Derek T. Sheridan

Katie & Ricky's Ceremony

Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?

Dearly beloved; we are gathered here, today, to witness the joyous union of Richard and Katelyn; two souls, deeply in love. Please rejoice, as we honor their love and the wondrous journey that led them to this moment. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

Silent Prayer

Today, Richard and Katelyn, you will declare your love and commitment to each other before family and friends. You have waited for this moment, planned for this moment and grown toward this moment. Now I ask that you simply be in this moment. I’m going to be silent while you, while all of us, take a minute to focus our thoughts not on yesterday or tomorrow, but on this day. In the silence that follows, I ask each of you, in your own way, to confer a silent prayer, blessing, wish or hope upon this day and this marriage. Please also take a moment to reflect on the loved ones who couldn't be here, today.

Vows

Richard and Katelyn have prepared their own vows and they will read them to you, now.

Katelyn: "Richard,

I cannot believe this day is finally here. I am so excited and proud that today, I become your wife.

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When we first met at McDonald’s, I fell in love at first sight. From that moment forward I could not stop thinking about how I immediately knew I loved you, and that I had to make you mine. It took a lot to even get you to give me a chance, but here we are 7 years later getting married.

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You are my best friend, my lover, and I truly believe that today I am marrying my soul mate. You can predict what I’m going to say at any given moment, you make me laugh harder than anyone I know, and you love me wholeheartedly no matter how many times I have pinched your nipples in a day.

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I know you are probably going to tell stories of a couple of your favorite memories with me, but I'm going to save everyone the pain of me trying to tell a story when I have the worst memory ever, and my story telling is painful to hear for most.

Some notable memories I would like to mention, though, are almost dying on the blue trail during our first vacation together to hocking hills. Then, being in North Carolina with your family - specifically the moment you told your brother and Ben exactly what I was going to say when I got back to the truck, and I predictably repeated it practically word for word. And other big moments like moving in together, buying our first home, dealing with our basement flooding, adopting our first pup, and replanning our wedding in under 3 months during a worldwide pandemic.

Looking back at all the peaks and valleys we have been through together; I am beyond thankful for them because I feel so strongly connected to you. I am more confident in our relationship than I am anything else.

I want so badly to explain all the love I have for you, but I know that my words will fall short. You are kind, honest, understanding, encouraging, hard-working, dependable, strong, and patient. I am so thankful that you are the man I am marrying today.

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I promise to always be your biggest fan and your partner in crime.

I promise to forgive both of us for having not known from the start how to be the kind and generous partners we've finally become.

I promise to create and support a family with you, in a household filled with laughter, patience, understanding, and love. I vow not just to grow old together, but to grow together.

I love you most."

Richard: "A message to Katelyn, my soon-to-be wife:

I wanted to start off by saying how much I love you and how much my love for you has grown. I am going to share a pair stories about us most people may not know, and that stick out in my mind as important memories over the past 7+ years:

First Memory – Shake Thrower

Second Memory – Back Issues

The latter memory was one of the most eye-opening moments of my life. I have always prided myself on being someone who was self-sufficient, physically, and emotionally, until that day. If I did not have you at that moment, I really do not know what I would have done. I felt completely helpless, all the while you were assisting me without me ever asking, like I was your big, adult baby…not that it is too much different than it is nowadays... At that time, I knew, without a doubt, that you love me unconditionally. I could feel it in my heart, and it was a feeling that I had never had before. A feeling that someone had my back in my most vulnerable moment.

I want you to know that just like you took care of me in my time of need, I promise to always take care of you. I will always support you in every decision you make personally, professionally, and for our newly formed family."

The Marriage

Now, Richard; place the ring on her hand and repeat after me…

With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours.

It is a symbol of my eternal love,

My everlasting friendship

And the promise of all my tomorrows;

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.

Now Katelyn; place the ring on his hand and repeat after me…

With this ring, I marry you and bind my life to yours.

It is a symbol of my eternal love,

My everlasting friendship

And the promise of all my tomorrows;

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.

On this tenth day, in the year, two thousand and twenty, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss and begin your new lives, together!

To the congregation:

Please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Richard Charles Gerding III and Katelyn Hope Gerding into their new life of wedded bliss! Congratulations!