Dr. Jody L Bergstrom, Ed.D.

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

Welcome family and friends to Luke and Jessica’s life together. They will be merging their different individual lives and their different families and friends, to join each other as one. Their love has prevailed by its strengths. Marriage adds a new dimension, which they approach with enthusiasm and deepening love. Our hearts are filled with joy and excitement on this special day. It has been said that marriage is falling head over heels over and over again. How Luke and Jessica will continue to demonstrate this truth is as unique as the two this marriage joins. We do know, with the utmost certainty, they have found much to share and much to enrich their lives together.

To the families of Luke and Jessica: 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, Luke and Jessica ask for your blessing. Do the families of Luke and Jessica give love and support to this union? (we do)

In today’s world, a couple may live together and have many loving years as partners before getting married. So why get married? Is it an excuse to throw a great party? A way to get long distance family and friends to visit? From where I stand, marriage is stating to the other person that you not only love them, but you want to commit yourself to them for the rest of your lives. It is stating to the other person that you will provide comfort, a kind word, and a shoulder to cry on. And when times are good, as we hope they always are, you will laugh with and at each other and enjoy life together. Marriage is saying you not only want to be partners, but you want to be partners for life.

Before we continue into the formalities of the ceremony, including the exchanging of vows and rings, I want to take this time to read a poem.

He Never Leaves the Seat Up, author unknown

He never leaves the seat up

Or wet towels upon the floor

The toothpaste has the lid on

And he always shuts the door.

She’s very clean and tidy

Though she may sometimes delude

Leave your things out at your peril

In a second they’ll be moved!

He’s a very active person

As are all his next of kin

Whereas she likes lazy days

He’ll still drag her to the gym!

He romances her and dines her

Home cooked dinner and the like

He even knows her favorite food

And spoils her day and night!

He’s thoughtful when he looks at her

A smile upon his face

Will he look that good in 50 years

When his dentures aren’t in place!?

He says he loves her figure

And her mental prowess too

But when gravity takes her over

Will she charm him with her IQ?

She says she loves his kindness

And his patience is a must

And of course, she thinks he’s handsome

Which in her eyes is a plus!

They’re both in wholly perfect

But who are we to judge

He can be pig-headed

Whereas she won’t even budge!

All that said and done

They love the time they spend together

And I hope as I’m sure you do

That this fine day will last forever.

He’ll be more than just her husband

He’ll also be her friend

And she’ll be more than just his wife

She’ll be his soul mate – till the end.

We will now witness the exchange of vows.

Luke: I take you Jessica, to be my best friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage you and inspire you and to love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in life together.

Jessica: I take you Luke, to be my best friend, my faithful partner, and my one true love. I promise to encourage you and inspire you and to love you truly through good times and bad. I will forever be there to laugh with you, to lift you up when you are down and to love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in life together.

The ancients were reminded by the circle of eternity, as it is so fashioned as to have neither a beginning nor end. While gold is so incorruptible that it cannot be tarnished by use or time, so may the union, at this time solemnized, be incorruptible in its purity and more lasting than time itself.

May we have the rings please?

As you, Luke, place this ring on Jessica’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways forever.

As you, Jessica, place this ring on Luke’s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways forever.

Luke and Jessica have chosen a hand ceremony that will complete their declaration of love and commitment to one another:

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love, that hold yours on your wedding day. These are the hands that will work along side yours as you build your future together. These are the hands that will passionately love you and care for you throughout the years. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief torments your mind and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will give you strength when you struggle, and support and encouragement to chase down your dreams. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, and help keep your family together as one. These are the hands that will, countless times, wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled with age, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch – a touch from these hands.

Love is a Decision, author unknown

Love is a decision, most of the time we think of love as a warm feeling that pulls two people together. However, that feeling is actually a romance. Love is a decision. When you share your vows, you’ll be saying, “I choose to love you. I will love you during the good days, the days of contentment, of companionship, and of happiness. I also choose to love you during the days of heartache, confusion, frustration, and yes, even days of stress.” No retreats and no regrets.

I have a few brief rules for you to remember about a happy marriage. Never 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 the 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.

Looking at the love Luke and Jessica have for each other, and hearing the vows they have made to each other; I can only conclude that this will be a wonderful marriage. A marriage in which both of you will grow and succeed, but you will do it together at each other’s side and having each other’s back. We are honored to have been here today at the start and look forward to seeing you many years down the road from now, you will be older, maybe a bit wiser but definitely still the incredible couple we see before us today.

By the power vested in me by the State of Montana, Luke and Jessica, you are now officially, as you already have been in your hearts, husband, and wife.

Luke, you may kiss your bride!

Ladies and gentlemen for the first time, I introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Luke Astle!!