Edward Ernest Elster

PROCESSIONAL

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

AS THE BRIDE ENTERS, “EVERYONE, PLEASE STAND FOR THE BRIDE.”

AFTER THE BRIDE REACHES HER ASSIGNED SPOT, “EVERYONE, PLEASE BE SEATED.”

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

Dearly beloved and honored guests, we invite you to be fully present with us. Kindly put all your devices on silent and enjoy this moment with us.

We are here today because of the two people standing in front of you, Clayton and Kristin. This is a very important moment in their lives, and they wanted you all here to witness and celebrate this sacred event.

Both Clayton and Kristin knew very early on that they had found something special. After that first visit together, each realized they didn't want to imagine life without the other. Even with miles between them, they spent countless hours talking about their future, building a relationship founded on faith, trust, and a shared vision for family.

Their favorite memories aren't necessarily the big moments, but the simple ones: hiking together, fishing with family, late-night snacks, and dreaming about the life they hoped to build. Of course, there have been plenty of laughs along the way, including a memorable fishing trip where Kristin caught the biggest bass and was just as surprised by it as anyone else.

When the time came to propose, Clayton chose a place filled with meaning, bringing Kristin to the first home they shared after he moved to Montana and asking her to spend forever with him.

What makes their relationship so strong is their shared faith, their love for their children, and their commitment to putting family first. Kristin admires Clayton's patience and selfless love, while Clayton treasures Kristin's caring heart and the encouragement she brings to his life.

Together, they look forward to raising their boys to love God, building a life rooted in strong values, and creating many more adventures along the way.

Most of all, Kristin and Clayton believe their relationship is a beautiful example of God's plan, bringing together two people who needed each other at exactly the right time. Today, they celebrate not only the journey that brought them here, but the lifetime of love, faith, and partnership that lies ahead.

And now, standing here surrounded by the people who love them, Kristin and Clayton are ready to honor that journey — and the faith that guided it — as they make the promises that will carry their marriage forward.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO CLAYTON

Clayton, do you take Kristin for your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?

• CLAYTON RESPONDS WITH 'I DO'.

OFFICIANT TO KRISTiN

Kristin, do you take Clayton for your lawful wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?

• KRISTiN RESPONDS WITH 'I DO'.

VOWS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Please face each other.

OFFICIANT TO CLAYTON

Please repeat after me:

I Clayton take Kristin to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, for all the days of my life.

OFFICIANT TO KRISTEN

Please repeat after me:

I Kristin take Clayton to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, and cherish, for all the days of my life.

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul.

OFFICIANT TO CLAYTON

Please present Kristin's ring.

• CLAYTON PRESENTS THE RING.

May this ring be blessed so he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in peace and continue in love until life's end.

• CLAYTON PLACES THE RING ON KRISTIN'S FINGER.

OFFICIANT TO KRISTIN

Please present Clayton's ring.

• KRISTIN PRESENTS THE RING.

May this ring be blessed so she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in peace and continue in love until life's end.

• KRISTIN PLACES THE RING ON CLAYTON’S FINGER.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

The true art of married life is in this inner spiritual journey. It is a mutual enrichment, a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both.

Inasmuch as you, Clayton, and you Kristin, have consented together in the union of matrimony and you have pledged your faith each to the other in the presence of God, your family, and friends.

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

So, without further ado, by the authority vested in me by the State of Arizona and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you both husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride!

THE COUPLE KISSES, GUESTS APPLAUD AND CHEER

PRESENTATION OF THE NEWLYWEDS

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION

Family and friends, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time as newlyweds, Kristin and Clayton Rivera.

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.