Anthony Norbert Kemper

The bride and groom kindly request an unplugged ceremony. Please turn off all devices and enjoy being fully present in this moment with them.

*(Procession)*

You may now be seated

Dear Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Devon and Macaylie in the spiritual union of marriage. They are two of the closest friends to some of us in the room and also two of the best individuals in my opinion on this planet. Everything about this relationship I have seen literally, from the moment they met to where they are standing now.

Through that time, I have seen this relationship been built upon one of the greatest foundations I have found to a great marriage. That is friendship. This brings me to a quote from Bruce Lee of all people, “Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.” And that is what has happened to these two. The love they share is getting stronger everyday as I have seen this love built. You can see it when they look at each other, hear it when they talk about each other, and ask yourself, what is wrong with them when they are tickling each other like elementary kids in the middle of a spike ball game because they love to tease other.

Even Jesus, another great foundation, came as a friend knowing the power of friendship as he came and called us friends. They were friends and best friends before even holding hands! More on that later... it was like a 4th grade relationship, pure, innocent, falling in love with each other before they even knew they were in love with each other, completely blind to what was truly happening.

Pure hearts, pure intentions, pure people meeting and walking in life together. I heard once, “There is no friendship without love, and there is no love without friendship.” I am sure most of you who are married or been married for quite some time can agree, that when you look at your significant other, you see one of your best friends if not your BEST friend. And what better way to live life, walking together, hand in hand with your best friend.

That is why I am so proud of these two and so happy they found each other and built what they have. I can’t be more honored to unite these two in marriage so I can tell Devon, I told you so! When I was asking “how his wife was?” before they were even in a relationship together.

So with that said,

Devon and Macaylie have created their own vows which they will share now...

Do you Devon take this woman Macaylie 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 unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Macaylie take this man Devon 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 unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

They will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment as well as perform a unity candle

*(Ring Exchange)*

Devon & Macaylie, as you hold your separate candles you honor and distinguish yourselves, your uniqueness, and your autonomy. It represents the light of your soul, your needs, talents, and gifts. Everything that makes you who you are.

As you bring the two flames together to burn as one, you both acknowledge that it takes two to maintain, grow, and deepen this one flame that has arisen.

*(Wait to light candle)*

Now imagine trying to describe this flame to someone who has never experienced it before, it's difficult because it is both substance and energy at the same time. The best way you might say is that there's always visible evidence of it when it exists, and feel the warmth it gives off. Love is the same way, you can't really explain it except to say there is always visible evidence of when it exists and see the warmth that is shared.

Actions such as the rituals performed today for this ceremony, holding hands, carrying flowers, exchanging rings, and lighting this candle convey deep symbolic meaning that you are committed to taking action with regards to your promises within the holy gift of marriage and the love you two share.

*(Walk back to center stage)*

You guys ready?

Devon and Macaylie, By the authority vested in me and the State of Washington I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!