Hai Minh Truong

Anthony & Maritess’ Wedding Ceremony Script (Est Time: 20-30 mins total)

(Before anyone walks down aisle) - Hai walks down aisle, stands at the front

Welcome Everyone! My name is Hai. I will be performing Anthony & Maritess’ wedding ceremony for today. I became friends with Anthony many years ago in a chance encounter that would make us roommates and now friends ever since. I was also present during some of the formative years of both Anthony and Maritess’ relationship, and am honored to be a part of their big day.

This day is a celebration of life, love, and family. As a reminder, the bride and groom requests that everyone silence their devices and enjoy this special moment with them.

(Music for procession of bridal party begins here)

Clarify order of bridal party (i.e. would you like the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk together or separately?) Together

**Processional in order once everyone is seated:**

Groom: Anthony (1st) - Walk down aisle, then stand facing crowd

Maid of Honor & Best Man: Each go to their respective sides

Maritess & Her Parents (3rd) - Once her parents walk her up to Anthony, Maritess gives her parents a hug. Anthony hugs them too, and dad gives Anthony Maritess’ hand, and they return to their seats.

Anthony & Maritess will face Hai

**Begin Ceremony**

In the words of Maya Angelou - “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” We have all, in some way or another, been witnesses to Anthony & Maritess’ relationship and have seen their love grow as they have stood by each other. Your presence here today shows how much they value you in their lives. Thank you for being here to share in this moment with them.

**Hai calls up Laura to the podium for an opening prayer**

* (Laura) will then commence opening prayer following the opening line**

For our loved ones who have passed on or couldn’t be here, we will take a moment of silence to honor them**

(Hai pauses briefly)

[Story About The Couple]

The foundation of this story is one of patience, of understanding, and of a love that has stood the test of time.

Many many moons ago at a social gathering back in college, a baby-blue clad, dancer and performer version of Anthony met Maritess and introduced himself.

Feeling a sense of trust, of kindness, and lightheartedness, the two continued to keep in touch, although they did have to bridge the distance of 368.5 miles, or a 5-6 hour drive between UCLA and UC Berkeley.

From a young romance then grew a relationship and partnership that has matured and fortified the love and trust these two have for one another.

Both professionals and accomplished in their respective fields, their common values to take care of their loved ones, their community, and to mutually support each other’s goals in life have set a foundation that cannot be shaken.

I could tell when sitting down with these two that love, marriage, and the commitment that entailed was inevitable for a couple that truly wanted to build a life together.

**Hai will then prompt for Anthony & Maritess to thank each their parents before the next readings**

**Hai will call up Andrew for the first reading, then Jesica for the second reading**

[First Reading]

Andrew: "Many human relationships are like the interlocking fingers of two hands… They can move away from each other while still touching with the fingertips. They can create space between themselves, a little tent, a home, a safe place to be." "True relationships among people point to God. They are like prayers in the world. Sometimes the hands that pray are fully touching, sometimes there is distance between them. They always move to and from each other, but they never lose touch. They keep praying to the One who brought them together."—Henri Nouwen

[Second Reading]

Jesica: “When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. What the boy felt at that moment was that he was in the presence of the only woman in his life, and that, with no need for words, she recognized the same thing. Because when you know the language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning.”- The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

**Begin sand ceremony**

Today we have gathered friends and family to celebrate the love and union of Anthony and Maritess. They have gathered each of you here to be a part of this ceremony as they make a lifelong commitment to each other. Anthony and Maritess, today you are here to join both of your lives together. These two separate vases of sand symbolize your separate lives before you found each other. They symbolize your separate friends, family, and choices.

Today, both of you will seal your bond by blending these two individual vases together. Once the sand is blended together, it cannot be separated. Just as the sand cannot be separated, your friends and family are here today to witness your love never separating.

By blending these sands together, we are recognizing the importance of blending two families together. May you always honor and protect your family.

**Jasper (Best Man) hands rings to Hai**

**Maritess gives bouquet to KC (Maid of Honor) to hold**

[Vows & Rings Together]

Anthony & Maritess will now share their commitments to each other as they exchange rings.

**Anthony & Maritess now face each other, Anthony & Maritess can hold hands**

**Hai will give Anthony & Maritess the respective rings as they read vows and upon completion of vows, put the ring on their finger**

Maritess’ Vows: (1 minute)

Anthony’s Vows: (1 minute)

**Maritess goes first, at the end, she will take the ring out, Anthony will hold out his hand, and she inserts the ring on his finger.

**Anthony goes second, at the end, he takes the ring, insert on Maritess’ finger.

**Anthony & Maritess continue to face each other***

**I DO Section**

“Anthony, will you take Maritess to be your wife; to love, honor, and cherish her now and forevermore?"

Anthony: I, Do

“Maritess, will you take Anthony to be your husband; to love, honor, and cherish him now and forevermore?"

Maritess: I, Do

[Hai] These rings are their bonds made of metal. Let their endlessness, their shine, and their weight always remind you that you are by each other’s side and forever connected.

[Pronouncement]

By the power vested in me by the State of California, and everyone as witness here today, it is my pleasure to declare Anthony & Maritess Husband & Wife! You may kiss the bride!

**PHOTO MOMENT: Anthony and Maritess kiss and face the guests hand in hand**

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce the newlyweds, Anthony & Maritess!

Instructions on ceremony and reception afterward goes here.