Juniper J Hansen

*OFFICIANT OPENING REMARKS*

[Officiant]

“Welcome Everyone…”

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

“Please Rise….”

*PROCESSIONAL*

[Officiant]

“Please be Seated…”

*INVOCATION*

[Officiant]

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we gather here today to celebrate the enduring love and commitment between Jeff and Ashley. They have embarked on this journey once before, and today, they stand before us, not as strangers, but as two souls who have weathered life’s storms together and emerged stronger than ever. Today, these two stand here ready to reaffirm their commitment, their bond, and their future surrounded by the warmth of your presence. In the words of Sam Keen, ‘Love is not about finding the perfect person, but about seeing an imperfect person perfectly.’”

“Jeff and Ashley, you first made these vows to each other in earnest, quite a few years ago, as two young lovers taking a leap of faith into an unknown future. You didn’t know on that day what married life would have in store for you -- and it’s been a life that has grown infinitely fuller, more exciting, and more meaningful with each passing day! It hasn’t always been easy, of course. But it’s been true, and it’s been honest. And that has made it beautiful beyond words.”

“So, let us pause and reflect on the adventure you’ve traveled together. Today, we celebrate not just the years you’ve spent together, but the moments that have woven your hearts even closer. The laughter, the tears, the shared dreams, and the quiet understanding—these are the threads that make your love story unique.”

“14 years ago, you promised to walk life’s path together. Today, you stand here recommitting to each other, continuing together on that exciting journey! As you commit to each other again, keep your hearts open to the extraordinary gifts that lie ahead.”

“At this time, Ashley and Jeffrey would ask that we take a moment to honor those loved ones who are with us today not in body, but in spirit. Their memories live on in our hearts, and their presence is felt today. A candle will remain lit in the reception hall in their honor. We remember them with love and gratitude. Let us take a moment of silence and respect.”

“As Ashley and Jeffrey 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 Jeffrey]

“Jeffrey, Ashley says that you can see the good in everything, and everyone. That you’re the calm to her storm, the light to her dark. That even though you drive her the most crazy, you keep her the most calm. That over the years she’s come to the distinct realization that you are the absolute love of her life and that, no matter what, she’d choose you. A thousand times over.

[To Ashley]

“Ashley, Jeffrey 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 says that you help keep him honest. And that every day you challenge and support him to be a better man. Ashley, you are also Jeff’s best friend. And he chooses you. Forever.

[To Both]

“8 years ago you both made the mature decision to look within yourselves to take some space, find your true selves, walk separate roads temporarily. You both acknowledged that separate and personal growth needed to happen in order to be happier and healthier for yourselves, each other and your family. You went into that decision with open hearts and mutual respect and understanding that if you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours. If not, it was never meant to be.”

“But sometimes life’s twists and turns lead us down unexpected paths. We navigate through uncertainty, hoping that fate will guide us back to what truly belongs in our lives. Whether it’s love, friendship, or opportunity, there’s a quiet reassurance in believing that destiny has its own way of weaving our stories. And here you two are, standing stronger and more steadfast than ever before!”

“You both continue to look forward to a wonderful future that includes raising your beautiful family side by side. That future also includes a richly lived life together…going out to restaurants or hanging out with family, or just relaxing at home in front of the TV, maybe some singing and dancing…Ash will do the singing, and Jeff will do the dancing.”

“The years will come and go…you won’t take each other for granted, you’ll laugh until you cry, 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!”

*MINDFULNESS EXERCISE*

[Officiant to couple]

“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.”

“First, I turn to you, Ashley and Jeffrey. 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 TURNS TO GUESTS*

[Officiant to GUESTS]

“Now, friends and loved ones. Look at this couple you have traveled here today to witness enter into marriage. Take in the moment, as you observe Ashley and Jeffrey 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, Ashley and Jeffrey, 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, Ashley and Jeffrey, have you come here without reservation to recommit to 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 Ashley and Jeffrey’s love and life, I have selected a special reading to share today.”

“The Art of Marriage”

"Marriage is more than a union of two hearts; it is an art—a masterpiece crafted over time. Let us reflect on these words by Wilferd A. Peterson:

A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together, facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner but also being the right partner."

*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. Life has taught you both that love isn’t just about sunny days and smooth sailing. It’s about standing together when the winds howl, when the rain pours, and when the path seems uncertain. You’ve faced adversity, and yet your love has not only endured but flourished. What creates a marriage is the promises made and kept in your hearts.”

“Marriage, my dear cousins, is an expansion—an opportunity to share your lives in a deeper way. It’s waking up each morning and falling in love all over again. It’s finding strength, courage, and humor in each other’s company. Today, you step into this sacred bond, hand-in-hand, ready to embrace the journey ahead.”

“Remember that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a conscious act of will. It’s choosing to be vulnerable, open, and committed. As you exchange vows, know that you’re not just promising to love each other during the good times but also during the trying times. So, let this marriage be a canvas where you paint your shared dreams, where you find joy in each other’s happiness, and where you draw strength from your love. May you continue to weather life’s storms together, knowing that your love is unbreakable.”

“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 that you have written for one another.”

“Ashley, you may start with the vows exchange with yours, please.”

“Jeffrey, you can now share yours.”

*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. Continue to wear these precious rings as a reminder that your souls are united in your hearts.”

[OFFICIANT TO ASHLEY]

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

[ASHLEY]

“I, Ashley, take you, Jeff, to be my beloved husband once again. I promise to stand by your side, to laugh with you, and to support you through life’s joys and challenges. With all that I am, I pledge my heart to you.”

[OFFICIANT TO JEFFREY]

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

[JEFFREY]

“I, Jeff, take you, Ashley, to be my beloved wife once again. I promise to cherish our love, honor our history, and embrace our future. With all that I am, I pledge my heart to you.”

“This is not just a second chance; it’s a new beginning—a chance to create fresh memories, to build upon the foundation you’ve laid, and to embrace the promise of forever once more.”

*CLOSING WORDS & BLESSING*

[Officiant]

Ashley and Jeffrey, in closing my wish for you is this:

Your love story isn’t just about the two of you; it’s about the little hands that hold yours, the bedtime kisses, and the scraped knees you’ve healed together. Today, as you recommit your promises, remember that your love is a legacy—a story whispered from one generation to the next. May your babies witness your love’s resilience and carry it with them always.”

“May your love continue to grow, your laughter never fade and your hearts remain forever intertwined. Go forth hand in hand, knowing that your love story is far from over.”

*PRONOUNCEMENT*

[OFFICIANT]

“Ashley and Jeffrey, having pledged your lifelong commitment to each other, in front of these witnesses here today, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you reconnected, recommitted, and renewed in love!”

“Jeff, You may now kiss your beautiful bride!”

*PRESENTATION OF THE COUPLE*

[OFFICIANT]

“Finally, stand with us now…

It is my distinct honor:

TO REINTRODUCE YOU TO MR AND MRS JEFFREY AND ASHLEY CROFT!”