Philip Marcel Paul

Welcome/Announcements

Good afternoon everyone and welcome. Before we get started if you could all please be sure to silence your phones. “Especially the groom. And groomsmen. C’mon guys, is everything off?”

Procession

Giving Away of the Bride

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Opening Words and Introduction

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Kaitlyn Paul and Leo Rossi in the spiritual union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

And while that may sound intimidating, it is important to remember that today is a celebration.

A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for the long haul.

You don’t have to have a ceremony to have a marriage.

And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right?

You’re standing up here in front of your families, looking fancy and holding flowers, while everyone stares at you.

So why do we do it?

The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society.

We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others.

But why this moment?

Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share.

It’s the great unifier – our one universal truth.

That no matter who we are, where we’ve come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we’re doing right.

That’s why you are both standing here.

And that’s why we are all here to share this moment with you.

We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we’re reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

All of us here today have our own love stories.

Some are short, others long.

Some are yet unwritten, while others are just getting to the good part.

There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing – and others that are exciting and full of adventure.

In 2016 when Kaitlyn invited Leo to a Saint Patrick’s Day party, I doubt either of them had any idea where that would eventually lead.

But here we are today, a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them here, and a time to look ahead to all the moments that are still to come.

I’m here – we’re all here – because we want those moments for you.

We’re here to hope with you, to support you, to be proud of you, and to remind you that love isn’t happily ever after, it’s the experience of writing your story.

It’s not one moment – not even this moment. It’s every moment.

Big ones like saying “I love you” for the first time, moving in together, buying your first home, adopting Winnie, and getting engaged – but mostly it’s a million little ones that come in between these big moments.

Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together, spending holidays with your families, and even just getting a hug when you get home from work…

These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.

And even though this experience is so incredible; words fail us when we try and explain it.

That’s just the way it is– love is meant to be felt, not described, but we all know it when we see it.

And I think I speak for everyone here today years when I say that we all see it.

Declaration of Consent

That love has brought you here today to enter into the bond of marriage, a journey that two individuals take, united by their love and commitment to one another. Kaitlyn and Leo the love that you share has brought us all together, a testament to the bond you've nurtured.

So now I ask:

Do you Leo promise to love Kaitlyn and respect her, to share your life and your dreams, to build with her a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment and growth?

“I do”

Do you Kaitlyn promise to love Leo and respect him, to share your life and your dreams, to build with him a home that is a place of love, happiness, commitment and growth?

“I do”

Introduction to the Vows

Kaitlyn and Leo, I invite you now to join hands and face each other, as you prepare to exchange your vows.

The formal exchange of your wedding vows is the most ancient part of a wedding ceremony.

These are the words that couples for centuries have spoken to one another and, while they are very simple words, they have extraordinary meaning and importance.

As you speak them to one another, you will discover that these are truly sacred promises that are meant to be kept forever.

Vows

Leo, please repeat after me:

Kaitlyn, I love you.

You are my best friend.

Today I give myself to you in marriage.

I promise to encourage and inspire you,

to laugh with you,

and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad,

when life seems easy

and when it seems hard,

and when our love is simple,

and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you,

and to always hold you in highest regard.

These things I give to you today,

and all the days of our life.

Kaitlyn, please repeat after me:

Leo, I love you.

You are my best friend.

Today I give myself to you in marriage.

I promise to encourage and inspire you,

to laugh with you,

and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad,

when life seems easy

and when it seems hard,

and when our love is simple,

and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you,

and to always hold you in highest regard.

These things I give to you today,

and all the days of our life.

Introduction to the Exchange of Rings

Ryan if you could please present the rings now…

Rings are symbols of eternity, their circular shape representing the endless and enduring nature of love.

May these rings symbolize your inherent wholeness and unity with one another, giving you the strength to happily honor your commitments to each other.

May they remind you that marriage is not a destination but a journey, with no beginning and no end, just a moment to moment opportunity to love and be loved to the best of your ability.

Exchange of Rings (90 seconds)

Leo, as you place the ring on Kaitlyn’s finger, please repeat after me:

I Leo, take thee, Kaitlyn to be my Wife.

To have and to hold,

in sickness and in health,

for richer or for poorer,

in joy and sorrow,

and I promise my love to you.

And with this ring,

I take you as my Wife,

for as long as we both shall live.

Kaitlyn, as you place the ring on Leo’s finger, please repeat after me:

I Kaitlyn, take thee Leo, to be my Husband.

To have and to hold,

in sickness and in health,

for richer or for poorer,

in joy and sorrow,

and I promise my love to you.

And with this ring,

I take you as my husband,

for as long as we both shall live.

Pronouncement of Marriage

Kaitlyn and Leo, as you have exchanged your vows and rings, you have solidified your commitment to each other in the presence of your loved ones. Remember, a successful marriage requires effort, patience, and most importantly, the ability to find joy and wonder in each day you share.

May your journey be filled with laughter, understanding, and endless love. May you continue to find strength in each other, and may your bond grow even stronger with each passing day.

By the authority vested in me by the State of Rhode Island I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride!

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Rossi!