Keri Cossey

We are gathered here today to celebrate a time of gratitude, gladness, & joy. It is one of life's greatest miracles when two people love each other so much that they are willing to commit their lives together, as one in spirit. The ability to love is a miraculous gift that God has given us, & a wedding is a celebration of that gift. Today, we have been invited to share & to rejoice with Summer & Alvin, to show our unconditional love & support to them as they begin their journey as husband & wife. Love is the reason we are here. & they, would like to thank all their guests for being here today. Welcome.

Alvin & Summer have enough love for each other to share with all of us, but also to envelope two very special hearts with a love & protection stronger than any other. Their children are a constant source of joy, inspiration, & hope for them. Rubens curiosity, humor, & determination remind them to look at things with a light heart & focus. Jacob’s compassion, acceptance, & forgiving nature remind them to tend to the others needs & forgive moments of imbalance. & with both of their playfulness, affection, & flexibility remind them to be open to new changes & to find the fun in every step they take. Without you, Ruben & Jacob, this day would not be complete.

Alvin & Summer, The two of you know quite well that life is difficult & relationships are challenging . but as you travel through life together you'll always have someone to share the good, the bad & the ugly!

Therefore, in the presence of God & in the presence of all of the witnesses here. Have the two of you come here freely & without reservation to give yourselves to each other in the holy state of matrimony?

May we have the rings, as you each place the ring on your love’s finger. Always remember the promises you are making here today are intended to be forever.

Please repeat after me: I, Alvin Strong, give myself to you Summer Beggs in marriage. I promise to encourage & inspire you, to laugh with you, to comfort you in times of sorrow. I promise to love you in good times & in bad, when life seems easy & when it seems hard. I promise to cherish you, & I promise to always take you down back roads, & to push you out of your comfort zone & to always make you feel safe.

Please repeat after me: I, Summer Beggs, give myself to you Alvin Strong in marriage. I promise to encourage & inspire you, to laugh with you, to comfort you in times of sorrow. I promise to love you in good times & in bad, when life seems easy & when it seems hard. I promise to cherish you, & I promise to always take you down back roads, & to push you out of your comfort zone & to always make you feel safe.

Today, Alvin & summer are starting a new tradition. As a sign of their love for each other, the intertwining of their lives, & the fire that burns within their souls for each other, gathered together here among friends & family, they will brand this piece of wood. This brand will be on permanent display in their home to show their devotion to each other, today, tomorrow & the rest of their lives. To help them find their way back home, if ever lost in the turbulent storms of life. To remind them of the love & support that each of you have given them today & that you continue to give each & every day. As this brand cannot be undone, so shall their promise to each other stand the test of time. You may proceed with the branding.

May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead & through all the years.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Texas I now pronounce you husband & wife. you may now begin your marriage with a kiss. May I present Mr & Mrs Strong. Congratulations