Rebeca Isabel Pina

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together today despite the current circumstances to join Sonia Rodriguez and The Fred Rosas in the spiritual union of marriage. Not even a pandemic could put a damper on the start of their new chapter. On behalf of Sonia and The Fred, I would like to thank you all for being here this afternoon and taking the time to be a part of their special day.

They understand that marriage is a contract that is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully, seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Sonia and The Fred have spent years getting to know each other and now we get the honor of witnessing as they take the next step in their story together. Today, in front of a few of their closest friends and family, they will affirm their commitment to the bond they share.

Whenever we attend a wedding, we are given the opportunity to reflect on our own relationships. we might look at the couple before us and be tempted to compare their love to the quality of our own relationships. The truth is that every relationship is as unique as the individuals in it. One thing holds true, however, for love to exist between two people each person must allow themselves to be vulnerable with each other and accept the other person as they are.

Sonia and Fred, today you not only marry the right person, but you also commit to being the right partner, the one with whom the other can stand and face the world. It’s finally time to seal this chapter with questions that will lead us into the next chapter. What we are celebrating today is not the beginning of a marriage, but a marriage-already-in-progress. This ceremony is a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the promises that they will continue to make to each other throughout their lives together. Therefore what you promise today must be renewed and reaffirmed tomorrow and all the tomorrows to come.

Sonia and The Fred will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Sonia Rodriguez take The Fred Rosas to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you The Fred Rosas take Sonia Rodriguez to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Please take each other's hands and take a good look at your partner’s hands, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, that are holding yours on your wedding day. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your present and future together. These are the hands that when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours. Taking the hand of one who loves you is a powerful symbol of that unspoken bond.

Sonia and Fred will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment. A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you feel for each other.

Fred, place the ring on Sonia’s finger and repeat after me:

Sonia, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

And now, Sonia…place the ring on Fred’s finger and repeat after me:

Fred, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Sonia and Fred, before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings.

No one but you can declare yourselves married. You have begun it here today in speaking your vows before your family and friends, and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing the highs and lows of life.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Texas I now pronounce you wife and husband —you may seal your vows with a kiss!