Carlos Alberto David

My cherished friends and family – we’re gathered in this close circle to celebrate Stephany my beloved daughter, whom I’ve loved as my own since she was a little girl - and Luis, the man who lights up her world.

 

Standing here as her parent and your officiant, my heart is full seeing these two incredible souls coming together to be united.

 

Normally I’d ask if anyone has any reason why these two lovely kids should not be married,… but who cares about what anyone else thinks right?  Instead, I just want to ask / confirm that you (Luis and Stephany) are both here on your own free will to make your promises to each other public in front of your loved ones.  Yes?

 

Stephany, baby girl,..  I’ve watched you grow into this radiant, brave woman, with a heart as big as your smile.

 

Luis, you bring her such joy, and your love shines in every moment you share.

 

Today, you’re promising to be each other’s partner-through life…. its wild adventures, quiet nights, and everything in between.

 

Before we get to the exchanging of vows, I believe Maria would like to share a few words…

 

And now, I would like to invite you all to help me with a little gesture…  in a way you can each share in this beautiful moment…

 

Ring Warming Gesture

Everyone…. You are present here today because each of you is very important to the couple… and it is an honor for them to have chosen us to share in this beautiful moment with them….  And I know Luis & Stephany would like each of you to also be able to individually participate in making their union extra special.

 

[Holding up the rings in the small pouch]

 

I hold here the rings that Luis and Stephany will exchange to symbolize their love, but before that, it would be nice that all of you warm them with your blessing.  I will pass these rings around, and as you receive them, I ask that you please take a moment, and while holding their rings, offer a silent prayer, blessing, or wish,.. for Luis & Stephany in their new life together.  Wish them love & happiness, with that their hopes and dreams for a life together will become a reality, or wish for them whatever is in your heart.  Your loving energy will help to move and carry them on the journey that they will share as a married couple.

 

This gesture will allow Luis & Stephany to feel all of the love and tenderness that you are carrying for them in your hearts.  They will wear these rings every day of their lives knowing that they are truly infused with the love and blessings of their dearest ones.

 

We’ll start with the Maid of Honors…

 

And while everyone is doing that… I’d like to give you a little thought for you both to always remember…

“Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love…  but they truly become unbreakable when we love the ones we marry….”

 

The Key to Love by Unkown Author

The key to love is understanding…

As it is the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness…

To accept each other’s faults and pardon mistakes.

The key to love is sharing…

Sharing and facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together;

Both conquering problems, forever searching for ways

To intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving…

Giving without thought of return,

But with just the hope of a simple smile,

And by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect…

Respect realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas;

That you don’t belong to each other,

That you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all…

It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients

That will take you to its threshold;

It is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work…

But the rewards are more than the effort…,

and THAT is the key to love!

 

And now - for the part we’ve all been waiting for….

 

Stephany, do you take Luis as your husband, to share every laugh, dream, and step of this journey?  

 

Luis, do you take Stephany as your wife, to love fiercely and stand by her always?

 

Can we have the rings back please? -   these simple bands hold your promise, a love that’s steady and true.   As you exchange them, you’re vowing to choose each other, every single day.

 

With all the love surrounding you and the promises you’ve made, and by the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministry and the State of Florida, it’s my absolute joy to pronounce you husband & wife. (partners for life).

 

You may now kiss the bride and share that first kiss as a married couple!

 

Stephany & Luis. - look around… these people (family) around you forms your circle of support always for whatever you need….  Both of you stand in the middle. And at the very center of that circle is God always!   Always keep Him in the center of your marriage first!!! 

 

Everyone, please join me in wishing this lovely couple all the best as they go forward together as one for the rest of their lives,… and let’s wrap Stephany and Luis in all our love and prayers!

 

Thank you.