Moira Leigh Duggan

Ryan & Chelsea Wedding Ceremony

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Welcome everyone!! It’s so wonderful to see dear friends and loved ones, who’ve come here today to celebrate the shared love between Ryan and Chelsea, and to witness their commitment to one another in marriage.

This is one of life’s most joyful occasions!

Two people, choosing to walk together through life in loving harmony, growing and learning with each new day.

How beautiful it is to witness the joining of two lives, the dedication of one heart to another, the promise of love and commitment, no matter what blessings or struggles may come. As a parent, this is what we want most for our children: Someone to love and cherish them, to care for them, and hold them above all others.

And for our friends – we truly wish for their ultimate happiness and joy. To experience love, security, companionship… to find a partner that loves and appreciates them, as much as we do!

Your love and support are a blessing for Ryan and Chelsea as they take this next step together.

And although this gathering is small and intimate – that was by design. Ryan & Chelsea’s larger communities will be joining us all later today to celebrate, and so we ask that their marriage be strengthened by the love and support of their friends and families, who have helped shape their lives and lay the foundations of who they are today.

MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

I would like to take a moment now to remember those who ARE NOT able to be with us today, either because of distance or because they have gone before us. In particular, we lift up Robert Hammarstrom - Chelsea’s father.

We are also missing Ben, Ryan’s brother, and his wife, Lindsey – who are home sick with Covid. They wanted so much to be here today.

Though these people, and many more, may not be physically present with us here today, they are here with us in spirit – and are celebrating this union- of these two beautiful souls, with us.

BLESSING

There is an Irish Blessing that is often shared at times like these, and I would like to read it for you now. For my son and his bride, on their wedding day. My wish for you:

May Love and laughter light your days,

And warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

Wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world,

with joy that long endures.

May all life’s passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE:

Ryan and Chelsea, today begins a new life for you! As you enter into marriage, you commit to a life of giving and sharing with one another, nurturing and supporting one another; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals, while developing your mutual spirit, as time goes on.

We should also understand that a successful marriage requires more than just love. It takes hard work, compromise and patience. It takes commitment and trust. Marriage requires courage, an open mind and heart full of hope.

And here you are…happily standing before us today, ready to declare to each other, and the world

“I choose you. You are my person and I love you.”

My grandparent were married for 57+ years (roughly) – they had 13 children and over 40 grandchildren. They had A LOT of struggles, challenges, and surprises in their lives together. But they were committed to each other, and they clearly enjoyed one another.

<My grandfather used to say “Happy Wife, Happy Life!”. He adored her. And he showed it often. You could tell they really loved one another. It was the little things…small kindnesses, a word, a look, a touch, that let you know these two had a deep love for each other. My grandmother would say “whatever it is … I just can’t imagine my life without him beside me…” And I think they got that part right.

Your story is just beginning. There will be many compromises and challenges in the years ahead for you two. But if you remember to put each other’s happiness first, you will surely have more sunny days than grey.

POEM

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Ryan and Chelsea have chosen the following poem which reflects their feelings for one another.

OFFICIANT TO THE RYAN

Ryan Repeat after me:

May you never steal, lie or cheat.

But if you must steal – then steal away my sorrows.

And if you must lie – then lie with me all the nights of my life.

And if you must cheat – then please cheat death,

Because I couldn’t live a day without you.

Chelsea, repeat (same) after me:

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Ryan and Chelsea, are you ready to take the vows of marriage together, and to live together as husband and wife?

THE COUPLE​​We are!

Ryan and Chelsea , do you promise to respect, care for, and love each other, unconditionally, from this day forward?

THE COUPLE (together) We do!

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Please face each other and take each other’s hands.

OFFICIANT TO RYAN

"Do you, Ryan, promise to spend your life with Chelsea, meeting each new joy and sorrow together, continuing to deepen your understanding of her, treating her with kindness and compassion, and welcoming each new chapter of life together with a spirit of curiosity and patience?"

RYAN​​"I do."

OFFICIANT TO CHELSEA

"Do you, Chelsea, promise to spend your life with Ryan, meeting each new joy and sorrow together, continuing to deepen your understanding of him, treating him with kindness and compassion, and welcoming each new chapter of life together with a spirit of curiosity and patience?"

CHELSEA​​"I do.

EXCHANGE OF VOWS & RINGS

OFFICIANT

Beautiful. May we have the rings, please?

OFFICIANT TO ALL

This circle is a symbol of your eternal bond -- there is no beginning and no end. May you be strengthened in love each time that you look upon it, feeling it’s weight around your finger. May you be reminded of the gift of love and commitment you give to each other this day, and may it fill your heart with peace.

OFFICIANT TO RYAN

Ryan, repeat after me:

Chelsea, I love you.

I choose you as my lover, partner and best friend.

I promise to honor you and respect you.

I promise to support you and encourage you.

I promise to laugh with you in times of joy

and comfort you in times of sorrow.

All the days of my life.

OFFICIANT TO RYAN

“Now take this ring and place it on Chelsea’s finger and repeat these words: “

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my dedication to you.

Let it be a reminder that you are always surrounded by my enduring love.

With this ring, I thee wed”

OFFICIANT TO CHELSEA

Chelsea, repeat after me:

Ryan, I love you.

I choose you as my lover, partner and best friend.

I promise to honor you and respect you.

I promise to support you and encourage you.

I promise to laugh with you in times of joy

and comfort you in times of sorrow.

All the days of my life.

OFFICIANT TO CHELSEA

“Now take this ring and place it on Ryan’s finger and repeat these words:”

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my dedication to you.

Let it be a reminder that you are always surrounded by my enduring love.

With this ring, I thee wed”

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Ryan and Chelsea, you have pledged your commitment to each other in the company of your family and friends. So now, by the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and American Marriage Ministries,

I now PRONOUNCE YOU HUSBAND AND WIFE! You may kiss the bride!