Karla Ross

Guitar: Better Together by Jack Johnson

Brad and Danielle arrive together.

Grounding Moment

Karla:

"Before we begin, let's take a moment be a part of this space around us. Feel your feet on the ground, take a deep breath, and notice the people gathered around you.

The magical and communal and symbiotic relationship with

these trees and the relationship of Brad and Danielle.

(Purpose: Allow a moment to settle. Let the excitement soften for just a moment as we breathe, arrive, and become fully present.)

Welcome

Karla:

"Welcome, everyone.

Thank you for being here today to celebrate Brad and Danielle. We are gathered beneath these magnificent redwoods, a place that feels both magical and deeply connected. These trees remind us that strength comes not only from standing tall, but from the unseen roots that support us and the community that surrounds us.

Like these trees, Brad and Danielle's relationship has grown steadily and intentionally, rooted in trust, resilience, and connection. Today, we gather not only to witness their marriage, but to celebrate the people who helped shape the path that brought them here.

No one arrives at a moment like this alone. Each person gathered here has played a role in their story. Some offered guidance. Some offered laughter. Some provided strength, encouragement, grace, adventure, when it was needed most.

It is the hope of Brad and Danielle that as you share this day with them, you recognize the unique gifts you bring to those around you and the important role you have played in their journey.

Thank you for being here, beneath these trees, as witnesses to this moment and as part of the story that brought us here."

Their Story

Karla:

"Danielle and Brad's story began the way many modern love stories do… online.

After the requisite background checks, careful evaluation, and enough phone calls to establish that neither appeared to be completely unhinged nor living in a basement, they agreed to meet for coffee.

What followed wasn't a whirlwind romance. It was something quieter and more intentional.

They both knew they were meeting in the middle of life, not at the beginning. Each brought a lifetime of experiences, responsibilities, joys, sorrows, and lessons learned. Rather than rushing ahead, they chose to take their time, building trust, friendship, and a foundation strong enough to hold everything they both carried.

In doing so, they discovered something rare: the chance to be fully known and still chosen.

Today isn't the beginning of their love story. It is a continuation of a choice they have already been making every day. Surrounded by the people they love and beneath these trees, they choose each other once again."

Personal Words

Brad and Danielle share personal words with one another.

Ring Warming Ceremony

Karla:

"Before Brad and Danielle exchange rings, we invite you, their family and friends to play a special role in a beautiful tradition known as a Ring Warming.

These rings will be passed among you. We ask that you hold them for a moment, close to your heart, and imbue them with your love, your hopes, your prayers, and your best wishes for their future together.

By the time these rings are placed on their fingers, they will carry with them the collective support of everyone gathered in this magical space."

Karla passes the ring pouch to Denise to begin circulating among the guests.

Soft guitar music plays in the background.

Declaration of Intent

Karla to Brad:

"Brad, do you come here freely and wholeheartedly, choosing Danielle as your wife?"

Brad: "I do."

Karla to Danielle:

"Danielle, do you come here freely and wholeheartedly, choosing Brad as your husband?"

Danielle: "I do."

Traditional Vows

Brad repeats after Karla:

"Danielle, today I choose you.

To be your partner, and your companion

To support your dreams and respect your strength,

Share in your joys and protect your heart.

To face life's challenges together.

To love you with honesty, patience, and gratitude

And to walk beside you through all the seasons yet to come.”

Danielle repeats after Karla:

"Brad, today I choose you.

To be your partner, and your companion

To support your dreams and respect your strength,

Share in your joys and protect your heart.

To face life's challenges together.

To love you with honesty, patience, and gratitude

And to walk beside you through all the seasons yet to come.”

Ring Exchange

Karla:

"These rings have been held by the people who love you. May they remind you not only of the promises you make today, but also of the loved ones that surround and support you.

May they be a symbol of your love, your commitment, and the life you will continue to build together."

Brad and Danielle exchange rings.

Pronouncement

Karla:

"Like the redwoods that surround us, may your marriage be grounded in strong roots, strengthened by time, and lifted by light.

By the power vested in me by the Marriage Ministries of America and the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride!"

(Brad and Danielle kiss.)

Presentation

Karla:

"Friends and family, it is my great joy to present the newly married Brad and Danielle!"