Katieann Pirog Henkel

Wedding Start

Katieann: Signals bride to walk down the aisle. Yo girl start truckin.

Welcome

Katieann: “Welcome friends and family. We have been invited by an amazing couple to witness something very sacred. The exchanging of vows to make a commitment between Kevin and Ashley. Thank you all for being here. Both have asked for the gift of your presence because you have provided unconditional support throughout their journey to become. Sometimes journeys are a casual walk and sometimes they are similar to snow tubing down a mountain.

If you looked through the online photo story after RSVPing for today you would see a great picture of the couple at an ice cream shop. It's a perfect first date for two die hard aggies because really; a horse, a chick and her chickens, a farm, and retired Army servicemen with a son in tow. What could be more FFA than starting with frozen moo juice or any of that? That picture is more significant than just a first date. It represents an insanely epic journey of two people who had been good friends, helped each other through tough times, that shared core values, to trust one another and embrace the possibility of turning an epic idea, companionship into shooting bullets to the wind not picking up the brass and falling head over horse shoe in love with each other.

We are here to celebrate with them the love they have discovered and are committing too. The journey for them to get here was not simple. I know I had a front row seat. It was and still is epic. We are here to remind them that epic although not easy will always be better than simple. The greatest happiness of life sits within the conviction and dedication to the journey. Today the journey for Kevin and Ashley continues to another level so let’s Mario the heck out of this.

Katieann: “Here we go. Ashley, do you come here today of your own free will and with your mother’s unwavering dedication surrounding you?”

Ashley: “Yes, I do and I bring my mother’s gentle wisdom”

Katieann: “Kevin, do you come here today of your own free will and with your mother’s unwavering strength surrounding you?”

Kevin: “Yes, I do and I bring my mother’s selfless commitment to others.”

Katieann: “Do you both bring with you hope, vulnerability, determination, your fears, your strengths, and an open mind?”

Kevin: “What fear?”

Ashley: [Shrugs] “Don’t know.”

Both: “We do.”

Katieann: “Love, trust, forgiveness and sometimes a good glass of bourbon are the foundations of life’s journey. In marriage, many days will bring happiness, while others may not. There will be romantic and joyful moments and sometimes anxious and overwhelming ones. But together, two hearts on a journey are always better than one. Two minds are better for solving problems or seeing all the angles and four hands are soundly more ideal that two for any physically demanding task. Separately you are both capable, together you are a force. What is more epic than that?

Recollections of past joys and shared feelings will be the glue that holds everything together during the most insecure moments. Reaching out to each other as friends just like in the beginning and continuing to be confident in the companionship you have built, is the true magic of two people together. It's inspiring in each other; a dream or a feeling, and having the security and freedom within the relationship to make those things real and tangible by way of faith in each other and combined efforts.

So here’s a little Pirog guidance, marriage is allowing each other to be vulnerable, to be himself or herself, even when the opinions or thoughts aren't in total agreement or exactly what you'd like them to be. It's getting involved and showing interest in each other, really listening and being available, the way any partner should be. Remember in a marriage what you both naturally offered each other from the start, a mutual bond, a sharing of deep thoughts and feelings, conquering of a fear, and a sudderender to the process of compassion for self.

The Rings

Katieann: “Will (ring holder) please present the rings?”

Handing off of the rings to Ashley and Kevin.

Katieann: “Take each other's hands. Look at them. These are the hands that will help each other do dishes, remodel a house, hold a crying child, and squeeze your rear at the least appropriate time in public. Remember what they look like. Remember to reach for them during the happy times, the struggles, and the moments of celebration. As your hands show age and scares, remember what they looked like on this day. Remember why you reached for them in the first place and never wanted to let go. The rings are a symbol. They are to remind you that even when you are apart you are still joined together facing the world as a team. They symbolize that not only have you chosen to take each other's hands but also each other's hearts.”

The Vows - insert "The couple has written a few words for each other"or however you want to phrase it.

Katieann: “Kevin take Ashley’s hand. Place the ring on her finger. Look into her eyes, don’t make her laugh and listen to these words you are vowing to her. Kevin, will you have this woman that I watched come into her own right from ninth grade be your wife? To live together as one knowing she is a really good shot? Will you love her? Comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health forsaking all others, be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?"

Kevin: “I do”

Katieann: “Communicate with her in the languages she understands which are blunt and to the point? Will you remember that she is indeed human? And will you let her love you and care for you in the way only she knows how?”

Kevin: “I do”

Katieann: “You may place the ring on her finger.”

Katieann: “Ashley, place the ring on Kevin’s finger. Look into his eyes, don’t make me cry while you do this part. Ashley, will you have G.I. Kevin to be your husband? To live together in marriage knowing he can have the totem animal of a mule? Will you love him? Comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health forsaking all others, be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?"

Ashley: “I do”

Katieann: “Communicate with him in the langue he understands which are also blunt and to the point, thank God? Will you remember that he is indeed human? And will you let him love you and care for you in the way only he knows how?”

Ashley: “I do”

Katieann: “You may place the ring on his finger. And will you both: always be true to one another? To take each other’s breath away? To be each other’s guiding light and beacon of hope? To give and receive each other's love with an open heart, spirit, and mind until the end of time?

Both say: “We do”

Katieann: “By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Connecticut I now pronounce you companions for life husband and wifie. Kiss and seal the deal, remember Colt is here. I now pronounce you officially Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Holm!!! Now let's celebrate!