Alexandria Joy Slocum

Official Script

Welcome to the wedding of Caleb and Samantha.

This is a truly special day for Caleb and Samantha, one they will never forget! It is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their lives, and they are very thankful that you are here to share this moment with them. Caleb and Samantha have asked that I express their gratitude to their families and friends for all of the joyful contributions and selfless sacrifices you have made and for the unconditional love so freely given. Without you, this day would not be possible.

May our hearts be filled, our souls blessed, and minds inspired as we witness this powerful union of this couple.

We ask that all phones be turned off or on silent. Please be their guest and let their photographer take care of the rest! … Formal seating and/or processional music starts.

(Please rise for the entrance of the bride) Caleb meets Samantha.

Thank you, you may be seated.

We are gathered together here in the presence of friends and family to celebrate the love that Caleb and Samantha have for each other, to recognize and honor their decision to commit their lives and accept each other completely! Marriage is a commitment which is not entered into lightly and is built upon the firm foundation of love!

Reading: Read by Officiant

The Art of Marriage, by: Dr. Wilfred A. Peterson

A good marriage must be created.

In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together facing the world.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not expecting the other to wear a halo or have wings of an angel.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other room to grow.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Wedding Message:

People love farms. A desire deep within for “that” farm- where the grass is always green, the animals are always content and luscious food grows effortlessly. Ahhh… but what people don’t see is what it takes to make “that” farm. A diligent farmer never, ever goes a single day without working and laboring by the sweat of his or her brow on behalf of the farm. The work does not stop. there are always fields to plow and goats and cows to milk. You have to fight for it. You protect its borders, maintain the fences… love and cherish it, in sickness and in health- till death do you part. Only a farmer with this mentality has “that” beautiful, “magical” farm.

A good marriage is just like a good farm and farming. Everyone desires “true love. ” People flock to movies to see a powerful love story and wish their love story was “that” one. Just like a farm, it takes hard work and devotion every day. You’ve got to FIGHT for your marriage! Maintain the fences. Love and cherish it in sickness and in health- till death do you part. The work doesn’t stop there.

A good marriage is like a good farm. It is a work in progress that can never be left unattended- not even for one day. You’ve got to fight for it. In the end the hard work is worth the magical moments of farms and marriage.

Caleb and Samantha, please join hands. Bride passes bouquet to attendant

Caleb and Samantha, marriage is more than joining the lives of two persons, it is the union of two hearts. You are each your own person but are choosing to live together as a couple.

Relationships and love are never perfect. There are lots of ups and downs.. Marriage is the commitment to face the ups and downs of life together, as one. At the end of the day it should be the two of you against the world, and never against each other.

…

Caleb, do you promise to keep Samantha as your best friend and true companion, to laugh with her, go on adventures with her, honor her and respect her, support and inspire her. Do you promise to stand up for her, never take her for granted, kiss her good night, and find new reasons to love her every day? Please say I do.

Answer: “I do”

Samantha, do you promise to keep Caleb as your best friend and true love, honor and respect him, support and inspire him. Do you promise to be proud of him, stand by him, never take him for granted, cheer him on, and find new reasons to love him every day? Please say I do.

Answer: “I do”

May we have the rings please? Ring Bearer Rex

This is the point in the ceremony where we usually talk about the wedding bands being a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings do have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metal is liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees, then molded, cooled, and painstakingly polished. Something beautiful is made from raw elements. Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings. It's the ongoing process of creating something beautiful!

Caleb, as you place the ring on Samantha’s finger, please repeat after me:

Samantha, Let this ring always be a reminder of my promises to you and the unwavering bond between us.

Samantha, as you place the ring on Caleb’s finger, please repeat after me:

Caleb, Let this ring always be a reminder of my promises to you and the unwavering bond between us.

Unity Branding Ceremony

Samantha and Caleb have chosen to do a branding ceremony as a symbol of their unity. Branding is a tradition that signifies identity and a sense of belonging. A brand means history, family, and the love that started it all. Today, gathered together among family and friends, Caleb and Samantha, will make their own brand together. As a sign of their love for each other, the intertwining of their lives, and the fire that burns within their souls for each other, they will brand a piece of hide.

As this brand, once forged, cannot be undone, so shall their promise to each other will stand the test of time.

Cue music here if vocal

(the wood is branded.)

Caleb and Samantha, Today you have committed to share the rest of your lives with each other as partners, and best friends. As you continue your journey together may you carry with you the memory of this day.

And so, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Caleb…You may kiss your bride!

Officiant steps to the side as couple kisses and stays there for the presentation. Bride retrieves bouquet.

Family and friends, I present to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Traxler!

Recessional

Post-Recessional Parting Remarks:

On behalf of Caleb and Samantha I want to thank you all for coming to celebrate with them today. Please remain seated until the family in the front row has exited…

Officiant congratulates and releases the front row then exits behind them.