Anthony Garofalo

Wedding Ceremony

18 October 2020

Opening

Welcome, friends. It has been said that “Marriages are like fingerprints; each one is different, and each one is beautiful.” It is in that vein that we gather together today to celebrate that Arielle and Jeremy have found something for which we all search—Love. I’m told that, for these two, love came at first sight. And we know this because apparently Jeremy had to remove his sunglasses to be sure! As we come together, we must all remember that, while the words spoken here are certainly important, this ceremony is not what joins these two together. We gather not to witness the beginning of their relationship, but rather to acknowledge the pledge they have already made to one another in their hearts.

Presentation

Who has the honor to present Arielle to be married to Jeremy today?

Blaine (Stands): In commemoration of our father, Clifford, I do.

Gathering

Friends, we are here today to witness the love between two people. Against the odds and determined to be together, Arielle and Jeremy have made it to the finish line—only to be at the beginning of a new and exciting journey. And they have asked you to be here today with them as they embark on this new journey. For you are their community, their support structure and they need you to help them traverse the road of life, of marriage.

To that end, we ask that you, their community, to commit to being there for these two as they work together to build a life of happiness and of love. Will all of you, as witness to their union, do all in your power to love and support this couple now, and in the years ahead? If so, please respond, “we will.”

Declaration of Intent

Arielle and Jeremy, have you come here today with the intention to be legally joined in marriage?

A/J: We Have

Charge

Arielle and Jeremy, your love for one another is so strong that it has moved you to commit yourselves to one another in the union of marriage and create a home together. Today begins a new chapter in both your lives—one in which you are both dedicated to the other, their wellbeing and their happiness.

Marriage is not something upon which to enter lightly. To be certain, it is an act of love but also one of faith-- faith in one another. It would be foolish to enter upon this union in the hope that your partner will change to become something they are not or to start doing something they do not do now. Marriage must be based upon heartfelt and sincere acceptance of one another, as you are, in each moment, regardless of the circumstances.

The commitment you make today is emblematical of the commitment you will share all the days of your lives. You now face the world, with all its trials and tribulations, together. The words you say today will cement your bond through all the inevitable hardships you may face in days to come. Today, in the presence of your family and friends, you pronounce your love for one another and make a commitment that will define the rest of your lives.

We celebrate it with you and wish you well on your journey.

Coffee Ceremony

Just as your favorite coffee house may have their own, unique blend, so too, our intrepid couple wish to create their own blend. As with life and love, the joining of two outwardly different beans can create an altogether different, yet beautiful and delicious brew. While the new product is entirely different one can still find the best of both original constituents in it. To that end, Arielle and Jeremy will symbolically make their own blend now.

Exchange of Vows

Arielle and Jeremy have written their own vows to share with one another.

Arielle

Jeremy

Exchange of Rings

May I please have the rings?

For time immemorial the ring has been a symbol of unending love and the circle of life. As it has no beginning and no end, it is the perfect symbol by which to express your love for one another. May these rings ever be a reminder to you of the love you share and the unending commitment you make to one another today and for all the days of your lives.

Jeremy, as you place the ring on Arielle’s finger, please repeat after me.

Arielle, I give you this ring is a symbol of my unending love and commitment and as a sign of my vow to love, honor and cherish you.

Arielle, as you place the ring on Jeremy’s finger, please repeat after me.

Jeremy, I give you this ring is a symbol of my unending love and commitment and as a sign of my vow to love, honor and cherish you.

Pronouncement

Arielle and Jeremy, inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and have declared the same in the presence of those gathered here today by the exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, by the power vested in me by the State of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my deepest pleasure to present to you, the new Mr. and Mrs. Parish!