Nathan Edward Lynch

The Blending of Natalie Mendenhall and Christopher Dodson

Today Natalie Mendenhall and Christopher Dodson have decided to preform a Sand Ceremony. What this means is they are taking sand and pouring in into a beautiful container creating a symbol that will last a life time. It’s something they can look at and always remember this day. Each member of their family has a different color of sand they will add to this work of art. Sort of like tapestry of their lives together and the beauty each of them brings is represented in the color they have chosen. What makes this special is it is not only Bride and Groom but their children too. Because today, we are coming together to say from this day forward, they are family! And every member is important! As we do this today they’d also like to remember all those who are important in their lives. To remember and include those that are no longer here and not quite here yet so I’ll add glitter as a sign of these loved ones that they may always be magical in their lives and also to represent the mystical power of love that forever unites us all.

Lilly, Savanah, Dillon and Ashton are you ready for your parts? Are you ready to say you are all family? Ok, let’s do it!

Let’s take one moment to look at each container of sand. Once they are poured together, we can never separate them again. Each grain of sand is so tiny we could never do it. When we are done pouring them together we’ll have created something no one else can. So remember that as special as this is, so is your family. The 6 of you together are a very special family and like no other. Celebrate the special bond that you will always have.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we humbly bow before you today praising You, Lord, and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we ask for your blessings upon Natalie and Christopher, as we celebrate this momentous occasion in their lives. Grant them happiness and contentment, as their two lives become one, as they create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another. Bless their families and friends and the relationships, which have supported, strengthened and sustained them throughout their lives. Bless their home as a place of love and of peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

The joining of two hearts as husband and wife is a commitment like no other. It offers opportunities for sharing and for personal growth that no other human relationship can equal. A husband and wife are each other's best friends, confidants, lovers, teachers, listeners and critics. The bond between a husband and wife deepens and enriches every fact of life. Happiness is fuller, and commitments are stronger. Marriage also encourages new life and new experiences, and finds new ways of expressing love through the ups and downs of life. Natalie and Christopher as your journey begins as husband and wife, I would ask you both remember to always treat each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Please face one another and hold hands. Natalie, do you take Christopher to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?( I do )

Do you Christopher take Natalie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?( I do )

Add this in between the declaration of intent and ring exchange.

Vow exchange

The bride and groom have now prepared some vows that they would like to share.".

RING EXCHANGE

May we now have the rings?

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Natalie, please place this ring on Christopher's finger and repeat after me.

Christopher, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Christopher, please place this ring on Natalie's finger and repeat after me.

Natalie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and that I'm choosing to share my life's journey with you.

I give you this ring with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Natalie and Christopher, I want to wish you both much love and happiness as you begin your new journey.

Remember to keep lots of laughter in your life and love will never be far behind.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Natalie and Christopher, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Christopher you may now kiss your beautiful bride. Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Dodson!

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.