Father Geoff began our ceremony with an opening reflection.
"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to comfort each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories?"
All Photos by
Palos Studio
"Today we gather to celebrate the love and union of Mr. Castle and Miss Castle in marriage"
After Father Geoff's opening words he read First Corinthians 12:31- 13:8. I'm sure most of you are familiar with it. "Love is patient; love is kind..."
I couldn't help but make faces at Mr. Castle as Father Geoff was speaking.
Someone noted after looking through our pictures that we looked like two kids on Christmas morning, which is also a great description of how we felt. We were both so excited.
After the reading Father Geoff spoke a bit about love and and marriage.
Then he began the community affirmation. He spoke to our guests and asked,
"Will you who are present here today, surround this couple in love, offering them the joys of your friendship? Will you support this couple in their relationship? At times of conflict will you offer them the strength of your wiser counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern? At times of joy will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another?"
Our guests responded to each question, "We will!"
Next it was time for us to give our consent.
"Have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"
Our answer was of course, "Yes!" Which was made SURE to say at the same time!
Mr. Castle trying to make sure our "Yes" was in sync.
"Will you love and honor each other as spouses for the rest of your lives?"
I was really into making sure we said, "Yes" at the same time.
Mr. Castle found this hilarious.
"Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your hands and declare your consent before these witnesses."
Mr. Castle and I joined hands but then realized we couldn't hold hands while reading our vows from our note cards...
Mr. Castle began his vows,
"Sharon, Five years ago today..."
Then getting emotional he paused and said, "This is going to be harder than I thought...
Five years ago today we declared our intentions to each other and we haven't looked back. Almost immediately you fearlessly followed your dreams to New York City. For the next 2 years and 8 months, we survived on phone calls, Skype and far to infrequent weekend visits. It wasn't easy but we knew we had something good, something worth fighting for and we made it through."
"There isn't enough I can say about how amazing you are, especially since we want to keep the ceremony under 25 minutes. Your laugh fills my heart with a joy I didn't know was possible. I see pure love and honesty in your green river eyes connected by your nose bridge."
"
I promise to try to make you laugh everyday. I promise to be there with a hug when you've had a hard day."
"So today as I take you to be my wife I look forward not only to the adventures and wonderful times to come, but also to the challenges. There will be tough times, but as our relationship has taught me, sticking through them reaps great rewards. And I believe together we can work through anything."
"Together we are strong. Being with your makes me stronger. It makes me strive to be a better person."
"I promise the best years are yet to come. We are two people in love, and we start today!"
I want to pause here and talk about some feelings that we going on. Of course there were tears while listening to Mr. Castles vows, but there was also a lot of laughter. There were some inside jokes that I'm sure no one else understood but that didn't matter because those vows were meant for me and no one else. I was so incredibly happy. Mr. Castles vows really gave me the strength I needed to get through my own. When I spoke this voice came out of me that I wasn't expecting. It's hard to describe. One thing I can say is I was a lot louder than I expected myself to be!
"Jeffrey, The first time I saw you I knew there was something special about you. I thought it was just because you were so incredibly talented, but little did I know I was looking at my future husband."
"I am so excited to be your wife. I have need been more excited for anything in my life. I think back to the person I was before I met you and I can see the difference you have made in my life. I am a better person because of you."
"You fill my life with laughter. You point things out to me that I never would have noticed before. You cheer me up when I'm in a mood. You encourage me, you inspire me, and you make me happier than I ever imagined was possible. I love your creativity, your passion, your humor, your perfectionist nature and most of all I love your spirit."
"Today and I take you as my husband, I promise to always stand by your side through whatever life throws at us. Good or bad I will always be there. I promise to take care of you when you are sick and comfort you when you are sad. I promise to do my best to show you how much I appreciate you everyday. I promise to support you and make your goals my goals. I promise to fill our lives with laughter and humor."
"And most important I promise to love you forever times infinity!"
"I can't think of a better way to continue this journey than with you by my side. I love you so much."
We made it through our vows! There were tears, there was laughter, and there was still more to come! Next up we finish our ceremony with rings and a reading by the sister of the Groom.
Did you write your own vows. Were you nervous you wouldn't be able to get through them?
Miss a recap? Check it out below!
We start the day with singing, dancing, and an
earthquake
We arrive at our venue and Mr. Castle asks for some
makeup
With the help of my Mom and bridesmaids I get into
my dress!
I take some solo shots of me as a
bride
My handsome
groom and his men
