The ocean breeze blew through Sharon’s hair as she stood on the lawn. The setting sun cast golden rays on her as she stood holding the hands of Chad, her soon-to-be husband. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her family and friends sitting in the audience. Most were smiling up at her, and a few had tears in their eyes. She could feel Chad squeeze her hands as they looked at one another. They giggled with realization. They were getting married. Right now. They were standing at their sunset Marina Village wedding, and they were about to be man and wife. Sharon reached up and wiped the tears from Chad’s eyes one last time before she took the microphone.
“Chad, I prayed for you.
I prayed for a man that would love me unconditionally and would love my children as his own. And God guided me to you.
And today, in front of God, our family and our friends, I choose you.
I choose you to be no one other than yourself, loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not yet know.
I choose you to give my whole heart with abiding courage and faith.
I choose to laugh with you and to cry with you.
I choose to put you before myself and to take care of you in good or poor health.
I choose you from this day forward, and every day that we are blessed to share this beautiful life together.
I choose you as my husband, Chad. And I will always choose you.”
“I choose you as my husband, Chad. And I will always choose you.”
Sharon and Chad,
You two are the epitome of joy. From laughter to tears, I have never experienced such an emotional ceremony. And, honestly, I cried the entire time. You laughter, which filled the entire day, was just one more proof that you two are best friends and are meant to be together.
I could not be happier for you two! You have waited so long to find each other, so don’t ever let go! And, one day, you will follow in your grandparent’s footsteps. It will be you two who are standing alone on the dance floor because you have been married longer than anyone else in the room. So, here’s to the next 50 years!
