Michael J Procaccio

“Everyone can be seated.”

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Welcome family and friends.

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We are gathered together here in the scenic beauty of Estes Park

under this Colorado bluebird sky in celebration of two beautiful souls

Presley Dorman & Cody Procaccio in the spiritual union of marriage.

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And the promise of an open bar afterwards.

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For those of you in attendance today

who I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting,

my name is Mike.

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I am simply The Dude officiating today and a newly ordained

American Marriage Ministries Minister.

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I am better known as this witty, scruffy looking nerf herder,

and in a mere few minutes this drop-dead gorgeous bride’s,

Uncle Mike.

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We are not here to mark the start of a relationship; however,

we are here to fortify a bond between two kindred spirits that already exists.

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Cody and Presley have spent the last five and a half years together,

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so we have come together to bear witness to their awesomeness

and the deep-rooted bond that has grown between them.

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Today, all of us in attendance, give our support to them,

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as they decided their lives are better together

than they ever were as individuals.

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But this affirmation of love and commitment

the bride and groom are making would be hollow

if they could not share it with their most beloved friends

and family members.

.

Thank you all for being here even if you’re a plus one

and just here for an excuse to party.

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Presley and Cody would like to specifically give a special thanks

to their parents and to their wedding party,

who have loved and supported them every step of the way.

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Cody and Presley’s origin story

started on social media with thoughtful texting

on their loss of the influence and heartfelt love

each has for their grandma.

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The best way you can pay tribute to them

and all our absent friends & family.

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Live and to be Happy.

This is the way.

.

Your Grandmas are smiling today

that you are here doing just that.

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Let us acknowledge those

who are no longer with us physically

but who are very much here in spirit

and forever in our hearts.

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I ask that we all recognize our loved ones

with a smile during this silent moment.

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Introduction

As I prepared my Introduction of our Bride and Groom,

I did get to spend time with them, ask many questions

and for those of you who do not know

Cody and Presley’s love story,

let me tell you.

I don’t either.

And that’s ok, each of us here today know slices of it.

The love story you started at an Irish Pub

then seeing the movie Deadpool

is meant to be just between the two of you.

Deadpool may have said it best,

“Your Crazy matches my Crazy, Big Time”.

Cody and Presley,

your story consists of countless

private moments

getting to know each other.

It contains private laughs

when you repeat a song lyric

or quote a movie line

that you turned into an inside joke.

It includes calling each other a nickname

not shared in public

and knowing what, “the look” means.

Knowing one another’s

quirks, flaws and imperfections

and yet being perfect for each other.

You see, your story is the intimacy you created.

It is having your Best Friend by your side every day.

Each day you look at the person

and see something more

than the night before.

It’s learning, growing

and walking life’s moments together.

“Always” to quote Harry Potter.

…

You know, as we stand outside, here,

at the same spot where you got engaged,

we can see that Love is similar

to Nature’s beauty.

When we witness pure beauty

in our lives, we pause, amazed.

Take a moment to appreciate it.

We revel in the feeling,

deep and beyond words.

“For wherever we roam,

nature is the only stranger

that feels like home.”

Witnessing the sunrise

in the high country leaves us breathless

and fulfilled and amazed.

We feel something spiritual

when surrounded by nature.

Those are moments to be cherished.

• Walk down memory lane

Cody and Presley,

you experienced that together first-hand.

Remember driving into the picturesque

mountain town of Telluride,

hiking the wilderness in the San Juans,

soaking in Glenwood Springs,

and being submerged

in island time at the Florida Keys.

Never forget that special time

after visiting Universal Studios

when you had your toes in the water,

ass in the sand,

not a worry in the world,

watching that amazing, colorful sunset

at Clearwater beach.

In their eyes, there is something more

than the continuous aspen and evergreen trees,

the red rocks and the Colorado bluebird sky;

there is something deep, sacred,

and more striking.

When you witness

the mountains majesties together

and travel from sea to shining sea,

it evokes awe and splendor.

It is indescribable and immense

when you share it with someone.

This is the same feeling

that they discovered

by falling in love with one another.

When you are in love,

you get to grab a piece

of those natural feelings,

make them your own

and apply it in your daily life.

You don’t have to climb

to the top of a 14er mountain

to feel something important

and indescribable.

you can feel the beach

within your own heart.

And that is really why we are here today.

Because like nature, love is…the force.

It’s an energy field created

by all living things.

It surrounds us

and penetrates us.

It binds the galaxy together

and to be able to receive love

is larger than life.

When we were children,

it was easy to see magic in the world.

Today as we celebrate your wedding

here in Nature’s backdrop,

it reminds us again

that each moment you are given

on this earth is a time

to celebrate and enjoy.

Cody,

We have known each other,

Well, your lifetime.

You clean up nicely

and look handsome in that rented outfit.

I do not know if you realized

when you both chose this day

what a truly special day today is.

July 9th, on this date, The Grateful Dead

with Jerry Garcia jammed their last concert.

Now July 9th will mark your anniversary!

“DUDE”. July 9th.

Never forget how special

you chosen to make it.

I shared that as it feels fitting.

Cody, you are a free spirit

with songs etched in your soul.

Said Colt 45 and 2 Zig Zags,

“baby that all you need.”

You bring about a smile

with your humor and funny attitude.

You said “I Love You” first

because there is an easiness to you.

You see the world through the eyes

of every person and creature

you come across.

You have a real flare for nature’s beauty

as seen in your photographs

and a 3rd eye to see the bigger picture.

You possess a sincerity within.

You simply are a man who loves dearly

and deeply and would give the shoes off his feet to someone.

Leaving you just standing there barefoot with a smile.

That, my man, is a free spirit.

Presley,

I don’t have decades of knowing you yet.

But the moment I met you

when the three of us met

at that Irish restaurant for dinner

during my work trip here,

I realized Cody had chosen his equal wisely.

You two were only dating,

but even back then I could visibly see

the light in your eyes and Cody’s.

It was the light from your phones

while texting, but a gleam is still a gleam.

Presley, I see you.

A spirited young lady

with an appetite for adventure

who also loves musical

and movement experiences.

You possess a true devotion to family,

a natural care giver

who seeks to lift other up.

You are kind-hearted.

You are willing to look within

at personal improvement

of your mind, body or soul

through reading, yoga,

and being one with nature.

You nurture plants

and keep Zen things

around like buddha statues.

Creating an environment

to help yourself

be centered, self-aware

and generate a calming presence.

In the Chakra, I see in you.

The Root – grounded in family belonging,

offering safety, and security;

The Heart – offering your love and compassion

and The Crown – by knowing who you are

and living in the moment.

You’re very intuitive,

so keep trusting the vibes you get

when you meet others.

I love that you keep daring yourself

into new adventures

and experiences

like learning to snowboard.

In closing, when I asked how

others saw them In their relationship

Presley shared that Cody

never shuts up, is seen as louder

while she is perceived as someone

who is seen as quiet, soft soften.

The Yin and Yang describes

how seemingly opposites,

is actually complementary,

interconnected,

and mutually beneficial.

Retain your truth as individuals.

Give rise to each other in your relationship

through your openness

and remain best friends.

Be one couple

but retain your own identity.

Always stand steadfast

and live the way you believe.

 

Reading

At this time, I invite “x” to share a meaningful reading.

“Only once in your Lifetime” – Bob Marley

Charge

Cody and Presley,

here is my charge to you as a couple.

For the past five and a half years,

you have built a strong foundation

for your relationship

based on openness,

honesty and respect.

You have found joy

in one another’s company,

and you have become better,

more fulfilled people

because of your connection.

You have been able to stay together

through the varied challenges

of everyday living

because you cherish each other,

have shared values,

express gratitude

and unconditional love for one another.

By maintaining these qualities,

you will have a long

and successful marriage.

Recognize that marriage

is not to be entered into lightly

But thoughtfully and seriously,

and with a deep realization

of its obligations and responsibilities.

Time will fly by quickly being married

when you keep in mind that love, loyalty

and understanding

are the foundations

of a happy and enduring home.

So, give priority

to the tenderness, gentleness,

and kindness that you each deserve.

Remember to write a heartfelt text,

give a smile for no particular reason,

kiss in the rain

and take time to listen.

Presley, you do know Cody can look you dead in the face

while you’re talking and still not hear a darn thing you said!

Cut him a little slack, It’s a guy thing.

Cody and Presley,

you know one of life’s secret ingredients is dog hair.

So, take time to walk Luna on the trails.

Share your passions

and discover life’s deeper questions.

Pursue new experiences,

laugh often,

and most importantly,

grow together.

While your marriage begins today;

to make it durable

and unending is a lifelong pursuit.

Cody and Presley, Life throws a lot at you.

I have no doubt that as long as you both

honor the promises that you make to each other,

your marriage will make it through

the ebbs and flows.

the mountain peaks, plateaus and valleys,

the numerous changes,

and chapters that your lives will take.

Remember that no matter

what life has in store,

you’ll always have each other to turn to.

Together you will enjoy

a life of love and happiness.

 

VOWS

According to the how-to workbook

I bought online this brings us to the point

known as the declaration of intent.

The vows.

Here is where the magic happens,

please ready your vows.

I ask that you hold hands, lock eyes

and stare for a dramatic yet awkward long pause.

Presley and Cody

have prepared their own vows

and they simply asked

that I conclude them in a formal way.

With that, it is time to let them speak on their love.

~~~

Hello sunshine:

Take your time through it, catch your breath.

Presley when you're ready you may begin.

…

Cody, take your time through it, catch your breath and

when you're ready you may begin.

…

Presley, Considering all your vows

“Do you take Cody to be your Husband,

your Life Partner and Best Friend? “ “I do”

…

Cody, Considering all your vows,

“Do you take Presley to be your Wife

your Life Partner and Best Friend? “ “I do”

 

Rings Exchange

Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us.

The rings you are about to place

on each other's fingers

are symbols of the love you expressed.

Wedding rings are our emotions

in physical form.

An unbroken circle forged

by love with no end.

Each time you slip

your ring on or off,

may the ring remind you

of the commitment

you have just spoken,

and of the love and adoration

that you have for one another.

Cody,

will you receive this ring from Presley.

Wear it with a mutual respect

of your love, honor and loyalty.

If so, say I will.

Presley:

as you place this ring on Cody’s left hand,

look him in the eye, and repeat after me:

“Cody, this ring I give to you as a symbol of my love.”

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“And that I am choosing you to share my life’s journey with.”

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“With the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever”

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“With this ring, I thee wed.”

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Presley, will you receive this ring from Cody.

Wear it with a mutual respect

of your love, honor and loyalty.

If so, say I will.

Cody,

please pick up Presley’s left hand,

look her in the eye and repeat after me.

“Presley, this ring I give to you as a symbol of my love.”

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“And that I am choosing you to share my life’s journey with.”

…

“With the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always and forever”

…

“With this ring, I thee wed.”

…

Show that bling off to everyone

 

Planting Unity Ceremony

Presley and Cody have further decided

to celebrate their unity in a unique way

with a planting ceremony to symbolize the roots

of their relationship, the continued growth of their love,

and their separate lives before this day

being joined together as one.

• Begin planting 2 plants into 1 pot

While they are planting, I offer these words.

…

Love is the essence of human experience and emotion.

It is the root of all and everything we, as humans do,

love richens our experience, and fills our lives with meaning.

It gives us a firm base from which to grow, to learn, and change.

…

Like the plant, their marriage must be resilient.

It must weather the challenges of daily life

and the passage of time.

Let their relationship and love for each other

gather strength from the deepest roots

like this plant today.

Let it grow healthy and strong.

…

Just like the plant you planted, marriage requires

constant nurturing and nourishment.

Presley and Cody,

nourish each other, with words of encouragement,

trust, and love on a daily basis

so you each can grow and reach your fullest potential

– just like this plant.

 

Declaration of Marriage, Kiss & Introduction

Next is the best part.

Cody and Presley, you planned this day

and declared your marriage, entwined your love,

and spoke your vows with all of us as witnesses.

You exchanged rings as symbols and now it’s time to seal the deal.

Remember in life that every silver lining has a touch of grey

but your continuous journey together and adventures through life

are meant to be traveled and enjoyed.

So, may you two, be one with the force.

God Bless your marriage.

without further ado,

by the power you’ve entrusted in me

and recognized in this colorful state of Colorado,

It is my honor to declare you husband and wife.

You may kiss.

…

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my heartfelt pleasure

and privilege to present

for the first time as husband and wife,

Newlyweds,

Mr. and Mrs.