Shelley Ginsberg-Naser

Please be seated.

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this most happy of days. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, as each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of Kristopher and Ali.

“The greatest gift you can give Kris & Ali today is to be truly present, if you would like to take a quick photo – please do so now and then please turn off all phones and put away your cameras until after the ceremony and enjoy this special moment with us. “

I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, I’m Shelley Naser. Kris has been part of my chosen family for nearly 25 years and I’m honored that Ali & Kris chose me to join them in marriage.

I truly can’t think of a better venue than this beautiful garden for an occasion that I know is not only monumental for the wedded-couple-to-be, but for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals, but even more so as a perfect pairing.

The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete, someone who balances you out, someone who understands you, believes in you and the person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For Kris and Ali that happened about 3 years ago when they met. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as we witness their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

{The Love Story.}

As a third-party spectator to their developing love, it was extremely clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing because each of them complements the other so well. They balance one another, and while each of them is a tremendous individual on their own, together they are even better…. and being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners, is what has been several years in the making and ultimately leads us to being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love most.

I wish I could tell you a single story about Kris and Ali that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, and the lives of each of us, but the truth is there isn’t one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. But what I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves; that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they’re together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated.

I also know that it’s not just anyone with whom you can have communication with simply a look, or surprise each other with reservations at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing for months, or explore a foreign land together, or say I’m sorry” every time it’s warranted (...eventually). To be supportive, to offer advise without judgement, to listen and truly hear what the other is thinking and feeling… They do that for and with each other.

But it’s also my personal experiences with Kris and Ali that highlight the quality of their love. When I’m engaging with them, I am always enjoying myself. And I am certain that that’s part of what makes them so special to each of us: how happy and contented we feel when we are with them. And what I wish for them on their wedding day is that their lifetime together as a team is one of contentment; full of those moments that they wish would never end, and that they continue to smile and laugh together, to make one another feel safe, appreciated, and loved as they make each other feel today

{A Poem by Whitney Hanson}

They say that sometimes love starts with a spark - and that might be true, but if I were to wish you love, I wouldn’t wish fire for you…

You see, fire is powerful, it burns bright and it’s gone.

It’s beautiful and warm but it doesn’t last long.

So instead of wishing you love that burns, I wish you love like a river that twists and turns, it changes and flows, it is powerful and free, but it consistently finds its way back to the sea.

And so, like the water, I hope your love is ever growing - ever changing. I hope your love is powerful and free.

And may you always find each other…like a river finds the sea.

So, without further ado…

{The Vows.}

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered together here to join Kristopher and Ali in the 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.

Kristopher, do you take Ali to be your wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

[“I do.”]

Ali, do you take Kristopher to be your husband?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?

[“I do.”]

{The Rings.}

Kristopher and Ali will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other. Rings are made of precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

Kristopher, please place the ring on Ali’s left hand and repeat after me:

Please accept this ring

(“Please accept this ring”)

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

Ali, please place the ring on Kristopher’s left hand and repeat after me:

Please accept this ring

(“Please accept this ring”)

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

{The Good Wishes.}

To make your relationship work will take love, patience, kindness, appreciation and understanding. Continue to date each other. Take time to show each other that your love and marriage grows stronger with time and are a priority.

It will take trust to know that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.

It will take dedication to stay open to one another—and to learn and grow together.

It will take loyalty to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment to hold true to the journey you have both pledged today.

Shelley Step To One Side

{"The Kiss"}

And now by the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

[Kiss]

I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, Kristopher & Ali Selvaggi