Martin Clarke Brubaker

Dear Family and Friends of Chris and April:

We are gathered together here to join Chris and April in the spiritual union of marriage.

Chris and April, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauties of love as you join together in vows of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Marriage is, in itself a blessing. But doubly blessed is the couple who comes to the marriage altar with the approval and love of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?

Jerry: "On behalf of her loving family and friends, I do."

A reading from Philippians chapter 4 verses 4 through 9

Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, loved ones, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Chris and April will now share their vows.

Do you Chris, choose to marry April? To speak the words that will join you with her as your wife for the rest of the days of your life?

(I do.)

Do you April, choose to marry Chris? To speak the words that will join you with him as your husband for the rest of the days of your life?

(I do.)

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Vow Exchange

Chris, repeat after me:

I Chris take you April to be my wife and best friend

I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.

I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

April, repeat after me:

I April take you Chris to be my husband and best friend

I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.

I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Chris and April will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Ring Exchange

"I hold in my hand two beautiful rings, symbolic of a binding contract, to be given and received as bonds of never-ending love, and devoted friendship, circles of life and circles of love. Dear Lord, we ask that you bless these rings for they are the symbol of this union.

Chris, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign of my vow

And with all that I am, and all that I have

I honor you in the name of God.

(Chris places the ring on April's finger)

April, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a sign of my vow

And with all that I am, and all that I have

I honor you in the name of God.

(April places the ring on Chris' finger)

Pronouncement

Chris and April, to make your marriage work will take love.

Love should be the core of your marriage, love is the reason you are here.

But it also will take trust - to know in your hearts you want the best for each other. It will take dedication - to stay open to one another; to learn and to grow together even when this is not always so easy to do.

It will take faith - to always be willing to go forward to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring.

And it will take commitment - to hold true to the journey you both now pledge to share together.

Chris and April, you have committed yourselves to each other by the exchanging of vows.

You may now seal your beautiful union with a kiss!

By the authority vested in me by the State of Texas - Friends and family I now present you Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Joshlyn Long!

Congratulations!