Patrick A Meade

____________________________________________________________________________

Unplugged Wedding Statement

Officiant (to guests): Queue for Music

Hello everyone. I invite you to be truly present during this special time. By doing so, please turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras. The photographer will capture how this moment looks — I encourage you all to capture how it feels with your hearts, without the distraction of technology. Thank you.

(Introductory Music)

(Wedding Party Procession)

Officiant (to guests): Queue for Music

Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand. (motion to stand)

(Change of Music for Bride)

(Bride / Father of Bride Hand Off)

(Couple Stands Holding Hands Facing Each Other)

____________________________________________________________________________

Introduction / Welcome Statement

Officiant (to guests):

Please be seated.

Welcome everyone, and thank you all for attending today as we join the hands of David and Emily in an imperfectly perfect union. The bride and groom have found love at last! They will never have to go on a first date again (lol). In the presence of their beloved family and friends, this wonderful couple will seal that deal as they enter into the most coveted bond of husband and wife.

David and Emily, before we begin, take a moment to look around at the many friendly faces before you. Know that all these folks are here to offer love, support and encouragement as you embark on this incredible journey together.

____________________________________________________________________________

Invocation

Officiant (to guests):

There is nothing greater in this world than finding the people with whom we feel safe, secure and most ourselves. We search to find the person most accepting of our flaws: even the ones we try not to show until at least the 5th date (lol).

We search to find the person most encouraging of our dreams; even those crazy, impulsive ones that never get off the ground. But most of all, we search to find the person who loves us so unconditionally that we simply can’t do anything but believe it.

David and Emily believe in their love today, as do all of us who have gathered to witness their marriage. As they go forth into the next great chapter of life, they do so with confidence knowing that their search has come to a fruitful end.

To help us get this ceremony started, I’d like to welcome Joey Stefanko to start with a reading. One that we found fitting since they both are dog loving people.

____________________________________________________________________________

Reading

Joey Stefanko (to guests):

FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE OWNING A DOG By Taylor Mali

Falling in love is like owning a dog

First of all, it’s a big responsibility.

So think long and hard before deciding on love.

On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security: when you’re walking down the street late at night and you have a leash on love ‘ain’t no one going to mess with you.

On cold winter nights, love is warm. It lies between you and lives and breathes and makes funny noises.

Love wakes you up all hours of the night with its needs. It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.

Love doesn’t like being left alone for long. But come home and love is always happy to see you.

It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life, but you can never be mad at love for long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!

Love can be bad.

Love makes messes. Love leaves you little surprises here and there.

Love needs lots of cleaning up after. Sometimes you just want to get love fixed.

Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper and swat love on the nose, not so much to cause pain, just to let love know don’t you ever do that again!

Sometimes love just wants to go for a nice long walk. Because love loves exercise.

It runs you around the block and leaves you panting. It pulls you in several different directions at once.

But love makes you meet people wherever you go. People who have nothing in common but love, will stop and talk to each other on the street.

Throw things away and love will bring them back, again, and again, and again.

But most of all, love needs love, lots of it.

And in return, love loves you and never stops

Officiant: Thank you Joey!

____________________________________________________________________________

Affirmation of Support (Optional)

Officiant (to guests):

As David and Emily step into marriage we ask that you, family and friends, continue to show your support just as you have done so by being here today. It is true, marriage is not always an easy path - but it is the most rewarding. The support of a loving community can make all the difference. So, when that first big fight comes your way via a call or text message, please pick up the phone. Offer a little guidance, and maybe some bourbon or wine (lol).

This next part will require you, the guests, to respond back. The response will be “We Do.”

We know that David and Emily have it within them to reap every reward this marriage will bring them. Family and friends, we ask you, do you agree to support this loving couple on their blossoming journey of marriage?

Guests:

We do!

____________________________________________________________________________

Declaration of Intent

Officiant (to guests):

As David and Emily exchange their vows today, they do so from a place of deep love and commitment. There is nothing more romantic and sacred than standing before all those dear to their hearts to declare their love for one another. This time-honored tradition is carried on only by those committed to a true life-long love story.

So, David and Emily, are you ready to exchange your vows?

Couple:

Yes! (node head)

____________________________________________________________________________

Vows

Officiant (to David):

Let’s begin. David, we will start with you.

Dave (to Emily): Emily Marie, as I stand here today, about to take you as my wife and for us to start the next chapter of our lives together, I am overwhelmed with emotion. Words cannot express how much I love you, how much you mean to me, and how much I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.

From the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. From your beautiful smile and your cute little nosy to your vibrant personality. You have stood by me through thick and thin, through joy and sorrow, and have always been my rock and biggest fan.

As we embark on this new journey together, I vow to love you unconditionally, to stand by your side through every obstacle, and to cherish every moment we share. I promise to be your partner in all things, to support your dreams and aspirations, and to be there for you in times of need.

I pledge to be patient, understanding, and kind, to always treat you with respect and to never take you for granted. I vow to create a home filled with love, laughter, and joy, and to be the best husband I can possibly be.

Emily, you are the love of my life, my best friend and my person. I can't imagine a future without you, and I promise to spend the rest of my days making us happy, supporting you, and loving you more with each passing day.

I am forever grateful to have you by my side, and I vow to cherish, honor, and love you for all of eternity.

____________________________________________________________________________

Officiant (to Emily):

Ok Emily, your turn.

Emily (to Dave): My dearest David, Today, as we stand here ready to embark on this new chapter in our lives, I want to make you a promise that goes beyond the typical cliches of wedding vows. Our relationship is anything but typical, and I want these vows to reflect the unique bond we share.

When we first met, I was lost and broken, struggling to come to terms with the loss of my mother. But from the moment I messaged you on Bumble, I knew that you were different. You loved me at my absolute worst, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

David, you possess all of the qualities that I love and admire about my mother and father. You celebrate and honor my memories of my mom, and your hugs remind me of the ones she used to give me. Your love language is quality time, and I promise to always cherish the moments we spend together with our friends and family.

I am moved by the relationships you have with your loved ones. You are loved by all, and that is a testament to the kind, caring, and genuine person that you are. I promise to always be your biggest supporter, to never question your love for me, and to love you with the entirety of my heart.

As we move forward together, I vow to always be there for you, to support you in all of your dreams and aspirations, and to make you feel loved and cherished every single day. I promise to never take you for granted, to appreciate all that you do for me, and to always remember the depth of love we share.

David, I love you more than words could ever express. You are my rock, my best friend, and my soulmate. I am honored to be able to spend the rest of my life with you, and I vow to love you forever and ever, bub.

Officiant (to couple):

Thank you both for taking the opportunity to share your vows with each other.

____________________________________________________________________________

Ring Exchange

Officiant (to couple):

David and Emily: as you exchange your rings today, you are also reinforcing your faithful commitment to trust, love and romance. The ring is symbolic of a lasting commitment. It does not break. It may bend, however, but then you would want to see your jeweler (lol). As you place the ring on your partner’s finger, please think about the unwavering faith in your relationship that has brought you to this point today.

Emily, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I, Emily

Commit my love to you David

For all of time

Giving you all that I am

And all that I will be

Please accept it as a symbol of my love

(place ring on finger)

David, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I, David

Commit my love to you Emily

For all of time

Giving you all that I am

And all that I will be

Please accept it as a symbol of my love

(place ring on finger)

____________________________________________________________________________

Pronouncement / Kiss / Presentation / Recession

Officiant (to couple):

Well there’s no turning back now (lol)! By the power invested in me by the Great Buckeye Nation or the State of Ohio, before your families and your friends, I now pronounce David and Emily to be Husband and Wife.

David, you may now kiss your bride.

(move out of the way)

(kiss)

(cheers and picture)

David and Emily, may you enjoy a lifetime of sunrises and sunsets together. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bronza! (Queue for Music)

(Exit Music)