Cynthia G. Meredith

Wedding Ceremony

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1. Processional

• Stan & Carla walk in hand in hand with Granddaughter Eva in front.

At the beginning:

• Take a deep breath (I take one too, making it loud and exaggerated).

• Now look at each other and enjoy this moment.

2. Invocation

Welcome everyone and more importantly welcome Stan and Carla. Wow, what can I say? I think I can speak for everyone in saying that we are honored to be here to celebrate you both on this incredibly joyous occasion. Thank you for allowing us to be witness to the most important day in your relationship.

We are here today in the sight of God, and the presence of loved ones, to witness the union of Stanley Alec Mikolajek and Carla Dee Worthington in holy matrimony. They take this step not because they need to but because they want to.

Some might say that they are already committed to each other and I wouldn’t disagree. But today, they are boldly stating that commitment to those that matter the most to them.

Marriage is a contract not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is the moment where your hearts and souls are joined together for eternity.

PRAYER (Father Lou Vallone)

Before we continue into the formalities of the ceremony, including exchanging vows and rings, I wanted to take a few minutes to share some things with you all, about Stan and Carla.

I asked them to answer a few questions about what brought them together and what are they really like as a couple. And they don’t yet know each other’s answers.

• How did you meet?

Stan said, “At a motorcycle memorial run.”

Carla responded, “At a memorial motorcycle ride and picnic. It was fate that we were meant to meet and be together as I decided at the last minute to go on the ride. He sat behind me at another table and asked if he could feel my long pig tail, and I let him.”

• What attracted you to each other?

For Carla, “At first sight was his viral & “bad boy” appearance and the passion of his kiss, but more importantly his love for life. And how chivalrous he was and continues to be every day.”

For Stan, “Her beauty and spirit.”

• How would you describe your relationship?

For Stan, “Very loving.”

Carla describes Stan as the love of her life. Her best friend and soul mate.

• What makes you smile when you think them?

For Carla, “How he always says “I want you to be happy.”

For Stan, “Her love for animals and her cute little snoring when asleep. Also, in the car she starts to sing and do little dances while she is driving.”

It’s always nice to have someone in your life who can make you smile even when they’re not around.

This special day is blessed. Stan and Carla, we pray that all your days together are blessed ones.”

3. Vows

I want to remind you as you prepare to take your vows that you have chosen to take these vows in the presence of God. You also take these vows in the presence of your marriage partner who will trust you for the rest of your life…to hold true to them. And finally, that you take these vows in the presence of your friends and family.

It is with these vows you express your binding promises. If you are ready to make these promises to each other, I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions. But before we do……

• Stan would you like to say a few words?

• Carla would you like to say a few words?.

Thank you for sharing with us.

Minister (to the groom)

• Stanley Alec Mikolajek…do you take this woman, Carla Dee Worthington to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live? Groom (to the bride) “I do”

Minister (to the bride)

• Carla Dee Worthington…do you take this man, Stanley Alec Mikolajek to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? Bride (to the groom) “I do”

4. Rings Exchange

Carol Ann and Stan, do you have the rings?

The rings you are about to place on each other’s fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of the vows you have just taken, and of the eternal love that you have for one another.

I would like to say a prayer at this time. Let us pray.

Bless, o Lord, these rings that they who give it and they who receive it may abide in thy peace and continue in thy favor until their lives end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

• Stan… please place this ring on Carla’s finger and repeat after me.

Carla Dee Worthington, 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.

• Carla… please place this ring on Stan’s finger and repeat after me.

Stanley Alec Mikolajek, 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.

5. Unity Candle Ceremony

At this time we will light the Unity Candle.

“Stan and Carla, you’ve exchanged vows and rings as a symbol of your devotion to each other.

Now, we celebrate you as individuals and as partners, as you join forces continuing to build a bright and joyful future together."

(The couple picks up the lit candles.)

These two flames represent all that you are as individuals – the spark and light that you bring to life. The two of you bring such joy to the people in your lives. You burn brightly, shining with an unstoppable curiosity and passion, hope, and determination.

Today, the light and joy you bring to life is doubled. As you light the unity candle together, let its warmth remind you that neither of you outshines the other. You are two twin flames, dancing, daring, and burning brightly.

As you join together, let the flame you create light your path forward in happy and harmonious union."

(The couple lights the unity candle together using the smaller candles.)

• AFTER THE UNITY CANDLE IS LIT AND THE INDIVIDUAL CANDLES HAVE BEEN PLACED BACK IN THEIR HOLDERS,

Thank you for sharing this beautiful ceremony with us, please join me back here.

6. Pronouncement

Stan and Carla, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

• Stan you may now kiss your beautiful bride! (Step aside out of picture)

• Family and friends, I am proud to present for the first time as husband and wife, Mr and Mrs. Stanley Mikolajek!

7. Recessional

The ceremony ends.