Juniper J Hansen

Kyle and Emily Courtney Wedding November 18th, 2023, Raymore, MO

*OFFICIANT OPENING REMARKS*

[Officiant]

“Welcome Everyone…”

“Can l have all phones turned to silent please…”

“Please Rise….”

*PROCESSIONAL*

[Officiant]

“Please be Seated…”

*INVOCATION*

[Officiant]

“Welcome! We gather on this divine autumn day, in this beautiful space, to witness a unique moment and celebrate the love discovered between Emily Dawn Campbell and Kyle Nathaniel Courtney.

Like the color of leaves in the fall, their relationship is changing – and we mark that significance with their wedding today. Autumn leaves also remind us that transition is in our very nature. This ceremony will symbolize Emily and Kyle's transition to their next chapter.

To all their guests here today, they are happy to share this moment with you. They have known most of you for many years. You watched them grow up, you went to school with them, or you worked with them. Because you are the ones who have supported them and have known them so well, it is only fitting that you are the ones to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with them.

Emily and Kyle are especially pleased to have their parents in the front row…close to them for this special moment.

Emily would like to thank her mother and father for supporting her and providing her with every opportunity possible and being the best parents anyone could ask for.

Kyle appreciates all the love and support his parents have continuously given him over the years, and the close relationship he and his father share both under the hood and behind it.

And so it is, that Emily and Kyle present themselves to be married today…surrounded by the people they love the most.”

“At this time, Emily and Kyle would ask that we take a moment to honor those loved ones who are with us today not in body, but in spirit. Let us take a moment of silence and respect.”

“As Emily and Kyle prepared for the ceremony part of this wedding celebration, they reflected on what it is that they love about each other. And this was the easiest part of planning this wedding!”

[To Kyle]

“Kyle, Emily loves that you blend in so comfortably with her family and friends. She sees in you a funny, kind, and sweet man. She trusts you will always support her. She loves that you think she is funny and that you always find a way to compliment her. She loves that you always want to be close to her. She loves that you’re hardworking and no matter what always put her first. You want to be part of her family and circle of friends. You help her around the house. Most importantly, you two are so close that even when she is at her worst, you have never made her feel like you want anything else but to be closer to her.”

[To Emily]

“Emily, Kyle loves that you understand him even when he’s at his most quiet. He loves your brain, your smile, and your beauty. He appreciates that you can “take charge.” He loves that you scare him a little. Or a lot. He likes that you can always cheer him up no matter what. He still loves every single one of your texts. He lives to see you smile. He loves your kisses. He just really loves you!”

[To Both]

“You both look to a shared future that includes raising a happy family. That future also includes a richly lived life together…going out to restaurants, hanging out with family, relaxing at home in front of the TV, singing and dancing…Bride will do the singing, and Groom will do the dancing.

The years will come and go…you won’t take each other for granted, you will laugh a lot, you will be the best parents you can be, you will grow older and wiser together. It’s a beautiful story, and the ending is nowhere in sight!”

“Before we continue today’s celebration, let’s take a few moments to become truly present as the couple readies to enter this new season in their lives.”

*MINDFULNESS EXERCISE*

[Officiant to couple]

“First, I turn to you, Emily and Kyle. I’d like you to hold hands and meet each other’s gaze. Now, pause for a moment.

Notice your heart beat. Feel your feet on the ground, and just be right here, in this moment, with each other.”

(Pause)

“As you gaze at each other, take a moment and notice the feelings of love, joy, contentment, and whatever else comes up.”

(Pause)

“Now, I’d like you both to look at your families and friends. Notice their love and support for you here on your wedding day.”

*OFFICIANT TURNS TO GUESTS*

[Officiant to GUESTS]

Now, loved ones. Look at this couple you have traveled here today to witness enter into marriage. Take in the moment, as you observe Emily and Kyle on one of the happiest days of their lives.

*OFFICIANT TURNS BACK TO COUPLE*

[Officiant to couple]

“Now I’m going to turn back to you, Emily and Kyle, to look at each other once more, as you return to this present moment together.”

*DECLARATION AND STATEMENT OF INTENT*

[Officiant to couple]

“Now I ask you, Emily and Kyle, have you come here without reservation to welcome each other as husband and wife, offering your love, trust, and respect, today, tomorrow, and always? If so, answer “I do.””

[Couple]

“I do.”

*READING*

[Officiant]

“In the spirit of celebrating Emily and Kyle’s love and life, I have selected a special reading to share today.”

THIS READING IS TAKEN FROM THE LYRICS OF THE SONG “HARVEST MOON,” WRITTEN BY NEIL YOUNG

"Come a little bit closer

Hear what I have to say

Just like children sleepin'

We could dream this night away

But there's a full moon risin'

Let's go dancin' in the light

We know where the music's playin'

Let's go out and feel the night

Because I'm still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I'm still in love with you

On this harvest moon

When we were strangers

I watched you from afar

When we were lovers

I loved you with all my heart

But now it's gettin' late

And the moon is climbin' high

I want to celebrate

See it shinin' in your eye

Because I'm still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I'm still in love with you

On this harvest moon"

*EXCHANGE OF VOWS*

[Officiant]

“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. What creates a marriage is the promises made and kept in your hearts.

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

“Let’s begin your new season together and have you both exchange your vows with one another.

Emily, you may start with the vows exchange with yours, please.

Kyle, you can now share yours.”

[OFFICIANT TO EMILY]

“Emily, please repeat after me:”

Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep

I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:

I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.

I will laugh with you, and cry with you,

And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.

[OFFICIANT TO Kyle]

“Now Kyle, please repeat after me:”

Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep

I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:

I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.

I will laugh with you, and cry with you,

And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.

*EXCHANGE OF RINGS*

[Officiant]

“Wedding bands represent a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings do have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metals are liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees. The hot metal is forged, cooled, and then painstakingly polished. Something beautiful is made from raw elements. Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made perfect by imperfect beings. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. Like all of us.”

“Your ring exchange will visibly seal the vows you just expressed to each other. Notice that your wedding rings are a circle, the ancient symbol of wholeness. Wear these precious rings as a reminder that your souls are united in your hearts.”

[OFFICIANT TO EMILY]

“Emily, place the ring on Kyle’s left ring finger, and repeat after me:”

[EMILY]

I give you this ring.

Wear it with love and joy.

As this ring has no end,

My love is also forever.

[OFFICIANT TO KYLE]

“Kyle, please take the ring you have selected for Emily. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:”

[KYLE]

I give you this ring.

Wear it with love and joy.

As this ring has no end,

My love is also forever.

“May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love.”

*CLOSING WORDS & BLESSING*

[Officiant]

Emily and Kyle, in closing my wish for you is this:

"May the sun bring you new energy by day,

May the moon softly restore you by night;

May the rain wash away your worries;

May the breeze blow new strength into your being;

May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life."

*PRONOUNCEMENT*

[OFFICIANT]

“Emily and Kyle, having pledged your lifelong commitment to each other, in front of these witnesses here today, with the Authority vested in me, it’s my delight to pronounce you Husband and Wife!”

“You may now kiss your bride!”

*PRESENTATION OF THE COUPLE*

[OFFICIANT]

“Finally, stand with us now…

It is my distinct honor:

I PRESENT TO YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME, Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Courtney!”