Paulette Rhoda Franco

This script borrowed from a few different scripts in the AMM library and was edited and supplemented to be customized for the couple.

OFFICIANT

Friends and family, we’ve come together today to honor the love between Jesse and Elsa as they take the vows of marriage.

But first, let us take a moment to remember those who can’t be with us today, either because of distance or because they have passed on to another plane. In particular, we remember Jesse’s father, Francisco Pahua, and Elsa’s nephew, Ivan (FatFat) Serrato. Although they aren’t with us here in body today, they are with us always in spirit.

(Moment of silence)

The promises of marriage are many. Marriage promises companionship and laughter, challenge and joy, adventure and peace. It’s a bond we build of the strongest faith in another person and their love for us, an ability to look at our lover with eyes unclouded and heart open. To see them as they are, and to see our truest self in their love and acceptance.

Jesse and Elsa have faced and overcome numerous challenges together -- from when they started dating during COVID, supporting each other through the COVID shutdown and the loss of Jesse’s beloved father. Those challenges are outshined by their love and enjoyment of each other.

When I asked Jesse and Elsa what they love most about each other, Elsa told me that she loves how loyal and thoughtful Jesse is. No matter what is happening, he always has her back. He makes her feel protected, and no matter what is going on, he makes her feel that everything will be okay. Jesse loves Elsa’s loyalty and thoughtfulness. Jesse loves how Elsa loves and treats all of his kids as her own.

Both Jesse and Elsa understand that marriage is a partnership. They are ready to take upon themselves this lifelong commitment to grow together, laugh together, and face every life challenge together.

The love between Jesse and Elsa is enduring. I’m sure you can feel it from where you sit – radiating outwards from these two beautiful people like sunlight. Their love lights up everything they touch and every person they meet.

A love of absolute abundance.

The marriage that Jesse and Elsa begin today is a manifestation of this love. And it will be a mighty one, too! Remember that although you won’t spend every day with them, your love will reach Jesse and Elsa wherever they are. Your love will hold them up and light their path, as they meet each new day together with curiosity, taking comfort in each other and their community, as they explore the unknown future.

Love isn’t just a feeling. It’s an action, and a decision not to act. It’s an essence, and an energy, the invisible fabric of our cosmos, our paths woven together in intricate patterns of compassion, compromise, understanding, and acceptance. Love is a power greater than us, and within us. Love is language, and the warmth of sitting in shared silence with someone who truly sees us – the way Jesse and Elsa truly see each other.

Now, we celebrate with them as they commit to honor this love for a lifetime.

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Jesse and Elsa, we welcome you to this moment in your lives. You have our unwavering support and friendship. You have built a home for each other in your hearts, a safe and infinite haven. Today, we celebrate you as you begin to build a marriage.

DECLARATION OF INTENT: ‘WE DO’S

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Jesse and Elsa, do you now pledge your commitment to each other in marriage — to comfort, honor, and provide for each other each day?

JESSE AND ELSA

(Together) We do!

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Do you promise your devotion and dedication, and to keep your faith in each other even on the difficult days?

JESSE AND ELSA

(Together) We do!

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

And do you promise to have fun together, to seek new joys and discoveries, to play and laugh together – even when you’re old and gray?

JESSE AND ELSA

(Together) We do!

RINGS EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT

Jesse and Elsa have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of their commitment.

Each ring is a circle - a symbol of a shared path that is open and endless, without beginning or end. These rings are made of precious metal, unbreakable, like your bond. Wear them proudly as a reminder of the promises you make today.

Then please, exchange rings as a symbol of the promises you make here and take each other’s hands.

• JESSE AND ELSA EXCHANGE RINGS AND CLASP HANDS.

Blessing

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

Let us bow our heads and pray a blessing on this marriage:

Bless this day, O’ Lord, and bless this union. Help them to remember to grow into a strong love every day. Put your circle of protection around them and let nothing divide them. Give them words both kind and loving to each other every day. Grant them the sacred bond of kindness, truthfulness, and faithfulness in their home. Make their hearts always ready to ask for forgiveness as well as to forgive. May they continue to bring out the best in each other and remember to keep you in their hearts.

We put this marriage into your hands and ask for your blessing as they start this new life together.

ALL

(Together) Amen

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

By the power vested in me by the State of California and American Marriage Ministries, and with the support of friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may kiss.

RECESSIONAL

OFFICIANT TO THE GUESTS

It is my great pleasure to present, for the first time as a married couple, Jesse and Elsa.