradley Travis Viera, do you take Lyndsey Danielle Bainbridge, whose hand you hold, choosing her alone, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to live with her in the state of matrimony? Do you promise to love her and comfort her through the good times and the bad times, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all times and being faithful only to her?

Lyndsey Danielle Bainbridge, do you take Bradley Travis Viera, whose hand you hold, choosing him alone, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to live with him in the state of matrimony? Do you promise to love him and comfort him through the good times and the bad times, in sickness and in health, honoring him at all times and being faithful only to him?

Ring exchange:

The ring is an unbroken circle representing unending love. The ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because of the “Vena Amoris” or the vein of love. It was once believed that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger to one’s heart. These two symbols are meant to remind you of the unbroken circle of love flowing between and connecting your two hearts.

Lyndsey, please place the ring on Brad’s finger and repeat after me:

Brad, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring with the promise to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

Brad, please place the ring on Lyndsey’s finger and repeat after me:

Lyndsey, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring with the promise to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever.

Blessing:

You have many symbols, reminders and tokens of your love already. Your rings are simply the latest additions to your collection. You have created two living embodiments of your love—the two most important symbols of all that you have. Look at your children today and know that they are the single most precious representation of your love. They will grow and change just as your love will grow and change. May you always be reminded of your love when you look on their faces.

Pronouncement:

Brad and Lyndsey, you have promised yourselves to each other in mind, body and soul. You have done so in the company of joyful friends and family.

And now, by the power vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to present to you, the newlyweds!