“Hello and welcome! Before we begin, I would like to introduce Sarah McMahon, Paddy and Amanda's sister-in-law, who is today's keeper of the rings. We're going to start with an Irish wedding tradition called the warming of the rings. This is to infuse the wedding bands that Paddy and Amanda will place on each other's finger today with all the love and good wishes of everyone here in this room. The rings will be passed around to each person — when it comes to you, please hold them and take a moment to think of some love and positivity for the couple, then pass it on to the next person.”
Sarah supervises the rings' passage through seated guests.
01
Begin
~1 minute
Paula in position at the front, center.
“Good afternoon, friends, family, loved ones. Are we ready to get this magic started?”
Beat — read the room.
“The couple asked to not have your phones out during the ceremony. Allow me to introduce Olivia and Bryan, who will be doing a wonderful job taking photos and capturing all the great moments today, including guests in the audience. There will be a media moment early in the ceremony, once everyone is up here, where you can take pictures. After that, please put phones away for the rest of the ceremony.”
02
Paddy's Entrance
~1 minute
“OK. Let's begin.”
Music starts · Paddy's entranceChateau Lobby by Father John Misty
All grandparents are seated.
Paddy McMahon walks up with Kimmie & Bubba. Greets grandparents.
Music fades · Paddy's entranceChateau Lobby by Father John Misty fades out
03
Processional
3–5 minutes
“Please welcome the wedding party.”
Music starts · Wedding partyDancing Queen
Danny McMahon with flower girl Libby Lou McMahon
Taylor Morrow (Brother of Honor) with Katelyn Hoffman
Alex Pogosky and Jack Ries
Lu Corporan and Lucas Heyvaert
Elizabeth Heckmüller and Krista Owens
Megan Meloon and Bailey O'Malley
Music stops · Wedding partyDancing Queen fades out
“Please rise.”
Guests stand.
Music starts · Bride's entranceArchie, Marry Me by Alvvays · piano instrumental
Amanda is escorted by both of her parents and proceeds up the aisle.
Paddy steps forward to receive Amanda.
Handshakes, hugs, kisses with Amanda's escort and family.
Music stops · Bride's entranceArchie, Marry Me fades out
04
Media Moment
~30 seconds
“OK, now is the time to capture the moment.”
Paddy and Amanda do a little pose.
“Remember to tuck those phones away for the rest of the ceremony. Please be seated and we'll get started.”
Guests sit.
05
Officiant Speech
~4 minutes
“I'm Paula McMahon, Paddy's aunt, batting coach and co-conspirator. I did get ordained for this, so for the next 20 minutes I've got some real authority here.”
“I'm truly honored to stand here, surrounded by the people who have shaped Paddy and Amanda into who they are today. Thank you all for taking the time to be here. This is a very special day, and you are all part of the reason why.”
Coming from Paula
The speech lives here
Sarah collects rings and passes them to Best Man, Danny, ahead of the vows.
06
Exchange of Vows
5+ minutes
“Now we will hear words from the groom and the bride. Amanda, please start by sharing your vows.”
Amanda reads her previously written vows to Paddy.
pause
“Paddy.”
Paddy reads his previously written vows to Amanda.
pause · let the emotion settle
As Paddy finishes, Best Man Danny McMahon prepares to present the rings.
07
Exchange of Rings
~2 minutes
Legally requiredThe ring exchange language is part of the legal ceremony. Do not significantly alter.
“We are now ready to exchange the rings.”
pause
A ring is a circle: no beginning, no end. It's made of something that doesn't fade. And every time you look at it — on a hard day, on a wonderful day, on an ordinary Tuesday — it says the same thing: I meant it.
“Paddy, please repeat after me: Amanda — I give you this ring as a sign of my commitment to you.”
Paddy receives ring from Danny. Places ring on Amanda's finger.
“Amanda, I give you this ring as a sign of my commitment to you.”
pause
“Amanda, please repeat after me: Paddy — I give you this ring as a sign of my commitment to you.”
Amanda receives ring from Danny. Places ring on Paddy's finger.
“Paddy, I give you this ring as a sign of my commitment to you.”
pause · let that land
Paula smiles, stays relaxed, lets the moment breathe.
08
Pronouncement
~1 minute
Legally requiredThe pronouncement is the legal act of marriage. The authority language and declaration cannot be cut.
“Well now… You did it!”
pause
“Paddy and Amanda — you came here today as two people who love each other. You are leaving as something much, much more.”
“Today, May 2nd, 2026, in front of your closest friends, family, and loved ones, and by the authority vested in me by the State of Wisconsin…”
pause · hold this beat
“I now pronounce you HUSBAND AND WIFE.”
Guests cheer
09
First Kiss
the moment
“You may now seal your union with a kiss.”
Paula steps back and away from the couple — give them space for the kiss and photos.
Applause
10
Closing Remarks
~30 seconds
“It is my absolute honor to present to you — for the first time as newlyweds —Paddy and Amanda!”
Guests cheer
11
Recessional
as long as it takes
Music starts · RecessionalBad Mama Jama
Paddy & Amanda head down the aisle together.
Paddy and Amanda pause toward the end of the aisle to do a dip kiss or some other photo moment.
Both wedding parties follow in pairs.
Paula exits last, or with the wedding parties — to confirm.
“Thank you all for being here. Please make your way out the side doors to the solarium and bar for a cocktail reception. Have the best night. See you on the dance floor.”
12
Marriage License
immediately after
Legally requiredDo not skip. Must happen immediately after the ceremony, before anyone leaves the venue.
Paula signs the marriage license.
Two witnesses sign: Alex Pogosky and Danny McMahon.
Paddy & Amanda sign.
License is handed to the designated person for return to the Dane County Clerk within 3 business days.
Updated ProcessPaula will photograph and email the marriage license to rod.county.vitals@danecounty.gov within 72 hours of the ceremony.
Right after this, Paddy and Amanda get a private 15 minutes together — either outside the venue or in the bridal suite — before joining cocktail hour.
