Michael Ryan Johnson

Wedding Ceremony Script

(Officiant walks down, Groom walks down, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen walk down)

(Evan and Logan hand Anthony(or Reese) the rings and sits down)

(Flower Girl, Rian, walks down the aisle and sits down)

Everyone, please stand

(Bride walks down the aisle)

(Once Natalie’s Mom and Dad sits down and the music stops)

Everyone can now be seated

Introduction

(Michael)

On behalf of Anthony, Natalie, and their families, it is my honor to welcome you to this important and wonderful day. Today is a celebration — of love, of commitment, of friendship, and of family. There are many meaningful moments in life, but this one is so special that Anthony and Natalie chose to share it with all of you — the people they love most.

(Michael)

They believe that a marriage is supported not just by two individuals, but by the love, wisdom, and encouragement of the community around them. We are grateful for your presence here. We also take time to remember those who are unable to be here today. Though they may not be with us physically, their love for Anthony and Natalie is ever-present.

(Michael)

Anthony and Natalie, those gathered here today love and support you deeply. Some have known you since the day you were born, and all will continue to stand by you in the years to come. You have so much to be grateful for. And it is that spirit of gratitude — the simple joy of knowing “it’s good to have something good” — that you’ll carry forward into your shared life together. It doesn’t take long to see that it’s the simple things — and the time you spend together — that make your love remarkable.

Couple’s Story (Anthony and Natalie will provide)

Their story actually started with a simple request. One day in the Fall of 2018, Natalie was working with Megahn in their dorm’s lounge to make a banner for the residence hall competition happening on campus. All of the residents were supposed to sign the banner during their last floor meeting, but some people chose to skip this floor meeting and thus skipped the banner signing. As Natalie was painting away on the banner, she noticed a resident filling their water bottle nearby and called out to ask if he had signed it.

And you guessed it - it was Anthony! Don’t worry, Anthony did in fact sign the banner. He also got to talking with Nat about random interests they shared, and the pair would come to find themselves regularly visiting the dorm lounge at the same time and becoming friends fast. After a few months, they went to see Into the Spider-Verse together; both of them secretly wondered if it was a date. They stopped wondering once they shared their first kiss later that night. Seven years of making each other laugh, obsessing over their dogs, and helping each other grow have come and gone, and they now stand before us, prepared to share their next first kiss. This time, as Husband and Wife.

Declaration of Intent

(Michael)

Anthony, do you take Natalie to be your wife —

to be your constant companion,

your partner in life, and your true love?

To love her without reservation or judgment,

to honor and respect her,

to protect her from harm,

to comfort her in times of distress,

and to grow with her in mind and spirit?

Anthony: “I do.”

(Michael)

Natalie, do you take Anthony to be your husband —

to be your constant companion,

your partner in life, and your true love?

To love him without reservation or judgment,

to honor and respect him,

to protect him from harm,

to comfort him in times of distress,

and to grow with him in mind and spirit?

Natalie: “I do.”

The Vows Exchange

At this time, the bride and groom will now exchange their vows.

Ring Exchange

(Michael)

The couple will now exchange rings.

(Anthony will hand his ring to Natalie)

(Michael)

May these wedding rings be a reminder of the commitment you are making today and be a testimony to all the world of your devotion in marriage.

(Michael)

Anthony, please place the ring on Natalie’s finger and repeat after me:

“I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you (Repeat)

in all times (Repeat), in all places (Repeat), and in all ways, forever (Repeat).”

(Michael)

Natalie, please place the ring on Anthony’s finger and repeat after me:

“I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you (Repeat)

in all times (Repeat), in all places (Repeat), and in all ways, forever (Repeat).”

Pronouncement

(Michael)

By the Power vested in me by the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Anthony and Natalie, you may now kiss your spouse! (Make sure to get out of the camera shot for kiss)

(Applause)

(Michael)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time:

Anthony AND Natalie DiPaolo (Di-pah-llo)!!

Me and My Husband Outro Song🎶🎤🥁🎺

(Bride and Groom walk down aisle)

(Michael)

Thank you all for joining us! Please proceed to the cocktail bar. Immediate family and bridal party, please stay behind for pictures.