Anthony Garofalo

Wedding Ceremony

7 July 2021

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 are here today, under the canopy of heaven and the watchful eye of God to celebrate that Knacey and Bogdan have found something for which we all search—Love. As we come together, we remember that, while the words spoken here are certainly important, this ceremony is not what joins you together. We are here not to witness the beginning of your relationship, but rather to acknowledge the pledge you have already made to one another in your hearts.

Reading

A reading from the first letter of Saint Peter

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Ink and Paint

Walt Disney once said, “Laughter is timeless, Imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” Imagination leads us to create dreams. You have created this dream to be together and today you are beginning that new journey. An animated film begins with a simple sketch, but it truly comes alive when it goes through the “ink and paint” process. The drawing is inked onto a cell and then painted to begin the process of coming to life. In much the same way, you stand before this canvas—your imagination has led it to be filled with your dreams and you now will add that vital splash of color. We must remember that:

The world is a carousel of color!

The wonderful world of color.

So wonderful, so beautiful to see.

Adventure is waiting!

Let it open your eyes

To a world of romance, music, and dance.

Each journey holds a surprise!

By adding this vital splash of color today, you are creating something new, marking the start of your dream coming to life just as a sketch transferred to a cell.

<<pour ink>>

Declaration of Intent

Knacey and Bogdan, have you come here today with the intention to be joined in marriage?

Couple: We Have

Charge

Knacey and Bogdan, 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, you pronounce your love for one another and make a commitment that will define the rest of your lives.

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

Exchange of Vows - Preamble

Bogdan, please take Knacey’s hand. Knacey, Bogdan, these are the hands of your best friend. These are the hands that are vibrant with love, holding each other on this, the day you pledge to love one another all the days of your lives. These are the hands that will hold you tight and wipe countless tears from your eyes as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will hold you in joy, excitement and hope. These are the hands that will encourage you and give you support as you chase your dreams. These are the hands that will work together as you build your future. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized, for these are the hands of your best friend.

Exchange of Vows

Knacey, please look into Bogdan’s eyes and deliver your vows.

Now Bogdan, please look into Knacey’s eyes and deliver your vows.

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.

Bogdan, as you place the ring on Knacey’s finger, please repeat after me.

Knacey, I give you this ring/

as a symbol of my unending love and commitment/

and as a sign of my vow/

to love, honor and cherish you.

Knacey, as you place the ring on Bogdan’s finger, please repeat after me.

Bogdan, I give you this ring/

as a symbol of my unending love and commitment/

and as a sign of my vow/

to love, honor and cherish you.

Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Pronouncement

Knacey and Bogdan, inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and have declared the same before God here today by the exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the bride!