Amber and Elias Married February 22, 2025

Well, Friends and Family, we know that Amber and Elias are here today to get married and that they are perfect for each other. (Can I get an “amen”)

Friends, how did we end up here today? How did these two people somehow not only end up meeting, but also end up falling in love and choosing to spend the rest of their lives together? Well, I’d like to spend the next few minutes Telling you a true version of how that happened.

This love story begins in the bustling days of 3rd grade, where Elias and Amber first cross paths. They're in Mrs. Dickey's class, a world filled with multiplication tables and cursive writing. Amber, with her tomboy style, fits right in with the boys during recess.

Elias, on the other hand, finds a fun playmate in Amber, her energy matching his own. Elias enjoys Amber's company, her lively spirit, and her kind nature. He sees her as a 'one-of-a-kind goofball,' and it's this fondness that prompts him years later to add her as a friend on Facebook, a modern sign of their shared past. Amber, in turn, harbors a small crush on Elias, a secret she keeps tucked away like a hidden treasure. She recalls a day when Elias, deep in conversation with another girl, becomes the target of her playful plot. In an effort to catch his attention, she stages a fall, landing right on Elias, a move that brings a round of laughter and successfully steals Elias' attention.

Years pass, filled with school events, laughter, and recess games. But as time moves on, Elias and Amber drift apart, their schoolyard camaraderie fading into the background. Elias, after a few unsuccessful relationships, finds his thoughts circling back to the sweet and kind friend from his childhood. He decides to reach out, sending a message to Amber on Facebook, hoping to reconnect.

Amber, surprised and a bit curious, responds to Elias' message. Their conversation is brief, a simple catch-up that revives the memories of their playful past. But as Elias starts HVAC school in 2022, he finds himself messaging Amber more frequently, their conversations growing longer and more meaningful. Elias, caught up in the warmth of their renewed friendship, asks Amber on a few dates. Unfortunately, due to her living out of town and a busy schedule, Amber finds herself unable to accept his invitations. This leaves Elias in a state of uncertainty, unsure of where their journey will lead next.

Elias is waiting for Amber to show up for their date. He's dressed in his nicest shirt and jeans, a bunch of flowers in hand. He's a bit nervous, his palms are sweaty, and he's constantly checking his watch. Finally, Amber shows up. She's on a vacation in Spring Branch and has agreed to meet Elias for a Harry Potter movie marathon. As they settle down to watch the first Harry Potter movie, Elias can't help but feel awkward. He's worried that he's being annoying or uninteresting. He keeps stealing glances at Amber, trying to gauge her reactions. To break the tension, he suggests they get something to eat. Amber agrees. Elias, still feeling like he's not impressing her enough, suggests Wing Stop. He figures if the date is going badly, at least they'll get to eat something they both enjoy. As they sit down to eat, Elias can't help but feel a little more at ease. The food is good, and Amber seems to be enjoying herself. After the meal, they say their goodbyes. Elias tells Amber he hopes to hear from her again and suggests they go on another date later that week. He's surprised and thrilled when Amber agrees. She tells him she had an awesome time and would love to see him again. Elias can't believe his luck. He had spent the whole date thinking he was messing up, but Amber enjoyed herself and wants to see him again. For Amber, the date with Elias is a pleasant surprise. She wasn't expecting much, but Elias turned out to be charming and thoughtful. She's excited about seeing him again and can't wait for their next date.

And that date leads to the next, and soon Elias and Amber are building a life and a future together.

Elias is on a mission. He's set on asking Amber to marry him. His first attempt, however, doesn't go as planned. As he's about to get down on one knee on their front porch at sunset, Dutton, Amber's dog, starts gagging. Elias, not wanting to add dog vomit to this romantic moment, decides to hold off his proposal.

Meanwhile, Amber is in on Elias' plans. She knows he's planning to buy her a promise ring. He even sends her a few ideas. But Amber, being the practical joker she is, suggests they skip the promise ring and go straight to an engagement ring. She even sends him a picture of the exact ring she wants. And Elias, being the eager beaver he is, rushes off to buy it!

Fast forward to Father's Day. Elias and Amber are at her parents' house, playing board games. Elias sees this as the perfect moment to propose. He wants Amber's family to witness his commitment, to see that he wants their marriage to be as loving as their family. He takes a deep breath, gets down on one knee, and proposes. In front of Amber's mom, in the middle of a board game, Elias asks Amber to marry him. And she says yes! But wait! There are no pictures. So, the next day, Elias gets creative. He puts “Will you marry me” bandannas on Amber's dogs and they snap some proposal pictures. It's a moment filled with laughter and love, a perfect snapshot of their quirky and fun relationship.

And here we are today.

They did it! Can we give it up for Amber and Elias? This is a beautiful story; it’s a story of two people who have known each other their whole lives yet move away from each other - but a chance connection on Facebook brings them here today!

It’s because of the moments in this story and many others that Elias can say of Amber, when I asked him what he loves about her:

Not only does she make me feel loved and wanted. She invigorates me, I feel

young, brave and HAPPY! Every time I’m with her, I feel like I can move

mountains. She’s strong, independent, smart, funny, and she wants to be with me!!!

And Amber says of Elias, when I asked her what she loves about him:

I love his sense of humor and i love how much he loves me. I never thought I could be loved by someone so much. I love how he always encourages me to do my best, never tries to tear me down. I love how much he loves my dogs and how much he loves my family.

Now, Amber and Elias are in love, and two people in love do tend to gush about each other. But it’s the opinions of family and friends that are perhaps a bit more objective. Well, I asked a few friends and family about Amber and Elias - a few of you here today - a few of the people who love Amber and Elias most.

Edit Image

Amber and Elias had an awesome group standing up with them!

Here’s what you had to say:

I've known Amber for 8+ years, and I've never seen her happier than when she's talking about life with Elias. They bring out each other's kookie side, and it's hard to deny their joy just standing next to each other. They are supportive of each other and their choices. And they are great puppy parents (including Elias bringing home a surprise 3rd dog a couple of weeks ago!) I love how Elias immediately loved Paisley and Dutton (and now Penny!)

Today is like no other in the story of Amber and Elias Because they’ve invited us here to observe and to witness and to celebrate What their love story has inspired: Promise. How they’ve grown together and come to this moment Where they want to say to each other, “I will be the person who is always here for you. I commit to loving you faithfully for as many years as we have left on this earth.” So today, Amber and Elias, you are here to say publicly to us and to each other, That the bond that started to take root in Mrs. Dickey's classroom and on the playground in all your mundane moments and exciting excursions - that bond - you will commit to keep strengthening wherever life takes you together from this day forward. And so, having said all that, Amber and Elias, do you stand here today to give yourselves to each other in marriage?

Vows

This is the heart of the ceremony - the part of the day when Amber and Elias break new ground into their relationship by making promises to each other traditionally called “vows.”

Amber and Elias have opted to write their own personal vows to one another.

Exchange of Rings

Amber and Elias will now exchange rings as a symbol of the promises they’ve made here today and of their ongoing commitment to each other.

Elias, please repeat after me:

Amber, I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love and honor you. Please wear it as a sign, Of my commitment to you.

Amber, please repeat after me:

Elias, I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love and honor you. Please wear it as a sign, Of my commitment to you.

Pronouncement/The Kiss

And now, with great joy in front of all your closest friends and family, by the authority given tto me by the state of Texas, I pronounce you Husband and wife! You may now share your first married kiss!!

Unity Ceremony

Amber and Elias are about to embark on the greatest adventure of all—marriage. And like any great adventure, they’ve wisely prepared an emergency survival kit.

They call it the Heart Box.

Inside this box, they have placed two essential items:

1. A bottle of Johnny Walker—because sometimes love needs a little liquid encouragement.

2. A love letter to each other—because when words fail in the heat of battle, prewritten romance can save the day.

Now, this box has one very important rule: It may ONLY be opened in the event of a major disagreement—something so dire that a game of “who left the wet towel on the bed” cannot resolve it. If that happens, they will open the box, pour a drink, and be reminded (through a slightly blurry, whiskey-fueled lens) of why they fell in love in the first place.

However, should they miraculously make it five whole years without needing this emergency intervention (which we all totally believe will happen, right?), they will open the box on their fifth—yes, fifth (get it?)—wedding anniversary, celebrate their impeccable conflict-resolution skills, and toast to their undeniable, everlasting love.

So, here’s to Amber and Elias—may their love be strong, their arguments be few, and their Heart Box remain sealed for as long as possible!

Rev. Sabrina

At The Outlaw Ranch in Blanco, Texas! dj: @party_mixer makeup artist: @hillcountry_bridalstylists bartending: @Rockingrandb photographer: @taylorbateyphotography