Pamela Sue Gottling

Welcome!

Ricci and Jennifer have gathered us here for a joyous occasion and a cause for tremendous celebration. They've created the kind of relationship that will serve them well as the foundation for their marriage. They have picked each of you to be here with them as they exchange wedding vows and join their lives together.

Marriage is an integral part of the human tradition. Let us remember, as we stand here before the Universe, that the vows taken today hold great importance, just as they did to our ancestors. As individuals, we make the choice to enter the union of marriage to share all aspects of ourselves with our soulmate. Today, this is true for Ricci and Jennifer.

There are few greater joys in life than finding someone with whom we truly "click." In that spirit, I will now share a short reading on soulmates from author Richard Bach (The Bridge Across Forever):

"A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life."

Under the eyes of the Universe, together we take a moment to acknowledge the seriousness of the commitment being entered into today. With great joy, we also recognize the special bond shared by Ricci and Jennifer.

Love is the soil from which life itself grows. As Carl Sagan famously wrote:

"The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love."

I will now invite the couple to share their vows with one another. Ricci and Jennifer, the promises you make today are sacred; they are the groundwork from which your marriage will grow and blossom over time.

Ricci, would you like to begin first?

Ricci: Jennifer, “______________________________________________________”

Jennifer, your turn.

Jennifer: Ricci,” _______________________________________________________”

Let us proceed.

Ricci and Jennifer, it's time to join hands.

Ricci, before your family and friends, do you take Jennifer as your beloved Wife, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?

I do.

Jennifer, before your family and friends, do you take Ricci as your beloved Husband, to have and to hold, through laughter and in sadness, through challenges and successes, so long as you both shall live?

I do.

Wedding rings are a traditional symbol of the strength of the bond between two soulmates. This bond is never broken, and continues in a perpetual circle, glowing with the warmth and eternal light of two souls in a perfect union. By wearing these rings, you will be always reminded of the connection you share and the vows you have made today.

Please repeat after me:

I, Ricci, present you, Jennifer, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade.

I, Jennifer, present you, Ricci, with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. Let it never lose its luster, just as my love for you will never fade.

Ricci and Jennifer, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the state of Nevada, under the eyes of the Universe, I happily pronounce you Husband and Wife!

Ricci, you may now kiss the Bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Abruzere!!