Short and Sweet Wedding

Yesterday's wedding went really well. The couple are both a lot of fun and surprising. I arrived about 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony, met the groom outside. He told me his fiance was inside and a nervous wreck! I went in and found her at that bar. She greeted me and explained how she had horrible butterflies and so she was having a beer to calm them. The groom came in then and we took a few quick photos.

We discussed the ceremony. Both had said they wanted something "Short-and-Sweet," so now they were just curious about how long it would be. The groom and I talked about our kids, and he revealed to me that he's a certified Midwife and told me all about the birth of his daughter. I was amazed. First off, I have never come across a male Midwife before, and second, I certainly never would have imagined that of him. 

Their guests started arriving then, and the groom finished another round of beer (very surprising people, but extremely nice, too.) We then headed out back for the ceremony. That's right: an outdoor wedding in November, in Wisconsin; I was glad for my sweater.

We stood under a pavilion. The couple just wanted everything to be very simple. There weren't any decorations, but I at least managed to convince them that we should move one of the picnic tables over to make a larger clearing for everyone.

The couple stood outside of the clearing then (!) and stared at me. The best man extinguished his cigarette in a nearby rusty coffee can, dashed over to the couple's side, and said, "Okay, I'm ready." I laughed, and began the ceremony.

The entire thing took about two minutes. The best man nearly dropped the ring, and afterward, the woman taking photos yelled out, "Is that it?!?" The couple yelled back at her, dismissing her with their hands, "Short and sweet! That's what we wanted!"

Twenty minutes of more photos later, and we all headed back into to the warmth of the indoors for the reception. The entire wedding was a lot of fun, very comfortable, and everything went perfectly. 

Here is the outline for the ceremony, feel free to use and/or elaborate upon for your own needs!

Short and Sweet Wedding Ceremony
Minister: We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony. Although, this ceremony is only an echo of the promise they have already made to each other within their own hearts.

(to the groom:) _____, do you take _____ to be your lawfully wedded wife?

Groom: I do.

Minister, to the bride: _____, do you take _____ to be your lawfully wedded husband?

Bride: I do.

(ring exchange)

Minister: Then by the power invested in me, you are now husband and wife.

(couple kisses.)