Belinda Galban

The Invocation

Thank you for choosing to be here today. On this day, Alexander and Jacqueline have made the decision to be united in marriage.

If anyone can show just cause as to why they should not be married, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

Alex and Jacqueline met several years ago. Since then, their love has grown and flourished as evidenced by their two little boys, Michael and Kai. We’re here not to celebrate the beginning of a new relationship, but to celebrate an acknowledgment of the next chapter of their lives. They have spent years getting to know one another, and we now bear witness to the blossoming of their love for one another.

Marriage isn’t something to enter lightly. It is a covenant; a commitment to love one another, to work together, and join your lives as one. There will be days where you feel upset at each other, perhaps even hurt or angry. Remember that love is more than just a feeling. Feelings come and feelings go. But love, love is different. Love is still there before your partner has brushed their teeth in the morning, love is still there when he forgets to bring milk from the store, love is still there when you notice your partner’s first gray hair. Love is still there when you realize they’ve spent slightly more on amazon than they led you to believe. Love is still there whether your annoyed or upset. Love is there when you are riding in the highs of life and when you’re walking through the valley.

1 Corinthians chapter 13 gives us a beautiful depiction of a love that is respectful and enduring:

Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Today remember that you are committing to this. Do your best to be kind to one another. Speak but also remember to listen. Do not be proud, do not be self seeking. Keep no record of wrongs. Do not be to proud too apologize. Rejoice in your accomplishments. Root each other on. When one of you wins, you both win.

The Declaration of Intent

Alex and Jacqueline please face each other.

Do you Jacqueline Galban, take this man to be your lawfully wedding husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, in good times and in woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer “I do”

(Jacqueline says, “I do”)

Do you Alexander Bandin, take this woman to be your lawfully wedding wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, in good times and in woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer “I do”

(Alex says, “I do”)

The Vows Exchange

The bride and groom have now prepared some vows that they would like to share. Jacqueline, you may go first.

(Alex and Jacqueline exchange vows. ((Cue in Alex)).)

The Rings Exchange

Alex and Jacqueline will now exchange wedding rings.

(Ring bearer hands rings to officiant)

The Rings you place on each other’s fingers are symbolic of your love for one another. They will remind you of the eternal love that you have for your spouse.

Jacqueline please place the ring you have in your hand on Alex’s finger, and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger… From this moment forward… So will my love forever encircle you…. You will never walk alone… My heart will be your shelter… My arms will be your home… We will walk through life as partners and best friends… I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you… Just the way you are… I give you my heart until the end of time… I have no greater gift to give.

Now Alex, please place the ring you have in your hand on Jacqueline’s finger, and repeat after me.

As this ring encircles your finger… From this moment forward… So will my love forever encircle you…. You will never walk alone… My heart will be your shelter… My arms will be your home… We will walk through life as partners and best friends… I promise to do my best to love, cherish and accept you… Just the way you are… I give you my heart until the end of time… I have no greater gift to give.

Remember that your love can be seen. I see your love when I look at your boys. Not only did you create them, you have shown them how to care and how to protect. Your children are a product of your love. They are tangible evidence of what exists between you two. I hope that every time you see them you see a reflection of yourselves. I have seen you guys grow with them and I know that, that journey will continue as your story unfolds.

May you never forget this day. It is my hope that your love will continue to grow. Today we celebrate your decision to commit your lives to one another. That’s a big deal. We know that everyone who is meant to be here today is here, even if in spirit.

Message from the parents.

Congratulations. By the power vested in me by the state of Arizona and through the power of cheap online ordination, it is my honor to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Alexander and Jacqueline Bandin.

Alex, you may now kiss the bride.

(Wait until I step out of the way for picture)

The Recession

Wedding party walks out.