Stephen Rudy Moreno Jr.

PROCESSION

BEGINNING OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY. OFFICIANT SHOULD REMIND THE GUESTS TO RISE. FOLLOWING THE ENTRANCE OF THE COUPLE, OFFICIANT SHOULD REMIND GUESTS TO BE SEATED.

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION

Friends and family, we’re here today to celebrate Gonzo and Gabriel, as they promise each other their continued love and commitment in marriage.

Before we get started, take a minute to look at the person sitting next to you. Whether you’ve known Gonzo and Gabriel a short time or for years, each of you brings irreplaceable joy to their lives. Each of you share a special place in their story, and are part of a community they’re incredibly grateful for. You all are their family, the people who make them feel accepted, appreciated, and loved, just the way they are.

So take a moment to smile at each other. Feel the warmth and love that fills this space! Keep that love in your hearts as we get these two married!

Not too long ago, in the eyes of the law this wedding wouldn’t have been possible, and Gonzo and Gabriel are beyond happy that you’re here to celebrate with them today.

We all know true love is not something that can be taught, or instructed. Love lies deep within the soul, it’s an intrinsic part of who we are as human beings. And it’s a powerful force that can overcome almost any obstacle.

Gonzo and Gabriel’s relationship demonstrates that power, and a love that conquers all.

Today, they pledge to tend to and nurture that love, to be each other’s family, to honor and celebrate their community, and to revel in the joyful life they build together.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Gonzo and Gabriel, I have known you both for a very long time. When you asked me to officiate at your wedding, I wasn't so sure you really thought the idea through! After some consideration, I realized you trusted me enough to ask me for such a big responsibility. I also remembered how supportive you both have been with mine and Trish's marriage and we appreciate you.

Please understand that marriage is never to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully, and with deep respect to this commitment. This is the moment when your hearts and souls are joined as one, to face together all you encounter from this day forward. As this part of your journey begins, I would ask that you both remind yourselves often of the love that brought you here

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Gonzo and Gabriel, no words of mine or any other person can truly marry each of you to the other. That is done only when you exchange your promises and commit yourselves to this marriage and each other. So I ask you:

OFFICIANT TO GONZO

Do you, Gonzo, take Gabriel to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish him from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day, for as long as love shall last?

Gonzo

I will.

OFFICIANT TO GABRIEL

Do you, Gabriel, take Gonzo to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish him from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day, for as long as love shall last?

Gabriel

I do.

RING & VOW EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

"A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is also a symbol of completeness, just as you two complete each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. It encircles an opening, which is the door to your future. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other."

CAN WE PLEASE HAVE THE RINGS

Gonzo and Gabriel, will you please face each other.

AT THIS TIME, WE WILL HAVE A PRAYER OVER THE RINGS. PLEASE STAND AND RAISE YOUR HAND TO SEND PRAYERS AND LOVE TO GONZO AND GABRIEL.

OFFICIANT TO GONZO

Gonzo place the ring on GABRIEL's finger and recite your vows.

"And now, GABRIEL place the ring on GONZO's finger and recite your vows.

SAND CEREMONY

THREE CLEAR JARS OR VASES SHOULD BE PLACED ON A SMALL TABLE BEFORE THE START OF THE CEREMONY. TWO SMALLER JARS WILL HOLD TWO DIFFERENT COLORS OF SAND, AND A LARGER DECORATIVE CONTAINER WILL BE EMPTY, READY TO POUR THE SAND INTO.

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION

We started this ceremony by looking at each other, by feeling the power of love and community. This love binds us, and can’t be broken. Today, GONZO and GABRIEL are becoming a family of their own, pouring their love and strengths into a shared dream for the future.

To honor this, they’ll partake in a Sand Ceremony. GONZO and GABRIEL will each take different colored sand, and pour it into this single picture frame. They’ll take this home with them, so that every day they’ll be reminded of how their individual strengths and passions can blend together into a shared beautiful life.

DURING THIS TIME, THE MINISTER / OFFICIANT GUIDES THEM TO A SMALL TABLE THAT HOLDS THE JARS.

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION

As you can see, the picture frame is now filled with these really neat colored twists and patterns.

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

We wish the same for the two of you, that your lives will be much more interesting, fun, creative, and exciting together.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

Gonzo and Gabriel, As you take this next step in life together, remember you always have each other, and you always have the love and support of all of us!

With this in mind, it’s my honor and privilege to pronounce you husband and husband – married!

You may kiss!