Steven J Soto

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

Opening remarks:

Good afternoon, everyone.

We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Christopher Morales and Devine Mary Sanchez. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as they join their hearts and lives in marriage. Marriage is a partnership founded on love, trust, respect, and shared commitment. It is more than a legal bond—it is a promise made in the presence of those who mean the most. Today, Christopher and Devine stand before us to declare their love and intention to build a life together.

Dramatic pause:

Declaration of Intent-

Christopher and Devine, before we proceed with your vows, I ask you both:

Christopher, do you take Devine to be your lawfully wedded wife, to stand with her in the face of all life brings, to support her, care for her, and share with her a life of love and respect from this day forward?

(Christopher responds: “I do.”)

Devine, do you take Christopher to be your lawfully wedded husband, to stand with him in the face of all life brings, to support him, care for him, and share with him a life of love and respect from this day forward?

(Devine responds: “I do.”)

Vows:

Now, Christopher and Devine will share their vows.

Christopher, please repeat after me:

“I promise to love you, to stand beside you in good times and in bad, to listen, to learn, and to grow with you, to support your dreams as if they were my own, and to build a future hand in hand, for all the days of our lives.”

Devine, please repeat after me:

“I promise to love you, to stand beside you in good times and in bad, to listen, to learn, and to grow with you, to support your dreams as if they were my own, and to build a future hand in hand, for all the days of our lives.”

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It has no beginning and no end—just like the love you share. It represents the unbroken circle of your commitment.

Exchangement of rings:

Christopher, please place the ring on Devine’s finger and repeat after me:

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to love you, honor you, and stand by you always.”

Devine, please place the ring on Christopher’s finger and repeat after me:

“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to love you, honor you, and stand by you always.”

Christopher and Devine, as you look to the future, know that your love is a foundation upon which you can build a lifetime of shared memories, growth, and unwavering support. Today is a celebration of what you have already created together and a promise of all that is yet to come. May you continue to stand side by side, hand in hand, facing life with courage, kindness, and love.

Let us now bow our heads and offer a prayer.

Short prayer:

Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of love and the joining of these two hearts. We ask that You bless Christopher and Devine in their marriage. May their bond be steadfast, their words kind, and their joy everlasting. Surround them with the support and guidance of family and friends through all seasons of life.

We also ask for Your blessings upon the families who have raised them and who now come together as one. Bless the hands that have prepared this meal we are about to enjoy, nourishing our bodies just as Your love nourishes our spirits.

And Lord, we also offer a special thanks for the cake—because, let’s be honest, some of us came for that too.

In Your name we pray, Amen.

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the great State of Texas I now pronounce you husband and wife!

Christopher, you may now kiss your bride.

It is my honor to present to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Morales!