Kelli Beth Spedden

Processional ("Walking Down Isle At Beginning" part):

*In walk the wedding party*

Invocation (The part where people can "Object"):

*Greet the guests/Introduce the couple/Purpose of event*

Well hello to all of you on this beautiful yooper day.

I'm Kelli and I'll be your minister today. I like to think of myself as a part time yooper. My grandmother, Irene Reed, used to live in Hulbert, Michigan, before she passed away 9 years ago this June. We'd faithfully visit her every summer, and she would then come down to the good ol' "Fort" of Indiana, to help my Mom take care of us during the school year.

She was my super hero. I still greatly miss her.

During one of our many visits, we met Morgan, a tomboy, freckle faced girl, who never wanted to be indoors.

Oddly enough, it was in the old Hulbert Baptist Church, that has now, sadly, closed its doors.

I can remember my Grammy and my Mom, having different ideas on who this girl was...if she was a "good influence", and if we'd see a lasting friendship out of a

*use air quotes* "summer fling" companion.

We spent our summers climbing apple trees, digging up rocks, running from bees, rolling down hills, playing hide and go seek amongst the raspberry and gardenia bushes with our other yooper friend Tyler and my twin brother Chris, we spent many sleepovers playing Kingdom Hearts and eating Grammy's homemade strawberry jam straight from the jar, we watched shows like "Hogan's Heroes" and "Bewitched" because that's what your options are when you're at Grandma's house.....*pause*

and because you've actually grown to love them.....all of this and more are what make up our memories in Hulbert, Michigan.

Who knew, that roughly 18 years later, we'd be standing here, Morgan as a blushing bride to be, Jeramy, her ready and willing husband, and I, her minister, here to help them take that next step as husband and wife, as Mom and Dad to their 5 beautiful children: Conner, Aiden, Ryder, Damon, Arabella.....as a unit.

This amazing, blended family, after so many obstacles have found each other, and I, as her sister by choice, feel incredibly blessed to be such an important part of it.

She's my sister, my grandmother was her grandmother, our families are now and forever *pause* also *pause* blended.

Declaration of Intent (The "I Do" part):

*Officiant asks couple for confirmation of marriage/Their "Declaration"*

Now, this next part is the important part...it's where you can either say that, "Final Yes!".....

Or run away from the altar, dramatically...like in the movies.

Though, somehow.....I don't see that happening.

These two are a powerful proclamation of the hard work and determination that it takes to meld two families together.

I asked each of them to pick a favorite quote or author, something that they felt described how they felt about love, life... something that connects with their soul.

Jeramy said:

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams"

- Dr. Seuss

Morgan said she felt connected to sentiments conveyed in the movie,

"50 First Dates", but I'm going to save her quote for the end.

It fit better there.

*make humorous gesture*

Rings and Exchange of Vows ("Vows, Rings, and Extra" part):

This next part is fun one:

Their vows, the exchanging of the rings, and then after that, I will help them participate in a traditional sand pouring ceremony.

So first I will ask each of you if you will have each other in marriage, through of all of life's adventures, downfalls, triumphs, and simply downright torrential moments.

Then, since you have decided to say your vows quietly to each other, after each of you finishes, you will place your ring on the other's finger.

Once that has concluded, we will proceed to the sand pouring ceremony.

*Waits for them to finish*

Alright so I'm going to introduce this ceremony, using a quote that the couple found to be inspirational:

"Lwove is a force more formidable than any other. It cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession ever could. But although this love joins you together as one, remember the gift of your individuality. Cherish and affirm your differences as you love each other. Be supportive of your strengths, and tender towards your weaknesses. Laugh together, cry together, be comforted by each other's presence, and secure in each other's absence.

To symbolize the importance of each of you within the marriage and the joining of your two lives into one marriage, 3 colors of sand will now be combined in a sand ceremony."

Alright, it's time for the colorful part!

--->Sand Pouring Ceremonyb

- Firstly,

I will pour white sand into the vase, symbolizing the purity of their love, the foundation of their relationship..

- Then Jeremy and Morgan will pour their colors of sand into the vase, symbolizing their individuality, each taking two turns and alternating.

Jeremy, you'll go first.

- Now I want you to pour a third layer, but this time, I want you to do it together. This will symbolize you joining your lives together in love.

Be careful though, because this gets trickier when you include another person. On the count of pour.

1, 2, 3, POUR!

- Finally, I will add the white sand, to represent their village, those who will guide them through the many adventures of marriage.

Things will shift and change over time, and colors will fade and dull, but may their foundation never falter!

Pronouncement ("Officially Married" part):

Well you two, we're coming to the end of this momentous occasion of yours, the legal binding of your two lives.

I'd like to use Morgan's quote now, because I feel Lucy Whitmore said it best"

"Can I have one last first kiss... there's nothing like a first kiss."

So think of this as your last first kiss to start off your new life as husband and wife.

Lucy Whitmore "50 First Dates"

Please, kiss each other already!

I give you Mr. & Mrs. Hall! Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Recessional ("New Couple & Wedding Party Walk Back Down Isle" part):

*Follow instructions given by the couple*