These amazing folks are Alexa and Andrew Murray. They were married exactly one week ago in the MSU Alumni Chapel in East Lansing.
We first met all the way back in January of 2013 when they were first looking for officiants. It took them a few months and a couple of interviews with other folks before they decided to book me, but I’m SO glad they did!
Almost a whole year after we started corresponding, we sat down to design their ceremony. They wanted something fun and semi-casual but they had some traditions they loved as well. After reading my version of the Rose Ceremony, they decided to add that in as well. For those who aren’t familiar (as Alexa and Andrew were not), the Rose Ceremony begins with the Bride and Groom each picking up a long-stemmed red rose. In this case, they had their mothers come forward and hand them to them after they had exchanged rings. Then I talk about the meaning of roses and how a long-stemmed red rose means “I love you”, then I ask them to give each other the first gift of their marriage, a token of their love, a rose. Once they do, I acknowledge that the action seems simple but the meaning behind it is profound.
The ceremony ends with me telling them to choose a spot in their home to put roses every year on their anniversary and, should they need to, whenever they need to say “I still love you” and can’t find the words. I haven’t explained it very well but, trust me, it’s lovely.
Anyway, they wrote some killer vows for each other, let me share a couple of funny stories, asked a friend and a sister to give readings. By the time their ceremony came around, the script was polished and ready to go!
Have you seen some of the stained glass in the Chapel? Gorgeous! I love this one:
So the ceremony went off without a hitch. The guests enjoyed it, the couple enjoyed it. I was happy, I love the folks at the MSU chapel and having an excuse to visit and catch up with them is always fun.
So then, before most of us manage to put away our wedding dresses and return our tuxedos, these sweethearts had already written and mailed me the most incredible thank you note! Can you believe it? Check it out. It says (and I quote):
“Dear Kya,
I don’t even know how to begin to thank you for our amazing wedding ceremony. It was truly perfect – beautiful, authentic, genuine, romantic, funny. Every single attendee we talked to commented on it. My grandma who has attended countless weddings in her life said it was the best ceremony she’s ever attended.
Kya, thank you for giving us those memories and for all the time and effort you put into making our day special. We will definitely recommend you to anyone looking for an officiant. Please feel free to use us as references for potential clients.
Thank you again. – Alexa and Andrew Murray”
I’m so honored and so touched that they took time away from their honeymoon to write and let me know they appreciated me. I cannot express how happy I was to read and share this. So I decided to share it with the world, here!
You are more than welcome, Alexa and Andrew. You make me remember exactly why I started doing this in the first place, to help couples discover what they want and help them bring it to life. Thank YOU for allowing me to do what I love!