Regan Teresa Rico

(After the processional, the officiant asks the guests to take a seat, and begins)

(To reception)

Welcome loved ones, on this remarkable day! We take ourselves out of the usual routines of daily living to witness a unique moment in the lives of Jennifer Lynn Aedo and Javier Garcia. Today, they join their lives in the union of Marriage.

Our presence is significant because it represents how we have been there since the beginning of their relationship. Our love and support encouraged their bond grow, evolve, and ultimately bring us here to share this moment with them today. On behalf of Jenn and Javier, thank you, it is a gift to have you here.

(To couple)

Javier and Jenn … take a moment to look at your community that has come here to support you. They are here as a symbol of the kind of love that will always endure and follow you throughout your life together, in the good times and the bad. (PAUSE) Let us also take a moment to remember those who were not able to be here today. We keep them in our hearts and minds as we celebrate your union.

What you’ve done to be here today took a lot of strength, patience, and love. You met in 2020, during a time when meeting new people and starting a relationship was almost unthinkable. At first, you shared messages and phone conversations back and forth for about a month. The connection was undeniable as you spent hours talking into the late hours of the night… and finally they had to meet.

As Jenn recalled their first date, she remembered that restaurants were just reopening. The plan was for her to go to …and I quote “this strange man’s house” and drive to BJ’s. When they got there, they were told they could only order out because there were RIOTS DOWN THE STREET. Basically, their first date was COVID restrictions, riots, BJs takeout, and Netflix.

I was the first person to hear about this eventful night. Jenn described Javier as “very nice,” and she did it in a way that made me feel like something was wrong. I failed to understand what was wrong, and she said … “that’s boring” … I let her know that her version of exciting was toxic and nice was what she needed. I look back on that conversation and how things were before Javier … she was used to relationships being exciting and temporary, and when she found something that would last, her instinct was to run. It’s understandable because love can be scary when it’s true.

For Javier, Jenn came into his clean, organized life like a tornado. He described her as “different and fun with that raspy voice.” And it was different for him to receive her voice monologues instead of a regular text message. During one of her first visits to his home, she wasn’t aware of his OCD tendencies, and she took his Thrifty’s mint chip ice cream and proceeded to dig deep potholes into its perfectly leveled surface. When he enjoys his favorite ice cream, he skims the top to make sure it’s always level. His cleaning routine includes perfectly aligned vacuum tracks and squeaky-clean blue toilet bowls… Jenn is considered messy in comparison; however, he loves how she has the ability to tune into his feelings and then go above and beyond to bring him back to happiness when he’s feeling down.

You two were able to surpass challenges of that time and build a strong & lasting relationship. He taught Jenn that you can get through anything through communication … no matter how late it is in the night … you’re gonna talk it out, and she taught Javier the difference between the Pantages and the AMC. You also welcomed each other’s families, communities, and lifelong friends, and joined them together to build a new village.

(To everyone)

As Javier and Jenn prepared for the ceremony part of this wedding, they reflected on what it is that they love about each other.

Javier, Jenn loves …..

Jenn, Javier loves …

(Addresses couple)

Jenn and Javier, when a marriage works, nothing on Earth can take its place. Work every day at making your marriage stronger, better. Make decisions together. Talk openly about your thoughts, dreams, fears, and everything in between. And as you change and grow over time, because you both will, fall in love over and over again. And above all, continue to have complete trust and belief in one another. Never lose that, and together, you will thrive in this next chapter of your lives.

(Declaration of Consent)

We come now to the words Javier and Jenn want to hear most today … the words that take them across the threshold from being engaged to being married.

By being here today, you’ve decided to declare, before everyone here, that a life by each other’s side is far more beautiful than one where you walk apart. It is a promise to grow together, inspire one another and to dedicate each day to find ways to spread this love and light to everyone around you.

Before you declare your vows to one another, we will now confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.

Javier, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Jennifer in marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Groom: I do

Jennifer, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Javier in marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Bride: I do

Javier and Jennifer, having heard that it is your intention to be married to each other, I now ask you to declare your marriage vows.

Please face each other and hold hands.

Wedding Vows

Jenn and Javier have written their own vows for each other. Jenn will go first. (Hand over vow book)

Jenn’s Vows

And now, Javier. (Hand over vow book)

Javier’s Vows

(Take back vow books)

CEREMONY OF RINGS

Officiant: May I have the rings, please. The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. They are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites your hearts in love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Javier, please take this ring and place it on Jenn’s left hand and repeat after me:

Officiant OFF MIC

Jenn, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Jenn, please take this ring and place it on Javier’s left hand and repeat after me:

Officiant OFF MIC

Javier, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

BLESSING OF THE MARRIAGE

Jenn and Javier, I leave you now with a poem as a blessing of your marriage.

May you have the love only two can know

May you go where only two as one may go

May the sun rise and set in your bonded hearts

and the moon never find you too long apart

May you cherish each other's dreams as your own

and turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones

May you brave life's mountains and miles together

May there be no storm your love cannot weather

May you always be lovers and allies and friends

May your souls' conversations never end

May you capture on Earth what's in Heaven above

May your hearts know the rapture of an uncommon love.

(Terah Cox)

PRESENTATION OF THE COUPLE

Jenn and Javier, you have declared your lifelong dedication to one another and have exchanged chosen rings to remind you of this sacred vow. By the power vested in me, by the State of California, it is with my greatest honor to pronounce you, for the first time, husband and wife. You may now share your first kiss as a married couple.

(kiss, officiant step out of photo)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Javier and Jennifer Garcia!