CEREMONY FLOW
ANNOUNCEMENTS
A brief moment before the ceremony begins to share important messages with your guests, ensuring everyone is present, prepared, and in the 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!
WELCOME & OPENING WORDS
A heartfelt introduction that honors the significance of this moment, setting the tone for your ceremony and celebrating the love that has brought everyone together.
AFFIRMATIONS (MANDATORY)
A meaningful moment of acknowledgment, where a chosen guest, witness, or loved one affirms their support for your union. Whether spoken or shared with a simple gesture, this symbolizes the presence and blessing of those who stand with you on this special day.
FIRST READING
A moment to share words that hold meaning for you—whether poetic, spiritual, or personal. These readings add depth to your ceremony, reflecting your love, values, and journey together.
STATEMENT OF INTENT (MANDATORY)
A defining moment in your ceremony where you each affirm your commitment to marriage. This declaration, spoken in a style that reflects your unique bond, marks the official beginning of your journey as a married couple.
WEDDING VOWS (MANDATORY)
The heart of your ceremony—where you share your promises and commitment to one another. Whether written on your own or chosen from a template, this moment reflects the depth of your love and the foundation of your future together.
RING MEANING
A brief reflection on the significance of the wedding rings. This moment explains how the exchange of rings represents your love, commitment, and the promise of an enduring partnership, symbolizing your vows with each ring placed on the other’s finger.
RING BLESSING
A moment to bless the rings before they are exchanged, symbolizing love, unity, and the promises made. This can be done through a prayer, a wish for happiness, or a personal blessing that reflects the couple’s values.
RING EXCHANGE
Each partner places the ring on the other’s finger, often accompanied by vows or words of love, marking the promise of a lifelong partnership.
DECLARATION (MANDATORY)
In this moment, I will announce, “By the authority invested in me by the Province of Ontario…” and officially pronounce you as you have chosen—whether it’s husband and wife, partners for life, legally married, or bound together in love. This marks the official moment of your union.
THE FIRST KISS
That’s on you! I think you know what to do here.
SECOND READING
A second reading is often used to deepen the ceremony with more meaningful words. Whether it’s a poem, passage, or special message, this moment adds another layer of significance to the ceremony, reflecting the couple’s journey and values.
SIGN LICENSE (MANDATORY)
At this moment, the couple and two witnesses will join me at the signing table to officially sign the marriage license. This legal step formalizes the union and completes the ceremony, making your commitment recognized by the province.
BLESSING
An optional moment where a blessing is offered to the couple, either by the officiant, a family member, friend, or member of the wedding party. This can be a prayer, wish, or heartfelt message, providing support and good wishes for the couple’s future together.
CLOSING WORDS
As the ceremony concludes, I will share with your guests what comes next and communicate any special instructions.
PRESENTATION
In this moment, I will present you as you wish, officially recognizing your union and celebrating the beginning of your journey together.
RECESSIONAL
This marks the joyous moment when you, along with your bridal party, walk back down the aisle, signalling the conclusion of your ceremony and the beginning of your celebration together.
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Ceremonies by Cathy