Kristen Ashley Lee

Our Happily Ever After Ceremony

Laura walks down the aisle to Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” played by a string trio

Greeting / Welcome

Officiant:

Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to celebrate the love between Mark and Laura. We are not only here as witnesses to the coming together of these two remarkable individuals, but also as companions on their journey and guardians of their love, entrusted to offer our support and blessings as they embark on this next chapter together.

What Is Love?

Officiant:

We often ask ourselves, “What is Love?” or “How will I know I’m In Love?”

Love is a profound and beautiful force that transcends words and understanding. It is the magnetic pull that draws two hearts together, igniting a spark that can light up even the darkest of times. Love is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a deep and enduring connection that weaves the threads of two lives into a tapestry of shared experiences, dreams, and a future filled with hope.

It is the laughter shared on a lazy Sunday morning and the comfort found in the silent moments when words are unnecessary. It's the kindness offered in times of need, the comforting presence that soothes our fears, and the unwavering support that carries us through life's challenges.

Today, we celebrate the love that Mark and Laura have discovered in each other—a love that has grown, evolved, and deepened over sixteen beautiful years. It is a love that has weathered the tests of time, becoming a testament to the enduring power of connection and trust.

May the love that surrounds us today remind us all of the beauty and strength found in the simple yet profound question: What is love? Love is the force that binds us all together, making life's journey richer, warmer, and more meaningful.

Mark and Laura sit down

Garrett’s Reading

Officiant:

I would like to invite Mark’s son Garrett up to say a few words.

Garrett:

Love is a journey, and Mark and Laura have been on this remarkable voyage for a breathtaking sixteen years. It's a journey filled with twists, turns, laughter, and the occasional hiccup. As we gather to celebrate their love today, a quote by Robert Browning comes to mind, 'Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be.' And you know what? You guys make growing old together look so darn good that I can't wait to see what those best moments will be. Your love is like a fine wine - it only gets better with time.

But let's not forget the humor that you both share. I've seen you both laugh at life's little surprises, like that time when I was only 15 and the police called you while on vacation because I “borrowed” Laura’s car (GB).

And speaking of us kids, oh boy, we were always trying to figure out who was the favorite and stay off Dad’s shit list. Just when we thought we were on top, we'd do something, well, let's just say, not so smart, and end up right back at the bottom of the list. Whether it was getting your iPhone stolen while out clubbing (KB), or swapping your SIM card to another phone when you lost your privileges (JL), you never really had any peace and quiet raising the five of us. Let’s not forget pretending to be sick to get out of manual labor (GC), or totalling your truck while picking up a new dog that Dad didn’t know about (CB). We tested your resolve often but things always worked out fine and made our bonds stronger. As difficult as these situations felt at the time, they’ve become cherished family memories that we now laugh about together and we can never live down. We still crack jokes about who is no longer the favorite because of something dumb they did. These moments remind us all that laughter truly is the best glue in any relationship. So, here's to growing old together with grace and humor, and to a love story that will be cherished for generations to come.

Officiant:

Thank you, Garrett, for that heartfelt reflection.

Group Vow

Officiant:

And now, as friends and family who have been witnesses to their journey, I invite you all to participate. Mark and Laura's love and happiness will be shaped not only by their own commitment but also by the support and love they receive from all of you. So, please join me in making this vow:

"Do you, the family and friends of Mark and Laura, promise to continue supporting, loving, and encouraging them in their marriage? Will you stand by their side, offering guidance and understanding whenever needed, and celebrating their joys as if they were your own?"

All: We do.

Officiant: Thank you, friends and family, for your unwavering support.

Poem Reading

Kirk:

"I've had the privilege of being part of Mark's family for over three decades, and during that time, I've learned that a strong and lasting marriage is a bit like building a prison together, brick by brick. You see, every day you add a brick, carefully constructing an institution called marriage. But here's the twist: it's a life sentence and you couldn't be happier to serve it. Today, I have the honor of sharing a poem that beautifully captures the essence of what it means to nurture a loving and enduring partnership. 'The Art of a Good Marriage' by Wilferd Arlan Peterson serves as a timeless reminder of the dedication and effort required to create a thriving and harmonious union. Let us reflect on these words as we celebrate Mark and Laura's commitment to the artistry of their own love story."

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created. In 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; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.

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 looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.

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; it is being the right partner.

Wine Blending Unity Ritual

Mark and Laura get up and walk to the table where the Unity Ritual is setup

Officiant:

Mark and Laura have chosen a unique and beautiful way to symbolize the merging of their lives today. Just as these two distinct wines, each with its own flavor and character, come together to create something new and extraordinary, so do Mark and Laura. As they blend these wines into one, let it serve as a powerful reminder that from this moment forward, they are no longer two individuals but one harmonious partnership, where their differences complement and enhance each other. May their journey be as rich, complex, and delightful as the wine they blend today, and may their love continue to age gracefully, becoming even more exquisite with time.

What makes a strong marriage

Officiant:

Let us take a moment to reflect on what makes a marriage not only strong but also exceptionally beautiful. A strong marriage is not about finding a person you can merely coexist with; it's about discovering that one person without whom life seems unimaginable. Mark and Laura have discovered this truth in each other. They have shared countless moments of laughter, supported one another through life's inevitable heartbreaks, and embraced each other's quirks and unique qualities. It is in their shared laughter, even in the face of adversity, that we see the true beauty of their bond.

Declaration of intent / I do’s

Officiant:

Mark and Laura, as you stand here today before your family and friends, ready to embark on this lifelong journey together, I must ask: Mark, do you take Laura to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?

Mark: I do.

Officiant:

Laura, do you take Mark to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?

Laura: I do.

Officiant:

Mark and Laura, you have declared your intentions to enter into marriage. May your promises of love and commitment continue to grow stronger with each passing moment, as you journey together into this next chapter of your lives.

Ring Exchange

Officiant:

The exchange of rings is a symbol of your enduring love and commitment to one another. These rings are a circle, unbroken, just as your love should remain. As often as you look upon them, may they remind you of the love you share, and the promises you've made here today.

Officiant says parts and Mark repeats back (as he places the ring on Laura's finger):

Laura, with this ring, I offer you my love and devotion. Just as this ring has no end, my love for you knows no bounds. It is a circle of eternal commitment, a promise to stand by your side, and a token of my enduring affection.

Officiant says parts and Laura repeats back (as she places the ring on Mark's finger):

Mark, with this ring, I offer you my love and unwavering support. Like this ring, our love is unending and without limit. It represents the eternal bond we share, a pledge to walk this journey together, and a symbol of my profound love for you.

Officiant:

May these rings forever be a symbol of your love and a reminder of the promises you've made to each other today.

Vow Affirmation / Declaration / First Kiss

Officiant:

These vows, which you have just exchanged, are not to be taken lightly. They represent a promise to be each other's companions, confidants, and partners for life. May you continue to grow and evolve as individuals while nurturing the love and connection you share.

And now, by the power vested in me, it is my honor to declare you, Mark and Laura, husband and wife! You may seal your commitment with a kiss.

(Laura and Mark share a kiss)

Couple Introduction / Recessional

Officiant:

It is my great pleasure to introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Beale. May your love story continue to unfold with love and laughter, as you step into your own 'happily ever after'!