Jessica Lee Downing

(processional music changes)

May I ask everyone to please rise as you are able to welcome the bride?

(Processional music quiets)

You may be seated.

(Dads-John and John, hug & kiss Becca, hug/shake hands with Ryan, Becca hand bouquet to Colby)

Welcome everyone! What a bright and joyous time of year for us all to gather. It is so wonderful to share in nature’s gifts, enjoying and the fresh air, and soaking in the warmth of the sun.

As we head deeper into Autumn, with its’ days full of warmth and light, and nights full of stars and magic; we move into a season of reflection and gratitude, of feasting and merrymaking.

Like the color of the leaves and the temperature of the air, Ryan and Becca’s relationship is changing. Today they head into a deeper level of commitment, moving from partners to spouses. Today will spark beautiful new memories, where promises become permanent and dreams become reality.

In every love story, there are friends and family members that a couple holds near and dear to their hearts. Becca and Ryan are thankful to be surrounded by all the unique characters gathered here today, and to have you all be part of this new chapter they are beginning together.

Those treasured souls who have come before us have set the scene for this love story by showing us what it means to be truly loved, and teaching us how to give our love to the fullest.

As Ryan and Becca begin to write their story as husband and wife, you all will play an important part. They can take comfort knowing that you will be there to hope with them, to support them, to be proud of them, and maybe give some pointers on how to perfectly pen their "Happily Ever After".

Becca and Ryan, I want you to take a little moment just for yourselves, close your eyes, and -just -breath...

-Keep your eyes closed and relax your nerves…

-Give each other a little squeeze…

-You’ve been looking forward to this day so let yourself feel all “the feels” …

Now open your eyes and look across at this stunning human you are about to marry...take it all in.

Look out at all of these amazing people, looking fabulous and fancy, dressed in their best, here to celebrate the two of you on your wedding day...

Everyone here has their own love stories. Some of our stories are short, some are long, some are simple and sweet, while others are crazy and complicated. And as some of our stories may yet be unwritten, some of us here (cheeky glance at couple, nod) are just getting to the really good part.

Ryan and Rebecca, I ask you in the presence of the witnesses here,

Have you both come freely and without reservation to pledge your hearts in marriage? (We have)

Ryan, do you accept Rebecca as your one true love, to stand by your side for now and always, as your lawfully wedded wife? (I do)

Rebecca, do you accept Ryan as your one true love, to stand by your side for now and always, as your lawfully wedded husband? (I do)

Over the past 6 years you two have been filling the pages of your love story with some epic adventures. Hiking and hammocking, camping trips, cuddle time with your fur babies, and a bunch of live concerts!

Think through all of the firsts you’ve shared since you met; Ryan’s first roller coaster ride, Becca’s first time at a driving range, your first time apple picking together, your first camping trip of many, Nala’s first experience of the ocean, and her first camping trip.

Think about all the laughs, maybe some of the tears, the first time you said “I love you”. It's all of those moments, the big ones, the small ones, and all the messy stuff in the middle that have finally led you to this day.

Becca and Ryan, your book of life is now open to a fresh, clean page so you can start to fill it together, as husband and wife. This chapter starts with making the ultimate commitment to your soulmate, to be partners in life, and in all things that may come in future.

Since you have already shared your most special and honest thoughts, and made promises to one another in private before the ceremony, I ask you now to affirm your commitments before your family, and friends who have become family.

Becca, would you please repeat after me?

I, Rebecca, take you, Ryan,

To be my best friend,

And faithful partner.

I take you,

With all your faults and strengths,

As I offer myself,

With all my faults and strengths.

I will give you the best of myself,

Through good times and bad.

I vow to share in your burdens,

And share in your laughter.

To listen deeply,

and to speak honestly,

I promise to be patient,

Not to take anything for granted,

And to never keep score,

even if I'm totally winning.

I vow to love, honor, and respect you,

For all our days together.

Ryan, would you please repeat after me?

I, Ryan, take you, Rebecca,

To be my best friend,

And faithful partner.

I take you,

With all your faults and strengths,

As I offer myself,

With all my faults and strengths.

I will celebrate with you, when life is good.

And encourage you, when life is hard,

I vow to be your strongest ally,

and your biggest fan,

to work as partners and grow as a family.

I vow to speak when words are needed

And share the silence when they are not.

I promise to challenge you,

And maybe frustrate you,

To listen to your advice, and occasionally take it.

I vow to love, honor, and respect you,

For all our days together.

Alex, may we please have the rings?

(Alex places open box or loose rings in my palm)

These beautiful rings were once just simple bits and pieces of raw elements found in the earth, that were melted, shaped, and polished to become something beautiful; a complete and whole piece that can no longer be separated.

Your love is just as simple. You both came into this relationship as separate individuals, two raw souls from humble beginnings, that were melded and merged with time and patience, to create something beautiful, where once there was nothing at all; a complete and whole union that can now, no longer be separated.

Ryan, as you place the ring on Becca’s left hand, please repeat after me…

With this ring

I join my life with yours.

I give you all that I have,

And all that I am.

I vow to love who you are now,

and who you are yet to become,

Wherever our life’s journey takes us.

Becca, as you place the ring on Ryan’s left hand, please repeat after me…

With this ring

I join my life with yours.

I give you all of my heart

And all of my being.

I vow to love everything you are,

asking you to be no other than yourself,

Wherever our life’s journey takes us.

Let these unending circles stand the test of time as a symbol of your unending love and commitment to one another, and to the future that lies ahead.

Becca & Ryan, continue to travel forward through time together as partners and best friends, finding new reasons to love each other in every adventure.

Travel backward through memory together to celebrate the big things, the little things, and every messy moment in between.

May your epic love story be filled with lines of laughter, pages of passion, chapters of celebration, and many more amazing adventures with your favorite person.

With the power bestowed upon me by the State of Connecticut,

It is my pleasure and honor to pronounce you husband and wife.

(Step off to the left for the first kiss)

You may kiss your bride!

(Kiss)

(Becca takes bouquet back from Colby, Becca and Ryan join hands, turn to crowd, pause for cheers)

(Recessional music begins)