Mandy Renee Palmer

Patrick and Tara’s Wedding Script

10/16/2020

Procession: “All rise for the bride.” Dj?

“You may be seated.”

Convocation/intro: Welcome beloved and honored Guests. We are gathered here to celebrate the relationship of Tara Shepherd and Patrick Casey, and to be witnesses and supporters of their commitment to one another. Together, we are the group of the most important people in their lives and they have brought us here to recognize we all play a part in the love they share today. Our presence here tells them that they do not enter marriage alone. As the people who love them, these are the times to offer our support and encouragement. They also thank each one of you for joining them for this special occasion.

First, I would like to begin with a short reading I found by an unknown author called, “What is love?”

“Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than versus on valentines and romance in movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, and the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favorite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that flourishes in even the most unlikely places. And this radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all- one known only by those who love.”

Second, I want to say how honored I was when Tara asked me to officiate. To be part of someone’s love story is an honor. When I think about Tara and Patrick coming together. I am reminded of how clichés are made. We have all heard sayings like, “It was meant to be” or “life finds a way.” Tara told me she and Patrick met in Ms. Adam’s first period Freshman English class. He played football; Tara was a cheerleader. Tara told me they would talk about Stephen King books with one another. Now, you would think these two would have ended up together and would have been high school sweethearts. But they did not. In fact, they had lived separate lives- he went on to law school, and she earned a degree in political science, there were several states between them—But as the cliches say, “life finds a way”- Patrick and Tara were reunited at turning points in their lives. Was it fate? Was is a coincidence? We might even say, “it was meant to be.” Either way, I believe it is a sweet story, and one that we all anticipate following. It is a story that gives others hope and reminds us that love works in mysterious ways. So, thank you again for allowing me to be part of your story.

As Tara and Patrick prepare to say their vows to one another, they acknowledge this contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. You are about to make promises to one another. These vows and words are representing your intentions. You will find that as you live your lives by these vows, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous, because there will be someone to share those joys with, in marriage.

Vows: Tara would like to say her vows first. Then Patrick.

(I do’s- continue to join hands)

“Marriage is the most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create a relationship that does not already exist and had not already been acknowledged in all the commitments you have made to each other.”

I will now ask the big question-

Me: Patrick, do you take Tara to be your wedded wife to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, and be faithful only to her, for as long as you both shall live?

Patrick: “I Do”

Me: Tara, do you take Patrick to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, and be faithful only to him, for as long as you both shall live?

Tara: “I Do”

Handfasting: Tara and Patrick have asked for a handfasting to unify their commitment. It is one the oldest traditions. This is also known as “tying the knot”.

The knot you will tie will form the symbol for infinity, for you this will mean everlasting love. You are never just holding hands. It is an act of togetherness, a declaration of devotion, and a gesture of affection that offers support and reassurance. From this moment forward, consider your hands washed clean of the past, and today you take each other’s hand and start fresh.”

Please join the hands to be fasted. As I wrap your hands in this cord. Take a moment to reflect on the words you have said to each other in your vows. The colors of your knot-burgundy and orange bear meaning as well; courage, passion, strength, adaptability, and kindness. And these words will be the foundation of your marriage.

(Hand off binder to wrap hands)

I will now read the “Blessing of the hands”.

“Today you are holding the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you as you promise to love each other forever on your wedding day.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you through the years and will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes-- tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children….or cats. 😊

These are the hands that will help you hold your family together as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And these are the hands that-even when wrinkled and aged-will still be reaching for yours and expressing the same tenderness they do today with just a touch. “

Officiant: “In your marriage together I encourage you to support each other as best friends would. Remember that you are on the same team, do not sweat the small stuff, trust and honesty will always keep your lines of communication open, and there are no crossroads, only compromise. If each of you always put each other’s feelings and needs above your own, your marriage will be a success and your love for one another will flourish.” Remember to always reassure one another and say, “I love you.”

“As you free your hands, your infinity knot will be formed. As this knot is tied, so are your lives now bound. Remember it is not the cord- but what it represents, that will keep you together".

(pull knot)

-Hand off “knot” to bridesmaid.

Rings: Officiant: “Do you have your rings?”

“Patrick, please take Tara’s left hand and repeat after me. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and my choice to share my life with you.---I give you this ring as a reminder that my love is always present, even when I am not.”

“Tara, please take Patrick’s left hand and repeat after me. “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and my choice to share my life with you--- I give you this ring as reminder that my love is always there, even when I am not.”

Me: “Many believe the ring is a symbol of eternity, completeness, life, and love that has no beginning or end. As the circle of these rings know no end, may your love for each other also be endless.

In so keeping with the vows you have made here today; you given and received these rings by which you symbolize your commitment to one another.

And without any further ado…By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the state of Georgia-

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

“I would like to present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Patrick & Tara!”

Announce-“We ask that the family in the front please stay for photos. Everyone else can proceed down the brick staircase to the reception area.”