Shawna Hodgkins

Here is our ceremony script from our wedding on 11/5/11! It is secular and contains two readings and a sand ceremony! I. PROCESSIONAL “Yellow†by Vitamin String Quartet. Seating of grandparents, parents, then David. “Viva la Vida†by Coldplay. Wedding party intro, Chris intro. “One and Only†by Adele Shawna enters with parents. II.WELCOME (David) Good evening everyone, and welcome to this wonderful ceremony of marriage! We have gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Chris and Shawna. They are delighted that you, their most intimate family and friends, are here to share in the love that has already become a reality within and between them. By your presence, you show your support of their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship. Marriage is the bonding of two individuals, to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. Over the years, Chris and Shawna have developed a love and friendship that they believe cannot be broken. They support each other in the worst of times and rejoice together in the best, constantly encouraging the other to make the most of all life has to offer. Chris and Shawna acknowledge that their union affects all of you, and they believe they have more to give you as partners than as individuals. They are marrying each other with the firm belief that it will be for life and are overflowing with happiness. Let us be happy with them. III. BLESSING FROM PARENTS David : Would the parents please stand? All parents stand. Chris and Shawna face parents. David : Chris and Shawna would like to thank you for all the love and support you have each given them throughout their lives. You have given them the foundation to be successful, the morals to be righteous, and the confidence to forge their own path in life. Chris and Shawna ask of you: Will you continue to help them grow as individuals and as a couple? We will. Do you offer your full love and support to their marriage? We do. Thank you parents, you may now be seated. IV. FRIENDSHIP (David) It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. However, without a doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life - it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our faults and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. Chris and Shawna came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, the warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship. V. FIRST READING (Jessica & Nicole) David: At this time, I would like to invite Jessica and Nicole, two ladies whom are very dear to Shawna and Chris to recite a poem that I think we’ll all agree could have been written just for them. “He Never Leaves the Seat Up†by Pam Ayres Jessica: Nicole: He never leaves the seat up He says he loves her figure Or wet towels upon the floor And her mental prowess too The toothpaste has the lid on But when gravity takes her over And he always shuts the door! Will she charm with her IQ? She’s very clean and tidy She says she loves his kindness Though she may sometimes delude And his patience is a must Leave your things out at your peril And of course she thinks he’s handsome In a second they’ll have moved! Which in her eyes is a plus! He’s a very active person They’re both not wholly perfect As are all his next of kin But who are we to judge? Where as she likes lazy days He can be pig headed He’ll still drag her to the gym! Where as she won’t even budge! He romances her and dines her All that said and done Home cooked dinners and the like They love the time they spend together He even knows her favorite food And I hope as I’m sure you do And spoils her day and night! That this fine day will last forever. She’s thoughtful when he looks at her He’ll be more than just her husband A smile upon his face He’ll also be her friend Will he look that good in 50 years And she’ll be more than just his wife When his dentures aren’t in place? She’ll be his soul mate ‘til the end. VI. WEDDING LOCKBOX David: You might be able to sense a theme Chris and Shawna have to this celebration – friendship. One of the most important things in life is to have friends to celebrate good times, vent frustrations to, provide honest opinions, and give and receive encouragement. Chris and Shawna have created an anniversary box as a future present to remind them of the most important thing they have in one another – true friendship. This box will contain a letter that they have written to each other with anything from inspiring words, personal feelings, memories, and so on. This box may only be opened on their anniversary, at which point they may read the letters it contains. Each November 5th, they will reflect on their previous year and add a new letter into the box. In this way, they hope to never forget a step they take in the journey that will be their marriage. Chris and Shawna, please place your first letters into the lockbox. We take letters our of our pockets and place them into the anniversary box. VII. OFFICIANT’S THOUGHTS VIII. SECOND READING (Amy & Julie) David: I would now like to invite two of Chris’ sisters, Amy and Julie, to deliver a reading. One that is fit to precede their upcoming vows. “Union†by Robert Fulghum Julie: You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re marriedâ€, and continued with “I will†and “you will†and “we will†– all those late night talks that included “someday†and “somehow†and “maybe†– and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.†Amy: Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Now you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today, you shall say to the world – This is my husband, and This is my wife. IX. EXCHANGE OF VOWS / RINGS David: The time for the exchanging of rings has arrived. These rings will serve as a daily reminder of the love Chris and Shawna share for one another. As they present one another with these symbols of their love and devotion, they have chosen to each share their own, personal vows. Until this moment, they have entrusted the care of these wedding rings to their most honored attendants. Jimmy, would you please hand Chris the ring. Chris hugs Jimmy and then takes ring. Shawna, I love you for everything you are. I think I first fell in love with your spunkiness. It was those times when you would make a weird face or a garbled, nonsensical sound that I knew you could bring out a fun side in me. I knew you were someone special the night in Rodes when I shared something with you that only one other person has ever heard. As I cried in your arms, I felt safe. I knew you were someone I could share everything with. More than that though, you challenge me to think for myself so that I’ll grow each and every day. You have taught me to question everything in life – not from a pessimistic standpoint, but from a rational one. You have helped me to grow into a person I love; someone who loves life and lives solely for it. I feel that you make me someone who enjoys getting the most that each day has to offer. You give me a wonderful hope for a future full of adventure and fun. That’s why I love us. I will push you just as you push me. You are my best friend and greatest competition, and I love you for it. It’s not that we complete each other; for we are each complete and unique individuals. It is how well we complement each other. I enjoy that we got to spend the adventure of Europe together. It showed us many things about each other; especially that in terms of navigation, you will always lead and I'll follow. Shawna, you are the cheese to my sprinkles, the chocolate to my strawberries, and the peanut butter to my jelly. Shawna, I promise I'll always be there for you whenever you need me. I promise to push you to become a better person and challenge you to grown just as you challenge me. I promise to go on adventures with you, whether it's a trip to New Zealand or simply across town. Shawna, I promise to try and make you laugh, to cheer you up when you are sad, to give you surprises, to give you everything that I am. I love you deeply, and I promise that you will always have that love. And with these promises, I thee wed. David: Jennifer, would you please hand Shawna the ring. Shawna hugs Jennifer and then takes ring. Chris, When we first met that night in Rodes, I was instantly entranced by you. I didn’t know when or if it would happen, but I hoped that we would turn into something special. I’ve been trying to think back to the specific moment when I realized I was in love with you, but I can’t do it. I don’t think there was any one moment….I just gradually fell in love with you because of a million tiny things you never even knew you were doing. Whenever anyone needs a helping hand, you are the first to volunteer. Whenever a challenge or problem arises, you won’t rest until it’s solved. Whenever someone suggests a game of soccer, basketball, tennis, etc…you are out the door and ready to play. Before I knew what was happening, I was completely in love with everything about you. From what interests you, to what you believe in, to how much jelly you prefer on your peanut butter sandwiches...which is way too much. You are giving, intelligent, energetic, considerate…and you possess a self-confidence that cannot be shaken. Over these past five years, we have grown so close that I sometimes forget where I end and you begin. Approximately 95% of the time, we are completely on the same page. The small amount of time when we disagree, I always try my very best to convince you to change your mind…but you stand your ground. You are just as stubborn as I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have been my best friend, mentor, confidant, and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life. You make me happier than I could ever explain, and you make me feel more loved than I ever thought possible. I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you- kind, patient, and forgiving. I promise to attempt to keep up with your cleanliness standards and to maintain a sense of humor. I promise to encourage your compassion, nurture your dreams, and to help shoulder our challenges. But most of all, I promise to forever be your most true and loyal friend. And with these promises, I thee wed. X. SAND CEREMONY Chris and Shawna move to platform with vases and each pick up their respective vase. David: Shawna and Chris have chosen to commemorate their marriage through the celebration of the Sand Ceremony. The white and black sands symbolize their separate lives, their separate families; they represent all that they are and could ever be as an individual. The purple sand represents the love they share for one another; a love that will surround and protect their matrimony. They will now begin the pouring of the sands into this new vessel. Chris and Shawna pour sand. Background music-“Without You†– David Guetta ft. Usher Chris and Shawna move back in front of David when finished pouring sand, music then fades out. David: Chris and Shawna have now created a visual representation of their marriage. They have not blended their individual sands together, but have poured them in layers, showing they will each maintain their individuality and all the traits that make them unique. Nevertheless, encompassed with love, they have chosen to join together; to form a new union. Just as these white and black sands may never again be separated, so their marriage shall be. XI. CONCLUSION/PRONOUNCEMENT/KISS David: Chris and Shawna, you have made your vows to one another, witnessed by your closest friends and family. You have sealed these vows with the giving and receiving of rings, and now by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Chris- You may kiss your bride. Smooches. Family and friends, it is my deepest honor to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Shawna Hodgkins! XII. PROCESSIONAL **Music plays** - “Hold My Hand†– Hootie and the Blowfish. Chris and Shawna hug wedding party, then exit, followed by wedding party. David: I invite you to now make yourselves comfortable; grab a drink if you’d like. The happy couple and their wedding party will be joining us very shortly. David exits.