Becca and John's Ceremony

Approach

Father of the bride walks bride down aisle

Father of the bride hands off Becca to John

Introduction: Siobhan

[To all]

Welcome family and friends. Please be seated.

On behalf of Becca and John, we are so thankful you’re here to participate in this joyous occasion. Following the ceremony, the bride and groom would like to spend a few moments with each of you before their first dances. So, get ready to hug.

[To bride and groom]

Becca at this time, I’ll have you set down your bouquet.

[Becca sets down bouquet]

Hi. It’s such an honor to be here today with the two of you, surrounded by your loved ones. Let’s pause take it all in. Go ahead and take a deep breath.

Becca, you and I have worked together and been friends for nearly a decade. I couldn't have predicted I would be the one to perform your wedding ceremony. But I certainly could have predicted you'd choose a partner as wonderful as John.

And John, as I’ve gotten to know you, I can see that your kindness and good humor are the perfect complement to her sweet and generous spirit.

Reading: Siobhan

Let me tell you a little story about what brings us all together today. First, Becca and her whiteboard spent some quality time developing a fairly detailed picture of her ideal mate: tall, nice, and brunette. I give you exhibit A: John Batty.

Next, the fates of Epic staffing brought Becca and John into one another’s spheres during the Gunderson go-live. There’s nothing like the tension of a command center to spark a little romance!

Becca encountered an issue causing a Hyperspace crash (which is a BIG problem) and investigated far enough to determine the issue lay in another application’s code. She and her team called the application specialist and told him, “We can’t figure this out because we’re just girls.”

John had heard of Becca, and perhaps out a little nervousness, narrated his own thoughts as he troubleshot the code issue. Later on, they both went to a team dinner; Becca wore a dress and John thought she looked beautiful. Like she does today.

In case that meet-cute wasn’t sweet enough, their next encounter took place near Heaven… which is a building on the Epic campus. They had just quickly passed by one another, so later on she made the next move, visiting John’s office and boldly, in true Becca fashion, asking him on a date.

Their first date consisted of home-made pizza and bocce ball, and was truly indicative of their growing devotion to one another: being both nurturing and fun.

Becca and John, in the time that you’ve known one another, you’ve begun building a fantastic life together full of picnics in the park, laughter, quality time with family and friends, and quality time you invest simply in one another and your relationship.

Ultimately, that commitment to one another is the reason we are here, for in marriage we say, "I love you today," and also "I promise to love you for every one of our tomorrows."

Fishbowl

At this time, we would like to invite the guests to share something about or for the couple like a favorite memory, or a bit of advice. We will begin by drawing names from the fishbowl.

[Draw names / facilitate transitions]

Reading: Nieces

Now Becca and John's nieces Julia and Izzy will step forward to share a reading.

[Nieces step forward]

>>Reading<<

[Nieces step back]

Thank you, that was so sweet.

Advising the Couple: Siobhan 

Becca and John, in the days ahead of you, you will see stormy times and calm times, times of conflict and times of joy.

Allow these thoughts to be your guide:

Hold hands when you argue.

Do your fair share of chores.

Try new things and visit new places together. Maybe find a new food item to sous vide together.

Continually embrace the wisdom  of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.

Always believe the best of your beloved rather than the worst.

Remain communicative, especially when something is hard to talk about.

Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.

Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.

Continue giving your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.

Be one another’s barnacle.

Ask one another out on dates. And when you get asked out that date, act surprised and say, “Really?!"

And, finally, say, "I love you" every day.

Vows

Becca and John, you have written your own vows. John, please share your vows with Becca.

[John reads his vows]

Becca, please share your vows with John.

[Becca reads her vows]

[Becca and John set down vows]

Ring Exchange: Siobhan 

Becca and John, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift. It's both a lifelong commitment as well as a challenge to love one another more completely each and every day.

Just as the first chapter of your relationship has been full of love and joy, so too may the upcoming years bring you endless happiness.

Will the nephews Alex and Jack please present me with the rings?

[Alex and Jack step forward and hand rings to Siobhan]

Becca and John please  join hands and gaze lovingly into one another's eyes.

[John hold Becca’s ring]

John, please place the ring on Becca's finger.

Do you, John,

take Becca to be your lawfully wedded wife;

and promise to love and comfort her,

honor and cherish her,

for all of your days?

If so, say “I do.”

John: "I do."

Becca, please hold John’s ring. 

[Becca hold John's ring]

Please place the ring on John's finger.

Do you, Becca,

take John to be your lawfully wedded husband;

and promise to love and comfort him,

honor and cherish him,

for all of your days?

If so, say “I do.”

Becca: "I do."

Pronouncement: Siobhan

John and Becca, you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage by the exchanging of vows and rings in the presence of your friends and family.

May you live together in happiness from this day forward.

By the authority vested in me by the state of Wisconsin, it is with great joy I now pronounce you husband and wife.

John, you may kiss your wife!

[Kiss]

I now present Mr and Mrs John Batty!!!