Carolyn Johnsen

CELEBRANT / OFFICIANT SPEECH

Welcome family and friends! We've all traveled great distances to be here to witness the union of Shannon and John. And it is an incredible honor that I've been asked to officiate this beautiful occasion. Before the ceremony begins, let's take a moment to bow our heads and pay our respects to the loved ones who aren't with us today.

Today is a celebration. A celebration of friendship, of love and most of all commitment from two people who want to get married. But you don't have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. So why do we do it? The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, generation and society. We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but THIS one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others.

Despite all our differences, love is something we all share. It is the great unifier. No matter who we are, where we've come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we're doing right. We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we're reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

In the years that Shannon and John have been together, their love for each other has grown, turning then into the couple you see before you. Now, they are ready to commit the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. And while OUR stories with each of them began at different times in their lives, we are all here TODAY to celebrate this union. Individually, they have brought us joy and we look forward to new, joyous memories that will be forged as one.

Now, John's grandfather, Coy, will give a reading.

ME:

Shannon and John, you fell in love by chance, but you're here today because you're making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You've chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter. You're about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You're going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in your own lives, so you can move forward as a couple and support each other in your ambitions. There's a simple premise to each of these promises: you're vowing to be there. You're joining up and saying to the other, 'Every experience I am going to have, I want YOU to be on my team.' Today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives and expanding your family ties. The story of your life together is still yours to write. All those present have come to witness and celebrate your love and commitment on this day - eager to a part of the story not yet told.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Having considered all of these things, do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, happy marriage?

S AND J: We do.

WEDDING VOWS

Shannon and John have written their own vows. They will now offer them to each other.

RING EXCHANGE

Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken here today.

Me to John:

John, place this ring on Shannon’s finger.

Repeat after me:

With this ring I give you my heart.

From this day forward,

I promise you shall never walk alone

Me: Do you John take Shannon to be your wife? To have and to hold from this day forward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do you part?

John: I do

Me to Shannon:

Shannon, place this ring on John’s finger.

Repeat after me:

With this ring I give you my heart.

From this day forward,

I promise you shall never walk alone

Me: Do you Shannon take John to be your husband? To have and to hold from this day forward. For better , for worse, for richer , for poorer, in sickness and in health until death do you part?

Shannon: I do

WORDS OF COMMITMENT

John and Shannon, remember to treat each other with respect, and remind yourselves daily of the important things that matter and let go of the rest. Let nothing stand in the way. The success of the longevity of your marriage rest upon you: through forgiveness and laughter. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness and kindness that your connection deserves.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Now that you have exchanged your vows and rings in our presence AND by the power vested in me by the state of South Carolina, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Shannon and John, please seal your vows with a kiss!