Weddingbee Blog

On behalf of Justin and Katie I would like to welcome you all to this place. At this moment, Justin and Katie express their love for each other and their desire to live from this day as husband and wife.

Marriage is a gift of God, sealed by a sacred covenant. God gives humans love. Through that love, husbands and wives come to know each other with mutual care and companionship. God gives joy. Through that joy, wives and husbands may share their new life with others, as Jesus shared new wine at the wedding in Cana.

You may be seated.

Justin, will you have Katie to be your wife, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you commit yourself completely to her, and her alone? And will you promise to love her, care for her, and stand by her through all that life may bring…as long as you both shall live?

Katie will you have Justin to be your husband, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you commit yourself completely to him and him alone? And will you promise to love him, care for him, and stand by him through all that life may bring, as long as you both shall live?

Who presents Katie to be married to Justin?

My parents then responded with the following: She gives herself freely with our love and support.

At this point, Groomsman J stepped to the microphone to deliver our first reading: Taylor Mali’s poem, Falling in love is like owning a dog. He did a fantastic job—just watch and see for yourself (well, listen…)!

Next, Bridesmaid L stepped up to read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

At the end of the second reading, our officiant continued…

Well in case you didn’t realize, we were standing in the back having a little chat before the wedding. John, who did a great reading there about the dogs, informed us that we are here today because of him. He tried his best to stop Justin from going to the beach. He came home, said he met this girl at Honeymoon Island walking her dog, and they had made plans to meet the next Saturday at a certain time and certain location. And, John said she’d never show. “Don’t go, we have tickets to a game.” Justin didn’t listen, and instead he showed up at the beach. You know, I got to wondering why a guy would give up tickets to a game to show up at the beach hoping that maybe a girl would be there? And the answer is: in the hopes of love. And that is what we all want.

In honor of that love, you both have written vows.

Justin, I came here today to join my life to yours before this company. In their presence I pledge to be true to you, to respect you, and to grow with you through the years. Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come: no matter what we may encounter together, I vow here that this love will be my only love. I will make my home in your heart form this day forward.

Katie, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard; when our love is simple and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.

Sniff sniff…are you ready for more? Well, for the second half of our ceremony, you’ll have to wait until next time!

*all photos courtesy of Pilster Photography*

Previously…

• The girls got ready, then the guys got ready.
• I became a bride, but our first look wasn’t what I’d hoped.
• We took some photos alone and then with our bridal party.
• Everyone hopped on the trolley and then we took a few family portraits before my cake arrived.
• I gathered myself before the ceremony, our bridal party made their way down the aisle, and I followed afterward.