This transcript excerpt captures several short speeches at a wedding for Stefan and Hannah. Speakers (family members and a friend) bless the couple, praise individual qualities (faith, commitment, kindness), and welcome Hannah into the groom's family. The officiant pronounces them husband and wife and offers a communal blessing.
Stefan (groom) and Hannah (bride).
Before he was born, we asked the Lord what his name should be. Lord impressed Stephan upon us, and that means crown. In scripture, it says, when you have been faithful in life, the Lord will reward you with a crown of life. I don't want to be lengthy here, but today is the crowding day of my life. I am so grateful. I cannot understand how God has blessed me with such a wonderful son and such a wonderful daughter. Because you are now my daughter.
I wrote in Hannah's scrapbook when she was 3 that I loved the way she embraced life. She was spirited and determined. Fiercely determined. She freely tell you that she loved you. Hannah, you were and are my little girl. Stefan, you have a big and open heart. I'm grateful for the respect you show Hannah and for your openness to our family. And I assure you, we accept you as a son.
Hannah was like older cousin of mine, and I wanted more than anything just to be your friend. And I saw you kind of from afar, and I thought, she's so beautiful, and she's so kind, and she's so fun. And, Stefan, I love that you've brought such joy into Hannah's life. I love how much you love Jesus, and I know that that is what's gonna make you the best hus.
I began to realize that in many of the things that Stefan gets involved in, you're not somebody who takes commitment lightly. And when you commit to something, you follow through with it, which I just find very admirable. Your commitment is going to translate into your married life. As we started to get to know you guys and see your love and see the way that you related to each other, it really became clear to and me that I had a few things that I can learn from you guys.
So thank you for all of you. And I also welcome, Hannah to our family.
As family and as friends, we have gathered to unite this man and this woman in marriage. It is our hope and prayer that as we worsh here together, we in turn will be blessed. And may you find peace and joy. And may we all be renewed with hope and love. I now declare and pronounce that you are indeed husband and wife. May greet each other with a kiss. Gracious God, we thank you for your love which dwells and grows in the hearts of Stefan and Hannah. May they always remain open and courageous and faithful. May our life together full of kindness and understanding. And may the years bring you both happiness and contentment.
Amen.
