Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell

Invocation

Aunty Gerry:

Today, we gather as ʻohana to witness the sacred union of Matthew Stanley Cherne and Tahtiana Pohaikealoha Kamahele, two hearts brought together by something greater than chance.

Each of us here has been blessed to know them through different phases of their journeys. Today, we share a deep love and admiration for two souls who, guided by the spirit of aloha, found their way to each other in a world of 8 billion.

Tahti and Matt stand before us, not as they were yesterday, but as who they are becoming—committed to growing, uplifting one another, and standing firm, especially when life brings challenges.

It is our kuleana (sacred duty) to not only witness this union but to be part of their promise—to Aloha Akua (love and connection to the divine), Aloha Kanaka (love and connection to each other), and Aloha Ohana (love and connection as a family).

Declaration of Intent-

Aunty Gerry:

Tahti and Matt, please turn to face one another and join hands. You are about to step into the sacredness of AloHā.

Alo—being fully present in each other's embrace, surrounded by your ʻohana and all who bear witness to this moment. And Hā—the breath of life that flows between you. As you speak your vows, your words will travel on the breath, carrying the essence of your Mana (your life force).

Breath is life, and life is sacred. Therefore, the words you share today are the most sacred words you will ever speak to each other in this lifetime.

Are you both ready?

Both

YES.

Tahti, do you stand here today with an open heart, freely and without hesitation, ready to embrace Matt as your lifelong partner—your equal in all the challenges, triumphs, and joys that life may bring?

Tahti

I do.

Matt, do you stand here today with an open heart, freely and without hesitation, ready to embrace Tahti as your lifelong partner—your equal in all the challenges, triumphs, and joys that life may bring?

Matt

I do.

Exchange of Vows and Rings

Nio,

May I please have the rings?

Matt and Tahti,

These rings are a sacred symbol of your union, a circle with no beginning and no end, just as your commitment to one another is boundless and everlasting.

Let these rings remind you of the sacred promises you make today, witnessed by your ancestors, your ʻohana, and all gathered here. With them, you vow to walk together, hand in hand, with steadfast love, through all of life's seasons—embracing every moment with an unwavering devotion that endures through whatever life may bring.

Matt, please take this ring and repeat after me.

I, Matthew Stanley, take you Tahtiana Pohaikealoha, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, till death do us part. May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrow, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. If you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn't live a day without you. According to God's holy ordinance, I pledge myself to you, with this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Tahti, please take this ring and repeat after me.

I, Tahtiana Pohaikealoha, take you, Matthew Stanley, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, till death do us part. May you never steal, lie, or cheat, but if you must steal, then steal away my sorrow, and if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. If you must cheat, then please cheat death because I couldn't live a day without you. According to God's holy ordinance, I pledge myself to you, with this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Declaration of Marriage

Tahtiana Pohaikealoha and Matthew Stanley, today you have made sacred vows to stand together, to be each other's foundation, and to face all that life brings with unshakable devotion.

Your commitment to this union reflects the deep aloha that has guided you to this moment and will carry you forward until your last Hā- breath of life. Your love, rooted in this sacred promise, will continue to grow and strengthen, nourished by the mana (spirit, energy) of your ancestors and the ʻohana that surrounds you.

It is with great honor, as your Aunty, and by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Washington to declare you Husband and Wife.

You may now seal your promise with a kiss!