Jerika Leeann Neilson

Bride Enters- Everyone please rise

Who gives this woman to be married today?

You may be seated.

Hello everyone, and thank you for being here today to celebrate Javas and Brittney on such an important day.

Before we begin, on behalf of the couple, I’d like to ask you all to take a quick moment and make sure your phones are on silent and put away for the rest of the ceremony. I promise that there are professionals here (gesture) who will capture this day much better than any of us could. In return, Javas and Brittney want you to be fully present to live and be in this moment with them.

Brittney and Javas- I want you both to take a moment and look out at this beautiful audience. These are your people- the ones who have laughed with you, supported you, and helped you get to this exact moment. Take a deep breath and let yourselves take this moment in, because the rest of today is going to fly by. (Pause) And Javas, if you wanted to kiss her hands right here that would be a really nice touch.

Alright, are you both ready for the serious part? (Pause)

Marriage isn’t something to be entered into lightly. The uniting of two paths into one single journey requires us to be thoughtful, honest, and intentional. Marriage brings with it a deep realization of our responsibility and commitment to our partner, and the understanding that love, loyalty, compassion, and compromise are the foundations of a happy life together.

The two of you stand here today as individuals choosing to come together in all things. From this moment forward, every decision, every challenge, and every adventure will be shared, built on the partnership you have grown, and continue to grow each day.

You have chosen to write your vows, and it is through these words that you will express the promises you make to one another today.

Brittney- Whenever you’re ready, please take this time to place the ring on Javas’ hand and read your vows.

Javas- Whenever you’re ready, please take this time to place the ring on Brittney’s hand and read your vows.

Beautifully said you two, thank you for sharing your vows with us.

You’ve both asked that your union today be sealed with a handfasting ceremony. A ceremony that symbolizes two individual paths becoming one, and the start of a journey that you will continue together.

Places Cords

Every cord tied around your hands right now was chosen by you two to represent a pillar that will bind your lives together.

Red, for passion.

Black, for protection and the strength to overcome negativity.

Silver, for wisdom.

And white, for peace and purity in your life together.

Brittney- Once these cords are tied, you are promising to love Javas, to honor him, and to protect his peace, not only in this lifetime, but in all that follow. Do you intend to keep and uphold these promises? (Pause)

Javas- Once these cords are tied, you are promising to love Brittney, to honor her, and to protect her peace, not only in this lifetime, but in all that follow. Do you intend to keep and uphold these promises? (Pause)

Let these cords be a symbol of the life you now bind together, and the promises you have chosen freely and fully.

Now, by the power vested in me by the state of Utah and the top recommended “become an officiant quick” website Google has to offer, I now pronounce you married! You may tighten your knot and seal your union with a kiss.