Procession
The music starts playing. The officiant steps in and stands at the altar.
The groom then steps out from the side entrance with his parents arm in arm. Skyler then kisses his mom and shakes his dad’s hand. His parents are seated. Skyler steps to the altar.
The bride’s parents walk in, greet the groom, and are seated.
Please stand.
The bride enters from the top entrance. Jordan walks down the aisle. When she reaches the groom, they join hands.
You may be seated.
Invocation
Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here to celebrate two special people and their journey to this altar today.
But before we begin, you’re invited to pull out your cameras for a quick photo op of this gorgeous couple. It’s your one chance before the ceremony officially starts.
Wait 30 seconds.
Now, let’s enjoy the ceremony. The professional photographer will take it from here. Please ensure your phones are set to silent so we can savor this special moment.
Declaration of Intent
Skyler and Jordan met five years ago this October. That’s sixty months of shared dreams and laughter. One thousand eight hundred and nine days of challenges and growth. You two have built a home together. A life together.
One essential part of your life is the sweet fur babies you’ve welcomed into your home. Beginning with Jordan’s two dogs, you both soon rescued another pup and then two cats–making your home a true haven.
Skyler and Jordan, when you embarked on this journey together, you planted a seed. Over time, that seed grew into a tree. And like your love, that tree’s roots have grown deep and strong.
In the language of love and tradition, the fifth anniversary gift is symbolized by wood: a material known for its durability and resilience, qualities that reflect the strength of your relationship. Wood reminds us that love, like a tree, requires nurturing, patience, and care to flourish.
In addition to the symbolism of wood, Skyler and Jordan have chosen to incorporate another meaningful element into their ceremony.
Bumblebee Jasper is a vibrant gemstone. Its swirling patterns of yellow, black, and orange, symbolize joy, positivity, and the harmony of energies coming together: the perfect representation of the energy and balance they bring into each other’s lives.
Ring Exchange and Handfasting
Skyler and Jordan, you have our love and support as you now exchange rings.
Skyler, please place a ring on Jordan’s finger.
Jordan, please place a ring on Skyler’s finger.
Now, for the handfasting, please join left hands.
Handfasting is an ancient pagan tradition. The word “handfesta” in Old Norse means to strike a bargain by holding hands. The binding of hands symbolized the intertwining of destinies, the weaving together of two lives into a single, resilient tapestry.
With each wrap of the cord, you deepen and seal your commitment to each other. May this binding bring you closer together in times of joy and in times of challenge, reminding you always of the sacred vows you make today.
Your handfasting cords are yellow and gray. The yellow symbolizes happiness, harmony, and prosperity. It reflects your wish for a joyful and balanced marriage. Gray represents strength and resilience. It signifies your ability to endure life’s challenges together.
Intertwined, these colors celebrate both life’s sunny days and your ability to weather its storms together.
In the past, people believed that the human soul was connected to everything in the universe, and that belief led them to assign different virtues to the four cardinal directions: East, South, West, and North. In keeping with that tradition, we offer these blessings to support this ceremony.
May your union be blessed with the gifts of the East: Open communication from the heart, mind, and body. The promise of new beginnings with each sunrise. And the understanding that growth happens not just in words, but in the quiet moments you share.
May your union be blessed with the gifts of the South: The warmth of a loving home. The fire of passion that keeps your hearts connected. And the light you create together to guide you through the darkest times.
May your union be blessed with the gifts of the West: The deep commitment of still waters. The excitement of life's fast-flowing moments. The cleansing refreshment of rain. And boundless love, as vast and passionate as the ocean.
May your union be blessed with the gifts of the North: A strong foundation on which to build. Fertility and abundance in every area of your lives. And a stable home that you can always return to.
Each of these blessings from the four directions represents what will help you build a happy and fulfilling marriage. But remember, they are tools. It’s up to you to use them together to create the life you both seek.
The officiant now drapes the handfasting cord over the bride and groom’s joint hands.
Skyler, begin by draping the cord over Jordan’s wrist. Jordan, do the same by draping the cord over Skyler’s wrist.
Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?
Skyler and Jordan: Yes.
Skyler and Jordan, please take your cords and loop to form a knot.
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Skyler and Jordan: Yes.
Skyler and Jordan, please take your cords and loop to form the second knot.
Will you honor each other and never break it?
Skyler and Jordan: Yes
Skyler and Jordan, please take your cords and loop to form the third knot.
And so the third and final binding is made.
Pronouncement
With your rings exchanged and marriage knots tied, I now pronounce you life partners.
Bride and groom kiss. Officiant removes handfasting cord.
It’s my pleasure to introduce the newlyweds: Skyler and Jordan Knowlton.
Recession
The bride and groom exit into the side tunnel.
Wedding guests, please make your way down to the patio for refreshments. Family members, please stay nearby for photos.