I officiated my first wedding on Saturday. After writing and re-writing my charge to the bride and groom so many times, this is what I told them.
Any of us who has been fortunate enough to find and express the kind of loving devotion that we are celebrating here today knows that it is an awesome and beautiful thing. I have just a few remarks I have prepared for Scott and Kaitlyn and I would like to share them now.
5 minutes
That’s all of the time I have in this ceremony to tell you everything.
5 minutes.
How do I sum up the words that will forever instruct the rest of your lives in 5 quick minutes?
How do I say the words that you won’t remember because you’re nervous, you’re thinking about what is next in this service.
In just about 5 minutes?
Even the married couples here today won’t be able to tell you what was said during the 5 minutes when they stood where you stand right now
Let me do my best in just 4 words.
Just love each other.
When this moment is over and it’s just back to you two.
Just Love each other.
When the money is great and when it’s all gone.
Just Love each other.
God willing if the children come and become the priority
Just Love each other
When harsh words are spoken and feelings are hurt
Just love each other
When jobs come and when there are none.
Just love each other
When a routine visit to the doctor turns into something more than you planned
Just love each other
When the Raiders clearly converted a fumble by Tom Brady
Just love each other
I don’t know where I am with my 5 minutes now but I have a feeling it’s running out.
Let me close my charge to you with this
Commit to me and everyone here that you will love each other all the way.
Just love each other.
You won’t remember what I have said. Pictures will remind you of this day. The most important thing I and everyone here celebrating you today can tell you in this 5 minutes…..
Just love each other.
With that, how about we make this official?
*Side note – The bride, her family and I are all Raiders fans. The groom and his family are Tom Brady and Patriots fans. I told them I would only agree to doing this if I could mention “The Tuck Rule” at some point in the service because it was a fumble! Go Raiders!!
AARON CONRAD 