Benito Menchaca III

1. Welcome & Opening Remarks

Good afternoon. Friends, family, loved ones… on behalf of Maribel and Jacob, welcome and thank you for making the journey to this incredible place.

My name is Benny, and it is one of the great honors of my life to stand with them today as their friend.

Just look around. The grandeur of these mountains, the stillness of Brainard Lake… It’s a reflection of the kind of love we’re here to celebrate. Something deep, strong, and profoundly beautiful. We are gathered in this breathtaking corner of Colorado to witness and celebrate the marriage of these two remarkable people.

Today is less about the words we say in this ceremony, and more about the love that has already been built—the commitment Jacob and Maribel have chosen to make official, surrounded by all of you, their favorite people, in a place that means so much to them.

2. The Address

"Marriage, in its simplest and most beautiful form, is a partnership. It’s a promise to choose each other, day after day, not just through the adventures and quiet moments, but through the challenges too. It’s about building a life together as best friends and teammates.

And the story of how this particular team formed… is a pretty good one. It started, as the best stories often do, with a little bit of chaos. They met at a music festival. Jake had a free spot in his RV, and Maribel, ever the adventurer, decided to join. The first challenge? She got lost trying to find Jake’s camp. The second challenge? Once she was found, she… well, she wouldn’t stay still. (Look at Jacob and smile) Jake will tell you this was a sign of things to come—a hint of that wonderful, stubborn spirit he’d come to love.

But despite the missed connections, something stuck. And after a long day, Maribel, trying to smooth things over, offered what might be one of the most uniquely charming apologies of all time. She looked at Jake and said, 'Sorry, I’m brown.' (Pause for laughter). It was honest, it was disarming, and it was the moment the ice truly broke.

Months went by, and their story needed a second act. And where else would it happen but, of course, another music festival? It was there, surrounded by music, that they shared their first kiss. And I think that’s perfectly fitting. Because a great relationship is like a great duet. It might start with a few off-key notes and someone wandering off-beat, but when you finally find your harmony, you create something beautiful that’s entirely your own. From that first kiss, Jacob and Maribel found their rhythm, and they haven’t missed a beat since."

3. The Declaration of Intent

"Jacob and Maribel, you’ve already promised your hearts to one another in private. Now, surrounded by this stunning landscape and the people who love you most, it’s time to make those promises public.

So, Jacob, a simple but profound question: Do you choose Maribel to be your wife? Do you promise to be her partner, her supporter, and her best friend through all of life’s adventures?"(Jacob answers: "I do.")

"And Maribel, do you choose Jacob to be your husband? Do you promise to be his partner, his supporter, and his best friend, from this day forward?"(Maribel answers: "I do.")

4. The Vows & Ring Exchange

And now, we have the symbol of those promises you just made: your wedding rings.

These rings are a visible, unbroken circle, a reminder of the endless love you’ve promised to each other.

Before you exchange them, I’d like to invite everyone here to participate in a small way. For a moment, let’s all hold these rings in our hearts and minds. (You can gesture to the rings, or even hold them up briefly). Let’s fill them with our collective hopes, our well-wishes, and all the positive energy for the lifelong journey that Jacob and Maribel are beginning today. May these rings always carry the memory of this day and the support of this community.

Now, as you place this ring on Jacob’s finger, Maribel, please repeat after me:

Jacob, wear this ring... as a daily reminder... that my love surrounds you." (Maribel repeats)

"And Jacob, as you place this ring on Maribel’s finger, please repeat after me:

Maribel, wear this ring... as a daily reminder... that my love surrounds you." (Jacob repeats)

5. The Pronouncement & Kiss

Jacob and Maribel, you came together in the middle of a huge event, finding your rhythm through a little chaos and a lot of laughter. You’ve chosen each other again today, here in the quiet strength of the mountains.

Your promises have been made. Your rings have been given. And all of us here could not be more certain of what we have just witnessed.

Therefore, by the incredible power vested in me by the great State of Colorado, it is my absolute honor and delight to pronounce you husband and wife!

Jacob... you may kiss your bride!

6. The Closing & Presentation

And so, we send Jacob and Maribel forward on their greatest duet yet. May your life together be filled with more laughter than a crowded campsite, more understanding than a quiet morning by the lake, and adventures that never stop feeling like your first festival together.

It is my incredible honor to present to all of you, for the very first time…

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Maribel Nathanson!"