Edward Ernest Elster
Minister ID: 624167-360808 View Ordination Certificate
Officiated by Edward Ernest Elster at The Buttes At Reflections in Tucson, Arizona on October 28th, 2022.
"It was my happiest moment to achieve my one wish and that was to marry all three of my sons. This son was the last of the three to be married. I'm grateful to have had the honor to do so!!!"
* All images uploaded will be publicly viewable on the internet. Please do not upload sensitive or personal information that you wish to remain private.
PROCESSIONAL
GUESTS ARE SEATED. CEREMONY BEGINS.
WELCOME & INVOCATION
OFFICIANT TO GUESTS
Welcome! We gather on this divine autumn day to celebrate the love discovered between Amanda Briley and Cody Elster.
Like the color of leaves in the fall, their relationship is changing – and we mark that significance with their wedding today. Autumn leaves also remind us that transition is in our very nature. This ceremony will symbolize Amanda’s and Cody's transition to their next chapter.
Before we continue today’s celebration, let’s take a few moments to become truly present as the couple readies to enter this new season in their lives.
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
First, I turn to you, Amanda, and Cody. I’d like you to hold hands and meet each other’s gaze. Now, pause for a moment.
Notice your heartbeat. Feel your feet on the ground, and just be right here, in this moment, with each other.
(Pause)
As you gaze at each other, take a moment, and notice the feelings of love, joy, contentment, and whatever else comes up.
(Pause)
Now, I’d like you both to look at your families and friends. Notice their love and support for you here on your wedding day.
OFFICIANT TURNS TO GUESTS
Now, loved ones. Look at the couple you have traveled to witness enter into marriage. Take in the moment, as you observe Amanda and Cody on one of the happiest days of their lives.
OFFICIANT TURNS BACK TO COUPLE
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
Now I’m going to turn back to you, Amanda, and Cody, to look at each other once more, as you return to this present moment together.
DECLARATION & STATEMENT OF INTENT
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
Now I ask you, Amanda, and Cody, have you come here without reservation to welcome each other as husband and wife, offering your love, trust, and respect, today, tomorrow, and always?
COUPLE TO OFFICIANT
We have.
EXCHANGE OF VOWS
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
Your wedding vows are an outward sign of your love and commitment. While there is a legal aspect of this wedding, a signed document does not create a marriage. What creates a marriage is the promises made and kept in your hearts.
As you look lovingly at each other, you’ll speak the promises that you’re pledging for a lifetime.
OFFICIANT TO Amanda
Amanda, please repeat after me:
Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep
I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:
I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.
I will laugh with you, and cry with you,
And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.
OFFICIANT TO Cody
Now Cody, please repeat after me:
Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep
I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:
I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.
I will laugh with you, and cry with you,
And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
Your ring exchange will visibly seal the vows you just expressed to each other. Notice that your wedding rings are a circle, the ancient symbol of wholeness. Wear these precious rings as a reminder that your souls are united in your hearts.
OFFICIANT TO Amanda
Amanda, place the ring on Cody’s left ring finger, and repeat after me:
Cody, I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.
OFFICIANT TO Cody
Cody, please take the ring you have selected for Amanda. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:
Amanda, I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.”
CLOSING WORDS & BLESSING
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
Amanda and Cody, in closing my wish for you is this:
"May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night;
May the rain wash away your worries;
May the breeze blow new strength into your being;
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life."
PRONOUNCEMENT
OFFICIANT TO COUPLE
Amanda and Cody, having pledged your lifelong commitment to each other, in front of these witnesses here today, it’s my delight to pronounce you Married. Congratulations!
You may celebrate with a kiss!
RECESSION
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!