Welcome friends, family, and most importantly, the couple Val and Sheridan. Each and every one of us is honored to be here celebrating this incredible occasion and witnessing the most important day in our lives. They say, “We love each other, support each other, and want to spend the rest of our lives together.”
Val and Sheridan are agreeing to a bond that is not only legal but spiritual. It is a bond that unites their hearts and minds into a lifelong partnership that is stronger than two individuals alone can ever be. Marriage is so much more than speaking promises and signing a document. Marriage is a bond, and these two beautiful people have pledged to face whatever comes their way in honor of that bond, pledging to support each other, nurture each other, and love each other for the rest of their lives.
Before the couple exchanged their vows, I wanted to take a few minutes to share some memories the couple shared with me, which allowed us to understand the journey that brought them together. What brought them to this moment today, what they really like, and what future they look forward to together? There are always “two sides to every story,” but that’s the part that makes this whole thing fun! The best part is that they hear each other’s answers for the first time.
What attracted them to each other?
For Val, it was Sheridan’s blue eyes, their smile, shining personality, a being of light. It was their lawyer brain, their quirkiness and weirdness. Sheridan was, in Val’s words, “the first person to really understand me”
For Sheridan, it was Val’s fearlessness, unafraid to take action or speak their mind. Val’s acceptance and patience drew them to Sheridan.
Now, how does the couple describe their relationship?
Val describes their relationship as peaceful, joyful, and full of light. Sheridan is their twin flame, and they come out of any turbulence stronger than before.
Sheridan treasures how they laugh together and hold each other, and cannot imagine waking up without them beside them. Val has shown them, in their words, “everything I needed out of a true partner” (pause for awws)
The story of their engagement is telling a story about this couple. On St. Patty’s Day, Sheridan proposed, although Val says the actual engagement happened over the phone *pause for chuckles*. Apparently, Sheridan told Val, “I don’t believe in marriage, but I would marry you.” What a couple. Together, they are funny, they are kind, and we are gathered here today to celebrate that, yes, they are getting married, but perhaps more importantly, they are committing to growing old together, which is so indicative of their bond and who they are as people, two of the best and most loving people I know.
Val and Sheridan, you are about to make your promises to one another.
Val, would you like to begin?
VOWS
Exchange of Rings
Now, we come to the blessing of the rings. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, they will always return to one another in harmony. They have found a love that only people wish for. They promise to grow in understanding and compassion. The home which they establish together will be a place of sanctuary and friendship. These rings on their fingers symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts.
Exchange Rings (repeat after me):
As you, Val, place this ring on Sheridan‘s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and to our partnership in life. As it encircles your finger, it may remind you that you are surrounded by love.
As you, Sheridan, place this ring on Val‘s finger, please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you and to our partnership in life. As it encircles your finger, may it always remind you that you are surrounded by my love.
Sand Ceremony
Val and Sheridan, today you are making a commitment to share the rest of your lives with each other. Your relationship is symbolized by pouring these two individual containers of sand; one represents you, Val, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other represents you, Sheridan, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand independently and be whole, without requiring anything else. But when the two are blended, they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty. As you now combine your sand together, your lives will also join together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, so will your marriage be.
(Pour sand)
You are joined together today, not only a marriage, but as a family.
We are almost there; you have just sworn your love to each other and promised to support and remain committed to each other. In just a moment, I will make the announcement that everyone has been waiting to hear. But before we do that, and while I have everyone’s attention, I want to wish you, Val, and you, Sheridan, a wonderful life together and remind you to never take the other for granted. As you settle into married life together, remember that you are stronger as a pair than as individuals. You will make mistakes. We all do. But the key is to remember the reasons why you are together, why you got married, and why you love the other person. Remember these reasons: communicate with each other, have a good laugh or cry, and as long as you do so together, you can get through anything.
You both have declared before all of us that you will live together in marriage. You have made a lifelong promise to each other through your vows and through the exchange of wedding rings. Having pledged yourself to each other, I do now, pronounce you to be Val and Sheridan Pritchard.
You may now celebrate your marriage with a kiss.
It is my honor to introduce the newlyweds, Val and Sheridan Pritchard.
Officiant Savvy Brown
