Avellona Wedding

before they walk in.

“The bride and groom have requested to keep their wedding ceremony phone-free. If we’re honest, our phones can be a big source of distraction for ourselves and even those around us. To all the aunties and uncles that are dying to take photos and videos, don’t worry. You’ll get your chance! Once the entire bridal party has come in, I will queue everyone to take their photos. Then, for the rest of the ceremony, they are requesting for you to put your phones away. So please, out of love and respect for the bride and groom, put your phones on silent and do not use them for the duration of the wedding ceremony. Thank you.”

Processional

WHO GIVES THIS BRIDE TO THIS MAN?

YOU MAY BE SEATED.

Alright aunties and uncles, you can take your photos. NOW OUT THEM AWAY.

Ryle and Devon, I want you guys to take this time to just turn and look to the audience. These are people that love you with all of their hearts. And these are people that will support you two through every season of life. So now, just breathe in…breathe out...and enjoy this divine moment.

We are gathered here today to join Ryle and Devon in holy matrimony. A special thanks to all of you that have traveled from far and wide to witness the promise these two are about to make to one another. We are here to offer our love and support, and to stand with Ryle and Devon as they begin this new chapter of life. And it is my honor to join you in marking the start of Ryle and Devon’s marriage.

HOMILY

2020 was a year that many of us will never forget. A year full of loss, disease, shut downs, and lots of sourdough. Our world is changed forever because of it. But who knew, that even from an unprecedented time, God would begin to write a precious love story.

Not too long ago, in a land far far away…a land filled with veggie meats and pickleball players and medical professionals…two nurses, that go by the names of Ryle and Devon, were both scheduled to work the same shift. Being a nurse is not easy. I should know, I’m married to one. And…being a nurse during a global pandemic? Now that’s heroic. At the end of his shift, Ryle was giving a report to Devon’s friend. And Devon wasn’t too far way. But Ryle noticed something shocking about Devon. You see, this was 2020, and everyone had to wear masks, especially nurses. Some people would think, “Mmm! Maybe they’re cute!” But the moment they took their mask off, they thought, “Mmm, maybe not”. So, all we had to show were our eyes! And that’s what was shocking to Ryle—Devon’s eyes! I don’t mean that in a super cute, romantic way.

Ryle saw that Devon’s eyes were extremely dilated. Now, he noticed this and thought Devon was about that life. “At work? Here? I might have to report this girl!” He thought. But to Ryle’s surprise, he later found out that Devon’s pupils were dilated because she had just had BRAIN SURGERY. *smooth one, bro* But it doesn’t stop there! Devon had her reservations about Ryle, too!

Her friends tried to talk her into going a date with Ryle, but Devon would say to them: “NO. Probably not my type.” But on his birthday, Ryle had brought donuts to the unit! To share and celebrate with everyone. Devon saw this, and thought, “Ok, he doesn’t suck.” They eventually went on their first date, and the rest is history!

For quite some time now, I’ve had the opportunity to have bible studies with Ryle, Devon, and Casey! And something that I’ve noticed about them is their ability to provide unwavering support to one another.

A text that reminds me of their union is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Here’s what is says: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up! Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be wam alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”

For a few moments, we’re going to meditate on 3 lessons from this text in Ecclesiastes. My prayer is that these lessons would help us provide biblical support to our spouses and our loved ones.

Lesson #1: Help each other.

“If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Ryle and Devon, your selfless support for one another will allow you to help each other.

Lesson #2: Heal each other.

“If two lie down together, they will keep warm.”

Today, our world is simultaneously more connected than ever AND more lonely than ever. Isolation is at an all time high.

Ryle and Devon, your grace and compassion toward one another will allow you to heal each other.

Lesson #3: Hold each other.

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

Ryle and Devon, hold on to each other while you’re holding onto Jesus.

Our Jesus knows the things that irritate us about each other. He sees every tear that falls. Make time to be with Jesus individually, as a couple, and as a family.

Exchange of Rings

It is now time for you to exchange rings. Your rings symbolize the eternal commitment that you make to each other, and the never ending circle of your love. May these rings always remind you of the commitment you are making here today.

Ryle and Devon, please repeat after me. This time we’ll start with Devon

I, Devon…...give you, Ryle…...this ring as a symbol of my love...and commitment to you.

I, Devon…...give you, Ryle…...this ring as a symbol of my love...and commitment to you.

Beautiful.

Signing of Certificate

Friends, we gather here today to celebrate the beautiful union of Ryle and Devon. Their love story is one that inspires us all, filled with moments of joy, understanding, and unwavering commitment. As we witness the joining of their hearts and lives, we now come to a particularly meaningful part of the ceremony—the signing of their marriage certificate.

This moment is more than just a formality. It is a tangible symbol of their love and dedication to one another, a promise to face life’s joys and challenges together, hand in hand. By signing this document, Ryle and Devon are not only making their union official in the eyes of the law, but they are also declaring their commitment to each other in front of all of us—their cherished friends and family.

As they take this important step, let us all share in their joy and surround them with our love and support. This is a moment of celebration, a moment to honor the love that has brought them here, and a moment to look forward to the many wonderful memories they will create together in the future. Ryle and Devon, please step forward to sign your marriage certificate and mark the beginning of this new chapter in your lives. I would also like to invite their chosen witnesses to join them in this signing, as well.

Vows

At this moment, the bride and the groom will be repeating their vows to each other. Ryle, we will begin with you. Repeat after me.

"I, Ryle…...take you, Devon…...to be my wedded wife... to have and to hold...from this day forward...for better, for worse...for richer, for poorer...in sickness and in health...to love and to cherish...till death do us part."

Devon, repeat after me.

"I, Devon…...take you, Ryle…...to be my wedded husband... to have and to hold...from this day forward...for better, for worse...for richer, for poorer...in sickness and in health...to love and to cherish...till death do us part."

Beautiful

Declaration of Intent

Now,

Do you, Ryle, take this woman to be your wedded wife?

…I do...

Do you, Devon, take this man to be your wedded husband?

…I do...

Declaration of Marriage and the Kiss

By the power invested in me as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I now declare that Ryle and Devon are husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride! (GET OUT THE WAY)

Everyone, it is my greatest honor...to introduce to you..Mr. and Mrs. Avellona!

announcement about cocktail hour!