Anika S. Benson

We are gathered here today in the presence of God and as witnesses to celebrate the marriage of Danielle Heffernan and John Schukraft in holy matrimony.

We come together not just as guests, but as the People Who have Shaped their story—

Family who Raised them, Friends Who Walked Beside them, and Loved Ones who

Helped them Become the people standing before us.

Surrounded by your love and support, we gather in this beautiful place to share in their joy as they begin their new life together.

Danielle and John, You've Invited Us into One of Life's Most Sacred Moments—

A Covenant before God and in the Presence of Those You Hold Dear. We are honored to be here.

TO THE PARENTS/ FAMILY

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

I want to ask! BILLY, Do you give your blessing to the union of DANIELLE and JOHN?

Answer:

(He responds. JOHN shakes BILLY’s hand and takes hand as they face each other.)

📖LOVE STORY

In a Kingdom not so Far away—Actually, at a local Wawa—Danielle had noticed John before, and When he Walked into her Store, she Found her Courage and said hello.

What began with Nervous Conversation grew into something Real. Evening after evening, they Shared Dreams, Revealed Truths, and built something Solid together.

Last summer in Myrtle Beach, John asked Danielle to Marry Him.

True to form, she made him Ask Twice—because Some Moments Deserve to be Savored.

Since that day, they've Lived their Adventure. Through Celebrations and Quiet Mornings, through the Gift of New Life and the Beauty of Ordinary Days, they've created something Extraordinary.

Today, with Melodies from Pride Rock to Distant Galaxies filling this space, we remember what Walt Disney knew: "All Our Dreams can Come True if We have the Courage to Pursue Them."

Danielle and John Found that Courage—first at Wawa, then Every Day Since. They prove that Magical Places aren't just found at Disney World.

Sometimes they Start at Wawa and lead to Right Here, Right Now.

This is their Happily Ever After—not an Ending, but a Beautiful Beginning.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏽TO THE BRIDE & GROOM

DANIELLE and JOHN, the Commitment of Marriage is Sacred and should not be entered into lightly, but Thoughtfully and Seriously with a Deep Understanding of its Obligations and Responsibilities.

Marriage is one of Life's Greatest Adventures—a commitment that goes Deeper than any Promise you've made before. It demands Love, Loyalty, Communication, Understanding, Forgiveness, and the Courage to Stand by Each Other, no matter what Life brings.

It asks you to be Vulnerable when it's easier to be Guarded. To Forgive when you'd rather be Right. To Stay when it feels Hard.

Marriage doesn't make you Perfect—it makes you Partners. It won't Erase your Differences;

it will Teach you to Dance with them.

No other Human Ties are more Tender, and no other Vows are more Important than those you are about to Pledge.

The Beautiful Truth is this: you don't have to be Perfect for each other. You just have to be Present. Show up, even on the Hard Days. Choose Each Other, Again and Again.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

“JOHN, do you take DANIELLE 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?

(JOHN responds)

“DANIELLE, do you take JOHN 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?

(DANIELLE 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 DANIELLE and JOHN, who GIVE them and WEAR them, may always live in faithfulness, unity, love, and peace. Amen."

"Before we Exchange the Rings, DANIELLE and JOHN have Written Personal Vows from their Hearts"

Read

"Now, to Honor the Traditional Vows, as you Exchange these Rings, please Repeat After Me"

Repeat After Me

JOHN Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, JOHN SCHUKRAFT, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you,

and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge,

I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward,

I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

DANIELLE Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, DANIELLE HEFFERNAN, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you,

and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge,

I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward,

I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

📝Signing the Marriage Certificate

Now, as part of the legal proceedings, DANIELLE and JOHN 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

JOHN and DANIELLE, 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 

JOHN and DANIELLE turn to their family & friends/guests. 

May JOHN and DANIELLE 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. Schukraft

CONGRATULATIONS