Dr. Jody L Bergstrom, Ed.D.

Who supports this woman as she joins this man in marriage?

A warmest welcome to you all - family and close friends, those who care about this couple, and have come from near and far to celebrate with them. Aleksandr and Kylea have asked us to be a part of this celebration of their love for each other, and it is with great joy and reverence that we all take part. They seek to continue the commitment, which of course does not begin today, but which began in wonder some time ago when they found love in each other. There are many stages and kinds of commitment, but this one is the deepest, the most sacred, that comes out of the clear choice of two people.

To the families of Aleksandr and Kylea: many years ago, though it may feel like only yesterday, two children were born into this world. When you first gazed at them, you marveled at their perfection, and you felt truly blessed. In your children, you saw the infinite potential, and you placed great hope. This wedding is also a celebration of family. It is the blending of two families, separate up to this moment, but united from this day forward – blending their different traditions, strengthening the family tree. To honor this uniting of families, Aleksandr and Kylea ask for your blessing. Do the families of Aleksandr and Kylea give love and support to this union? (we do)

At this time, Aleksandr and Kylea would like to take a moment to honor passed loved ones with a moment of silence.

Aleksandr and Kylea are getting married today. Although marriage is really just another step in their relationship, it is the most important one they will ever take. In getting married, they agree to a bond between them that is not only legal but spiritual. It is a bond that unites their hearts and minds into a lifelong partnership that is stronger than two individuals alone can ever be. It is a public act between these two. A private act in which, no matter what we say, they have pledged themselves to each other. A pledge to face whatever comes along, together. A promise to support each other, nurture each other and love each other for the rest of their lives.

Aleksandr and Kylea, are you ready to take your vows?

I, Aleksandr, take you, Kylea to be my wife, to respect, cherish and honor, to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love, and from this day forward, I will share my life with you.

I, Kylea, take you, Aleksandr, to be my husband, to respect, cherish and honor, to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love, and from this day forward, I will share my life with you.

Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is difficult to express in words the profound relationship that is love. Since the beginning of time, the ring has been an emblem of the sincerity and permanence of a couple’s love for one another and regard for their marriage. As the circle can begin anew at any point to renew itself, a good marriage can pick any point to renew itself. These rings are symbols of your eternal love.

Can we have the rings, please?

As you, Aleksandr, place this ring on Kylea’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our partnership in life. You have my heart always.

As you, Kylea, place this ring on Aleksandr’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and our partnership in life. You have my heart always.

I have a few brief rules for you to remember about a happy marriage:

Never both be angry at the same time. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your spouse. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly. Never bring up mistakes from the past. Neglect the whole world rather than each other. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. At least once a day say a kind word or compliment to your partner. When you have done something wrong, admit it and ask for forgiveness. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is usually the one who does the talking.

Aleksandr and Kylea, your friends and family, all of us here, rejoice in your happiness and we know that this day marks only one of many special moments you will share in the days and years ahead. May, both of you, committed to each other, keep this covenant which you have made. May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s joy, consolers of each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in the changes of life. May you encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May you not only express and accept affection between yourselves but also reach out with love to all people. We hope you continue to love and cherish one another forever. And may you always find reasons to laugh, both with and at, each other.

Having witnessed your vows, with all who are assembled here today and by the power vested in me by the State of Montana, it is with great joy that I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss your bride!

It is my honor to introduce the newlyweds, Aleksandr and Kylea!