Nakia Charon Garrett

“Family and friends, welcome. We gather here today to witness and to celebrate the marriage of Anne Louise and Paul Martin.

This is not the beginning of their love story—it is the next chapter of a journey written long before this moment. Anne and Paul have taken time to truly know one another, and we have all witnessed how their love has deepened into something steady, radiant, and true.

Today, they affirm this bond before those dearest to them. Your presence, your love, and your support are part of what makes this day so sacred and so joyous.”

Irish Blessings

(Pause between each blessing, letting them breathe like a meditation or poem.)

“May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May you always be held in the palm of gentle hands.”

“May you be blessed with joy and abundance.

May you see generations of love around you.

May challenges be few,

And blessings be many.

May happiness be the constant rhythm of your days,

From this moment forward.”

“May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,

And may the hand of a friend always be near.”

“May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

And may true be the hearts that love you.”

Declaration of Intent

(Guide them gently, first Paul, then Anne.)

Paul, please repeat after me:

“I, Paul, take you, Anne, to be my partner in life.

To have and to hold from this day forward,

For better, for worse,

For richer, for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish,

As long as we both shall live.

In the presence of our beloved family and friends, I make this vow.”

Anne, please repeat after me:

“I, Anne, take you, Paul, to be my partner in life.

To have and to hold from this day forward,

For better, for worse,

For richer, for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish,

As long as we both shall live.

In the presence of our beloved family and friends, I make this vow.”

Ring Exchange

“Wedding rings are symbols of your journey together. They represent not an ending, but a continuation—a new chapter in a shared story. These rings, like love, have been shaped and polished with care. They carry within them the strength of compassion, patience, and devotion.

As perfect circles, they remind us that love is infinite—without beginning and without end. They are a visible sign of the promises you now make and the bond you now share.”

Paul: “Anne, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. With this ring, I pledge my love to you.”

Anne: “Paul, I give you this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. With this ring, I pledge my love to you.”

Pronouncement

“Anne and Paul, with the vows you have spoken and the promises you have sealed, it is my honor to pronounce you husband and wife.

Paul, you may kiss your bride.”