Brown Allen Nevels, III

Wedding Ceremony

1. Processional

(Music plays, wedding party enters. Couple takes their place.)

I’m there first

Gabe walks by himself

Wedding party in reverse order

Ring barrier

Flower girl

Last Dotti

2. Welcome & Opening Words

Officiant:

“Good evening, family and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments: the joining of two incredible people, Dotti and Gabe.

Now, before we begin, let’s take a moment to recognize how fortunate we are to witness this. After all, these two have demonstrated an impressive level of commitment to each other–enduring 300 miles of distance over 6 years, multiple unexpected hardships including job losses, surgeries, and hospital stays. And in those challenging times, Gabe has always maintained, ‘we got this’--and today is another example of them rising to the occasion.”

3. The Love Story

Officiant:

“Dotti and Gabe’s story is one of friendship that blossomed into something enduring.

Perhaps the biggest proof of devotion? Football season. You see, Dotti comes from her own proud football roots in Nebraska as a Cornhusker, but for Gabe… she made the ultimate sacrifice — she wore burnt orange of the mighty Texas Longhorns. Yes, she put on Longhorn colors, not once, but frequently…all for the man she loves.

That, my friends, is the kind of loyalty that makes a marriage last. And it is that same loyalty and devotion that brings us here today.”

4. Family & Guest Acknowledgment

Officiant (to the room):

“Before we continue, let’s take a moment to acknowledge all of you — dearest family and friends who have traveled from near and far to be here today. Some of you came from all over the great country… I mean, our great state of Texas. Some even as far north as Nebraska — proving that Longhorns and Cornhuskers can, in fact, socialize and even cohabitate.

Others braved roads, airports, and airplanes. A special thanks to all of you who traveled here to DFW to be here today — you’ve officially proven your love for these two and this event is especially strong.

Travel isn’t easy, whether it’s hours on the road with bad drivers and gas station coffee, or trusting the skies. Dotti and Gabe want you to know that it truly means the world to them that you made the effort and sacrifice of your valuable time to be here to celebrate – that one of the world’s most eligible bachelor has FINALLY and officially retired this title, and thus bequests it to his nephew Maximillian.”

“I want to take a moment to thank Dotti and Gabe for the opportunity to marry them. Dotti is my cousin but you were more than just family during a tough time in my life and I want to thank you for being there for me. And Gabe, thanks for showing me a good time in Vegas for my 40th birthday. Thank you both again for this honor.”

5. Scripture & Wisdom on Love

Officiant:

“Marriage has always been guided by wisdom that transcends time.

As Paul instructed in the Holy Bible, we are to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, forgiving one another as God forgives us. And then he tells us that above all, we are to put on love. Because love is what binds everything together in perfect unity.”

6. Transition to Intent

Officiant:

“And now, before we move forward, I will ask Dotti and Gabe to declare their intent — the promises that form the foundation of their marriage.”

Declaration of Intent

Officiant:

“Dotti, do you take Gabe to be your husband — to love him, support him, be his biggest cheerleader, and let him drive his new Corvette, play golf, poker, travel to Las Vegas with you as his favorite blackjack companion — for as long as you both shall live?”

Dotti: “I do.”

Officiant:

“And Gabe, do you take Dotti to be your wife — to love her, support her, occasionally let her win at poker, as well as sweep her off her feet, snuggle her, and make her laugh, remembering that your happiness is forever linked with hers — for as long as you both shall live?”

Gabe: “I do.”

7. Transition to Vows

Officiant:

“Your intent has been declared. Now it is time to speak the promises of your hearts.”

8. Exchange of Vows

Dotti’s Vows

“I, Dotti, take you, Gabe, to be my husband.

I promise to stand by your side in laughter and in tears,

in triumph and in challenge.

I promise to love you fiercely, respect you deeply,

and to always believe in us, even when life tests us.

I promise to celebrate with you in times of joy,

to comfort you in times of sorrow,

and to never forget that together, we can overcome anything.

I promise to cherish you every single day,

and to love you for all the days of my life.”

Gabe’s Vows:

“I, Gabe, take you, Dotti, to be my wife.

I promise to honor you, protect you,

and to keep saying, ‘we got this’ no matter what adversity comes our way.

I promise to make you laugh,

to support your dreams as if they were my own,

and to always hold your hand through life’s ups and downs.

I promise to be patient,

to cherish you every single day,

and to love you for all the days of my life.”

9. Transition to Family Promise

Officiant:

“Marriage is not only about the two of you, but about the family and the life you are building together. And today, that circle of love becomes official.”

10. Family Acknowledgment & Gabe’s Promise

Officiant:

“Anyone who has spent time with Dotti and Gabe knows that life with them is never dull. Between three adorable Shih Tzus and three amazing kids, there’s no shortage of love, loyalty, and just the right amount of mischief.

And today, Gabe not only takes Dotti as his wife, but embraces Brittany, Madi, and Tristan as his family. At this time, Gabe would like to share a special promise to them.”

Gabe’s Family Promise

“Brittany, Madi, and Tristan — I promise to encourage you, to listen to you, and to always be someone you can count on. I promise to believe in your dreams as if they were my own, and to stand beside you as you pursue them. I promise to be there in your joys and in your struggles, cheering you on every step of the way. Together with your mom, I vow to build a home filled with laughter, love, and support for all of you.”

11. Unity Candle with Kids

Officiant:

“Dotti and Gabe will now light their unity candle, symbolizing their two lives becoming one. The flame represents the warmth and light you bring to each other — and hopefully not a fire hazard.

Officiant:

“As Ecclesiastes reminds us: ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’

Today, this flame represents your unity and the strength of your marriage – a love that shines bright on its own and will carry you forward together.”

12. Transition to Rings

Officiant:

“You have spoken your vows and made promises as a family. Now you will seal those promises with the giving and receiving of rings.”

13. Exchange of Rings

Officiant:

“May I have the rings?

These rings are more than jewelry. They are a symbol of eternal love, a circle without end. And they’re also a reminder that once they’re on, you’re officially off the market.

Dotti, as you place the ring on Gabe’s finger, please repeat after me:

‘With this ring, I thee wed.’

Gabe, as you place the ring on Dotti’s finger, please repeat after me:

‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

14. Pronouncement & Kiss

Officiant:

“Dotti and Gabe, you have pledged your love with vows and sealed your promises with rings. With your family and friends as witnesses, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Gabe, you may now kiss your bride!”

15. Closing / Presentation

Officiant:

“Family and friends, it is my great honor and joy to introduce, for the very first time… Mr. and Mrs. Castillo!”