Ricardo Jesus Cedeno

Stefan Rudel & Kasey Garner

Hotel Fortney – Viroqua, WI

Oct. 21, 2023

I. WELCOME / INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO ALL PRESENT

o Welcome everyone! We are gather here today to celebrate the union of these two individuals, Stefan Rudel and Kasey Garner in marriage.

o They couldn’t have picked a better day than today, to share this special and sweet moment in their life with all of you. Why is today so special? In case you didn’t know, today is the 3rd Saturday of October, which means TODAY is SWEETEST DAY.

o In the 15+ years that they have known each other, these two have had countless of sweet stories to tell. From how they knew each other from high school to how life at the time took them on different journeys as Stefan went away to the Marine Corps.

o Only to find each other again years later in what has to be one of the most epic love stories I have ever seen. Now for the past 7 + years they have been inseparable.

o Throughout this time, they’ve had many adventures together, made joyful memories, supported and comforted each other through difficult times. One of them coming just recently, being stuck in the elevator for a whole 10 minutes.

o But all kidding aside, it has been patience, understanding, laughter and honesty towards one another, that has allow them to grow into the couple you see here today.

MINDFULNESS EXERCISE WITH COUPLE

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

o First, I turn to you. I'd like you to hold hands and look each other's in the eyes. Now, pause for a moment.

o Notice your heart beat. The butterflies. Wiggle your toes and Feel your feet on the ground

o Just be in this moment, with each other.

o As you look at each other, take a moment and notice the feelings of love, joy, excitement, and whatever else comes up. It’s great isn’t it?

o Now, I'd like you both to look at your families and friends.

o Notice their love and support for you here on your wedding day.

OFFICIANT TURNS TO GUESTS

o Now, loved ones. Look at the couple you have traveled to witness enter into marriage.

o Aren’t you glad to witness to have come and show your support on one of the happiest and sweetest days of their lives

OFFICIANT TURNS BACK TO COUPLE- BOTH FACING OFFICIANT

o Now I'm going to turn back to you.

o When you asked me to share this special day with you, my heart filled with joy.

o I was there as your NCO when you were just in the beginning stages of your Marine Corps service. You were a young man, fresh out of High School and NOW look at you all grown up as a man. READY TO MARRY THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE!

o I have had the privilege of seeing and knowing you both together as a couple for the past 6 years, and watched you grow both: deeper in love and as individuals.

o Love isn’t just about finding someone who makes your heart race or your head spin. It’s about finding someone who will always be your best friend.

o Someone who listens, cares and appreciates you for who you are. Someone you want to share every adventure with but also the simple moments in your everyday life. Someone you’ll always trust and want to be with forever.

o I’ve witnessed your respect and love for each other as that is the kind of sweet and precious love you’ve found together.

o Today you publicly declare your commitment to each other before family and friends.

II. DECLARATION OF INTENT – BOTH FACING OFFICIANT

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

o Now I ask you, Stefan and Kasey,… have you come here without reservation to welcome each other as (husband/ & wife), offering your love, trust and respect, today, tomorrow, and for as long as you both shall live?

(COUPLE ANSWERS – WE HAVE)

o Then let us prepare for the exchange of vows.

III. EXCHANGE OF VOWS – PERSONAL FROM COUPLE

o Remember, 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. That’s only a requirement to make it legally binding.

o What creates a marriage is the promises made on this day and kept in your hearts.

o As you look at each other, you’ll speak the promises that you’re pledging for a lifetime.

o At this time, please face each other and declare your vows to each other.

o STEFAN RECITES HIS VOWS

o KACEY RECITES HER VOWS

IV. RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE – FACING EACH OTHER

o At This time, I’m going to ask you to please face each other as we prepare for the exchange of RINGS - Please take the rings out now and hold your partners ring on your hand.

o The wedding ring is a circle. A symbol of eternity and completeness. SO PERFECT! With no BEGINNING and NO END, for love that is given comes back around again.

o I want to remind you of the truth about love. Love is patience and kindness towards one another. It is never dishonest nor does it keep record of each other’s wrong doings. Love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. When you keep this at heart, LOVE NEVER FAILS!

o With this ring, you symbolize that You are each the beginning and the ending; each the giver and the receiver.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A - STEFAN

Stefan, please place the ring on Kasey’s finger, and repeat after me:

o “I give you this ring

in remembrance of this day and of this very hour!

A symbol of love that is complete, beautiful and endless.

I promise to give you all of my heart.

I choose you to be my forever lover, partner and best friend.

From this day forward, you shall not walk alone.

May my heart be your shelter, may my heart be your home.

o Wear it proudly, for it shows the world the bond we share

and the love I have for you.”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B- KASEY

And Kasey, please place the ring on Stefan’s finger.

o “I give you this ring

in remembrance of this day and of this very hour!

A symbol of love that is complete, beautiful and endless.

I promise to give you all of my heart.

I choose you to be my forever lover, partner and best friend.

From this day forward, you shall not walk alone.

May my heart be your shelter, may my heart be your home.

o Wear it proudly, for it shows the world the bond we share

and the love I have for you.”

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

o Stefan and Kasey, we have heard the sincerity in your promise to share your lives in marriage.

o We recognize your love and support your decision to build a home and family together.

o It has been my great honor to stand beside you both today, joined by the people that love and support you the most, as you take this next step in your path together as one.

PRONOUNCEMENT

o By the POWER vested in me by the State of WISCONSIN and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss YOUR Bride!

o FAMILY AND FRIENDS, I PRESENT TO YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME AS HUSBANAND & WIFE- STEFAN AND KASEY!

o GIVE IT UP FOR THE NEWLYWEDS!!!