Martin Antonio De Anda

Wedding Officiant Script- Sam and Tanner

(Officiant enters first)

Procession

(Groom enters)

(Bride enters)

Welcome Speech (couples & guests introduction)

Before we begin, the bride and groom have requested no cellphone photography (pause).

Family & Friends,

We have gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Sammie and Tanner.

Today, we will celebrate one of life’s greatest and most important moments. We are here to acknowledge the powerful connection that already exists between Sammie and Tanner.

The happy couple wishes to confirm their union of love publicly and share this treasured moment with the ones that matter the most to them – that’s you all.

This joyous and memorable occasion, which has great significance for us all, is only possible because of your presence. Thank you for being here on this wonderful day.

Personal Anecdote/Background

My name is Martin De Anda, and I will be today’s wedding officiant. When Sammie and Tanner asked me to officiate their ceremony, I was floored. It’s not everyday you get to officiate a wedding, let alone a friend’s. I am honored to be part of their wedding. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the couple since they started dating in March, 2019. I still remember the first day Tanner mentioned Sammie’s name to me. We were on our lunch break and you could easily tell, someone special was about to enter his life because he talked the whole time without touching his food. If you know Tanner as well as I do, that says something. The first time I met Sammie, I understood what Tanner said. Being a teacher like Sammie and Tanner, you could easily see the instant connection but most importantly, love between them. Sammie is exceptional and a good friend, but without a doubt, she’s the spark that Tanner needed in his life. Sammie and Tanner truly compliment each other.

Before we continue on, I have a story to share about their proposal:

During the summer of 2023, Tanner and Sammie were on a couple’s beach trip with friends. On that trip, he had decided that he would propose to Sammie. We worked tirelessly to make a picture perfect proposal. On the day of the proposal, it rained all day… Fortunately, the weather paused and we ventured onto the beach to plant his materials for the proposal. Tanner selected the brightest toy shovel to mark the location. The plan was simple, take Sammie on a stroll along the shore and knock the shovel over. There, he would propose. The time arrived and the plan was in motion. Tanner and Sammie were walking along the shore, however, Tanner walked Sammie a mile past the shovel… We had to call them back because it was “going to rain again.” After a few minutes of stalling, Tanner found the shovel and the rest is history… At the time, I found the stunt humorous but now reflecting, it was clear what happened; Tanner never missed the shovel, he just couldn’t keep his eyes off Sammie.

Moving forward, I doubt it’ll ever change. Kudos Sammie!

During our conversations I often think what a lovely couple they make. They belong together and have a deep connection that will last forever. What greater gift can two people share, than the gift of love.

Special Acknowledgements (Family)

On behalf of the bride and groom, they would like to thank their parents and step parents; Martin and Leesa Guolo, Scott and Rachel Cayton, and Mike and Brittiany Vest. They are so very thankful for you all and your support over the years. You have given them so much without asking for anything in return and they are forever grateful for this.

To Guests, Family and Friends

Guests, family, and friends…you are the community that surrounds this happy couple and you are the fabric of their lives.

Stitched together with hope, love, and support, each one of you plays a significant role in this celebration. Surrounded by the warmth of all of you – the different moments of their lives, we can celebrate their joy & happiness. We are all a major part of the patchwork that is their lives together.

Today, we embark on the new chapter of their married life. Without your gift of love and support, this wedding would not be the joyous and exciting occasion that it is. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you put in to join us. Thank you all very much for coming!

Meaning of Commitment

Sammie and Tanner, you have chosen to embrace a new life together. Your budding romance has blossomed into full bloom. You are two souls entwined into one who have an exclusive closeness and a true understanding of the purpose and beauty of marriage. Good communication, compassion, commitment, and embracing of challenges is the heart of it all. Through it all, the journey of life, you two will stand together as one until the end of time.

The bride and groom would like to share this quote as a symbol of their love for one another:

“My someone. There comes a time in life where you come across a person that is a deep breath personified. Someone who knows what you're thinking simply by the look in your eyes. Someone you can laugh until you cry with. Someone you can pour your heart out to and you know they’ll hold it gently and without judgment. Someone who knows how to melt away your stress. Someone who challenges you yet handles you with care. Someone who reminds you of your strength at your weakest points and you believe them. Someone who celebrates you and sings your praises, even when you're not around.

Someone who softens your heart when things get tough, but would go to war for you in a heartbeat. Someone who you can share your stories with, deepening your connection with every page. Someone who would never allow you to settle because their faith in you is unwavering. Someone you feel you've known in a past life and that you'd find in every lifetime. Someone you could spend your entire life thanking and it would never be enough.

Thank you for being my someone. My safe space in human form. If I could wish anything for anyone, it would be to have someone like you.”

Exchanging of Rings

(say to Tanner and Samantha)

So, with the love you feel in your hearts, you want to seal these vows by exchanging wedding rings. These precious rings are a symbol of unity, and the unbroken circle of love.

Harper, can you please come forward with the rings?

(Harper hands the rings to Marty)

Tanner please take the ring and place it on Samantha’s left hand and repeat after me…

“I choose you to be my lifelong partner and give you this ring as a symbol of my love (break- Tanner repeats). I join my life to yours forever.” (break- Tanner repeats)

Samantha please take this ring and place it on Tanner’s left hand and repeat after me…

“I choose you to be my lifelong partner and give you this ring as a symbol of my love (break- Samantha repeats). I join my life to yours forever.” (break- Samantha repeats)

Official Wedding Vows

Today, before your adoring family and friends you declare your love for one another and promise to cherish, protect, and care for one another for the rest of your lives.

Now hold hands and answer the following, to each other.

Tanner...

Do you promise to love, cherish, comfort, honor, and protect Samantha, in sickness and in health. For good or for bad, for rich or poor, and shelter her for as long as you both shall live?

Tanner says “I do”

Samantha…

Do you promise to love, cherish, comfort, honor, and protect Tanner, in sickness and in health. For good or for bad, for rich or poor, and shelter him for as long as you both shall live?

Samantha says “I do”

Pronouncement of Marriage

(Closing remarks)

Today, on June 22nd, 2024, we all wish Sammie and Tanner a magical start to their new journey. You have our best wishes, our hopes, our high expectations, and our love. With this final act, the couples’ marriage becomes morally binding in the eyes of us all.

With great joy and happiness, we witness a couple that are committed to their marriage, long-term companionship, and a beautiful shared life together.

I, Martin DeAnda, on behalf of your family and friends, we now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Cayton.

You may now kiss the bride

**(Sammie and Tanner kiss)**

End of Ceremony

(Ending script)

(Groom and bride recess out first- groom on bride’s left)

(After they are out, then bride’s parents recess)

(Then, grooms parents recess)

(Lastly, officiant recesses out)