Stephanie Danielle Hersey

PROCESSIONAL

CERMONY BEGINS. GUESTS ARE SEATED.

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Welcome Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses! It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you today. Relax, pull up a chair, and be our guests! (from Beauty and the Beast)

OPENING PRAYER

Creator of the heavens and earth. For all the joy and love that it brings us. Thank you that you have brought them together for this special day, and that you hold them safely in your hands.

Amen

We are gathered here today to celebrate the love and mushy feelings [directed at their children] that our dear (Shyanne) and (Kalvin) have for each other.

(Kalvin) often says that “some people are worth melting for!” Or is that Olaf? Either way, it's certainly true of our couple. (from Frozen) They've definitely found a love worth melting for. Theirs is a storybook love with a storybook ending, that also marks a new beginning. We're here today because a fairy tale is coming true.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF CHILDREN

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

In every love story, there are friends and family members that a couple holds near and dear to their hearts. This love story is no different, because in addition to loving each other, (Shyanne) and (Kalvin) love their amazing children... Just as much and maybe more.

Little (Kera) and little (Naomie) and little (Soaphia) are here to witness, with all of you, how their Mom and Dad/Kalvin make a lifelong commitment to love each other.

So before we continue with the mushy stuff, let's take a moment to recognize these amazing children, and the essential place they hold in this family and this new marriage.

IF THE CHILD / CHILDREN ARE OLD ENOUGH, THEY MAY STAND AT THE FRONT OF THE CEREMONY WITH THEIR PARENTS, HOLDING HANDS, OR SIT CLOSE TO THE WEDDING ALTAR. IF THEY'RE VERY YOUNG, ASK A WEDDING GUEST TO STAND WHILE HOLDING THE CHILD.

We all know and love (Soaphia) for being a (smart, witty, a downright hilarious) child. Always looking to (have fun, to run around, to play with everything and anyone) .Her infectious spirit lives on in the love that grows deeper between (Shyanne) and (Kalvin).

(Kera) is (calmer and more intellectual, yet extremely aware). We know and love her for being (the thoughtful one that keeps us all on our toes). With her (beautiful curiosity and old soul), she makes everyone (sit and appreciate each moment).

And of course we can’t forget our beloved (Naomie). We all know and love her for being (adventurous, friendly, curious ,and creative). She is fearless and the most vibrant child with her whimsical personality.

The amazing and everlasting love that (Shyanne) and (Kalvin) have for these (Three) precious beings is a deep bond that keeps their family whole and happy. Everyday, they continue to be partners and parents, striving to give the best possible examples of love to their children.

You only need to read a couple pages out of this love story to realize just how meant to be our couple really is. It takes a deep understanding, respect, and a house full of laughter to take on life together.

This union truly is a dream come true, and today we celebrate them, and the children that have helped shape who they have become along the way.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

(Shyanne) and (Kalvin), in Finding Nemo, Dory says “I look at you and I’m home." This is what you have found in each other. A home. It is that love and that partnership and a feeling of a life shared that has become your happily ever after, a fairy tale love that keeps you wanting more.

If you're ready to continue on this path together, to continue building a home together in marriage with each other and your beautiful children, please turn toward each other and join hands.

PARTNER A AND PARTNER B TURN AND JOIN HANDS.

OFFICIANT TO SHYANNE

Do you, (Shyanne), take (Kalvin), to be your forever KING Companion, your dearest friend, to cherish and support him, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?

SHYANNE

Yes, I do.

OFFICIANT TO KALVIN

Do you, (Kalvin), take (Shyanne), to be your forever Queen Companion, your dearest friend, to cherish and support her, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?

KALVIN

Yes, I do.

VOWS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

You've chosen to recite a passage to each other from one of your favorite films, which you feel perfectly captures the promises you wish to make today.

When you're ready, (Shyanne) and (Kalvin), please repeat after me:

"My dearest friend, if you don't mind,

I'd like to join you by your side,

Where we can gaze into the stars

And sit together,

Now and forever,

For it is plain as anyone can see,

We're simply meant to be."

(Jack Skellington & Sally, The Nightmare Before Christmas)

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS

BLESSING OF THE HANDS

These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Wonderful! Now, you've chosen to exchange love wedding bands as a lasting symbol of these promises.

(Adryan) , please step forward with the rings.

THE COUPLE EXCHANGES WEDDING RINGS.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

(Shyanne) and (Kalvin), your children may be young and small now, but I'm reminded of something a surprisingly wise bear once said: "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." (A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh)

These Three children most definitely take up the most room in your hearts, and (Kera), (Naomie) and (Soaphia) this day is as much yours as it is your parents. Today is a celebration of your wonderful family.

So please join hands, all of you!

THE COUPLE AND THEIR CHILDREN ALL HOLD HANDS, EITHER FORMING A FAMILY CIRCLE, OR A SEMI CIRCLE AROUND THE OFFICIANT FACING THE GUESTS.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

(Shyanne) and (Kalvin), now, all that's left to say is this: By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of (Texas), I now pronounce you (Husband and wife, married). (Kera)(Naomie) and (Soaphia), look away, because these two are about to kiss!

THE COUPLE KISS!

RECESSIONAL

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS

Honored guests, family and friends, I present to you, (Mr and Mrs. SAMPSON!!

END OF CEREMONY