Linnea & Jerry- Favorite Ceremonies

So many great memories came out of Linnea & Jerry's wedding ceremony! The walled-garden at Mellon Park with it's glorious fountain, the a capella group singing in delicious harmonies, the fantastic coordination of Soiree by Souleret, but first and foremost was Linnea and Jerry themselves. 

They're a quirky pair, those two. They wanted things mostly non-traditional, but with some traditional leanings. They were realists at heart, but true romantics in spirit. They wanted to express themselves and their love to their families and friends, yet still have the day focus on their love for each other. They wanted an experience for all involved, not just a ceremony and a party. And they love games of all types. And so, that's what we did. They wrote some amazing things on their questionnaires (you'll see quotes from them throughout the ceremony that I used as I saw fit in the moment), but they were also doing personal vows. I never like stepping on a couple's toes, so I invented a little trivia game instead of a personal minister's address. It was perfect for them, and really got the crowd warmed up for their personal vows!

Also, this ceremony features an awesome take on the Rock Ceremony (aka Stone Ceremony, Pebble Tradition). It was a great moment of interaction between the couple and their guests.

The Wedding of Linnea Warren & Jerry May

June 22nd, 2013

Note: Silent presentation

Welcoming Words

Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever you believe and whomever you love, Jerry and Linnea want to welcome you to this celebration of their love for one another. Each of you has given something special to their lives. Your love and encouragement will forever be appreciated. Thank you coming from distances near and far to share in one of life's happiest moments with them. May you be as important a part of their tomorrow as you are of their today.

All seated

In Memoriam

At this time, we would also like to honor those who could not be with us today. Our thoughts are especially with those who have passed and those who could not make it today. Although they are not here with us physically, we feel blessed they are with us in spirit on this beautiful day.

Community Vow

Marriage is the promise of hope between two people who love each other, who honor each other as individuals, and who wish to unite their lives and share the future together. In this ceremony, they dedicate themselves to the happiness and well-being of each other, in a union of mutual caring and responsibility. Therefore, it is all the more important that those of you here with Linnea and Jerry may stand as witnesses to the happiness which they have found together, and to the promises they have made to each other. As they join their lives in marriage, they also bring you together in a new relationship, creating new bonds of trust and ties of affection. Will all of you by God’s grace, do everything in your power to preserve this marriage? Will all of you, who have supported these two in friendship and love, now bestow your blessing upon them? If so please show them your support by saying, "We will”

Charge to the Couple

Linnea and Jerry, you have made a very serious and important decision in choosing to marry each other today.
You are entering into a sacred covenant as life partners.
As in tending the flowers in a garden, the quality of your marriage will reflect the effort you put into nurturing this relationship.
You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, and tender
relationship.
It is up to you to keep the blessings flowing each and every day of your lives together.
We wish for you the wisdom, compassion, and constancy to create a peaceful sanctuary in which you can both grow in love.

Reading

Sonnet XVII, Pablo Neruda

Reader: Meredith Stewart, friend of Jerry and Linnea

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Officiant’s Address

The best gift we can give other people is our whole selves in truth. By doing so we give them a true and accurate mirror that allows them to see themselves. We also give ourselves the best opportunity to grow. As Danny Kaye once said, “Before we can give ourselves to the world, we must first accept ourselves.” Or as my dad used to say “A man who can give himself a hug every day truly has the arms of an orangutan”

Of course, you give each other precious gifts everyday- your friendship, humor, vulnerability, sensitivity, and kindness.

Anyone who knows the two of you can see for themselves how much you love and like each other and how well you know each other.

But I’d like to find out how well you actually do know each other.

I know your mutual love of games so I’ve devised a little trivia game for you. Each of you has written some wonderful things about the other, so I am going to preface each question with something wonderful that you wrote.

Keep in mind, you are not playing against each other, you are playing for each other. If you get the majority of these questions correct I will permit you to smooch each other at the end of the ceremony. Less than that, and you will have to smooch me. Jerry, you have a lot to lose.

To Linnea, She has a sense of humor that is simultaneously unique and perfectly tuned to my own; I never met someone with more wit- it's what got me hooked in the first place!

What is Jerry’s favorite color?

To Jerry, I think he is adorable and is the type of guy I always pictured myself with--tall, blue eyes, sweet smile... He is confident in his personality, but at the same time slightly self-deprecating and humble. It’s no wonder he is loved by everyone he has ever met.

In what year was the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution ratified and what does it make illegal?

Linnea, She makes me feel that nothing can go wrong when I am with her. Not only the sense of being organized and well-planned, but in the sense of making every circumstance happier by her presence.

What is Jerry’s shoe size?

Jerry,  Everyone always teases Jerry that he is pretty much already a dad, his jokes are so cheesy. While we’re still a FEW (many few) years away from that, I can picture our family so clearly--it is full of fun and love and laughter and part of me can’t WAIT. (But the other parts of me definitely can! :)

What is the full name of the State of Rhode Island?

Linnea, Jerry says that Every time he looks at you, thinks about you, tells a story about you, he can't imagine how he could be so lucky to spend his life with a woman of your beauty and unmatched character.

If you could spend the rest of your life with just one person, who would it be?

Jerry, is my best friend and has been the most amazing partner through all of the things we’ve been through over the past 6 years: College, graduation, moving to North Carolina, grad school, new jobs, new friends, planning a wedding, transitions. I cannot think of a more understanding, compassionate, and adventurous partner for anything that comes our way.

More than Michelle Branch and other girly pop-rock artists, who is the one person you love above all others?

“We don't want anyone else, and I know I can't wait to show the world: Look who I have! I win!”

Declaration of Intent

Linnea and Jerry, today I ask you to make a promise:
That whatever happens, you shall never walk alone;
That your hearts will be shelter to each other and your arms will be your
home;
That you’ll stand side by side and sleep in each other’s arms:
That Jerry, you’ll watch over Linnea and keep her from harm;
That Linnea, you’ll be the joy in Jerry’s heart and the food for his soul;
May you feel deeply loved for indeed you are; through your brightest days and your darkest
nights.
And so I ask, will you take each other into your hearts and pledge your love for this moment and forever?

Reading

May Our Friendship Last Forever, Nicholas Gordon

Reader: Tom Hutchinson, friend of Jerry and Linnea

May our friendship last forever;
May I sail upon your sea.
May we go through Life together,
May there always be a "we."
May I be your endless sky;
May you breathe my gentle air.
May you never wonder why
each time you look for me I'm there.
May we be for each a smile
like the warm, life--giving sun;
Yet when we're in pain awhile,
May our suffering be one.
May we share our special days,
the happiness of one for two;
And if we must go our separate ways
let my Love remain with you

Personal Vows

Jerry Reads his vows.

"Linnea, hearing the words spoken by your beloved Jerry, do you take this man to be your husband?"

I do.

Linnea reads her vows.

"Jerry, hearing the words spoken by your beloved Linnea do you take this woman to be your wife?"

I do.

Ring Vows

Rev. Mark will ask for the rings.

Your rings are circles and a circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth, the universe, of wholeness, perfection, peace and unity. Like circles, your rings have no beginning and no end and in the sacred tradition of marriage rings have come to symbolize eternal love and the endless union of body, of mind, and spirit.
These rings will be worn by Linnea and Jerry to show to the world their love and commitment to one another. May the presence of these rings always remind you of the eternal love you have pledged and devotion you willingly share with one another from this moment on.
Let each of us in his own way, may it be prayer, may it be by a thought, whatever you and I would wish for this couple, let's pray or have our own thoughts as a blessing upon these rings. Let us pause at this time for these silent blessings. (Pause)

These rings, now blessed are a symbol of love and faithfulness. They seal the vows of marriage and represent a promise of forever love.

Jerry:

With this ring, I thee wed. And with this heart, I promise you
all that I am, and all that I hope to become.

Linnea:

With this ring, I thee wed. And with this heart, I promise you
all that I am, and all that I hope to become.

Unity Ceremony

(Each guest has been told to bring a stone with them.]

Before you met, your lives were on different paths with different destinations. But love has brought you together and joined these separate paths into one. Each one of your friends and family here today has brought with them a stone that represents their unique individuality and their presence at your wedding today. You also each brought a stone of your own that symbolizes your previous separate lives, separate sets of friends, separate families and the different life's journeys you once traveled.I will now ask that everyone please take out the stone you have brought and pause to make a wish or blessing for happiness and good will for the couple for the future of their marriage.

[Everyone pauses to make their wish.]Music begins, nice and low

Now, we will collect the stones. Please come to the front and place your stone in the vase. Jerry and Linnea will then add their individual stones to the container as well.

(Guests are asked to come forward row by row to greet the couple and place their stones in the vase)
[The couple adds their stones to the container.]

With the combining of these stones, you have now symbolically joined your once separate lives. As the stones have been combined with love into one container, so now are your friends and family joined, through you, into one. And your once solitary life's paths are also now one. All that was once separate is now shared, and in this sharing you both will find new strength and joy as together you forge a new life's path and destination.

Music ends

Declaration of Marriage

It was Linnea and Jerry’s hope that all of you would leave here today knowing how
much they love you; that you would have learned more about their love for each other
and that you would realize that you are not here merely to bear witness to their
marriage, but to celebrate it with them.
Marriage creates from two committed spirits one beautiful tree of life. Its roots are the
trust and devotion that underlie each action, thought and motive. Its branches are
experiences shared, hopes realized, and dreams pursued. And its blossoms are the
kisses, gentle words, and tender sighs that decorate each day and beautify the union of
two loving hearts.
Linnea and Jerry, may your love grow like a beautiful tree, sending roots deep and
branches high, with new beauty every season of your life together.
May you find constant reward and challenge as you pursue the ongoing adventure of
learning who you are and where you want to go.
May you always have a special sense of your mission in life together, and may you never
tire of the endless possibilities of exploring your shared existence.
And long, long years from now, may you look at one another and be able to say, “With
you, I have lived the life I always wanted to live – with you, I have become the person I
always longed to be.”

Apache Benediction

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Amen.

And now it is my great pleasure to pronounce that Jerry and Linnea are husband and
wife.

Kiss

“The night Jerry and I first kissed, it was a surprise party for his 22nd birthday. I had left his apartment and was walking up to my dorm room when I got a call from him “Wait there!”. I was not in a part of North Oakland that one should really wait in near midnight, but it sounded important. I shifted from foot to foot in the cold until Jerry finally sprint-lumbered up the hill to meet me. He told me that I “left something at the party” and then kissed me for the first time. The line was as cheesy as they come and we were both freezing at night in late November. But it was just so sweet, I can’t help but get a little misty thinking about it.”
Celebrant (to Linnea and Jerry): You may kiss each other

Jenn & Wayne- Favorite Ceremonies

Bells! A dual presentation! Personal vows between the couple! Personal vows between their child and his step-dad! Unique ring vows! A family Sand Ceremony! A Truce Bell! And... even more bells!
Oh, yes, this day was full of ringing, jingling, family, love and a ton of laughter. 

First, let's talk about the bells:
Jenn had her niece ring a nice brass bell (provided by me) to announce her arrival, and boy-howdy that girl was serious about her task! You could hear the bell even over the music the DJ was playing. But, that was kinda the point.
To close out the ceremony, Jenn and Wayne chose to ring a Truce Bell- an old, western Irish tradition that is said to be derived from St. Patrick's iron Bell of Will.  The Truce Bell is to be placed in a conspicuous place in their home. If an argument arises, one may ring the Truce Bell, thus calling an end to the argument and hopefully leading to a resolution.  During their ceremony I blessed their Truce Bell and then handed it to them so that they could ring it nice and loudly before I let them smooch.
Once they were pronounced and smooched, we got the bells ringing again with me ringing the Truce Bell, Jenn's niece ringing the brass bell, and all of the guests ringing and waving these awesome ribbon bell wands (made by my wife, Jeanie). It was a joyful riot of sound, motion and color- just the thing to celebrate the creation of a new family!

And family is truly what this ceremony was about. Jenn and Wayne were presented to each other by all of their parents- showing equality and inclusiveness. Wayne and his new step-son, Chris each wrote vows to each other (not shown here, they were personal). They were touching, funny as anything, slightly off-color (what would you expect from a father and son?), and all-together loving. Chris also joined in a family Sand Ceremony.

We also came up with a new take on the ring exchange. Jenn and Wayne really liked this long-form set of vows, but we all felt we needed to save a little time (and the patience of their guests). So Jenn and Wayne repeated these vows in unison and then exchanged rings. With the personal vows that preceded the rings it showed that though they each had their own things to say they could stand together, united, proclaiming their promises of love before the world. 

Also, bells.

The Wedding of Jennifer Klein & Wayne Baker

June 30th, 2013

Note: Rev. Mark will bring brass bell. Jenn’s niece, Camryn will be ringing bell as Jenn enters.

Note: Unplugged ceremony

Welcoming Words

Marriage is a supreme sharing of experience, an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. Today Jenn and Wayne proclaim their love and commitment to the world, and we gather here to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together.

Presentation of Jenn & Wayne by Their Parents

[Wayne], you did not come to be here without the love and support of others. You were born into this world and were nurtured and protected as you grew into the strong and capable man you now are. Who so loved the boy that he, in time, became this man?

Baker's family: We did and we do.

And are you now willing to share your son that he may join this woman and will you now embrace her as your daughter?

Baker's family: We are.

[Jenn], you did not come to be here without the love and support of others. You were born into this world and you were nurtured and protected as you grew into the strong and capable woman you now are. Who so loved the girl that she, in time, became this woman?

Jenn’s  family: We did and we do.

And are you now willing to share your daughter that she may join this man and will you now embrace him as your son?

Jenn’s  family: We are.

Hugs, kisses, all seated

Unplugged Ceremony Moment

(unscripted, follow Mark’s lead)

Opening Prayer

God of Love, who gives us the longing for, and capability of loving, we give you thanks for Jenn and Wayne , for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here

First Reading

Title: THE KEY TO LOVE.  

Reader: Jenn’s aunt, Fran

The key to love is understanding ... The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word. but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.
The key to love is forgiveness... To accept each other’s faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.
The key to love is sharing... Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.
The key to love is giving... Without thought of return, but with hope of just a simple smile, and by giving in but never giving up.
The key to love is respect... Realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.
The key to love is inside us all... It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work... but the rewards are more than worth the effort... and that is the key to love.

Second Reading

Title: ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Author Unknown

Reader: Jenn’s great uncle, Pat

Today is a day you will always remember, the greatest in anyone's life,
You'll start off the day just two people in love and end it as husband and wife.
It's a brand new beginning, the start of a journey,
with moments to cherish and treasure,
And although there'll be times when you both disagree, these will surely be outweighed by pleasure.
You'll have heard many words of advice in the past, when the secrets of marriage were spoken;
but you know that the answers lie hidden inside where the bond of true love lies unbroken.
So live happy forever as lovers and friends,
it's the dawn of a new life for you;
As you stand there together with love in your eyes from the moment you whisper: "I do."
And with luck all your hopes, and your dreams can be real, May success find its way to your hearts;
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys,
but today is the day it all starts.

Officiant’s Address

• Little girl lead-in
• Why they’re getting married?

Perhaps it goes back to the way they met- which is a confusing story depending on who’s telling it, but that leads to questions such as- how did Wayne get Jenn’s phone number?  At any time did he don a Superman cape? And, which do you follow- your head, your heart, or your soul?

Perhaps it was that first kiss, but that wasn’t a real kiss anyways , since it happened entirely by “accident” so perhaps it was that second first kiss- the one that was meant to happen.  Perhaps it actually was an accident, one that leaves you depending on someone else for support, that shows just how far someone will go to see you through.

Maybe it’s Nascar races or road trips or driving to Erie through a snowstorm because you just “have” to get a puppy.  

Perhaps it’s his sense of humor; the way she laughs at his jokes (usually).

Maybe it’s her loving touch and caring nature; his honesty and dedication.

Maybe it’s that she’s a great mom and he an amazing dad and perhaps it’s that they take on every challenge together.

Maybe it’s handmade glass ornaments, and finding Buzz Lightyear and elaborate Christmas light displays that raise money for causes dear to your hearts.  

Perhaps it’s because he has a habit of proposing marriage to Jenn- over text with a Ring Pop, on the SkyCoaster at Kennywood, and finally, simply, and appropriately- in front of the Christmas tree.

Perhaps it’s learning that she has no sense of direction, or that he can’t take anything seriously.

Perhaps it’s learning to overcome your fears- like going skydiving, because nothing says “ I loooooovvveee  yooooooouuuu” like plummeting to Earth from 3500 feet.

Or perhaps it’s that...

Declaration of Intent

A wedding is more than a celebration of the Love which lives in Jenn and Wayne's hearts today. It reaches into the future and proclaims their intentions for that which tomorrow shall hold. A couple who marry are joined not only by the mutual affection and love they share, but also by their hopes, dreams and by their promises of what will be. The promises and vows they make this day shall guide them into their common future.

So perhaps it’s best that we hear what this day means to them in their own words.

Wayne, will you embrace Jenn as your wife? As your companion and best friend for life, will you give to her your unending love and devotion?  Will you be true to her,  cherish her  and share your thoughts, hopes and dreams with her? And will you stand by her in the triumphs and tragedies of life, as a faithful and caring husband?

[I will]

Please now hold Jenn’s hand and read the vows you have written just for her:

Wayne reads

Jenn, will you embrace Wayne as your husband? As your companion and best friend for life, will you give to him your unending love and devotion?  Will you be true to/him,  cherish him  and share your thoughts, hopes and dreams with him? And will you stand by him in the triumphs and tragedies of life, as a faithful and caring wife?

[I will]

Please now hold Wayne’s hand and read the vows you have written just for him:

Jenn reads

Family Vows (Chris & Wayne)

Ring Vows

Repeated in unison

Jenn and Wayne please hold each other’s rings close to your hearts and together repeat after me:

I choose you, to be my wife/husband.

I give you my love, my heart

my hope, my joy

these I offer you freely.

To delight in your soul

to nourish your mind.

To celebrate love with you

to share my joy

to console you in sorrow

I choose to go with you always.

I promise to listen to you

to express my innermost feelings

to labor with you

to believe in you

even when you doubt yourself

to be the mirror of your highest value

and to hold myself beside you

for the rest of our days.

I offer this ring as a token of our love

And with it I join my life to yours.

As this ring has no end,

neither shall my love for you.

Take this ring,

and stand with me forever and always

Wayne places the ring on Jenn’s finger.

Jenn places the ring on Wayne’s finger.

May these rings be blessed as a symbol of your unity. As day follows night and night follows day, your two lives are joined in an unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another and the home you have made for each other in your hearts. May these rings forever represent your promise to each other – precious, perfect, and without beginning or end.

Sand Ceremony w/Chris

Jenn and Wayne, will you now step up to the altar and hold close to your heart
the container of sand representing the essence of all that you are and all that you
bring to this union. As you do so, embody the grains with all your hopes and
dreams for the future. Bring to mind the strength of your promises, the honesty
and integrity with which you make them, and all the particles of personality that
make you unique and wonderful in one another's eyes."

Jenn and Wayne come to behind the altar
and each take their own container of sand in hand.

Within a marriage each person is both their own and each others. Two
individuals choosing to create a new life with endless possibilities and new
dreams that are theirs together. Will you now pour the sand that is to represent
the foundation of your love which is to support and nurture, your marriage and
your family.

Jenn and Wayne intermingle half of their sand

Chris, will you join us please?

The couple's child/children join(s) them behind the altar.

This container, is here to represent you, Chris, and your importance. Like colors
of the rainbow we're all different and special, valuable, and precious. Therefore it
is only fitting that you be shown as an important part of this marriage after all
marriage is really about family. So will you please pick up your sand and add it
to your mom and dad's.

Chris picks up his container of sand and pours

Jenn and Wayne, will you now finish pouring your sand?

Jenn and Wayne pour the rest of their sand into the container

"And will you now seal the vessel as a reminder that nothing is more important
or more sacred than the bond that you share as husband wife and family. Chris,
do you see where you all are? You are in the center of your mom and dad's
hearts, now and forever."

Final Blessing or Conclusion

"A MARRIAGE PRAYER" BY BUD HENRY BOWMEN (adapted)

Bless this marriage, O God, as Jenn and Wayne begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way.

Help them to hug each other often, talk and laugh a lot. Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves. Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinion and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears. Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Help them to realize that there is design and purpose in their lives as in the world, and if they will hold onto each other, they will know that things have a way of working out for the good. Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives. But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love' that they now share in their hearts so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children's children forever. Amen

Truce Bell

A bell is rung on the wedding day, the happiest day of the couple's lives and then is placed in a central location in the home. If the couple starts to argue, one of them can ring the truce bell, reminding them both of that happiness and hopefully ending the disagreement quickly.

Jenn and Wayne will ring it for the first time, now.

Declaration of Marriage

And now, Jenn and Wayne, as you have showered our hearts with expressions of your love, and promised each other the joy of all your days,  by the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and before these witnesses, it gives me great honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.

Family and friends, get those bells ringing! (Rev. Mark rings bell)

Wayne, you may kiss the Bride!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you for the first time: Mr. and Mrs. Wayne and Jennifer Baker!