Julia G Jones

OPENING

Welcome friends from near and far, and welcome to our beloved couple, Carson and Connor. We gather here today to celebrate a relationship that has defied these trying times, blossomed, and flourished. Today we will fuse these two individuals into one loving union.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Always remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

LOVE STORY

In the twenty-first century, there are many places to search for love. After meeting Connor on Twitter, Carson followed an impulse that took him to San Diego where fate would work its magic. The two talked away 60 consecutive hours, watched the sun rise and fall, and accidentally chose matching space tattoos for each other. Carson and Connor forged a lasting bond in the fires of spontaneity, even the stars couldn’t fall faster than these two. When the pandemic hit, they took shelter together and knew there was no going back. Their lives were meant to be lived together.

WHAT IS LOVE

In the eyes of God, there are many forms and teachings on love. One favorite bible verse in times like these is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.”

When asked what love meant to each of them, they looked to each other. To Carson, love means being exposed and accepted. Love means feeling complete. To Connor, love is Carson. To him, Carson is the embodiment of love. But above all other definitions, they agreed that they are soulmates. In the words of Emily Eclogue,

“A soulmate is a lover first, And then perhaps a friend,

And then at times maybe a stranger, And at other times an enemy,

But then again a friend, And always there, family,

If not in blood, then in soul, And always by your side.”

VOWS

Marriage is a covenant with God joining two people in love. Marriage is built on intimate promises of affection and devotion to your partner presented in your vows.

Before you marry the man in front of you, I invite you both now to share your loving words with one another.

Connor, do you take Carson to have and to hold as long as you both shall live? (I do)

Carson, do you take Connor to have and to hold as long as you both shall live? (I do)

RINGS

Do we have the rings?

The wedding ring is a physical manifestation of the promises joining both partners together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was traditionally believed that this finger has a direct connection to the heart – the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment. These rings are visible symbols to each other.

For this exchange, place the ring on your partner as you speak.

Carson, repeat after me:

“Connor, with this ring, I thee wed.”

Now Connor, repeat after me:

“Carson, with this ring, I thee wed.”

CLOSING/PRONOUNCEMENT

As this ceremony nears its end, a beautiful marriage finds it’s beginning. Your vows have shown us the depth and warmth of your connection and a glimpse of the love and joy to come of your union. As Carson and Connor enter into marriage, we wish them a lifetime of happiness. We ask God to bless them with a long and prosperous future together. May you never forget the passion, spontaneity, and adventurousness that brought you together.

Carson, Connor, by the power vested in me by the internet, I pronounce you soulmates for life! You may now kiss your man!