CLIENT RESOURCES

Here are my hand-picked selections for the various elements of your ceremony—from readings to vows and everything in between. These are just a starting point; you’re welcome to explore other options or bring your own. More resources are available online, and if you’d like, we can work together to find the perfect elements to make your ceremony truly yours!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

A few gentle reminders to help your ceremony run smoothly:

• Unplugged or Not? – If you’d like guests to be present in the moment (and not in their phones), a friendly announcement can encourage them to keep devices tucked away and let the pros handle the photos.

• Bar Service – If the bar is closing for the ceremony, giving guests a heads-up avoids any mid-vow drink runs!

• Venue Guidelines – Every venue has its quirks—whether it’s a no-confetti rule, seating requirements, or anything else, a quick announcement keeps things hassle-free.

• Standing for the Bride – If you’d like guests to rise as the bride makes her entrance, a simple cue ensures a beautiful and unified moment.

Processional

The processional is the moment when you and your bridal party make your grand entrance into the ceremony, signaling the beginning of your wedding celebration! Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Order of Entry: The bridal party typically walks in first, followed by the bride, but feel free to adjust this to your preference. For example: “The bridal party will walk in, and then the bride will enter last, traditionally escorted by a parent or loved one.”

• Pacing: Take your time and enjoy the moment! There’s no rush – the aisle walk is meant to be slow and meaningful.

• Music Timing: Make sure the music begins a little before your walk down the aisle, so it’s perfectly timed for your entrance.

• Who Walks With You: Decide if you’d like to be escorted down the aisle by someone special, such as a parent or relative. If you prefer to walk alone, that’s just as beautiful.

welcome and opening words

Warm & Personal:
“We’re all here today for [Couple’s Names] and to celebrate the love that brought us to this moment. Each of you holds a special place in their lives, and it means the world to them to have you here as they take this next step together.”

Lighthearted & Fun:
“Welcome, everyone! We’ve gathered here today for [Couple’s Names], two incredible people who somehow managed to find each other in this wild world and are now standing before you, ready to say, ‘Yep, you’re my person for life!’”

Romantic & Sentimental:
“Love has a way of bringing people together, and today, it has gathered all of us here to witness something truly special – the union of [Couple’s Names]. This is a day filled with love, laughter, and the promise of forever, shared with the people who matter most.”

Family & Community-Focused:
“Today is more than just a ceremony – it’s a moment that connects us all. [Couple’s Names] have built their love with the support, laughter, and memories they’ve shared with you, their closest family and friends. And now, you get to witness and celebrate as they begin their next chapter together.”

Heartfelt & Reflective:
“Love isn’t just about finding the perfect person – it’s about choosing each other, every day, through all of life’s moments. And today, [Couple’s Names] stand here, choosing each other in front of the people who have shaped them, supported them, and loved them through it all.”

affirmations (mandatory)

This moment is open to customization, allowing you to honor the people who matter most in your own unique way. However, if you’d like some guidance, affirmations can follow these general formats:

Traditional Blessing:
“As we begin this ceremony, we take a moment to honor the love and support that has brought [Couple’s Names] to this day. So I ask—who gives their blessing for this marriage?”
(Response from parent(s) or both sets of parents: “We do.”)

Witnesses’ Affirmation:
“A wedding is more than just a moment; it’s a promise witnessed by the people who matter most. So I ask you, [Witnesses’ Names], do you accept the honor of serving as the official witnesses to this marriage, standing in support of their journey together?”
(Witnesses respond: “We do.”)

Guest Acknowledgement:
“Marriage is not just about two people—it is enriched by the love and presence of those who have shaped them. Today, we invite someone who holds a special place in [Couple’s Names]’ lives to stand and acknowledge their role in witnessing this incredible moment.”
(Chosen guest stands and offers a brief acknowledgment, such as a grandparent, childhood friend, or mentor.)

readings / poems

READING 01

Balance Is Everything – Mark Anthony

What a beautiful thing

is it to find somebody

Who is both strong and soft, Somebody who can match The texture of your soul.

READING 02

A Soulmate – Rainbow Salt

A soulmate isn’t someone who completes you. No, a soulmate is someone who inspires you to complete yourself.

A soulmate is someone who does not judge you for your flaws. A soulmate is someone who sees your jagged edges, who sees the parts of you that have been weathered by love and by life, who sees the wars that you fight, and who chooses to stand beside you.

A soulmate is someone who watches as you confront your scars from the inside; always encouraging you to heal on your own time, in your own way; always encouraging you to keep going.

A soulmate is someone who challenges you to challenge yourself. Someone who sees the potential that courses through your bones, and who lets you know exactly what you are capable of. They help you to open your eyes, to come to terms with the fact that you are powerful beyond measure. They see you in ways that you have never been able to see yourself, and they are not afraid to inspire you until you finally see it too.

See, a soulmate is someone who is not afraid of your growth. They do not feel the need to close you off, to protect you from becoming as big as you were always meant to be. They do not feel inadequate when they see you soar, when they see something new within you spark.

A soulmate is someone who will never vilify you for changing, for doing the things you have always held yourself back from doing, because a soulmate knows that you are building yourself into someone you are proud of, and that is so beautiful to them — that is what they have always hoped for you.

So no, a soulmate does not complete you — they inspire you to complete yourself. A soulmate is the person who supports your direction, who motivates and encourages you to stretch, to change, to reinvent yourself until you are happy.

A soulmate is someone who loves you with so much conviction, and so much heart, that it is nearly impossible to doubt just how capable you are of becoming exactly who you have always wanted to be.

READING 03

I’d Choose You – Kiersten White

I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway.

And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.

READING 04

If I Were Honest – Unknown

And if I was honest, you remind me of all the gentle things in life, like tea when it’s cold, and big sweaters to sleep in. You remind me of all the safe things in life, like a hand to hold, and a shoulder to lean on. You remind me of all the reasons to take a chance, like when things seem out of reach, and a place seems so far away. You remind me of all the beautiful things in life, like the sky when the sun sets, and the way your face lights up when you smile.

READING 05

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

READING 06

Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

READING 07

The Art of Power – Thich Nhat Hanh

“The Buddha spoke about four elements that constitute true love: the capacity to be kind and offer happiness, maitri in Sanskrit, compassion, the capacity to relieve suffering, karuna; the capacity to bring joy every day, mudita; and finally, the capacity of non-discrimination, upeksha.

When there is true love, there is non-discrimination. The pain of the other is our own pain; the happiness of the other is our own happiness…To make our love meaningful, we need to nourish our bodhicitta, our mind of boundless love and compassion…First, we learn to love one person with all our understanding and insight; then we expand that love to embrace another person, and another, until our love is truly boundless.”

READING 08

Prayers for a Thousand Years – Freya Matthews

“Is this love that rushes towards the rim to meet you. A main thread in the inwardness of things? Without it would the great externality loosen and unravel?
Is it our purpose to see and say that the world is good?
And could we have seen this and said it, beloved, while you seemed indubitable?
I do not know. I stand with hands dangling empty at my sides.
I have no wisdom bequeathed to me by ancestors. The stars are equivocal, and around me nature is in sorest travail, weeping. I love you. This is the only sacred word in my keeping.
This is the last trace, the last print in our hearts’ waste, of the migration of a thousand traditions, a thousand embodiments of wisdom. I stand with useless hands, and out of the transparency of my poverty, I offer you this, my single gift.”

READING 09

Bread for the Journey – Henri Nouwen

“Many human relationships are like the interlocking fingers of two hands… Human relationships are meant to be like two hands folded together. They can move away from each other while still touching with the fingertips. They can create space between themselves, a little tent, a home, a safe place to be. True relationships among people point to God. They are like prayers in the world. Sometimes the hands that pray are fully touching, sometimes there is distance between them. They always move to and from each other, but they never lose touch. They keep praying to the One who brought them together.”

READING 10

A Year With C.S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works – C.S. Lewis

“If the old fairy-tale ending ‘They lived happily ever after’ is taken to mean ‘They felt for the next fifty years exactly as they felt the day before they were married,’ then it says what probably never was nor ever would be true, and would be highly undesirable if it were. Who could bear to live in that excitement for even five years? What would become of your work, your appetite, your sleep, your friendships? But, of course, ceasing to be ‘in love’ need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense—love as distinct from ‘being in love’—is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each would easily, if they allowed themselves, be ‘in love’ with someone else. ‘Being in love’ first moved them to promise fidelity: This quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.”

READING 11

Cherokee Prayer – Anonymous

“God in heaven above please protect the ones we love. We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honor mother earth—and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grown stronger through the seasons; We honor fire—and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts; We honor wind—and ask that we sail through life safe and calm as in our father’s arms; We honor water—to clean and soothe our relationship, that it may never thirst for love; With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow young together.”

READING 12

Buddhist Marriage Homily – Anonymous

“Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman has not come about accidentally but is the foreordained result of many past lives. This tie can therefore not be broken or resolved. In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate. Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life. To say the words love and compassion is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy. Your marriage will be firm and lasting if you remember this.”

READING 13

Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley

“Love me tender, love me sweet/ Never let me go/ You have made my life complete/ And I love you so/ Love me tender, love me true/ All my dreams fulfill/ For my darling I love you/ And I always will/ Love me tender, love me long/ Take me to your heart/ For it’s there that I belong/ And will never part/ Love me tender, love me true/ All my dreams fulfill/ For my darling I love you. And I always will/ Love me tender, love me dear/ Tell me you are mine/ I’ll be yours through all the years/ ‘Til the end of time/ Love me tender, love me true/ All my dreams fulfill/ For my darling I love you/ And I always will”

READING 14

Beverly Clark in Shall We Dance (2004)

“We need a witness to our lives. There’s a billion people on the planet… I mean, what does anyone life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things… all of it, all of the time, every day. You’re saying ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness.”

READING 15

The Bridge Across Forever – Richard Bach

“A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.”

READING 16

The 22 (Non-Negotiable) Laws of Wellness by Greg Anderson

“The greatest pursuit is not good health, unsurpassed wisdom, economic surplus, political freedom, or even faith that can move mountains. It is the daily practice of the greatest of the non-negotiable laws of wellness, the Law of Unconditional Loving. Unconditional, nonjudgmental loving. This is our aim, life’s single highest and most rewarding pursuit… The highest expression of Divine Design is applied love found in loving relationships between people. Not the erotic love we see on television and in the movies but love rooted in a decision to serve. It is a dynamic state of consciousness, a giving, creative flow, and a harmony. It’s an acceptance of the human condition as perfectly imperfect. And it is a choice to love without regard to any conditions; no ‘ifs’ are allowed in this, the greatest of laws.”

READING 17

The Awakened Heart – Gerald May

“There is a desire within each of us, in the deep center of ourselves that we call our heart. We were born with it, it is never completely satisfied, and it never dies. We are often unaware of it, but it is always awake. It is the human desire for love. Every person in this earth yearns to love, to be loved, to know love. Our true identity, our reason for being, is to be found in this desire…Love is the ‘why’ of life: why we are functioning at all, what we want to be efficient for… I am convinced [love] is the fundamental energy of the human spirit, the fuel on which we run, the wellspring of our vitality. And grace, which is the flowing, creative activity of love itself, is what makes all goodness possible. Love should come first; it should be the beginning of and the reason for everything.”

READING 18

The Chocolate Cake Sutra: Ingredients for a Sweet Life by Graham M. Schweig

“This is what should be done. By one who is skilled in goodness, and who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, straightforward and gentle in speech. Humble and not conceited, contented and easily satisfied. Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful,
not proud and demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing
that the wise would later reprove. Wishing: in gladness and in safety,
may all beings be at ease!
Whatever living beings there may be; whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
the great or the mighty, medium, short, or small. The seen and the unseen, those living near and far away, those born and to-be-born— may all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, or despise any being in any state, let none through anger or ill will wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life her child, her only child, so with a boundless heart
should one cherish all living beings; radiating kindness over the entire world:
Spreading upwards to the skies, and downwards to the depths; outward and unbounded, freed from hatred and ill will, whether standing or walking, seated or lying down free from drowsiness, one should sustain this recollection.”

READING 19

Union – Robert Fulghum

“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks—all those conversations that began with, ‘When we’re married,’ and continued with ‘I will’ and ‘you will’ and ‘we will’—all those late- night talks that included ‘someday’ and ‘somehow’ and ‘maybe’—and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, ‘You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word.’ Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today you shall say to the world—This is my husband. This is my wife.”

READING 20

When I Hear You Laugh – Author Unknown

When we share a secret When your eyes sparkle When we’re just us

When we don’t have to talk When I watch you sleeping When you remember

When I don’t have to explain

When you walk into the room When we are in a crowd

When I am by myself

When you are just being you When you make me giggle

When I hear your heartbeat When you reach for me

Even when you’re not looking That’s when I love you.

READING 21

These I Can Promise – Author Unknown

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;

I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;

I cannot promise you an easy pathway

That leads away from change or growing old.

But I can promise all my heart’s devotion; A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;

A love that’s ever true and ever growing;

A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

READING 22

I Will Be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman

If in the morning when you wake, If the sun does not appear,

I will be here.

If in the dark we lose sight of love, Hold my hand and have no fear,

I will be here.

I will be here,

When you feel like being quiet,

When you need to speak your mind I will listen.

Through the winning, losing, and trying we’ll be together, And I will be here.

If in the morning when you wake,

If the future is unclear,

I will be here.

As sure as seasons were made for change, Our lifetimes were made for years,

I will be here.

I will be here,

And you can cry on my shoulder,

When the mirror tells us we’re older.

I will hold you, to watch you grow in beauty,

And tell you all the things you are to me.

We’ll be together and I will be here.

READING 23

If – Larry S Chengges

If you can always be as close And as happy as today

Yet be secure enough to grow And change along the way

If you can keep for you alone Your love as man and wife

Yet find the time to share your joy With others in your life

If you can be as one

And walk through marriage hand in hand,

Yet still support the goals and dreams That each of you had planned

If you can dare to always go

Your separate ways together

Then all the wonder of today

Will stay with you forever.

READING 24

An Uncommon Love – Terah Cox

May you have the love only two can know. May you go where only two as one may go. May the sun rise and set in your bonded hearts and the moon never find you too long apart.

May you cherish each other’s dreams as your own and turn stumbling blocks into steppingstones. May you brave life’s mountains and miles together. May there be no storm your love cannot weather.

May you be lovers and allies and friends. May your soul’s conversation never end. May you capture on earth what’s in heaven above. May your hearts know the rapture of an uncommon love.

READING 25

How Do I Love Thee – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love with a passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my

lost saints,—I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose, I shall

but love thee better after death.

READING 26

Buried Light – Beau Taplin

Home is not where you are from it is where you belong. Some of us travel the whole world to find it. Others, find it in a person.

READING 28

A Marriage – Mark Twain

A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole; It gives two purposeless lives a work,

And doubles the strength of each to perform it.

It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living

And something to live for.

It will give new gladness to the sunshine,

A new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to the earth And a new mystery to life.

READING 28

ROMANS 12:9-18

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

READING 29

I Choose You – Sara Bareilles

Let the bough break, let it come down crashing. Let the sun fade out to a dark sky. I can’t say I’d even notice it was absent. ‘Cause I could live by the light in your eyes.

I’ll unfold before you, What I have strung together. The very first words of a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right. I choose you I will become yours and you will become mine…

There was a time when I would have believed them, If they told me that you could not come true. Just love’s illusion But then you found me And everything changed And I believe in something again. My whole heart. Will be yours forever. This is a beautiful start, To a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right. I choose you. I will become yours and you will become mine…

We are not perfect we’ll learn from our mistakes, And as long as it takes I will prove my love to you. I am not scared of the elements I am underprepared, But I am willing. And even better I get to be the other half of you.

READING 30

How Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog – Taylor Mali

On cold winter nights, love is warm.It lies between you and lives and breathes and makes funny noises.

Love wakes you up all hours of the night with its needs. It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy. Love doesn’t like being left alone for long. But come home and love is always happy to see you.

It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life, but you can never be mad at love for long.

Is love good all the time? No! No!

Love can be bad. Bad, love, bad! Very bad love.

Love makes messes.

Love leaves you little surprises here and there. Love needs lots of cleaning up after. Sometimes you just want to get love fixed. Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper and swat love on the nose, not so much to cause pain, just to let love know, “Don’t you ever do that again!”

Sometimes love just wants to go out for a nice long walk. Because love loves exercise. It will run you around the block and leave you panting, breathless. Pull you in different directions at once, or wind itself around and around you until you’re all wound up and you cannot move. But love makes you meet people wherever you go. People who have nothing in common but love stop and talk to each other on the street. Throw things away and love will bring them back, again, and again, and again. But most of all, love needs love, lots of it. And in return, love loves you and never stops.

READING 31

Marriage Joins Two People In The Circle Of Its Love – Edmund O’Neill

Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. And there may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent or child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life. When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill.

READING 32

A Farewell To Arms – Ernest Hemingway

“At night, there was the feeling that we had to come home, feeling no longer alone, waking in the night to find the other one there, and not gone away; all other things were unreal. We slept when we were tired and if we woke the other one woke too so one was not alone. Often a man wishes to be alone and a woman wishes to be alone too and if they love each other they are jealous of that in each other, but I can truly say we never felt that. We could feel alone when we were together, alone against the others. We were never lonely and never afraid when we were together.

READING 34

I’ll Be There For You – Louise Cuddon

I’ll be there my darling, through thick and through thin

When your mind’s in a mess and your head’s in a spin

When your plane’s been delayed, and you’ve missed the last train.

When life is just threatening to drive you insane

When your thrilling whodunit has lost its last page

When somebody tells you, you’re looking your age

When your coffee’s too cool, and your wine is too warm

When the forecast said “Fine”, but you’re out in a storm

When your quick break hotel, turns into a slum

And your holiday photos show only your thumb

When you park for five minutes in a resident’s bay

And return to discover you’ve been towed away

When the jeans that you bought in hope or in haste

Just stick on your hips and don’t reach round your waist

When the food you most like brings you out in red rashes

When as soon as you boot up the bloody thing crashes

So my darling, my sweetheart, my dear…

When you break a rule, when you act the fool

When you’ve got the flu, when you’re in a stew

When you’re last in the queue, don’t feel blue ’cause I’m telling you,

I’ll be there.

READING 35

THE APACHE WEDDING PRAYER

Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

READING 36

What I Learned About Love I Learned From My Dog – Unknown

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride together. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home always run to greet them. When you want treats, practice obedience.

Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory. Take naps together and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Be loyal.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on the attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… Run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk together.

Love each other unconditionally.

statement of intent (mandatory)

This moment is open to customization, allowing you to choose the wording that best reflects your relationship and beliefs. Here are some examples to consider:

Traditional:
“[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], do you come here today with the intention to enter into the sacred bond of marriage, to love, honor, and cherish one another for all your days?”

Unique & Playful:
“[Partner 1], [Partner 2], do you promise to keep each other laughing, to stand by one another through all of life’s adventures, and to choose each other every single day?”

Religious:
“Do you, [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], stand before God and your loved ones today with the intention to unite in marriage, seeking His guidance, grace, and love as you begin this lifelong journey?”

Romantic & Heartfelt:
“[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], today you stand before your closest family and friends, ready to promise your hearts and lives to one another. Do you do so with love, commitment, and the deepest belief that you are meant to walk this path together?”

Each of these can be personalized to reflect your unique connection and vision for your ceremony.

wedding vows (mandatory)

Your vows are one of the most meaningful parts of your ceremony, and they should reflect the love, commitment, and vision you share for your future. Whether you choose a traditional vow, a modern expression of love, or write your own, this moment is yours to shape.

Traditional Vows

“I, [Your Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“I promise to love you, respect you, and cherish you forever.”

“I vow to remember that you are my soulmate and that what we have doesn’t come along every day.”

Modern Vows

“I promise to always care for you, connect with you, comfort you, and celebrate with you.”

“I vow to cherish you, devote my time to you, and love you with all that I am.”

“I pledge to honor you, love you, and cherish you as my partner today and every day.”

“I promise to be your lover, companion, and friend—your ally in conflict, your partner in peace, and your biggest supporter.”

“I promise to help, cherish, work, create, and explore this life with you.”

“I will fight with you and for you.”

“I am yours forever and always.”

Tips for Writing Your Own Vows

Make them personal – Reflect on your relationship and what makes it special.

Keep them short and meaningful – Aim for brevity while capturing your love and commitment.

Express your feelings – Use words that show your excitement for your future together.

Practice reading them aloud – Make sure they feel natural and comfortable to say.

Consider your partner’s personality – Whether heartfelt or humorous, tailor your vows to them.

Don’t be afraid to be emotional – Let your true feelings shine through.

Acknowledge the journey ahead – Recognize that life will have ups and downs, and you’re in it together.

End on a strong, positive note – Close with a statement of love and devotion.

Examples of How to End Your Vows:

“With every day, my love for you grows deeper.”
“Each new chapter of our lives will bring us closer.”
“In you, I have found my forever.”
“I know our hearts are perfectly matched, creating a bond that is unbreakable.”
“I am yours forever and always.”
“I pledge to honor you, love you, and cherish you as my partner today and every day.”

ring meaning

Your wedding rings are more than just symbols of marriage—they are daily reminders of the love, promises, and journey you share. Here are some ways to express their significance during your ceremony:

Classic & Timeless:

“These rings are an unbroken circle, with no beginning and no end, symbolizing a love that is infinite. They represent the trust, commitment, and partnership you share, and may they always remind you of the vows you make today.”

Romantic & Poetic:

“Just as this ring is made of precious metal, so too is your love rare and enduring. Like the circle it forms, your love has no end, only the promise of forever.”

Modern & Personal:

“This ring is a reflection of the life you are building together. It represents your past, your present, and all the moments that are yet to come. Wherever life takes you, this ring will remind you that you are always loved, always chosen, always home.”

Spiritual or Religious:

“These rings are blessed as a sign of the sacred vows you make today. May they serve as a daily reminder of the faith, devotion, and divine love that guides your marriage.”

Family & Legacy-Focused:

“A ring is more than just a piece of jewelry—it carries the love and support of those who stand with you today. Whether newly chosen or passed down through generations, it represents not just your commitment to each other, but the foundation of love and family that surrounds you.”

Your rings can hold whatever meaning speaks to you—let’s choose the words that feel most authentic to your love story!

ring blessing

Whereas the ring meaning explains the significance of the rings as symbols of love and commitment, the ring blessing is an optional moment where we offer a blessing or prayer for the couple and their marriage. It’s a meaningful way to honor the exchange and invite positive energy into this next chapter of their lives. Here are some suggestions:

Traditional Blessing:

“May these rings be a symbol of your unbroken love and commitment to one another. As you exchange them, may they remind you always of the vows you’ve made today and the journey you will walk together.”

Spiritual Blessing:

“We ask for blessings upon these rings, that they may carry with them the love, strength, and guidance of God. May they serve as a constant reminder of the vows you’ve made and the sacred love that binds you.”

Romantic Blessing:

“These rings are a symbol of the love you share. May they remind you each day of the bond you’ve created and the future you’re building together, one filled with love, joy, and endless possibilities.”

Family & Community Blessing:

“As these rings are exchanged, we also bless this marriage with the love and support of those who are gathered here today. May your union be strengthened by the people who surround you and the love they offer.”

Personal Blessing (Incorporating Family or Friends):

“We bless these rings as a symbol of the love and commitment that surrounds you. May they always remind you of the promise you’ve made today and the love that will carry you through all of life’s journeys.”

ring exchange

While traditional, the ring exchange is optional. If included, this is the moment you place the rings on each other’s fingers as a symbol of your love and commitment. Here are some wording options:

Traditional:

“With this ring, I thee wed. I give you this ring as a sign of my love and commitment.”

Romantic:

“This ring is my promise to stand by your side, in laughter and in tears, in sunshine and in storm, for all the days of my life.”

Modern:

“With this ring, I give you my heart, my soul, and my unwavering support—now and always.”

Lighthearted/Fun:

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love… and as a daily reminder that you’re stuck with me forever!”

Personalized:

You’re also welcome to craft your own words to make this moment truly yours! Whether heartfelt, poetic, or even a shared inside joke, the ring exchange is a beautiful opportunity to reflect who you are as a couple.

declaration (mandatory)

This is the big moment—the official pronouncement of your marriage! While this declaration must include a legal statement, there’s still room to personalize the wording to reflect your unique style.

Traditional (Legally Required in Ontario):

“By the authority vested in me by the Province of Ontario, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!”

Romantic:

“By the authority given to me by the Province of Ontario, it is my greatest honor to declare that you are now officially married. May your love continue to grow with each passing day. You may share your first kiss as a married couple!”

Modern:

“With the commitment you’ve made today, and by the power vested in me by the Province of Ontario, I am thrilled to pronounce you officially married! Now go ahead and seal it with a kiss!”

Lighthearted/Fun:

“By the power vested in me by the Province of Ontario, I now pronounce you partners for life—so buckle up, it’s going to be an amazing ride! Now kiss and celebrate!”

Personalized:

Want something unique? As long as we include the legal declaration, we can craft a pronouncement that truly fits your personalities—whether playful, poetic, or deeply meaningful to your love story.

blessings

A blessing is an optional part of your ceremony and can be offered by the officiant, a member of the wedding party, or a family member or friend. It’s a beautiful way to send you into marriage with love, support, and well wishes. Your blessing can be religious, spiritual, or simply heartfelt words of encouragement.

Here are some options to consider:

Traditional/Religious:

“May you face every challenge hand in hand, side by side, knowing that God’s grace (or the love and support of those present) will guide you each step of the way.”

Spiritual:

“May the world be forever a better place because you two people fell in love.”

Romantic:

“May love and laughter fill your home and your lives for all the days to come.”

Lighthearted/Fun:

“May your love be like great coffee—strong, warm, and a daily necessity! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness!”

Personalized/Cultural:

We can draft a custom blessing that reflects your values, beliefs, or cultural traditions, making this moment even more meaningful.

closing words

• Where to Find You After the Ceremony: If you’re heading out for pictures or to greet guests, let everyone know where they can find you and what to expect! For example: “The newlyweds will be at the back to receive guests” or “The couple will be taking photos and will return shortly.”

• Time for Refreshments: While you’re off taking pictures, guests can enjoy the bar, grab a bite to eat, or take a moment to freshen up.

• Recessional Flow: If you’d like the guests to wait until the front row exits before everyone else follows, a gentle reminder goes a long way! For example: “Please remain seated until the front row has exited.”

• Special Items for the Recessional: If you’re incorporating bubbles, confetti, or sparklers, remind guests of the timing and location for these special moments! For example: “We’ll be using sparklers after the recessional, so please grab one as you leave the ceremony!”

presentation

Your presentation marks the moment when you’re introduced as a married couple! This is a brief but special part of the ceremony. Here are a few ways to consider presenting you and your partner to your guests:

Traditional:
“I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name].”

Romantic:
“It is my great honor to present to you, for the first time, [Partner 1’s Full Name] and [Partner 2’s Full Name], united in love and marriage.”

Personalized:
“And now, I present to you, the [Couple’s Chosen Title], ready to begin this beautiful journey together.”

This is also a great time to share any specific wishes you have regarding how you’d like to be presented! It’s a perfect moment to feel that special connection as newlyweds, ready to walk hand in hand into your future.

RECESSIONAL

The recessional is the moment right after the ceremony when the newlyweds lead the way down the aisle, followed by the bridal party. It’s a joyful transition from the ceremony to the celebration ahead! Here are some helpful notes to consider:

• The Order of Exit: Typically, the bride and groom lead the way down the aisle first, followed by the bridal party. You can adjust this order based on your preference communicated in your closing words. For example: “The couple will lead, followed by the bridal party, and then the remaining guests.”

• Guests Standing or Sitting: If you’d like guests to remain seated until the couple and bridal party have exited, we can simply give them a quick reminder in your closing words. For example: “Please remain seated until the couple and bridal party have left the aisle.”

• Music for the Recessional: Decide if you want to have a specific song for this moment. Whether it’s a classical tune or something more modern, it sets the mood for the celebration to come.

• Special Exit Details: If you’re incorporating bubbles, confetti, or sparklers for the recessional, we can let guests know when and where to use them in your closing words.