Virginia Mravcak
Minister ID: 1436710 View Ordination Certificate
Wedding Celebration of Megan & Jordan
The Wedding of Megan Esposito & Jordan Merlo
Officiated by Virginia Mravcak at The Grain House at The Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge, New Jersey on July 25th, 2025. Witnessed by Natalie Esposito and Tyree Dormeus.
ABOUT THIS WEDDING
"My opening line to the ceremony was, “I have the absolute privilege to officiate the joining of Megan and Jordan in matrimony.” That sentiment couldn’t have been more truthful and heartfelt. It was a wonderful experience that mere words can’t express. Becoming an officiant had been on my mind for a few years but really had no reason to pursue it. When my nephew became engaged at Christmas, the wedding planning began. There was a discussion on New Year’s Eve, over a little bit too much champagne, that I should marry them. “Of course, I would be honored to!” When I heard the date was in July of this year, I thought, “What have I committed to?” It compares to jumping in a pool without dipping your toe into the water. Just do it! I am so happy that I did. I am so grateful they trusted me with this honor and that I am a permanent part of their wedding history. It was very emotional. I was incredibly nervous for about two hours before the ceremony but retreated to my hotel room so that my energy would not rub off on anyone else. While pacing in my room, I ran through the program again. Once the procession started, it was time, and all my anxiety lifted. This was a big undertaking – obtaining the license was the easy part. I felt the weight of the responsibility. I met several times with the couple over 3-4 months, referred to the officiant reference guide, lots of research online and perusing “wedding” books looking for samples of vows, readings, etc., Providing different options for the couple allowed them to be a part of creating their own ceremony. The ceremony had laughter and tears and was very personal, as the couple wanted me to include my thoughts. The couple wrote their own vows. The wedding attendees really set the tone of the wedding, as they all cheered when Jordan walked down the aisle. Things to consider: • Collaborate with the couple on preparing the ceremony. Have a shared document so updates can be made, and you have a master document. (I sent the final to AMM so they can review it as I wanted to ensure I included everything. Esparanza was wonderful and reassured me!) • Contact the local municipality where the wedding is taking place to ensure there are no additional regulations. • Have a rehearsal prior to the wedding so everyone knows their part and where to stand, etc. This is especially important if you have a young ring bearer and flower girl. • Impress upon the couple and bridal party to curtail any “partying” until after the ceremony. • If the reception is at a venue, the Maître D will want a copy of the ceremony to understand the processional line up. The DJ/musical accompaniment will need to know when to queue the music for the processional, bride entrance and recessional. Also, it is important to ensure the mic works and there is a podium setup if you need it. • When they say it takes a village, you are part of that village – the wedding party and vendors, etc. • Remember we are dealing with people, young children, emotions, nerves, perhaps family drama, unpredictable weather, so you must be calm and flexible. (The young ringer bearer stood with the best man the entire time at the podium, and didn’t want to sit down, but it was all cute. The father of the groom forgot his tuxedo pants, but they arrived in time for the ceremony). • Know your audience and couple – will they get a joke, should it be a more serious tone? • For some reason guests and staff will ask you all sort of questions – where the bathroom is, is there a wheelchair, where is the cocktail hour, etc. Either you know the answers or point them in the direction of someone who does. • Unforeseen things will happen, but the best you can do is be prepared for what you do and your role. • Finally, enjoy the reception/dinner, once your job is completed! • Don’t forget the marriage license signatures! "
Virginia Mravcak
WEDDING PHOTOS
Megan Esposito And Jordan Merlo’s Wedding Wedding Ceremony Script
Megan and Jordan - Wedding Ceremony (updated 07/13/2025)
Outline
1. Procession
2. Ceremony
a) Opening remarks/Invocation
b) Readings
c) Officiants address
d) Declaration of Intent
e) Vows
f) Blessing/Exchange of Rings
g) Pronouncement
3. Closing
a) Kiss
b) Recessional
Details
1. Procession: entrance of the wedding party.
Order: Music: All of Me – John Legend
Mary and Andy
Jordan
Tyree and Natalie
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Music: Marry Me - Train
Pause for Megan and Dad (motion the group to stand as Megan starts walking)
Note: Aunt Gigi and Aunt Jo - Usherettes, assisting with wrangling people and guiding them to their seats (immediate family up front).
The guitarist will be playing music.
Ask the group to be seated.
2. Ceremony
a) Opening Remarks/Invocation:
What a beautiful evening. My name is Ginger, one of Jordan’s aunts and I have the absolute privilege to officiate the joining of Megan and Jordan in matrimony.
Let’s take a moment to pause and silently reflect as to what Megan and Jordan mean to us, our hopes for their future, and send them positive and supportive thoughts as they step into this most important phase of their relationship.
At this time, Megan and Jordan wish to thank you all for joining them here today as they express their love for each other. They are grateful for the friends and family whose guidance and inspiration contributed to the people they are today. While some of those loved ones are not physically with us today, they are here in spirit and all around us, particularly at this important time in their lives, as they build on the lessons of the living and the departed to create their own family.
Not sure if everyone is aware of how Jordan and Megan met – the details of their love story:
● Jordan, Andy (Jordan’s dad), and Nicole (Megan’s cousin) were at a softball tournament. Jordan approached the girl selling pizza to see if he could get her number. When he was told she has a boyfriend, Nicole said she has a cute cousin she could introduce him to.
● Jordan not one to let this opportunity to pass by, he contacted Megan via Facebook, complimenting her on her cute dimple in her profile picture. Very smooth!
● The first date was at the gym and then the Somerset diner. Not the most glamorous first date, but we have all been on worse or am I speaking for myself?
● They hit it off immediately- Megan loved how ambitious Jordan was with a “get it done” attitude and Jordan loved her intelligence and her quest for learning. Of course, Megan’s little dimple and warm smile sealed the deal.
● Since becoming Facebook official exactly 8 years ago today, they have had many adventures together including sky diving, traveling, homeownership, softball tournaments/games,
b) Reading:
At this time, I would like to welcome Nicole, Megan’s cousin, to recite a passage from The Art of Marriage by Wilfred Arian Peterson
Happiness in marriage isn’t something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. It is never being too old to hold hands. Saying I love you once a day and not taking one another for granted. It is a courtship that goes beyond the honeymoon and continues through the years. It is forming a circle of love that encompasses the whole family. It is doing kind things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice but in the spirit of joy. It is not looking for perfection in one another but cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor. It is being close and allowing each other room to grow. It is not only marrying the right partner but being the right partner.
c) Officiants address
Megan and Jordan come before us pledging their love and hearts to one another. May they be true and loving; may their hearts be filled with kindness and understanding, may they forgive each other’s weaknesses, and laugh together often. May they be friends, companions, partners, continuing to meet the joys, challenges, and sometimes sorrows of life as one. May their love continue to deepen and mature and may their home forever be a place of love and joy.
Megan and Jordan – their shared love of the outdoors, and sports, always ready to join forces for a new adventure like home renovation. Jordan – the enthusiastic dream seeker and Megan the planner, keeping things on course. Any differences only complement each other. They are already starting with a solid foundation – mutual respect, common goals, love of family, lots of laughter and humor even when they are the only ones in on the joke. And…they actually like each other.
d) Declaration of Intent
● Ginger: Do you Jordan, welcome Megan as your wife, offering her your love and encouragement, your trust and respect, as together you create your future.
● Jordan: I do
● Ginger: Do you Megan, welcome Jordan as your husband, offering him your love and encouragement, your trust and respect, as together you create your future.
● Megan: I do
e) Vows:
● Ginger: Megan and Jordan have chosen to write their own vows
f) Rings Blessing and exchange: (Tyree to hand off rings)
● Ginger: I hold in my hand two beautiful rings, symbolic of a binding contract, to be given and received as bonds of never-ending love and devoted friendship, circle of life and circles of love. May these rings be blessed as the symbol of affectionate unity
Ring Exchange:
● Ginger: Jordan, please repeat after me: Megan, I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. (I will break this into 2 or 3 parts)
● Jordan repeats and places the ring on Megan’s finger.
● Ginger: Megan, please repeat after me: Jordan, I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as a symbol of our unity.
● Megan repeats and places the ring on Jordan’s finger.
g) Pronouncement & Closing & Recession
● Megan and Jordan, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you just made. By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of New Jersey I now pronounce you wife and husband!
● It is with this in my mind I pronounce you husband and wife. Jordan, you may now kiss your bride.
● It is my pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. Merlo!
Recession: (Music - This Will Be - An Everlasting Love)
Please join the couple for the cocktail hour upstairs. Thank you.
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