Edward Ernest Elster

PROCESSIONAL

GUESTS ARE SEATED. CEREMONY BEGINS.

WELCOME & INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS

Welcome! We gather on this divine autumn day to celebrate the love discovered between Connor and Katie.

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 Connor’s and Katie's transition to their next chapter.

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, Connor and Katie. I’d like you to hold hands and meet each other’s gaze. Now, pause for a moment.

Notice your heartbeat. 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 TO GUESTS

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

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

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

DECLARATION & STATEMENT OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

Now I ask you, Connor and Katie, have you come here without reservation to welcome each other as husband and wife, offering your love, trust, and respect, today, tomorrow, and always?

COUPLE TO OFFICIANT

We have.

WEDDING READING (OR PLAY HIS SONG)

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 TO COUPLE

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.

OFFICIANT TO CONNOR

Connor, 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 KATIE

Now Katie, 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 TO THE COUPLE

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 KATIE

Katie, place the ring on Connor’s left ring finger, and repeat after me:

Connor, I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.

OFFICIANT TO CONNOR

Connor, please take the ring you have selected for Katie. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

Katie, I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.”

CLOSING WORDS & BLESSING

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

Connor and Katie, 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 TO COUPLE

Connor and Katie, having pledged your lifelong commitment to each other, in front of these witnesses here today, by the power vested in me by the state of Arizona and American Marriage Ministries, it’s my delight to pronounce you Married. Congratulations!

You may celebrate with a kiss!

RECESSION

• THE CEREMONY ENDS