David Alan Cross

WELCOME

OFFICIANT TO THE GUESTS

Welcome to those here today serving as witness to the joining of [Matthew Frasier] and [Mary-Kate Gildea] in marriage. Your presence at this ceremony is important to them, and they thank you for standing with them today, and always. At this time, we welcome you to enjoy the moment, and request that you turn off your phones and put them away to prevent any interruptions during this very important moment. Thank you.

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

To start, I would like to say what an honor it is to be standing here today. I never thought I’d see myself in such a monumental position, and frankly, I can’t think of two better people to do it for.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you both for providing me the privilege and honor to perform this ceremony.

OFFICIANT TO THE GUESTS

To be 'married' is the joining of two people in matrimony. Tradition may indicate that marriage requires taking someone else's name, or to leave previous, separate lives behind, in order to become as one.

But while marriage is, indeed, the joining of two hearts and two souls, it is also the joining of two individuals. Two people with their own thoughts, beliefs, and identities; identities which are not lost simply by the commitment made to love and support one another.

On the contrary, marriage allows two separate individuals to collectively become greater than the sum of their parts, while also bestowing the support, ability and complete freedom to be themselves.

These two hearts beat on their own, but their shared love allows them to also beat FOR one another. [Matthew] and [Mary-Kate] recognize that marriage is the culmination of their two loves, which are simply shared as one, and is the ultimate journey of togetherness.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

[Matthew] and [Mary-Kate], please face one another, and join hands.

OFFICIANT TO [Matthew]

Do you, [Matthew Frasier], welcome this joining freely, and without question take [Mary-Kate Gildea] as your lifelong partner and equal in all that you may face, encounter, celebrate or rejoice?

[Matthew]

I do.

OFFICIANT TO [Mary-Kate]

Do you, [Mary-Kate Gildea], welcome this joining freely, and without question take [Matthew Frasier] as your lifelong partner and equal in all that you may face, encounter, celebrate or rejoice?

[Mary-Kate]

I do.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

OFFICIANT TO GUEST WHO HOLDS RINGS

May we have the rings, please? *Wedding rings are given to the couple*

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

These rings, each individual in their design, are a unified symbol of your marriage to the world. May they also be a daily reminder of your own individual promises, as well as your vow to stand together.

OFFICIANT TO [Matthew]

[Matthew], as you place this ring on [Mary-Kate’s] finger, please repeat after me:

I [Matthew Frasier], take you, [Mary-Kate Gildea], to share our love in marriage.

I remain my own person, but give myself to you of my own free will.

I promise to always see you as whole,

while knowing that together, we have a collective strength and harmony.

I promise you room to be yourself, and to encourage your dreams,

allowing you to grow, while appreciating you just as you are.

I vow to freely give you my trust and my heart and to be worthy of yours in return.

This is a marriage of equals, and with this ring, I thee wed.

OFFICIANT TO [Mary-Kate]

[Mary-Kate], as you place this ring on [Matthew’s] finger, please repeat after me:

I [Mary-Kate Gildea], take you, [Matthew Frasier], to share our love in marriage.

I remain my own person, but give myself to you of my own free will.

I promise to always see you as whole,

while knowing that together, we have a collective strength and harmony.

I promise you room to be yourself, and to encourage your dreams,

allowing you to grow, while appreciating you just as you are.

I vow to freely give you my trust and my heart and to be worthy of yours in return.

This is a marriage of equals, and with this ring, I thee wed.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

[Matthew] and [Mary-Kate], you have pledged your commitment in matrimony, vowing to stand beside and support one another through any and all things. May you stand strong together and conquer everything you set your minds and hearts to.

And with that, according to the powers vested in me by the State of Colorado, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

Please share a kiss.

INTRODUCTION OF THE NEWLYWEDS

OFFICIANT TO THE GUESTS

It is my pleasure, honor and privilege to introduce [Matthew Frasier] and [Mary-Kate Gildea], partners in the truest sense.

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony