Burton Lee Smith

Groom escorts the mothers, then the minister and stands forward of the altar for the procession.

Wedding party procession.

*Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly…*

These words, from a story we all know and love, aren’t just lyrics. They’re a reflection of something timeless. Something true.

Love doesn’t always arrive with fireworks or fanfare. Sometimes, it begins quietly—barely even friends—and then, someone bends. Someone opens their heart. And unexpectedly, something beautiful begins to grow.

Today, we are here to witness the continuation of that beauty. The next chapter in Josh and Klaryssa’s tale—not in a castle, but in the mountains of Colorado; not with enchanted roses, but with family, friends, and two extraordinary hearts that have chosen one another.

And so, as in all great journeys, there comes a moment when one chapter closes and another begins.

Just as the Elves once sailed into the West—leaving behind what was known for something beautiful and unknown—today, a hand is given in trust and love, not into shadow, but into a life filled with light. A life chosen freely, and joyfully, with Josh.

This moment is not goodbye, but a blessing. A sacred passing of care, from strong hearts to another.

Who supports Klaryssa as she follows her heart into this next chapter?”**

Couple and minister proceed to the altar.

---

### **\[Welcome]**

Friends and family, welcome.

In this place we are not just gathered to witness a ceremony. We’re here to celebrate a love story. A tale with dragons and operas, black cats and lightsabers, mine tours and movie marathons… and above all, a friendship that became something sacred.

---

### **\[Their Story – Fellowship of the Heart Style]**

Let's get to know these adventurers before us.

Let’s begin with Klaryssa.

Raised in Cripple Creek, one of just fourteen graduates in her class, she’s always stood out—not only for her smarts (hello, salutatorian), but for her passion. She double-majored, double-minored, and still found time to light up the stage—playing Eliza in *The Book of Everything*, among many other roles.

She’s a storyteller at heart, with a mind as sharp as her wit and a spirit as bright as her laugh. Whether she’s commanding a stage or crafting a message, Klaryssa knows how to bring people together—and today, she writes her favorite story yet.

I asked Josh and Klaryssa to share a characteristic they admire about the other and a quirk they have. A characteristic Josh admires is,

**“No matter what I do, no matter what mistakes I make, Klaryssa is always there. She sees the best in me.”**

That’s the kind of love that grounds a life. That turns a partnership into something sacred.

A quirk. Apparently that comes with a little clumsiness too.

Like the time they bought Brenda a tin of chocolate-covered strawberries—her absolute favorite.

Klaryssa dropped them.

Then dropped them again.

And then… dropped them a *third* time.

By the end, those strawberries had so much character they could’ve applied for their own role in a play.

But they gave them to Brenda anyway—with love and laughter—and honestly, maybe even more flavor.

Like her favorite Disney character: Ariel Klaryssa is curious. Brave. Stubborn in the best kind of way.

Someone who sees the world not just as it is, but as it *could* be—full of wonder, adventure, and love worth crossing oceans for.

She’s got that same zest for life, that same drive to explore new worlds, and that same fire in her heart.

And today, as she stands beside Josh, she’s found the one who doesn’t just admire that spirit—he belongs to it.

Together, they aren’t just writing a new chapter…

They’re building a life where both of them feel seen, safe, and entirely at home—

in each other’s hearts, in each other’s worlds.

**Like Ariel, she’s found where she belongs—

not under the sea, but right here, as part of their world.**

---

Now, Josh.

This quiet, steady soul may seem like the logical type—and he is. He’s a scientist, a thinker, and someone who approaches the world with curiosity and care. But underneath that calm exterior? Mischief. Depth. And a heart as loyal as they come.

As Smith family legend goes: when Josh was five, his mom Brenda returned home from a shopping trip to a mysterious, unpleasant smell. She lined the kids up like suspects in a whodunnit and grilled them relentlessly on what happened. After several stories about popcorn and body spray, eventually, little Josh cracked—confessing with wide eyes:

**“Ben set the cat on fire.”**

The cat survived. Yes, Ben lived.

Years later, Josh brought Bartock the black cat into their lives after their second date… That was the beginning of something real. Flame-free. Just full of heart.

Josh is also a scientist at heart. He earned a degree in biochemistry, chasing the mysteries of life itself.

And just when you think you’ve got him figured out, he shifts. From chemistry to circuits, he joined the Geek Squad and began building a new path—one filled with problem-solving, curiosity, and technology. Today, Josh brings that same discipline, insight, and drive into everything he does.

And underneath it all, there’s a softness. A quiet, loving tenderness that reveals itself in simple things.

Klaryssa, when speaking about his quirk says, *“He has an instant relaxation switch.”*

No matter what’s happening—whether they’re being silly, deep in conversation, or halfway through a project—if she runs her fingers through his hair, he goes completely still. Calm. Centered. Just like that.

His characteristic she admires is “He is the kindest soul when it comes to making sure his loved ones are taken care of. Whether it’s me, his mom, our cats, or anyone else, he pre-anticipates what I need, and always makes it clear I’m one of the people he loves. I am so grateful for that.”*

That is who Josh is.

Loyal. Thoughtful. Loving. A man who cares deeply—and shows it not just in big moments, but in every quiet choice.

Their love didn’t need a ballroom or a spell to begin.

It started, like so many great things, with:

*"Just a little change

Small to say the least

Both a little scared

Neither one prepared…"*

Isn’t that how it often happens? Two people surprised by what they’re finding.

Small moments becoming lifelong memories.

Neither one entirely ready—but both saying yes anyway.

And from that yes came something steady. Something joyful. Something strong.

---

### **\[Thematic Reflection]**

Every great story—every true epic—is about transformation. About the journey.

In *Beauty and the Beast*, love transforms—beast to beloved, fear to trust, solitude to belonging. It shows us that love is not just a feeling. It’s a force that changes everything.

*Phantom of the Opera*, tells us that love is also music—mysterious, haunting, and powerful.

We are reminded to "Let your soul take you where you long to be… and live the Music of the night."*

May your days together be filled with that music—sometimes soft, sometimes bold, but always in harmony.

In *Harry Potter*, love is the most ancient magic of all. For Hiccup and Toothless, it bridges worlds that once feared one another.

And perhaps Arwen said it best in her profession to Aragorn:

**"I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone."**

Josh and Klaryssa, that is what you’re choosing here today. One lifetime. One quest. One fellowship.

Not forged in fire, but in long talks, shared passions, and small acts of care.

The kind of love that doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be chosen. Every day.

And that’s exactly what you’ve done.

---

### **\[Vows – Concise, Character-Rich Edition]**

**Josh:**

*Klaryssa,*

You are the story I never saw coming—

The one I want to reread for the rest of my life.

I vow to walk beside you through every realm—

In light and in shadow,

In laughter and in silence,

In all the days we’re given.

I’ll protect you—not with sword or shield,

But with patience, honesty,

And the last slice of pizza.

You are my home, my heart,

And my greatest adventure.

---

**Klaryssa:**

*Josh,*

From the beginning, with simple things like your love for Bartock —

You gave me a glimpse of your beautiful, loyal heart.

I knew then this was no ordinary love story—

You were the co-author I knew I was waiting for.

I vow to love you in all seasons—

To laugh with you, fight beside you,

And support your dreams as if they were my own.

Even when we disagree about Star Wars canon,

I will choose you—every time.

You are my once upon a time,

My favorite plot twist,

And my always.

---

Officiant:

Josh, will you take Klaryssa to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish her friendship and love her today, tomorrow, and forever?

Josh:

I will.

Officiant:

Klaryssa, will you take Josh to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love? Will you cherish his friendship and love him today, tomorrow, and forever?

Klaryssa:

I will.

### **\[Ring Exchange – With Elvish Flair]**

*May I have the rings, please?*

These rings are more than metal. Like the most powerful relics in Middle-earth, they carry meaning far beyond their size. Not power over others—but a bond between two souls. A symbol of love, loyalty, and the promise to walk through fire, shadow, and joy… together.

**Josh, take Klaryssa’s hand, place this ring on her finger, and repeat after me:**

"This ring I give to you,

As a token of my love,

My loyalty, my heart, and my strength.

I will walk beside you in light and in shadow,

Until the end of my days."

*Gerich veleth nín.* *(You have my love.)*

**Klaryssa, repeat after me:**

"I will wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness,

A symbol of the vows we share today,

And a sign that I am yours alone."

---

**Klaryssa, take Josh’s hand, place this ring on his finger, and repeat after me:**

"This ring I give to you,

As a token of my love,

My loyalty, my heart, and my strength.

I will walk beside you in light and in shadow,

Until the end of my days."

*Im mel le.* *(I love you.)*

**Josh, repeat after me:**

"I will wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness,

A symbol of the vows we share today,

And a sign that I am yours alone."

---

### **\[Declaration of Marriage – With a Little Mermaid Twist]**

By the power vested in me—by the state of Colorado and by the witness of this incredible gathering—

I now pronounce you husband and wife.

*(Optional: Spoken or sung with flair)*

**Yes, you want her

Look at her, you know you do

It’s possible she wants you, too

There is one way to ask her

It don’t take a word

Not a single word

Go on and kiss the girl.**

*(Josh kisses Klaryssa.)*

---

### **\[Closing – Fellowship of the Heart Edition]**

Josh and Klaryssa—

You’ve chosen each other not just for today, but for every day that follows.

You’ve pledged your hearts not in a fantasy, but in something braver: reality.

And what greater adventure is there than building a life together—side by side, imperfect, and true?

May your love be like the best kind of story—one where the plot twists only draw you closer, and the chapters grow richer with time.

May you always have music in your home, courage in your hearts, and a little magic tucked in the corners of every day.

And when the road ahead feels uncertain, remember what all great companions know:

You don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone. Not anymore.

Let the music of the night guide you.

May the Force be with you.

May God's spirit fill your home and be your foundation.

May your love be your greatest adventure.

**Ever just the same

Ever a surprise

Ever as before

Ever just as sure

As the sun will rise…

Tale as old as time

Song as old as rhyme…**

It is my great joy and honor to present to you, for the first time as a married couple—

**Mr. and Mrs. Josh and Klaryssa Smith!**