Lorianne F. Harrison-Reyes

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Elmira Melgoza and Dan Irvin in the spiritual

union of marriage. I was given permission to say what we are all thinking: FINALLY.

Elmira and Dan enter into this spiritual union thoughtfully, lovingly and seriously, and

with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities to love, honor and cherish

in sickness AND in health. They understand and we all should remember that the

foundations for a happy and enduring home is filling it with love, loyalty, respect and

understanding. Their relationship began as a friendship which turned into a

sustaining, resilient, respectful and loving relationship.

It has been my humble honor and pleasure to have KNOW DAN and ELMIRA individually, as FRIENDS and as an amazing, loving couple. Friendship, honesty, love, loyalty, lots of laughter, banter, love of ALL SPORTS and most importantly the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of one another. This growth from FRIENDS to TRUE LOVE! I remember when Elmira and Dan were walking out of the building one day together and Dan offered Elmira a ride on his cart to her car. Dan had his BIG DAN GRIN on his FACE. Always the gentleman and eager to get home to his garage to tinker and work on something then there was Elmira, who was smiling and laughing. A new professional at the time, who was independent, caring and eager to learn new things.

She was the one who loved to go home to her family and friends. It was so nice to see them so happy, together. The next day, I asked Elmira, are you and Dan dating. She said NO No Noooooo, with a look of I HOPE SOON Dan will see how much I like him. I did not ask any more questions. Which was hard for me.....they know it. The Next thing I knew love was in the air and Dan and Elmira were moving into together to begin to "build" a life together. And I intentionally use the word BUILD, Dan left his garage begin build a happy, healthy relationship with Elmira and their growing family with dogs, neices, nephews and lots of love.

There is a passage from a children’s book called The Love Monkey by Edward Monkton

that Dan and Elmira wanted to share with everyone today. This passage captures how

their relationship evolved from co-workers, to friends, to being a couple, to where we

are today and where they will remain moving forward.

“Then they looked into each other’s eyes and, feeling the joy of truth in their souls for the first time, they began to laugh. And often they sit together still, holding each other’s hearts in their warm hands, lifting them to the light and laughing. Always laughing.”

Even with the recent challenges that they have faced, they have faced them together and have found a way to keep laughing. With the love and support of all of you, and those that were not able to join us today, they know that this will pass and Dan will get better.

I have asked my husband, Alan Reyes, to read a poem called the BLESSING OF THE

HAND chosen by Elmira and Dan to share with you.

I ask DAN AND ELMIRA TO LOOK INTO EACHOTHERS EYES and HOLD ONE ANOTHERS HANDS WHILE ALAN READS THIS TO THEM and ALL OF US.......

Blessing of the Hand

By Unknown

These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy.

These are the hands that will hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength.

And these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Elmira Melgoza and Dan Irvin will now share their vows.

Elmira recite after me: I want for you, my best friend, The JOYS You've BROUGHT TO ME..... THE STRENGTHS YOU'VE..... HELPED ME DISCOVER.... THE HOPE YOU'VE INSPIRED ME TO HOLD..........

*(Vows)*

Do you Elmira Melgoza take this man Dan Irvin to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

DAN's VOWs

Dan please recite after me: I want for you, my best friend, The JOYS You've BROUGHT TO ME..... THE STRENGTHS YOU'VE..... HELPED ME DISCOVER.... THE HOPE YOU'VE INSPIRED ME TO HOLD..........

Do you Dan Irvin take this woman Elmira Melgoza to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Elmira Melgoza and Dan Irvin will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, the State of California and the Glory of God. I now pronounce you Mr & Mrs Irvin with ALL THE LOVE SURROUNDING YOU in this ceremony and you have for one another for these several years! Mr & Mrs Irvin go forth into LIFE and LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE one another fully.