Resudek-Ward Wedding
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you with love: Mr. and Mrs. Ward!
Rich and Rachael were surrounded by loved ones on the Bristol Oaks Golf Course as they said, “I do!” It was a magical evening of love and laughter, and some Power Ranger groomsmen shenanigans. Rich and Rachael’s ceremony included a heartfelt gift to Rachael’s daughter and a Lego build unity ceremony. Their love and uniqueness shown bright at every angle of this special day. It was a joy and honor to get to know the bride and groom and to officiate their wedding ceremony, and it was very special to have a couple I had previously married be in the wedding party.
Enjoy a few excerpts from this joyous ceremony below.
Photo Credit to Ampersand Photography
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Two years ago, Rich went over to Rachael’s to watch a scary movie because she didn’t want to watch it alone. Rich protected her, and they have not been apart since.
Rachael said about Rich, “You untangle my chaos and make me feel comfortable. You are the voice of reason in my life and your calming support gives me comfort and peace.”
Rich said about Rachael, “In a very exciting way, no two days are ever the same with you. You have broadened my horizons and made me feel comfortable in my own skin. I cherish every conversation and experience with you.”
Last year during an outing together, Rachael thought Rich was constantly checking his fantasy football app, but truly he was orchestrating an elaborate proposal for Rachael that included friends and family hiding in bushes and perfectly timed surprises. His plan was a success, and here we all are today to witness the next chapter of this love story.
“We are made of particles that have existed since the moment the universe began. I like to think those atoms travelled fourteen billion years through time and space to create us, so that we could be together and make each other whole.”
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Daisy, you are an incredibly important part of this union, and your mom and Rich have something special for you to remember this day.
(Rich) “For those of you that don’t know her, this young lady is Rachael’s daughter Daisy. Now, Daisy and I, we’ve had a long run of things so far. Everything from practicing baseball and singing, to the hard talks and fights, all the way to family movie nights where we make it feel like we’re all her age again. There have been good times and bad, but she’s an amazing kid all the same and it’s been a privilege to be a part of her life. Seeing her grow these last few years and learning what it really means to be a role model has helped me in ways that only parents or guardians can understand. She may not realize it, but without her, I wouldn’t be the person I am from day to day.
So, growing up, I saw my mom do this thing for my sisters that I always thought was pretty cool. Years ago, she got them each Pandora charm bracelets and over the years would get them charms for life events and things like that. Not gonna lie, I was a little jealous, but jewelry wasn’t really my thing. But over the years, whenever I thought about having a family, I always thought, “I can’t wait to do that for my daughter one day.”
Well, today I am luckier than most men in this situation. Getting married in and of itself is an amazing thing. But I feel like I won a bonus prize because today, I am adding a daughter to my family as well. With that in mind I asked my mom up here to help me pass down this tradition to my new daughter.
Daisy and I both love and have bonded over Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, and it’s always been a commonality between my sisters and I, so I thought that this would be perfect for today. A Stitch Pandora bangle with her first charm, which is a Lilo and Stitch Ohana charm, because Ohana means family, and family means that nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
So that is what I promise you today, Daisy. My family is now your family, and we will never leave you behind or forget you. We will always be there to protect, support, and guide you through whatever life throws at you. We love you, kiddo, and welcome to the family!”
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Rich and Rachael, now you have physically built this Lego Heart, and all the pieces fit together just right. The vows you are about to exchange express the actions you promise to take to physically and emotionally show your commitment and faithfulness to each other. And even when all the pieces of life don’t fit together just right, you must carry out the actions of your vows all the days of your lives to perpetually secure your union.
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Vows
(Rich) “A lot of people wander around life trying to find that partner in crime, their person, that piece of them that makes them whole. For a long time, I didn’t think that was possible for me. And because of that, I’ll never forget the first time we hung out and how you made me feel the exact opposite.
We planned for me to come over and watch some TV and get to know each other better. What we both thought would be a nice little hangout turned into an all-night binge marathon of talking about our lives and showing each other different movies and shows. Next thing we knew, it was 4 AM and we had no idea where the time went. Now, some would say that was our first date, but I don’t think that date ever stopped, since we never really stopped hanging out. From that moment on, we were always spending time with each other. Planning dates, hangouts, and eventually, trips with a wonderful young lady that I’ve had the pleasure and honor of getting to know, miss Daisy. The memories I already have with you both don’t compare to what I know is in store for us.
One of the things I admire most about you is your ability to make me feel at home. For anyone that knows me, I am a huge nerd. Honestly, that might still be an understatement. Most people in my life have failed to understand my interests and hobbies, but you embraced them. You let me feel and act like a kid without judgement, allowing my inner child to heal. Heck, you have even taken to some of these hobbies yourself and have made them even more fun and meaningful for me. Beyond that, you tame the Hulk in me. You’ve taught me that there is a happier, more peaceful way to live than just pushing through pain and anger. You’ve shown me that I do deserve this happy family life, and that it’s the little things that make life special.
I made a promise one day, to a younger and much more naïve self, that I wouldn’t get married or tie myself down because I never thought I would find my person. But from the moment I met you, deep down I knew I’d be breaking that promise. Right now, as I break that promise, I have a few new ones to make that I could never break:
Rachael, I promise you from this day forth that you are the only one for me, and I will not leave this family for anyone or anything. You have been there for me from the start. You never left and you proved you never would, and now I promise you the same.
Rachael, I promise to protect and support you through the hardships and troubles we will face, and as my family says, “we’ll figure it out.” Sometimes we think things are going to break down and shatter all around us, but you somehow make everything seem alright. I would never make it through this crazy thing called life if I didn’t have you. So, I promise to always keep you safe and to make you feel comforted, appreciated, and loved.
Most importantly, Rachael, I promise to love and care for you deeply from this day until my last. You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars, and my love for you will last longer than them all. We are in this together, now and forever. I love you.”
(Rachael) “I came across this quote that says, “Hell is other people,” and I couldn’t help but think how spot-on that feels sometimes—except with you. With you, it’s the complete opposite. You’re my heaven on earth. You’re my safe place- the one I go to when life gets hard and when everything feels like it’s spinning out of control. Somehow, you make everything better just by being you. I never feel like I have to be anyone else with you. I don’t have to worry about saying the right thing or acting a certain way. I can just be me and that’s enough for you. Words can’t describe how lucky and thankful I am for that. You are my person.
From the day we met, when I wanted to watch a scary movie but didn’t want to be alone, we’ve been inseparable. I think the real test of our relationship was that trip to Colorado early on. Spending 24/7 together for three days, and still not getting sick of each other, pretty much said it all. You didn’t even get annoyed with me when I was the worst backseat driver telling you to slow down every 5 seconds because I was terrified driving through the mountains. I love that no matter what we do together, we can always have fun with it. When we are together, it feels as if the whole world disappears and the only thing that matters is us.
I admire how you fight for what you believe in and for the people you care about. No matter what you’ve been through, you keep pushing forward. I admire the patience that you display daily. I admire how you have never changed; you have always shown me the great person that you are and have loved me correctly. I love your sense of humor and how you can just let loose, be a kid, and enjoy what makes you happy. I admire that you selflessly helped me through college and never asked or expected anything in return. But what means the most to me is how you took on my daughter like she was your own becoming an amazing dad when you didn’t have to.
As I think about our future, I picture us growing together, embracing all the changes and challenges that life is bound to throw our way. I’m really excited about the dreams we’ll chase—whether it’s exploring new places, trying things we’ve never done before or just finding comfort in building our cozy little home together. I imagine a place filled with laughter, love, and a few too many projects that we’ll definitely finish one day. I can’t wait to grow our family, create unforgettable memories, and share every adventure, big or small, with you by my side. I am so lucky knowing that no matter what comes, we’ll face it together, hand in hand.
Rich, I promise to always be faithful to you, to support you through every challenge, no matter how tough it gets. In the hard times, I’ll be right there for you, offering a steady hand and a shoulder to lean on. Together, we’ll figure it all out, facing whatever life throws our way as a team, because I know we’re stronger together. No matter how messy or unpredictable things get, I promise to be your safe place, just like you’ve always been mine. With you, I can just be myself—laughing at the ridiculous, enjoying the simple moments, and finding joy in the everyday. Rich, you are my home, and I promise to try to always mean “home” to you, too. Today and forever, I’m all in, always. I love you.”
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The love Rich and Rachael share is a beautiful blessing. May their love grow and through strength, unity, and time be a blessing not only onto themselves but onto their families and the world around them. Lord, guide this couple to stay connected in any adversity and to treasure and protect their marriage. May we, as their family and friends, commit to uphold and encourage this couple to the best of our ability. May we express abundant thankfulness for this day, our friendships, our health, and our precious time. Please bless this reception and may it be a treasured experience that this couple holds in their hearts forever. Amen.
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To Rich and Rachael and a lifetime of love! Cheers!