Ashley Shavon Blair

Welcome dear family and beloved friends,

We are here today to join Monica Jackson and Clinton Pierson in the spiritual union of marriage.

This promise to each other is not to be made lightly but thoughtfully and seriously. This is a promise, a contract, with a deep obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy family and enduring home.

I've known Monica for close to 7 years. Most of those years were spent talking to each other online with our shared interest of K-pop. But once we finally met in person i knew Monica was so much more then the person behind the screen. She's such a sweet, giving, and funny person that i can confidently call one of my close friends. Most of my fondest memories have been shared with Monica and i'm so thankful for that. Who knew Korean pop music could lead to this moment.

As for Clint i of course met him after meeting Monica and after knowing him for a few years I'm happy that Monica has him in her life. His mindset is very justice driven and not blinded by how society portrays women of color. We've had many deep conversations about social issues that a man whose marrying a black women should know about and he's more educated then most men i know in general. He's truly an intelligent and great guy.

Both Monica and Clint are amazing people and i hope for this to be the first stepping stone for an amazingly happy life for both of them. They not only are each others strength but also each others pride. They've been together long enough to know the struggles of being in a relationship and they've definietely withstood the test of time. I know that July is a very special month for both of them for many reasons. Both of their birthdays are in July, Monica's being today but also tomorrow is Clint's Parents Wedding Anniversary which is why today is even more special for not just Clint and Monica but also for Clint's father. I hope this is also a day that everyone will remember as well.

At this time i'm going to turn the floor over to the couple of the hour, for them to read their vows they've written.

*(Vows)*

Do you Monica Jackson take this man Clinton Pierson to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself for him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Clinton Pierson take this woman Monica Jackson to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself for her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Monica and Clinton will be performing the Unity Sand Ceremony. (I'll give a breif description of what it means for those that do not know the ritual of the sand ceremony)

*(Perform Sand Ceremony)*

Monica Jackson and Clinton Pierson will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Illinois I now pronounce you wife and husband! You may now kiss the bride!

I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Pierson