Heatherly Bontrager

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

Thank you for gathering here today, as we begin this Celebration of Marriage for Melia Lanae Stark and Chase Daniel Harper. This marks the beginning of their new saga, joined before God & yourselves.

While not physically present with us we know that Chase's Dad, Michael Harper, and great grandfather, Carl Daniels, would be so happy that Chase & Melia have found such incredible happiness and love with each other and they are very much in our hearts and thoughts today.

Chase & Melia's story is a love story as old as time with a modern twist. They met on a dating app--neither of them expected to find their future mate. On their first date, Melia made Chase prove his age by showing her his ID. Chase thought, "Man, this girl is short."

Their love bloomed, much like the tulip field in which Chase proposed. Melia knew she was in love when Chase rushed to her side after hitting a hog and totaling her car. Chase's realization was more subtle--when he noticed that they both liked the same TV shows, video games, and other interests.

Melia & Chase, this contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. It takes more than love to make a marriage successful. Marriage is choosing to love and forgive your spouse every single day.

Melia & Chase will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Chase Daniel Harper take this woman Melia Lanae Stark to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

*Put ring on finger*

Do you Melia Lanae Stark take this man Chase Daniel Harper to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

*Put ring on finger*

HANDFASTING CEREMONY:

Please join your right hands. Is it also your wish today that your hands be fast, in the Ways of Old?

COUPLE: Yes

TIE HANDS

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. 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 comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.

This handfast of three braided cords symbolizes so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another. The true bonds of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship, and your hearts joined forever in love!

PULL THE CORD

By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now seal it with a kiss!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. & Mrs. Chase Harper!