Michelle Marie Wallace

Processional - Enchanted (Minz Piano) when last bridesmaid walks down ask everyone to please stand. *stop when bride gets to groom*. Ask everyone to please be seated

Good afternoon and welcome. The girls learned in galena for graces bachelorette party I like to change words to songs to fit the occasion. Bruno Mars’ song where he sings hey baby, I think I wanna marry you became Hey Gracie, I think I’m gonna marry you. Well that’s what we are here for so let’s begin.

Opening

What greater thing for two people than to feel they are joined together; to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joy, and to be one with each other - whatever life has to offer.

This is a special time of celebration that Grace and Derek will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here today to share in their joy.

(to the couple)

Grace and Derek, today begins a life of giving and sharing, nurturing and support; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while developing your mutual spirit as time goes by. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

I am truly honored and blessed to be standing here today. For those of you who do not know…I am Graces aunt…Scott is my brother. I am also Graces godmother, her confirmation sponsor, and now I can add her wedding officiant. I have loved this girl since the night I rushed to the hospital waiting for her to be born.. I have a deep connection with Grace. But I also have a connection with Derek. One day Grace introduced us to her boyfriend. Little Derek Mottet. this immediately sent me back to August 2004. You see…In my classroom a sweet, adorable little boy named Derek Mottet walked in. Yes…I was Derek’s kindergarten teacher (and The other two Mottet boys, Nicholaus and Joshua). I loved the Mottet family and those boys. They were and still are such a great family. So to see these two fall in love warms my heart in a very special way. I wish them nothing but the best. Welcome Mottet family to the Ronnebeck and Elgas families.

Today your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union. Today we are privileged to witness two very dear friends; two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

We will now have a reading that speaks to the importance of love and faith in marriage. Graces’s cousin, Ben will share these words with us."

Coronthians Reading

Vows

Grace and Derek, 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.

***please hold hands ***

Derek, will you take Grace, 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?

***Derek - I will***

Grace, will you take Derek, 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?

***Grace - I will***

Rings Exchange

(To all) 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.

Derek, please place this ring on Grace’s finger and repeat after me.

Grace, 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.

***Ring***

Grace, please place this ring on Derek’s finger and repeat after me.

Derek, 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.

***Ring***

(To all) Grace and Derek, 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

Closing

To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other, And It will take dedication, to stay open to one another – and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged today.

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.

Before we end, Grace and Derek would like to invite all of you to cocktail hour in the room across the hall immediately following the ceremony. In addition, any family or friends that the couple asked to stick around please join us outside for pictures before heading to the cocktail party.

Grace and Derek, 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 Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Derek, you may kiss the bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present for the first time, Mr and Mrs Mottet.

Recessional - Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) *start song @ 2:51*