Andrew David Peters

To get things started, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this most happy of days. We are gathered together today to join Richard Nye Jr and Megan Peters in the union of marriage. Who will be giving the Bride away?

*(mom and dad)*

*Wait for Megan to get in place*

It’s no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Ricky and Megan.

The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For Megan, the first time that happened was a little over 19 years ago, when i was born. But about 4 years ago she met Ricky, who is pretty cool, too. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is Andrew. Megan has always been a big part of my life (and I have been a big part of hers), because for the last 19 years i have had the pleasure of being her "baby brother".

Ricky and I have not known each for quite as long. We met at Adventure Island during one of Megan and Ricky's first dates. Megan used to claim that it was not a date, but that may be because Ricky spent more time with me than he did with her...

Apparently running away from your future wife to play one more round of mini-golf with her younger brother is ill-advised, and does not make a good story (says Megan). Right from the beginning Ricky and I have gotten along well, and I am honored that he and Megan trust me enough to play my part in their big day.

Now Megan and Ricky have asked that i keep this speech short (they said something about me being able to talk for hours), so i have had to bench a few stories regarding our childhood, and also 21st birthday parties.

As a third party spectator, it was obvious to me how much love and care flowed between these two as their relationship developed. It is not very often you see a dynamic that works as well as Megan and Ricky do. They take life head on, do things as they want to, and never let anyone tell them they are wrong. "She is going to marry that boy". After meeting Ricky for the first time, these are the words our Grandma Kathy spoke to our distraught mother, who was not quite ready to imagine her little girl getting married. It appears as though you were right, Grandma. I think the fact that the connection they shared could be seen that early on speaks volumes about how strong Ricky and Megan's relationship is, and has always been.

I wish I could tell you a single story that summarizes Megan and Ricky's relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, as well as the lives of each of us. The truth is there isn’t one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. What I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other, and will do anything to keep each other happy.

So. Without Further ado...

Dearly Beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered today to celebrate a beautiful union between Bride and Groom. 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.

Megan and Ricky have prepared their own vows, and will read them now:

*(Vows)*

And now: Do you Megan, take this man Richard Nye Jr. to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Ricky, take this woman Megan Peters to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Megan and Ricky will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

Ricky, please place the ring on Megan’s left hand and repeat after me:

As a sign of my love/

That I have chosen you/

Above all else/

With this ring, I thee wed.

And Megan, please place the ring on Ricky’s left hand and repeat after me:

As a sign of my love/

That I have chosen you/

Above all else/

With this ring, I thee wed.

Ricky and Megan have just pledged their lives to one another, symbolized with the giving and receiving of their rings. They wish to further symbolize the strength of their commitment with a Love Lock Ceremony.

*Pull out padlocks and chain*

These two padlocks represent the Bride and Groom's recognition of the dedication and courage necessary for securing a strong and healthy marriage. This chain is in the form of a circle, which represents unity, wholeness, and completion. Megan and Ricky: I invite you to now attach your locks to the chain, and by doing so show your commitment and desire to bring your lives together as one.

*To audience* Megan and Ricky have united in love and trust for a common purpose, for what was separate will now become whole and complete.

Megan and Ricky: As your hearts, bodies, and minds are joined together in the bond of marriage, these locks demonstrate that you are forever joined together in a lifelong partnership and an abiding friendship, a promise between yourselves that you will forever strive to both complement and complete one another.

At this time I ask you to dispose of the keys to your locks, for what your love has brought together, let nothing break asunder.

By the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Michigan I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the Bride!