Koker Wedding
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you for always: Mr. & Mrs. Koker!
On a summer afternoon, in the tranquility of their own back yard, Matthew and Dawn celebrated their love story and united in marriage. The August heat did not phase the two love birds and their calm, cool style. The small gathering of close friends and family was filled with true love, tributes to those watching from heaven, and tacos. Mmmm….tacos! It was an absolute joy and blessing to help these beautiful souls come together as husband and wife.
Enjoy a few excerpts from this special ceremony below.
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Dawn and I met a few years ago when we both worked in the same office. She brought such genuine positivity and kindness to the workplace. I was drawn to her good nature right away. One day I came across a big spider and was scared to get close enough to squash it. Dawn got up from her desk chair, walked right over, said, “I have three kids. I’m not scared of anything,” and took care of the situation. I adored her instantly! She’s a beautiful combination of kindness, strength, sincerity, and love.
It’s a blessing how people come into our lives according to God’s plan and especially God’s timeframe. Little did Dawn know that love was waiting for her…for years…right here in Kenosha…just around the corner. Both believing it is never too late to fall in love again, Dawn and Matthew’s search finally led them to each other. These two lovely souls instantly connected and are eternally grateful that they each pressed “like” on that dating app.
On March 3rd, 2019, the couple celebrated Matthew’s birthday at Tuscany Bistro. Matthew surprised Dawn with a cake he had baked himself. It was in the shape of his hand. Dawn loves holding Matthew’s hands. Their hearts fill because of the strength and love shared through the simple yet powerful sentiment of holding hands. So, Matthew gave her a cake of his hand and they laughed. Then, he said that he messed up that one and had a different one for her. The other cake was in the shape of his other hand holding a ring with the phrase “Will you marry me?” in icing.
Ohmygoodness! He bakes. He’s thoughtful. He’s sweet. Of course, Dawn said, “Yes!”
As I got to know Dawn and Matthew as a couple while planning this ceremony, I can say it’s a beautiful feeling to be around them. Their love for each other feels natural and sincere. They literally finish each other’s sentences. They’re adorable. Their presence is calming, and it’s easy to sense that their love for each other is grounded. They can feel secure that their search for true love was successful.
Today, along with Dawn’s children, Mariah, Tyler, and Cameron, and with their fur babies, Dakota, Cooper, and Sugar, Dawn and Matthew are ready to be united as a family. Also sharing in the love today are those gone before us. May we know in our hearts that Matthew’s mom and dad and Dawn’s mom are watching over this union with joy. With faith in each other and faith in God, may Dawn and Matthew’s marriage and family be blessed with eternal love and togetherness. May your joys be as bright as the morning, and your sorrows merely be shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.
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Matthew and Dawn paid tribute to his parents and her mom by lovingly placing roses on a table by their pictures. The couple also passed out roses and hugs to their aunts and a few others. This was a beautiful and touching tribute to their loved ones, especially those with them in spirit on this joyous day full of love.
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Apache Wedding Blessing written by Elliott Arnold
Now you will feel no storms, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no loneliness, for each of you is companion to the other. You are two persons, but there is one life before you, and one home. Turn together to look at the road you traveled, to reach this- the hour of your happiness. It stretches behind you into the past. Look to the future that lies ahead. A long and winding, adventure-filled road, whose every turn means discovery, new hopes, new joys, new laughter, and a few shared tears. May happiness be your companion, may beauty surround you both in the journey ahead; and through all the years to come.
Go this day to your dwelling place and enter into your days together. May your days be good and long upon the earth. Your adventure has just begun!
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Vows
(Dawn) Matthew, I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to appreciate you, to grow with you, and to be supportive of you. I will cherish you always. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years together and all that life may bring us.
(Matthew) Dawn, I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to appreciate you, to grow with you, and to be supportive of you. I will cherish you always. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years together and all that life may bring us.
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The love Matthew and Dawn share is a beautiful blessing. May we express abundant thankfulness for this day, our friendships, our health, and our precious time.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Koker and a lifetime of love! Cheers!