A few weeks ago, we sat down to write our ceremony script using the materials provided to us by Rev. Kevin Knox. We wanted to have this done so we'd know if there were any special items we needed to order from Disney floral (which there are!)
I think so far this has been my favorite part of planning. After all, this is what it's all about!
Our Ceremony:
Rev. Knox: On behalf of Brian and Andreah, I would like to thank each of you for attending this wedding celebration. You are indeed participating in one of the happiest moments of their lives. For Brian and Andreah, your very presence here as family and honored guest not only heightens the beauty of this moment for them--but it also completes it!
Congregation is asked to be seated
We are gathered here today to witness the coming together of two people. Two people whose hearts and spirits are already entwined as one. In fact, those of you who know Brian and Andreah best, can also attest to their love for one another and to the blended hopes, dreams and goals that they share. When such a bond exists of this magnitude, then it is only appropriate that we have an open public demonstration of their love such as this wedding ceremony. And so it is that Brian and Andreah, now will profess before God, their family and their friends, of their desire to henceforth walk the road of life together.
Questions of Intent to Groom and Bride
Do you, Brian, knowing of this woman’s love for you and returning it,
Realizing her strengths and learning from them, recognizing her weaknesses and accepting them, Take Andreah, to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Brian: I do
Do you, Andreah, knowing of this man’s love for you and returning it,
Realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and accepting them, Take Brian, to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Andreah: I do
Presentation of Bride by Escort
Through out time and tradition, it has always been the distinct honor and privilege for someone to present the bride in marriage. Who presents Andreah in marriage today?
Gavin: I do
Rose Service – Distribution of Roses to Parents
As they come before us to be married, Brian and Andreah wish to acknowledge and thank their parents for the love and support they have given them. This moment marks a major change in their lives, but the ties of love and friendship with their parents will continue.
The bride and groom then walk together to their parents, who rise, and the bride and groom hug each of them and give each a rose.
- Brian’s parents
- Andreah’s grandma
- Andreah’s dad and Lisa
- Andreah’s mom
While roses are being presented - Music: “Define Dancing” from WALL-E
Special Readings
Introduce Andreah’s father, David, who will share a special reading
David: 1 Corinthians 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Marriage Vows
Brian and Andreah, as you prepare to pledge your vows to each other, let me remind you that no other vows are more sacred, no other words are more tender than those you are about to assume. May these vows only be broken by death, and may you both live a very long and happy life together.
As a symbol of your union, will you now join hands and look into the eyes of the one you love and repeat after me:
I, Brian, take you, Andreah
As my friend and my love
Beside me and apart from me
In laughter and in tears
In good times and bad,
Asking that you be no other than yourself
Loving what I know of you
Trusting what I do not know
And in all the ways that life may lead us
I, Andreah, take you, Brian
As my friend and my love
Beside me and apart from me
In laughter and in tears
In good times and bad,
Asking that you be no other than yourself
Loving what I know of you
Trusting what I do not know
And in all the ways that life may lead us
Ring Vows
Minister holds up rings before congregation and states
These two rings are made of precious metals and gems to represent the precious love between Brian and Andreah, They are also circular to represent the ‘Unbroken circle of love’. For love that is freely given has no beginning or no end. May these rings always remind you that your love is never ending.
Prayer
‘May God bless these rings and the two of you who wear them. May you always abide in His peace and continue in His favor. Amen’
Brian, please take (Andreah’s) ring and place it on her left ring finger to seal your commitment of love. (Repeat after me)
Andreah, with this ring I commit to you/ As this ring encircles your finger/ always be reminded / My love encircles your heart/
Andreah, please take (Brian’s) ring and place it on her left ring finger to seal your commitment of love. (Repeat after me)
Brian, with this ring I commit to you/ As this ring encircles your finger/ always be reminded / My love encircles your heart/
Blended Family Vows
This ceremony marks not only the union of Brian and Andreah as husband and wife, it also celebrates the combining of Brian and Andreah with her son, Gavin, to form a new family.
Do you, Brian, take Gavin as your own, promising to love him and care for him. To help provide for his physical needs, to be a good listener, a loving counselor and a good friend?
Brian: I do
And do you Gavin, take Brian, to be a loving parent figure from this day forward?
Gavin: I do
Do you have something you would like to give him as a demonstration of this commitment?
Brian: Yes
A medallion is taken from his pocket; he then kneels down and places the medallion around his neck, and follows it with a hug and a kiss.
The new family is invited to join hands forming a circle
Prayer after Medallion Exchange
Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be present in this surrounding…where dreams come true…where a family comes together in marriage. Send your blessing down upon Brian and Andreah and Gavin as they begin their journey through life together. Look graciously upon them, that they may so love, honor and cherish one another that their home may be a haven of blessings and a place of peace.
Unity Candle
As Brian, Andreah, and Gavin together light the center candle, it symbolizes the union of their lives.
The lighting of the center candle represents not only the union of Brian and Andreah in marriage, but the unity formed in this new family in which your lives will now shine as one.
Brian, Gavin and Andreah each use a taper to light the single candle.
Music: “Reign of Love” by Coldplay
May the brightness of this candle shine throughout your lives, giving you courage and reassurance in the darkness. May its warmth give you shelter from the cold. And may its energy fill your sprits with strength and joy.
Pronouncement
For as much as Brian and Andreah, have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings, I hereby pronounce that they are husband and wife together. What God has joined together let not man put asunder. Amen
Minister says to Groom:
Brian, you may kiss your beautiful bride
Formal Introduction
Congregation is asked to stand
It’s my privilege to present to you for the very first time: Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Andreah Churchill
Music: “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles
How exciting that you're heading back for your planning session so soon! Take good notes for me (since I don't get a PS
), especially when it comes to cake flavors
