Opening

Celebrant – Jim Gregory

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today on behalf of Alex and Lisa. They have chosen their own words to express their love and commitment to each other. They have chosen their own way to express their vision of their future together. They do this here in a place of their own choice, among family and friends.

Today there is a vast unknown future stretching out before you. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes, but it is a great tribute to your faith in each other that you are willing to face it together.

May the love with which you join heart and hand today never fail, but grow deeper and surer with every year you spend together.

May you dare to dream dreams not yet dreamt.

May you find constant reward and challenge as you pursue the on-going 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.

Reading

Ilan Goldstone

Oh the Places You’ll Go –

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the couple who’ll decide where to go. You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care. About some you will say, “We don’t choose to go there. “With your heads full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down, any not-so-good street. And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air, Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you. And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!

You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to great heights! You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have all the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang, and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t. Because sometimes, you won’t. You’ll get mixed up of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with so many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with great care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left. And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed!(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

GUYS, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So, be your name Buxbaum or Dowrie or Bassor Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So … get on your way!”

The Asking

Jim Gregory – to the groom

Will you Alex take Lisa to be your life long travel partner, to share your life with her; And do you pledge that you will love respect and care for her, And stand by her through whatever may come, So you can genuinely share your life together?

Alex: I will

Jim Gregory – to the bride

Will you Lisa take Alex to be your life long travel partner, to share your life with him; And do you pledge that you will love respect and care for him, And stand by him through whatever may come, So you can genuinely share your life together?

Lisa: I will

Wedding Vows

The celebrant asks Alex and Lisa to repeat their vows after him:

Groom

Lisa, I invite you to share my life, I promise to love you as your fiancé and best friend, and respect you as an individual, with all I have to give, and all that I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever.

Bride

Alex, I promise to love you as your fiancée and best friend, and respect you as an individual, with all I have to give, and all that I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever.

Ring Ceremony

Groom

Lisa, This ring I give you, It is my personal gift, My personal promise of love and trust, And pride that you have chosen to share your life with me.

Bride

Alex, This ring I give you, It is my personal gift, My personal promise of love and trust, And pride that you have chosen to share your life with me.

Reading – Poem

Andrea – ‘and all things nice’

Two People. One Life.
When two hearts are united, it signifies forever;
A fabulous journey, to be travelled together.
Contentment awaits, as towards bliss you are heading;
Starting your new chapter, with an amazing surprise wedding.

It was just the other day, that Alex romantically popped the question
And after almost saying no, Lisa agreed to the suggestion.
Even Nanna had given her permission, at the age of 92
For you to begin your voyage to multiple times of saying “I do”.

Now today, Lisa and Alex, is destined to be great
As so many gather together to help you celebrate.
It’s been planned to perfection by Alex, on his own,
With absolute dedication and attention to detail shown.

He wanted a day that you would remember with pride
So with a host of suppliers, Alex set out to impress his Bride.
You have got to admit, he’s done well, the young chap
With today signifying your first heart on the map.

Now you’ll travel the world, and seek out unusual destinations
In which you’ll exchange your vows and heart-felt loving declarations.
Congratulations on becoming a well-matched husband and wife
And here’s to all your wedding ceremonies! Two fabulous people, one perfect life!

Check

Jim Gregory – celebrant

Does anyone here today know of any reason why these two people should not be brought together in the celebration……

Declaration of Marriage

Jim Gregory – celebrant

In the presence of their family and friends, Alex and Lisa have pledged together in this ceremony, to share their lives in love and understanding. We have witnessed their special promises to each other, symbolised by taking vows and by exchanging rings.

I declare them, before us all, 2 people 1 life.

(The bride and groom kiss) – Best bit!

Conclusion

Jim Gregory – Celebrant

On behalf of Alex and Lisa, I would like to thank you all again for sharing with them this special occasion and a special thank you to all the people that have come together to make this unique event possible.

Alex and Lisa, as you know, only you can make your trip lasting and meaningful. By a mutual commitment to creating an atmosphere of care, consideration and respect, by a willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underline human life, you can make your life together a source of great strength and joy. Your love for one and another and your willingness to accept each other’s strong points and weaknesses with understanding and respect will provide a foundation for continued growth and intimacy.

Respect and celebrate with each other, not only all that you have in common but also you’re individual perspectives on life, and the different traditions you bring with you.

Cherish every opportunity that allows you to share your beliefs and grow closer to each other.

See what happens next in our wedding travel adventure!