Anika S. Benson

INVOCATION :

We are gathered here today in the presence of God and as witnesses to celebrate the marriage of Caitlin Michelle Grice and Edwin Alvin Sloman in holy matrimony. Surrounded by your love and support, we come together in this beautiful place to share in their joy as they begin their new life together.

TO THE PARENTS/ FAMILY

Today, we will witness the coming together of not only CAITLIN and EDWIN but also their families. To honor the impact their families have had on their lives. 

I want to ask! Mr. Grice, Do you give your blessing to the union of EDWIN and CAITLIN?

Answer:

(He responds. EDWIN shakes Mr. GRICE's hand and takes CAITLIN's hand as they face each other.)

📖LOVE STORY

Caitlin & Edwin’s Love Story (Ceremony Version)

Caitlin and Edwin's love story began through a mutual friend, just as the world was changing with Covid.

Living an hour & half apart made seeing each other difficult as teenagers.

But when lockdowns began, something beautiful happened.

Their love grew not Side by Side, but Heart to Heart through cell phone Screens.

What Could Have been a challenge Became a Gift.

They FaceTimed every day. Laughing together. Watching movies together. And slowly, surely, falling in love. Those long calls gave them something precious—the chance to truly know each other's hearts.

One Memory Captures it All. For Edwin's 17th birthday, Caitlin couldn't see him in person. So she baked Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes, lit a candle, and sang "Happy Birthday" over FaceTime.

In that Moment, They Knew their Love would Always Find a Way.

When the World Opened again, their story blossomed.

They shared dinners and adventures. Quiet nights and big dreams.

Eventually, they bought their first home together. That home is now filled with love, laughter, and their furry family—Winnie, Sarge, and Sonny. Winnie even serves as their best man today.

Edwin loves Caitlin's passion and humor. The way she throws her whole heart into everything—even home projects that she promises will fit "because I measured it with my arms.

"Beyond the laughs, he Treasures her Caring Heart and The Way She makes Everyone Feel Loved.

Caitlin Cherishes Edwin's Patience and Steady Joy. His ability to Light Up Every Room. Whether Bringing Surprise Flowers, Singing Off-Key, or Dancing His way Out of Stores, He is Her Best Friend, Her Safe Place, and the Person Who Makes Life Endlessly Fun.

From FaceTime Calls to their first Home, Their Journey has Always Been about Love that Endures. Love that Finds a Way. Love that Grows Stronger with Time.

Today, surrounded by family and friends, They Celebrate Not Just the Story that Brought Them Here, but the Beautiful Future they will Create Together—Side by Side, For the Rest of Their Lives.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏽TO THE BRIDE & GROOM

EDWIN and CAITLIN, The contract of marriage is most solemn and is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

It demands love, loyalty, communication, understanding, forgiveness, and a commitment to stand by each other, no matter what life brings.

These are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. No other human ties are more tender, and no other vows are more important than those you are about to pledge.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

“EDWIN, do you take CAITLIN to be your lawfully wedded wife

Will you respect, honor, and cherish her; love, Trust, and commit to her,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

Until death do you part?

(EDWIN responds)

“CAITLIN, do you take EDWIN to be your lawfully wedded husband

Will you respect, honor, and cherish him; love, Trust, and commit to him,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

Until death do you part?

(CAITLIN responds)

💍RING EXCHANGE & VOWS

Officiant Says:
Ask for the Rings "Please place the rings in the officiant’s hand to be blessed."

The exchange of rings represents your commitment to each other,

an unbroken circle of love. Let these rings remind you of the vows you've made

and this cherished moment.

Ring Blessing

"Bless these rings, O LORD, and grant that CAITLIN and EDWIN, who GIVE them and WEAR them, may always live in faithfulness, unity, love, and peace. Amen."

Acknowledge Private Vows (Officiant)
“Earlier today, Caitlin and Edwin privately shared their personal vows during their first look. Today, before God, family, and friends, they will affirm their love with the Irish Wedding Blessing as their vow to one another.”

Irish Blessing-Inspired Vows

(Each partner repeats after you while holding the ring halfway onto the other’s finger.)

Officiant to Edwin:
Edwin repeats, line by line:
May you never Steal, Lie, or Cheat.
But if you must Steal,
Steal away my Sorrows.
If you must Lie,
Lie with me All the Nights of my Life.
And if you must Cheat,
Please Cheat death —
Because I could Not Live a Day Without You.
According to God’s Holy Ordinance,
I pledge myself to you.
With this ring, I give you my word, Now and Forever
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Repeat after me 
Caitlin repeats, line by line:
May you never Steal, Lie, or Cheat.
But if you must Steal,
Steal away my Sorrows.
If you must Lie,
Lie with me All the Nights of my Life.
And if you must Cheat,
Please Cheat death —
Because I could Not Live a Day Without You.
According to God’s Holy Ordinance,
I pledge myself to you.
With this ring, I give you my word, Now and Forever
in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

📝Signing the Marriage Certificate

Now, as part of the legal proceedings, EDWIN and CAITLIN will sign their marriage certificate. This document represents your commitment to each other and the legal acknowledgment of your union. Please invite your two chosen witnesses, to join you for this important moment.

🙏🏽PRONOUNCEMENT

EDWIN and CAITLIN, having proclaimed your love and commitment to each other in the presence of God and your loved ones, and by the authority vested in me by the State of Pennsylvania, it is my greatest joy and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

💋THE KISS

“Let this kiss be the first of many in your forever story—

sealed in love, bound by faith,

and kissed into eternity.”

Closing Remarks

AFTER THE KISS. GUEST, PLEASE STAND 

EDWIN and CAITLIN turn to their family & friends/guests. 

May EDWIN and CAITLIN life journey together be blessed with steadfast support and lasting love; we pray that God will continuously guide their paths both individually and as husband and wife. 

It is my honor to present, you for the first time as

Husband & Wife

MR. & MRS. SLOMAN

CONGRATULATIONS