Ceremony for Robert and Chloe

***As soon as I walk in***

Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to welcome you to the wedding of Chloe and Robert. Before the processional begins, I invite you to be truly present at this special moment in time. Please, turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras. The photographer will capture how this moment looks — I encourage you all to capture how it feels with your hearts, without the distraction of technology. Thank you.

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each of you for being here on this most happy of days. I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet many of you at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is Roy, and I have the privilege of officiating today’s most wonderful event. It’s a pleasure to be here with you because each of you represents someone important in the separate and collective lives of Robert and Chloe.

Before we get into things, I want to take a second for all of us, but especially for Robert and Chloe, to pause for a deep breath and take everything in.

This is a monumental occasion - not only for the soon-to-be wedded couple but also for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals; but even more so as a perfect pairing.

It warms my heart to see the way you both look at each other, as if the other is the only person on Earth for you, and you know, you are. You two met each other, became a couple and have been there for each other through life’s twists and turns, and throughout it you have continually grown closer. You share laughs, tears, meals, inside jokes, some amazing friends, a house, and a life. And in just a few minutes, you will share tax liabilities to the U.S. government.

Relationships aren’t easy but I trust these two. I have faith in their love, in their friendship and in their commitment to one another. I know they’ll be there for each other. I know they’ll be loyal, and I know they’ll spend the rest of their lives growing and learning and laughing with one another, and at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all want? To be with a person - to be with our person - who makes every one of our days just a little bit brighter.

With that, I think it’s time to let this wonderful couple speak about their love. So, without further ado…

The vows

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered today to join Robert and Chloe in the union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

The bride and groom have each prepared and exchanged their vows privately.

Before each of you is a container of glass crystals, each represents your separate lives, your friends, your families. I will ask that you each pour the contents within your own vase into the middle vase together. As the glass from each individual vase is blended together it symbolizes the joining of your separate lives, friends and family, into one union, the beginning of your journey as husband and wife.

This combined glass will be taken by an artist and blown into a beautiful vase, never to be separated again, so may your marriage be.

Marriage and this beautiful vase are alike. Both are examples of what can happen when raw, unfinished elements come together. They can be two separate entities, fluid and independent of each other and can have an exquisiteness of their own, but join them together and the result can be stunning in its beauty, inspiring in its strength, humbling in its function. Continual flow....no beginning and no end.

As with your marriage.... this vase requires great care. Cherish it, polish it, protect it from any harm. Keep from it that which can break it, or chip away at it, and it will remain a thing of beauty.

Exchanging The rings:

Chloe and Robert will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special. They mark the beginning of your journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle - a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

Chloe, please place the ring on Robert’s left hand and repeat after me:

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[“That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

And Robert, please place the ring on Chloe’s left hand and repeat after me:

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[“That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

Declaration of marriage:

And now by the power vested in me by the state of Tennessee, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. God bless you and your union. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

[Kiss]

I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. And Mrs. Russell.

Recessional:

A quick announcement: Dinner festivities will be underway soon. Please feel free to grab a drink and discuss what a lovely couple Chloe and Robert are and what a flawless wedding ceremony you just witnessed while we wait.