Elonna T. Hall

We are gathered here on this delightful day to witness the union of Anthony Anderson Williams and Reiko Reilyne (Ray-Lean) Ellis on purpose. This is a day of great celebration, for a married life - a shared life - is a great blessing. As they embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes them better versions of themselves. Marriage is a garden we sow with love, purpose, and harvest in personal growth.

On your journey together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love that you share must be guarded and cherished forever, for it is your most valuable treasure. Always remember these words; Love is patient and Love is kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth conquers. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

The couple have chosen to write their own vows, and it is with these words you express your binding promises to love, honor, and cherish one another. If you are ready to make these promises to each other I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions.

when you're ready you may begin Anthony.

when you're ready you may begin Reiko.

VOWS EXCHANGE

(couple read the vows they have written)

RINGS EXCHANGE

Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us present. The rings you are about to place on each other's fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of the vows you have just spoken, and of the eternal love that you have for one another.

Anthony, place the ring on Reiko 's finger and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger… From this moment forward... So will my love forever encircle you... You will never walk alone... My heart will be your shelter... My arms will be your home... We will walk thru life as partners & best friends... I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you... Just the way you are... I give you my heart until the end of time... I have no greater gift to give.

Now Reiko, place the ring on Anthony 's finger and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger... from this moment forward... so will my love forever encircle you... You will never walk alone... My heart will be your shelter... My arms will be your home... We will walk thru life as partners & best friends... I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you... just the way you are... I give you my heart until the end of time... I have no greater gift to give.

SAND CEREMONY

ANTHONY and REIKO you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.

Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand. One, representing you, ANTHONY and One Representing you REIKO and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. (we pour the sand)

At this time, I would like to invite the children of REIKO and ANTHONY to come forward. These vials of sand represent the children in the family

Parents, today you are making a life-long commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other and honor your children as well.

There are children who will share in this marriage. The gathering of this new family will have a deep influence upon them.

We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married.

As you each hold your sand, the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives will also join together as one family.

You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children, Anthony and Reiko into one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be. With this marriage, these two families are joined.

(To the kids:)

Each of you are now a resource into which, as family members, you may come to, throughout your lifetimes, for direction, meaning, and love.

Your Parents strive to provide not only the basic needs, but a nurturing and loving environment in which each of you find the confidence to reach the highest goals of your hearts, minds, and spirits.

This is part of their vision of what your family is. Do you each accept the responsibility of being an important part in the building of this family, and to forever contribute your best efforts to maintain the closeness and strength?

If so, say, We do.

PRONOUNCEMENT

By the power given to me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the State of Georgia, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. Anthony, You may kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present for the first time, Mr. Anthony Anderson Williams and Mrs. Reiko Reilyne Williams

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.