Kathrine Vass

OPENING WELCOME:

My dear friends and family,

Thank you all for joining us on this most special day as we unite

Christina and Michael in marriage. This is a day that they will always remember because all of you were gathered here offering your love and support. They are both so grateful to see each one of your smiling faces looking back at them. And for those that are not physically present, may we keep their memory in our hearts and know that they are here in spirit

to celebrate this happy day with us.

Now, to begin this celebration, our beautiful bride and groom ask that you be completely present with them as they embark on this new chapter of their lives together.

MINISTER’S OPENING REMARKS:

The path to finding love has many steps along its way.

You must be open to meeting new people in unexpected places

and willing to take a chance on that first conversation.

Along the way, you might realize you care for them as a best friend.

Then one day you muster the courage to trust them with your heart

and hope your feelings are returned.

For Christina and Michael, a college orientation was their unexpected place. Sitting across from each other – a tall beauty and a friendly gentleman (wearing an unusually bright green T-shirt) – in that moment, – that first glance – could either of you have imagined that you just met your future spouse?!

Becoming fast friends, you both found the joy in having a

partner-in-crime early on. Someone to share in life’s little things.

Whether slugging through homework, cooking an evening meal or indulging in the occasional “garbage” television show, these every day things are made better when shared with someone you love.

You found the best parts of each other and supported each other through your challenges. To find joy, in another’s successes, this is what real love is all about.

Christina and Michael, you started down the road of life on separate paths. Today, we set you upon a new road you’ll travel together.

This life long journey is best started with all the blessings we can

possibly bestow upon you.

I would like to invite Callie to share our first reading,

An Irish blessing.

Whenever I speak to couples, I always ask them: “What’s one of the biggest things you’re looking forward to in your marriage?”

Michael’s answer still stands out for me. He said “Investing even more in our life together — with no reservations.

This really impressed me – No reservations. No doubt in your mind.

That’s saying I am all in with you because you are the only person for me and we will build the life that we both want by working together.

Just in planning this day, your intentions have already begun to shift. Visions for the future are no longer daydreams - they are becoming exciting plans.

And this moment - this is the very first step in that big picture.

I’d like to invite William to come forward for our second reading.

A selection that truly illustrates this picture.

Second Reading: “Union” by Robert Fulghum Read by William Spear

DECLARATION OF INTENT:

Christina and Michael, you stand here on the precipice of a grand adventure. Is it your intent to join your lives in the state of marriage, and through this bond move forward from this point as one?

Answer: “It is.”

I ask you then to please remember that love is not just a feeling but also an action. Every day you must choose to treat your partner with respect, kindness and loyalty.

As husband and wife, you will work together, transforming your daydreams into reality, making each decision for the good of each other. You must practice patience and good communication always.

Understanding this, do you both enter into this commitment freely and without reservation?”

Answer: “We Do.”

PERSONAL VOWS:

At this time, Christina and Michael would like to share with each other their own words of love and promise.

(Christina first, then Michael)

RINGS & VOWS:

Do you Michael promise to take Christina as your wife and partner,

for better or worse, in sickness or in health, through all the ups and downs that life may throw at you? Do you promise to walk with her and her alone and through this life until you part ways in death?

MICHAEL: “I do.”

Do you Christina promise to take Michael as your husband and partner,

for better or worse, in sickness or in health, through all the ups and downs that life may throw at you? Do you promise to walk with him and him alone and through this life until you part ways in death?

CHRISTINA: “I do.”

EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

Michael, please repeat after me:

Christina, this ring is my first gift to you.

With it comes the promise that I am here for you always

and I will love you all the days of my life.

Christina, please repeat after me:

Michael, this ring is my first gift to you.

With it comes the promise that I am here for you always

and I will love you all the days of my life.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Before we get this celebration under way, a reminder.

As the years pass, never forget why you got married.

I could never write anything more perfect and simple

than Christina’s own words.

Do you remember?

CHRISTINA: To be us forever!

Exactly! Be true to yourselves and to each other.

With that, everything else falls into place.

Be thankful for each other every day and remember that

when you work together - you can accomplish anything!

All my best wishes to you as you create this beautiful life together,

one day at a time.

PRONOUNCEMENT:

Christina and Michael, through the exchanging of rings and vows,

you finish one story and start a new one together called Marriage.

This story begins in this moment, when you both promised

to love, honor and cherish each other forever.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure and with the authority vested in me

by the state of Connecticut, I am happy to pronounce you

husband and wife.

Please share your first married kiss.

It is my honor to present for the first time:

MR & MRS MICHAEL & CHRISTINA KENNY

RECESSIONAL - Time to Party!