Angelica Graciela Avendaño

Erin & Steven’s Wedding

Turtle Back Zoo

September 5, 2021

6:30 PM

THE WEDDING CEREMONY

Created by Angie Avendaño

Processional: Entrance of the wedding party

[Officiant enters, followed by wedding party, assuming their places]

Wedding party entrance song: I see the light-tangled

Bride entrance song: Can't help falling in love - Haley Reinhart

Order:

Officiant & Groom

Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

Maid(s) of Honor & Best Man

Bride & Father

Guests are seated until it is time for the Bride to enter

[Officiant:]

Please rise for the Bride.

[Guests stand]

[Officiant:] if just family is standing, this is where I ask for them to rise

Who takes this bride to join their family?

[Groom’s family:]

We do.

[Officiant:]

Who takes this groom to join their family?

[Bride’s family:]

We do.

[Bride and father kiss]

Invocation: Introduction of the couple

[Officiant:]

Family and friends, join me in welcoming the beautiful couple, Steven and Erin!

[applause]

[Officiant:]

I know I speak for everyone when I say that we are honored to be here to celebrate this most important day with the two of you. This is the day when you publicly declare your love for, and commitment to, each other. This is the day when the bond between you will be sealed in word and action...and witnessed by those you hold most dear.

Without context, marriage is just a word. It’s the love that you have for each other that gives the word its power. It’s the promises that you are about to make to each other that give marriage its significance. It’s the unity of your bond that stands as a testament to the world, affirming that you, Steven and Erin share the deepest and most sacred love.

Declaration of Intent: The verbal declaration to wed

[Officiant, to the couple:]

Steven and Erin, you are about to make your promises to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love, and your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you’ll share these joys in marriage.

[Officiant, to Groom:]

Steven, will you take Erin, whose hand you hold, choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her and comfort her through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all times, and being faithful to her?

[Groom:]

I do.

[Officiant, to Bride:]

Erin, will you take Steven, whose hand you hold, choosing him alone to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you live with him in the state of true matrimony? Will you love him and comfort him through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring him at all times, and being faithful to him?

[Bride:]

I do.

Exchange of Vows & Rings: The couple exchanges rings

[Officiant:]

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.

[Officiant, to the Groom:]

Steven, please place this ring on Erin’s finger and repeat after me…

Erin, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

[Officiant, to the Bride:]

Erin, please place this ring on Steven’s finger and repeat after me…

Steven, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

[Officiant:]

Steven and Erin, 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: The marriage is declared official

[Officiant:]

I leave you now with the following words:

May all that you are always be in love. May all that is love always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.

Now that you have spoken the words and performed the rites that unite your lives, by the power vested in me by the State of New Jersey, I declare your marriage to be valid and binding, and I declare you, Steven and Erin to be husband and wife!

You may kiss the bride!

[S&E kiss]

Recessional: The wedding party exits (I do- Colbie Caillat)

[Officiant:]

Friends, family...It is my greatest honor and privilege to introduce the newlyweds, Steven and Erin!

[Couple greets the guests as Husband and Wife and exit, followed by the wedding party, parents and officiant]

After ceremony ends and party exits, Steven, Erin, the Maid of Honor (Katie) and the Best Man (Timmy) will need to hang back to sign the marriage license.

(Make sure the photographer gets photos of license being signed.)