Rev. Yowler officiated a small ceremony in her mother's living room for her eldest nephew and his fiancée on Christmas Eve, among a background of Christmas trees.
Ceremony opening
To Brandon and Emily:
True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.
Will the two of you please join hands?
No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those you are about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities.
The Vows
Brandon, Do you take Emily to be your best friend, your faithful partner, and your one true love? Will you encourage, inspire and love her truly through the good times and bad? Do you promise to forever be there to laugh with her, lift her up, and love her unconditionally through all of your adventures in life together?
"I Do"
Emily, Do you take Brandon to be your best friend, your faithful partner, and your one true love? Will you encourage, inspire and love him truly through the good times and bad? Do you promise to forever be there to laugh with him, lift him up, and love him unconditionally through all of your adventures in life together?
"I Do"
Exchange of Rings
Love comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one other today.
Brandon place the ring on Emily’s finger and repeat after me, I give you this ring as a reminder of our vows and promises.
Emily, Place the ring on Brandon’s finger and repeat after me, I give you this ring as a reminder of our vows and promises.
Declaration
Because you have spoken a covenant of love and trust to each other you have made for yourselves a marriage and by the authority vested in by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the state of Kentucky I am delighted to declare that your lives are now joined in marriage.
Benediction of Couple:
May all that is noble and lovely abide now and forever with Emily and Brandon. May the love you have here declared blossom into that of fulfillment which only love can bring. With hearts full of joy, we make this our hope for you.
You may now seal your marriage with a Kiss!