Joel Paul Parada

Opening Words

Ladies and Gentlemen, family, friends, and those who came just for

the open bar — Welcome and thank you all for being here in lovely

Madera, California.

We’re gathered here today to witness the loving union of Jonathan

Garcia Jennings and Vanessa Marie Santellano. Two people who

swiped right, fell in love and after all this time still choose each

other. Today they choose each other publicly.

To you beautiful guests, it is important to emphasize that Jonathan

and Vanessa have picked each of you to be here because you’ve

played a meaningful role in their journey. Your love, friendship, and

support throughout their lives have helped shape who they are as

individuals and as a couple— your support here today will continue

to uplift them in the years ahead as they officially start their family.

As Jon’s best friend, I’ve had the joy of watching their love grow

and I’m honored to stand here today.

Before we continue, this wedding is not only a celebration of the

couple, but a tribute to the power of family and community—to

those standing beside us, and those we carry in our hearts. Let us

take a brief moment of silence to honor the loved ones who are no

longer physically with us, but whose presence surrounds us in spirit

today and always.

———————————5 second pause——————————

Introduction of Couple

From the day they first met, Jonathan and Vanessa just clicked. Their

first date wasn’t awkward—it was fun, and natural. Jon saw right away

that Vanessa was beautiful, kind, and brought warmth into every room

she walked into. Vanessa, meanwhile, was relieved that Jon was cuter in

person—and even more grateful that there was a spark between them.

I remember within months of them dating, Jon telling me “we’re moving

in together” I was pleasantly surprised to see how excited Jon was to

start this new chapter of his life with Vanessa. Everyone around them

could see how happy and complete they made each other. Within a year,

life threw them the challenge of long-distance and a move to the

Midwest for Jon. But instead of drifting apart, it only made them

stronger.

Soon after, they were starting their life together in Milwaukee and even

added a new member to their family- their fur baby Moosey. Their leap

of faith had paid off.

If you ask them both what has made their relationship work after all this

time and everything they have taken on together, they don’t hesitate:

communication, trust, a shared sense of humor, and an uncanny ability

to finish each other’s… tequila espresso martinis. No matter what, they

are always a team.

In a world of billions, amongst the chaos of the universe, Jonathan and

Vanessa have chosen to become forever accountable to each other and to

all the possibilities that their union has to offer.

As a married man myself, I wanted to include some words of advice to

remind us all that marriage is not about one single perfect moment, but

a series of moments stitched together.

Reading - The long road ahead

Marriage is not a single day.

It is the long road ahead—

with road trips and reroutes,

flat tires and breathtaking views.

There will be mornings when one of you drives,

and evenings when the other takes the wheel.

There will be detours you didn’t expect,

and maps you throw away

to follow the stars instead.

You may not always move in perfect rhythm,

but you will always move forward—

because the point of the journey

is not speed or distance.

It is the company.

It is the hand in yours,

the laughter beside you,

the promise that whatever comes next,

you will not face it alone.

Exchange of Vows

Now, Jonathan and Vanessa have written their own vows—personal

promises that honor not only the love they share today, but also their

commitment to their life together. More than words for this moment;

they’re a blueprint for how the couple will continue to love and honor

each other for all the days to come.

Jonathan, you may go first.

Vanessa, whenever you’re ready.

Jonathan Garcia Jennings, do you take Vanessa Marie Santellano to be

your lawfully wedded wife—to have and to hold, in sickness and in

health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and to love and cherish

her for all the days of your life, until death do you part?

Vanessa Marie Santellano, do you take Jonathan Garcia Jennings to be

your lawfully wedded husband—to have and to hold, in sickness and in

health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and to love and cherish

him for all the days of your life, until death do you part?

Exchange of Rings

Now, we move onto the exchange of rings. These rings are a beautiful

reminder of the vows you've made today. Their unbroken circle, without

a beginning or an end, representing the promises you’ll keep to each

other forever.

Jonathan, please place the ring on Vanessa’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love,

And my promise to stand by you

all the days of my life

Vanessa, please place the ring on Jonathan’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love,

And my promise to stand by you

all the days of my life

Pronouncement of Marriage

Jonathan and Vanessa, today you’ve promised not only to love each

other, but to keep building the kind of partnership that’s carried you

from the day you met to this moment.

You’ve exchanged vows, shared rings, and shown everyone here the

strength and commitment of your bond. Surrounded by the family and

friends who adore you your union is now sealed.

By the power vested in me by the State of California, it is my greatest

honor to pronounce you husband and wife—Mr. and Mrs. Jennings. You

may now kiss your bride!