Tim Lewis Stockwell

Anna Katherine Stockwell and John Alexander Hynes Wedding Ceremony Script

Introduction

I would like to welcome the friends and family who have traveled from near and far to be here today to join Anna Katherine Stockwell and John Alexander Hynes in the spiritual union of marriage. We are all honored to be a part of their public pronouncement of their love and commitment to each other.

Opening remarks

Marriage is a contract 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.

Family & guest’s blessings and remembrance

Now, John and Ann wish to thank you all for joining them today, as they express their love for each other. They honor each of you who has played a role in making them who they are today, and who they will grow to become as a family. We also take this time to remember John’s father Michael for his part in making you, John, who you are. I know that Michael is with us today, in spirit, to honor this union. I wish I could have gotten to know him myself.

Words on marriage

The wedding ceremony is the ritualization of the marital contract and a commitment to each other for life. Marriage is a contract between two parties, and the wedding ceremony is the performative event that symbolizes that contract. To elaborate on this more, I would like to say a few words about this couple’s story and how they value their relationship.

 

The couple’s story and their relationship values

Their Relationship Values are as such:

Trust

• They rely on each other to check in regularly (at least daily) and hold space for each other to express deep and genuine feelings. They greet each other every time when arriving home, and say I love you before bed every night. They count on each other’s word and apologize and forgive if they can’t follow through.

Vulnerability

• They push each other to bring everything to the table without fear of judgement. They set aside time each week to discuss what’s going well and what challenges they currently face in their relationship, usually on a walk.

Fearlessness

• They work together to not let each other get bogged down by something they are afraid of. They figure out life together. No matter how scary it might be, they help each other to thrive by encouraging each other to face the hard things head on, instead of avoiding them.

Their Story is as such:

They were both separately asked a few questions that show how they are (and how others see) they are meant for each other.

1. When asked, “What attracted you to your partner?”

John said: “I was attracted to so many parts of Ann. Her witty sense of humor and her beautiful smile. I was drawn to her because she is incredibly gentle and kind, and she faces her challenges head on without making it seem like a big deal”.

Ann said: How generous and thoughtful he is to everyone. How supportive he is. His drive in life. And his infectious smile!

 

2. When asked, “How do you describe your partner to people who are hearing about him or her for the first time?”

John said: I tell people that Ann has the work ethic of a division 1 gymnast. I also tell people she is a fantastic listener and that she is often more rational than I am.

Ann said: Everybody loves him. He is very welcoming, and he’ll make every person in the room feel important.

3. When asked, “What makes you smile when you think about your partner?”

John said: I smile every time I think about Ann at all! Thinking of the trips we have taken and fun date nights we’ve gone on will never fail to make me smile. Also, the way she finds and greets me when she gets home - she’s always so excited and it makes me smile.

Ann said: How lucky I am to have found such a wonderful man to share my life with, and how excited I am to watch us continue to live life together.

4. When asked, “What are you looking forward to about your life together after the wedding, and what do you see when you think about your long-term future together?”

John said: I am so excited for us to establish ourselves as a family. I look forward to home improvement projects, children, travel, and generally a happy and rich life spent together.

Ann said: Sharing new memories, sharing laughs, evolving together, and the little things. When I think of our future, I think of us embracing new adventures together, growing our family, enjoying the good times, and growing closer through hard times.

Poem Reading

Now, John’s mother Nancy will now read a poem. Hand Nancy the poem to read.

Vows read to each other

Ann and John will now share their vows. Hand them each their printed vows to read.

 

Vows spoken after me

Ann, repeat after me,

I, Anna Katherine Stockwell, take you, John Alexander Hynes,

to be my husband, my constant friend,

my faithful companion, and my love from this day forward.

I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health,

in good times and bad,

and in joy as well as sorrow.

I promise to love you unconditionally,

to support you in your goals,

to honor and respect you,

to laugh with you and cry with you,

and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

To John, repeat after me,

I, John Alexander Hynes, take you, Anna Katherine Stockwell,

to be my wife, my constant friend,

my faithful companion, and my love from this day forward.

I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health,

in good times and bad,

and in joy as well as sorrow.

I promise to love you unconditionally,

to support you in your goals,

to honor and respect you,

to laugh with you and cry with you,

and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

 

The Ring Ceremony

Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. As love is so difficult a concept to express in mere words, we use symbols.

Since the days of ancient Greece and Rome, the ring has been an emblem of the sincerity and permanence of a couple’s love for one another and the lasting value of their marriage.

As the circle can begin anew at any point, marriage can always be renewed. These rings are symbols of your eternal love.

Anna Katherine Stockwell and John Alexander Hynes will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. Ask Eli for the rings.

Do you both John and Ann take each other to be your husband and wife? I do.

Closing remarks, Pronouncement, and Kiss

I have been assured that there are no fire trucks in the vicinity, so you may now kiss the bride. (Stand out of the way)

I’m happy to announce for the very first time Mr. and Mrs. John and Ann Hynes!

Will the families please stay at the altar for photos and all others please proceed to pool side for cocktails and beverages.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJr8i-pFbhA