04/28/2024
Laney and Bryan are officially married and I cannot say how proud I am of them and how much it meant to me to officiate their wedding. The wind was being very dramatic and it was a little hard for everyone to hear so I wanted to share the ceremony. I don't expect all my friends to read the whole thing but don't miss those cakes because Lane really stressed getting them down there and he deserves some public recognition for all of his hard work and worry. They were super expensive too, they cost his new nephew two whole cans of Dr. Pepper
Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of Bryan Pritchett and Laney Rice.
This is not the beginning of a new relationship but rather an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together.
Pistol Annies said it best, “I’ll keep on turning the pages, oh what a story to tell, you’ll still be my sweetheart when everything ages, you’ll be the last book on the shelf. I hope you’re the end of my story, I hope you’re as far as it goes, I hope you’re the last word I ever utter, it’s never your time to go. I hope you’re the end of my story.”
Bryan and Laney have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.
Bryan and Laney will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us—including the love of their parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.
Watching Laney grow up has been a highlight of my life. I am so honored to be part of this occasion and welcome Bryan with open arms to, officially, become part of our family. As I have watched both Bryan and Laney the last few years, I have seen their love grow and mature just as they have grown and matured.
I have witnessed “That Kind of Love.” A kind of love I share with Laney’s uncle Lane and sincerely hope they have witnessed and used as an example of what marriage can and should be like. I want them to always have “That Kind of Love.” A “just checking in” kind of love. A “honey, did you eat today”, kind of love. A “you’re the first person I told,” kind of love. An “I need a kiss before you leave,” kind of love. A “why don’t you go squeeze in a round of golf,” kind of love. A “just let me cry for a bit,” kind of love. An “I love your dogs because I love you,” kind of love. A “laugh until you cry and can’t breathe,” kind of love. An “I love you more,” kind of love.
Never forget what it means to have “That Kind of Love.”
While the intent behind the vows you will take in just a moment will bind you together legally, your bond is already strong and beautiful. When your relationship is tested and your bond is stretched beyond anything it has survived thus far, and trust me it will be, remember “That Kind of Love,” and show grace to one another. Neither of you are perfect and your marriage won’t be either. But showing grace when the other needs it most is as close to perfection as a marriage will ever get. Be quick to laugh and even quicker to forgive. As you take your vows to one another remember this advice and embrace what it means to devote yourselves to one another for the rest of your lives.
Do you Bryan take Laney to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, with two dogs or ten, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?
Do you Laney take Bryan to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, on good golf game days and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?
A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and as such represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and thus of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and “That Kind of Love.”
Bryan, place the ring on Laney’s finger and repeat after me:
Laney, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With this ring, I pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
And now...Laney, place the ring on Bryan’s finger and repeat after me:
Bryan, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With this ring, I pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
Let us join together and ask our Heavenly Father’s blessing over the beginning of Bryan and Laney’s beautiful union. Lord, we come to you today as one to ask your favor for this marriage that we have witnessed. We thank you for the gift of love and friendship. We thank you for the gift of life partners and the beauty that they bring to everyday life. Please watch over and keep Bryan and Laney in the many happy years to come. We thank you for bringing us all together today to celebrate them as they are and as they will be. We thank you for your word on marriage in Matthew 19:6 and the promise that it contains: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” It is in your Son’s holy name that we join to praise you for, and emulate, these gifts of love and devotion. Amen
PRONOUNCEMENT
Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with the vows you have made before those gathered here and our Almighty God. By the authority vested in me by the great State of Texas, I now pronounce you married!
