Anneliese Tillson

Frank & Kim's Lake Tahoe Elopement Ceremony

Cove East • South Lake Tahoe, California

September 26, 2026 • 10:00 AM

Welcome

On this beautiful September morning, with the fresh mountain air around us, the meadow stretching beside us, the creek flowing nearby, and the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe before us, we gather to celebrate something beautifully simple—love.

Standing strong behind you today is Mt. Tallac, one of Lake Tahoe's most recognizable peaks.

It has watched over these waters for generations, and today, it stands as a quiet witness to the love and commitment you share.

Today isn't about a grand audience or an elaborate celebration.

It's about two people who have shared 34 years of loving each other, and who have chosen this moment to celebrate the life they've built together and the adventures still ahead.

And for you, Frank and Kim, one of those special places has always been Santa Cruz.

There is something about walking together from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Natural Bridges—sharing the miles, the conversation, and the simple comfort of having the right person beside you.

That walk seems like a fitting reflection of your relationship.

Marriage isn't about arriving at a perfect destination.

It's about the miles you walk together.

It's about the unexpected turns, the beautiful views, and choosing to keep moving forward side by side.

Frank, you are the quiet, strong type.

Your strength is steady and dependable. You are someone who makes the person beside you feel safe.

Kim, you are the traveler—curious, adventurous, and always ready to discover what's around the next corner.

One brings the steady ground.

The other brings the adventure.

Together, you've created a life where there is room for both.

You have become one another's safe place, best friend, and home.

And there is one more very important member of your family here today.

Kogan.

Kogan has shared your everyday moments, your adventures, your laughter, and your life.

Kogan isn't simply here as a guest.

Kogan is family.

And today, Kogan gets to be part of this special moment too.

A Moment for Kogan

(If Kogan is comfortable, invite Kogan to stand with Frank and Kim.)

Frank and Kim, take a moment to look at Kogan.

The three of you have shared ordinary days, adventures, new places, and countless memories.

Today, as you become husband and wife, Kogan remains right where Kogan belongs—in the middle of your family.

May there always be room in your marriage for muddy paws, unexpected adventures, long walks, laughter, and the moments you never planned.

Kogan, you have an important job today.

Stay close.

And if either of them forgets how lucky they are, give them a look that reminds them.

(Pause for laughter.)

Declaration of Intent

Frank, do you take Kim to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Will you love her, honor her, comfort her, support her, and stand beside her through every season of life?

Frank: I do.

Kim, do you take Frank to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Will you love him, honor him, comfort him, support him, and share life's adventures with him?

Kim: I do.

Your Vows

Frank, please repeat after me:

Kim,

After 34 years, I still choose you.

You are my best friend.

You are my partner.

You are my home.

I promise to stand beside you.

I promise to support you.

I promise to laugh with you.

I promise to be there when life gets hard.

I promise to share every adventure with you.

I promise to keep walking beside you.

In Santa Cruz.

At Lake Tahoe.

And wherever life takes us.

I love you.

And I choose you, always.

Kim, please repeat after me:

Frank,

After 34 years, I still choose you.

You are my best friend.

You are my safe place.

You are my quiet strength.

I promise to stand beside you.

I promise to support you.

I promise to make memories with you.

I promise to keep exploring with you.

In Santa Cruz.

At Lake Tahoe.

And wherever life takes us.

I love you.

And I choose you, always.

Ring Exchange

Frank and Kim, these rings are reminders of the journey you've already shared and the journey still ahead.

When you look at them, remember this morning—the mountains, the water, the beach, the meadow, Kogan at your side, and the promises you made here.

Frank, repeat after me:

Kim, I give you this ring.

It is a symbol of my love.

I promise to stand beside you.

I promise to choose you.

Today and every day.

Kim, repeat after me:

Frank, I give you this ring.

It is a symbol of my love.

I promise to stand beside you.

I promise to choose you.

Today and every day.

The Lake Tahoe Beginning

Before we conclude, I'd like to invite you to share one final moment together.

Today, you have come from Santa Clara to celebrate this new chapter together.

If you're comfortable, I'd like you both to remove your shoes.

(Pause.)

Kogan, you can come along for this part too.

(Pause for Kogan and the couple.)

Now, take each other's hands and walk together into the cool waters of Lake Tahoe.

With each step, leave behind anything you no longer need to carry.

Let the water symbolize a fresh beginning.

You've already walked 34 years together.

Today, you simply take another step.

Look around.

Take in the mountains.

Take in the meadow.

Listen to the waves.

Look across the lake and the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe.

Look at Kogan.

And then look at each other.

Take a deep breath together.

And remember this moment.

Pronouncement

Frank and Kim, you have declared your love.

You have made your promises.

And you have exchanged rings.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the great State of California, it is my great honor and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife.

Frank, you may kiss your bride.

(Pause for the kiss.)

And Kogan, you may celebrate!

(Pause for laughter and celebration.)

Congratulations!

May every time you return to Lake Tahoe, you remember this morning—the mountains, the water, the meadow, the beach, Kogan by your side, and the extraordinary journey that brought you here.

May you always find your way back to the places you love.

And may you always remember that the greatest destination you've reached is the life you've created together.

It is my absolute honor to present...

Frank and Kim!

May your love be as enduring as Mt. Tallac, as clear as the waters of Lake Tahoe, and as beautiful as the life you continue to build together.