Weddingbee Blog

Because every story needs a soundtrack, please press play and enjoy along with this post.

So there we were, at our tree. As soon as I saw it months before, I knew it would be the perfect spot. It’s absolutely massive, with long, twisting branches dripping in Spanish moss. You can tell just by looking at it that’s it’s weathered many a storm, gnarled and missing bark in spots, but there it was, still standing strong and proud. It was the perfect scene to start our marriage.

My wonderful step-mom got ordained to perform our ceremony, and I am so happy and so honored that she agreed to do it for us. She told us a few days prior that she was nervous, but (no surprise to me) she handled our ceremony like a seasoned pro. Without further ado, our ceremony.

Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments… a celebration of the joining of two hearts in love, The uniting of Michael and Tiffany in the bonds of marriage.

With the horizon our only walls, the sky our only ceiling, and the earth our floor, we meet here in nature to affirm the love of these two people. Mike and Tiffany thank you for taking the time to join here today to celebrate their joy and witness this ceremony of love between two people.

Tiffany and Michael, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and share your lives together—as from this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.

Tiffany and Michael would like to say a few words to each other.

Mike, today and always, I promise to love you with my whole heart. I vow to support your endeavors, celebrate your successes, and be your light in the dark when times are hard. I will never take for granted the days, months, and years that got us to where we are now. Thank you for your unwavering love and support. For always believing in me and in us. You are, and always will be, the most exceptional person I have ever known and I promise to live every day with you as if it were my greatest adventure.

Tiffany, today and always, I promise to be your rock, to support you in times of great need, and to always keep the flower vase full. I vow to love you unconditionally and with unwavering dedication now and forever. I will continue to push you to accomplish your dreams and gladly partake in your successes. Thank you for always pushing me to overcome my weaknesses, and being patient with me as I strive to overcome them. You are the greatest gift I have ever been afforded, the most precious and important part of my life, and I promise to give you my undying loyalty, love, and patience and to never take for granted the steps we undertook to make it here today.

Do you Michael, take Tiffany to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?

“I Do.”

Do you, Tiffany take Michael to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?

“I Do.”

May I have the rings please?

Michael repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and always. With this ring I thee wed.

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and always. With this ring I thee wed.”

Tiffany repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and always. With this ring I thee wed.

“I give you this ring as a symbol of my vows, I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and always. With this ring I thee wed.”

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your home, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and the light of friendship guide your paths together. May you be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward. May green be the grass that you walk on. May blue be the skies above you, may pure be the joys that surround you, and may true be the hearts that love you. And when eternity beckons, at the end of a life heaped high with love, may you know the hand of a friend was always near. And, today, may the Spirit of Love find a dwelling place in your hearts.

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!

And so he did, and we were.

Next up: Making our way back up the aisle as Mr. and Mrs.!

Miss a recap? Don’t fret!

• First, we rang in our New Years Day wedding day!
• Then, the Rainbows got ready… together!
• Next, I became a bride.
• I walked down the aisle toward my love

all photos (c) Jessica Charles Photography unless stated otherwise.