Bryan Michael Ferro

Dearly Beloved, Family, Friends, and Guests,

We are gathered here today to unite Brittany Hayes and Anthony Ferro in marriage.

I know this may not be a religious ceremony, but it only feels fitting to mention we have the father, the son, and Brittany, you will definitely need the power of the Holy Spirit to deal with these two forever.

As Anthony’s brother, it’s been enlightening to be an eye witness of the progression of the love these two share for each other. After meeting for the first time almost 3 years ago, and what felt like a record breaking amount of time for Anthony to be out of the house, the root of their love was established that day. From there, those roots expanded and a beautiful relationship bloomed out of it, beginning the everlasting bond that we will celebrate here today. I’ll try not to take too long speaking, being that at the rate that these two move, we all may receive an invitation to a baby shower before the ceremony even ends.

In all seriousness, while searching for the best words to say today, I was given some advice that felt perfect to speak about today. A wise individual once told me that a successful marriage is not simply about splitting everything 50/50, but rather about embracing the beautiful dance of unity and selflessness. They say that true love calls us to go beyond the notion of equal halves and encourages us to give our all, to pour our hearts into every moment, and to support one another unconditionally. It is a dance of partnership where sometimes one person must step forward to carry the weight, while the other follows, offering their unwavering support.

In the ebb and flow of life, there will be times when one partner may need to give 80% or even 100%, while the other finds solace in receiving and trusting their partner to carry them through. A successful marriage is not measured by a ledger, but rather by the overflowing of love, the grace of forgiveness, and the profound respect shared between two souls. It is about knowing that through life's joys and challenges, each partner is committed to uplifting the other, to celebrating victories together, and to providing compassion during times of sorrow.

As Brittany and Anthony take this step in their lifelong journey of love, I encourage them to embrace the understanding that a successful marriage is not about finding a 50/50 balance, but about finding a way to continually give their best, to meet each other where they are, and to grow together as they navigate the winding roads of life. May they always remember that their unity is not defined by an equal split, but by the immeasurable power of their love for one another.

Anthony and Brittany will now share the vows they have prepared for each other.

Do you Anthony, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

[I do]

Do you Brittany take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

[I do]

Anthony and Brittany have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love."

OFFICIANT To Anthony:

Anthony, as you place this ring on Brittany's finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever."

OFFICIANT To Brittany:

"Brittany, as you place this ring on Anthony's finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever."

It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to present these two for the first time, by the authority vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife, you may kiss the bride!