Chelsea Anne Cogdell

PROCESSION: *Entrance of brides. Will walk in together*

*No cell phones*

“Welcome, everyone! Before we begin, Candace and Elisa would love for you to be fully present during the ceremony. We kindly ask that you silence and put away all phones and cameras. Their photographer will be capturing these special moments, so please relax, be present, and enjoy this beautiful celebration with us.”

INVOCATION:

"Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to welcome the family, the friends, and most importantly, the couple, Candace and Elisa. Each and everyone of us is honored to be here celebrating this incredibly joyous occasion, witnessing the most important day in their lives together. As Candace and Elisa take their relationship to the next level, this gathering is a testament to love and solidarity."

"Some might say that Candace and Elisa are already committed to each other, and I wouldn't disagree. But today, they are proclaiming that commitment not only to us, the people closest to them, but to the world as well. They are saying, " we love each other, we support each other, and we want to spend the rest of our lives together."

In today's world, there are plenty of wonderful ways for a couple to spend their lives together that don't include marriage. So why get married? Is it an excuse to throw a great party? A way to get friends and family from far away to visit? Those things certainly matter, but it's deeper than that. From where I stand, marriage is one partner promising to the other that in addition to loving them, they want to commit themselves to the other for the rest of their lives. It is stating that they will be there for their partner when they need them most. That they will provide comfort, a kind word, and a shoulder to cry on. And when times are good, as we hope they always are, it's a promise that the two of them will be there to laugh together. Marriage is saying that not only do you want to be partners, you want to be partners for life.

DECLARATION OF INTENT:

“Candace and Elisa have chosen to share their personal written vows privately before today’s ceremony. While those words remain just between the two of them, we are all here to witness the love and commitment they share.

A quote that beautifully reflects that kind of love says, ‘Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.’ Today, we celebrate a love built on that very foundation.”

*(VOWS)*

“Candace and Elisa, as you make these promises to one another today, please respond with ‘I do’ after each vow.”

"Do you Elisa Sanchez take Candace Dockery to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do you part?"

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

"Do you Candace Dockery take Elisa Sanchez to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, until death do you part?"

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

*(RING EXCHANGE)*

"The wedding ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise of everlasting love. It is a physical manifestation of the promises joining the couple together. The wedding ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand because years ago, it was believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart - the perfect place for a symbol representing love and commitment. These rings are the physical embodiment of the spiritual bond that now binds you two together."

"Candace and Elisa will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment."

"As you Elisa, place this ring on Candace's finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever."

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

"As you Candace, place this ring on Elisa's finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever."

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

PRONOUNCEMENT:

"Candace and Elisa, your friends and family, all of us here, rejoice in your happiness and we know that this day marks only one of many special moments you will share in the days and years ahead. May both of you, committed to each other, keep this covenant which you have made. May you be a blessing and a comfort to each other, sharers of each other's joys, consolers of each other's sorrows, and helpers to each other during life's challenging moments. May you encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May both of you, trusting each other, go forth fearlessly. May you not only express and accept affection between yourselves, but also reach out with love to all people. We hope that the inspiration of this hour will never be forgotten. May you continue to love and cherish one another forever. And may you always find reasons to laugh, both with, and at each other!"

"By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Texas, it is my honor and privilege to now pronounce you Legally Married!"

"Candace and Elisa, you may now kiss your bride!"

*(Wait for applause)*

“Before we introduce the newlyweds, this Chapel has one final tradition. Candace and Elisa will ring the bell together, allowing its sound to announce their marriage to the Texas Hill Country.”

*(Wait for bell to ring/ applause)*

"I am honored to present for the first time, Candace and Elisa Sanchez!"

“Please follow the newlyweds to the back for a champagne toast, so the celebration can continue!”

RECESSION: *Exit of brides. Will walk out together*