Saturday, March 01, 2008

Who On Earth Posts an Entire Wedding Ceremony Online?

Who gives this woman away?
Her family and I do
We are gathered here today to witness the wedding of Jessica Spencer and Nate McIntyre. A little over a year ago, I had the unique experience of being Jessica’s roommate as this relationship unfolded. I saw the sweet little things Nate did for Jessica- from the Skittles on our door to making sure every detail of her birthday was perfect. I saw Jessica freak out trying to make sure Nate wasn’t going overboard, and I saw her risk her life by going Mountain Biking with Nate.
And I saw, “I don’t know about this” turn into “This might be it.” And it is.
Now, I’m standing here today as a single woman who has yet to be married. So the advice I offer is from others whom I trust, as well as a few things I’ve noticed and appreciated in my life concerning a healthy and loving marriage.
By taking this step, Jessica and Nate, you are promising to each other that through this lifetime of joys and struggles, the two of you will always be there for each other to rely on. You have learned a lot about the other’s personality over the last year. Nate, you know how often Jessica needs her time to herself, which is significantly less than before she met you, and Jessica, you know now to just let Nate do his own thing and not stress about the things he will inevitably keep stressing about. And you both know each other enough to make this commitment. You have discovered by now that the person standing next you is not perfect. But you have both decided that this person is perfect for you.
The person beside you is the one you have chosen to love, adore, and cherish above all others. There are reasons for this that you will continue to discover as the years go by. The years will change the person you marry today. You will realize facets of each others’ personalities you never knew existed. Savor this opportunity to grow and develop as a couple.

Remember always that the most successful marriages are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, and work.

❒ In difficult times, turn to each other and use these opportunities to find similarities in your beliefs. Turn together to Someone higher than yourselves that will guide you in strengthening both your family and your relationship.
❒ Be quick to forgive each other for the heartaches the other may cause, both the unintentional and the occasional intentional.
❒ Always show respect for each other. Be quick to praise and even slower to criticize, especially in public.
❒ Look for small ways to show your love for one another in the small things you do and say, as you do now.
❒ Be the sympathetic ear you spouse can come to with his or her troubles. Be willing always to put their needs before your own.
❒ And Commit yourselves to working hard, both in your careers and in your other responsibilities.
I know this relationship has already had its share of “talks.” You both have a tremendous capacity for these discussions. This is not the end of them. Continue to openly communicate with each other. Reflect upon the path your marriage is taking you and be willing to make the daily changes to ensure it leads you in the right direction.
And Lastly, remember that the sacrifices you will make for this companionship will bless your lives immensely as you share the deepest and sweetest emotions of this life with each other.

Nate and Jessica Now have a few words to say to each other. [Nate and Jess said their vows, which were just perfect.]
Jess
Nate

Do you Have your Rings? Please repeat after me.
Nate, please accept this ring as a symbol of my promises to you and a reminder of my devotion to you
I am honored to call you my husband.
(Repeat.)
Jessica Ann Spencer, do you take Nathan McIntyre to be your lawfully wedded husband to love, hold, and to cherish for the rest of your lives?
(Repeat)
By the power vested in me as the High Magistrate of the Church of Serendiptious Love, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Nate, you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen: Mr.& Mrs. Nathan McIntyre.

1 comment:

Sweet Em said...

You are awesome! What luck your friends have to know you!