Jack Lee Wolfe III

[intro]

Who gives this Bride?

[Minister]

"Her Mother and I"

[Father of the Bride]

Welcome everyone and please be seated.

We have all been invited here today because we are somehow involved in this love story whether it was being a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or even a friend. We have helped write Brittany and Shaun’s love story. We all know how long of a love story this one is too. It seems like some of us have seen these two together forever, even though they just saw each other as friends. Their love story reads like a fairytale, first friends, boy likes girl, girls not interested, but in the end, boy marries girl. And of this all makes sense, because their love is unique and special, and love like that is usually only found in fairytales.

I have known Brittany for over a decade now, we first met in high school Latin club, I was new, and Brittany being the outgoing person she is quickly became a great friend of mine. Throughout our high school years and early college years, I never knew Brittany to be obsessed with any boys. That’s probably because she thought most of us were stupid. When I found out she was dating Shaun I knew he was different and getting to know him over the years I now know why. These two have so much in common while still having enough differences to keep things interesting. I remember when Brittany and Shaun asked me to be a part of their special day in probably the biggest way possible and let me say, I could not be more honored to help them start this journey.

This feeling of "true love" is just that, a feeling. It's hard to describe but when you're in love, you can just feel it. It's a feeling that takes over us. It's a feeling that's good for the soul, it makes us stronger, smarter, more creative, and most of all, more passionate.

You don't have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right? You're standing on a stage, looking fancy, holding flowers, and being stared at by pretty much everyone who has meant anything to you in the past twenty-something years. So why do we do it? The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society. We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others. Why this moment?

Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share. It's the great unifier — our one universal truth. That no matter who we are, where we've come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we're doing right. That's why you’re both standing here. That's why we are all here to watch Brittany and Shaun. We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we're reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity

All of us here today have our own love stories. Some are short, others long. Some are yet unwritten, while others are just getting to the good part. There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing — and others that are exciting and full of adventure.

I'm here — we're all here — because we want those moments for you two. We're here to hope with you, to support you, to be proud of you, and to remind you that love isn't happily ever after. Love is the experience of writing your story. It's not one moment — not even this moment. It's every moment. Big ones like saying "I love you," moving in together, getting engaged — but mostly a million little ones that come in between the big moments. Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together, spending holidays with your families, playing video games, watch Netflix, playing with the cats, getting a big hug when you get home from work, the list goes on and on… These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.

And even though this experience is so incredible, words fail us when we try to explain it. That's just the way it is with love — it's meant to be felt, not described.

*[Vows]

The formal exchange of your wedding vows is the most ancient part of a wedding ceremony.

These are the words that couples for centuries have spoken to one another and, while they are very simple words, they have extraordinary meaning and importance.

Brittany, do you take Shaun, to be your best friend, your husband, and your one true love. Do you promise to love him today, tomorrow, and forever, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

If so answer “I do”

Shaun, do you take Brittany, to be your best friend, your wife, and your one true love. Do you promise to love her today, tomorrow, and forever, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

If so answer “I do”

*[Ring Exchange]

The ring is an ancient symbol, believed by the Romans to connect the love vain in your left ring finger directly to your heart. A ring is so simple and pure, it has no beginning and has no end. It is a circle; for love that is given comes back around again. Your rings are precious because you wear them with love. They symbolize your commitment in marriage. They remind you of who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are as individuals, but also who you are as a couple.

Brittany please repeat after me:

Shaun, you are the love of my life, you are my very best friend. I give you this ring to wear, as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion to you. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.

Shaun please repeat after me:

Brittany, you are the love of my life, you are my very best friend. I give you this ring to wear, as a symbol of my abiding love, my eternal faith, and my undying devotion to you. It is an outward reminder of our inner unity.

*[Wine Ceremony]

As you share the wine from this cup, so may you share your lives together. May all the sweetness that it holds for you be that much sweeter because you have tasted it together. May you find life’s joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and all of life enriched by a constant love. As of this moment, you belong to the same current which will carry you to the highest peaks of life. May this bond hold forever true! Please share this cup of wine as an acknowledgment of the new bond between you as life partners, soul mates, and this evening as husband and wife.

*[Pronouncement]

Brittany and Shaun, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage.

We recognize and respect the vows you have made here this day, before each one of us as a witness.

In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, and by the authority vested in me by the state of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

Shaun, you may now kiss your bride!

I am honored and privileged to present

Mr. and Mrs. Shaun Jefferies!