Regenald Socorro-Garner

Unplugged announcements

Family Blessing

Me: Who gives this Who gives this Bride today?

Bride's Companion: I do.

Welcome Statement

Me: Welcome, and thank you all for joining us for this joyous occasion. Together, we are gathered here to witness a truly special ceremony: the union of Daijon and LaShae before God.

Daijon and LaShae, today we celebrate the power of your love and the strength of your bond. Before we begin, take a moment to look around at the many friendly faces before you. Know that all are here to offer love, support, and encouragement as you embark on this incredible journey together.

As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

May this ceremony provide you with wonderful memories to look back on and treasure for the rest of your days.

Speak Now

Me: If anyone has cause to object to the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Wedding Sermon

Me: Daijon and LaShae, as you stand here today before God , realize that you are preparing to celebrate one of life's greatest gifts, the depths of which you have only begun to explore. Your level of love and commitment is something that many seek, but not everyone finds. The bond you share is a rarity in this world, and its fruits more valuable than any precious stone or metal.

Marriage, of course, is more than a formal exchange of rings. It is a sacred and solemn promise to one another that no matter what, you're in this together. Life is full of surprises – both positive and negative. By nature, it's impossible to know what is around the next bend. However, with a trusted partner by your side, you may take comfort in the unknown. Whatever storms may come, you will weather them together. That is the beauty of love: not only does it cradle us when we are feeling weak and tired, it creates a solid foundation on which we can always rely.

Henceforth, your lives will become permanently intertwined. The union you form today is built to withstand any and all challenges. Through sorrow and joy, through failure and success, through despair and triumph, your bond will persevere – buoyed by the everlasting love you share. With the vows exchanged today, you will both finalize this promise and begin life anew, together.

Consecration

Me: As we gather here under the eyes of God, let us also recognize the seriousness of the occasion. Marriage is a profound, sincere commitment, and one worthy of our reverence.

The Bible makes note of the power of partnership in Ecclesiastes. It reminds us that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?"

Vows

Me: Daijon and LaShae, you have prepared vows of commitment to share with one another.

Daijon, would you like to go first?

Daijon: (Groom states their vow...)

Me: LaShae, whenever you're ready.

LaShae: (Bride states their vow...)

Declaration of Intent

Me: Daijon and LaShae, you will now hold hands.

Daijon, do you take LaShae as your Wife and your companion? Do you promise to share her laughter during the good times and wipe hertears during the bad, from this day forward?

Daijon: I Do

Me: LaShae, do you take Daijon as your Husband and companion? Do you promise to share his laughter during the good times and wipe his tears during the bad, from this day forward?

LaShae: I Do

Minister: Let us proceed.

Sand Ceremony

Me: Daijon and LaShae, today you have made sacred vows to finalize your union. To symbolize this new union, you will now combine these vials of sand to seal your spiritual bond.

Daijon and LaShae will each receive a vial of sand of their favorite color.

You each hold in your hand a distinct vessel of sand. Gaze into this vessel, allowing the sand within to symbolize your individual life. Visualize each grain of sand as a moment in time; either one that has already come and gone, or one yet to pass. This sand represents the waves endured over the course of time, every trial and tribulation that has been thrown your way. By the same token, it also encapsulates your joys, your achievements, and your triumphs. Reflect on these experiences, and the strength required to achieve your goals or overcome your challenges.

Together, slowly pour your sand into the common vessel.

Daijon and LaShae will then simultaneously pour their sand out into larger vessel

Just as your individual sands have combined together and melded into one, so too, Daijon and LaShae, will your lives be forever joined from this day forward. Similar to the grains of sand, your lives, now combined, can never be separated.

You will share your love, your joy, your hopes, your dreams and your fears with one another. Notice, too, that your mutual vessel of sand is now larger and more impressive – just as your lives have gained depth and meaning thanks to the love and support of your partner. Moving forward throughout life, always recognize the importance of this bond you share.

Ring Exchange

Me: The wedding ring is a symbol of the unending power of love between two beings. Its circular shape has no beginning and no end, representing a boundless spiritual connection. The rings should be worn proudly as a symbol of the commitment between you and your spouse. Even when you find yourselves apart, your rings will provide a powerful reminder of the eternal love you share.

Please repeat after me:

With this ring, I, LaShae, commit my love to you, Daijon, for all time, giving you all that I am and all that I will be. Please accept it as a symbol of my love.

With this ring, I, Daijon, commit my love to you, LaShae for all time, giving you all that I am and all that I will be. Please accept it as a symbol of my love.

Pronouncement

Me: Family and friends, by the power vested in me by the state of Florida, I now formally pronounce Daijon and LaShae to be Husband and Wife. Let us celebrate their union!

Kiss

Me: Daijon, you may now kiss the Bride.

Presentation

Me: Daijon and LaShae, may you enjoy a lifetime of sunrises and sunsets together. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to present, for the first time, Mr. Harris and Mrs. Harris!

Me: Daijon and LaShae, today you have taken the vows of marriage. To mark the transition of starting your new life together, we will now commence the tradition of jumping the broom.

Jumping the broom is a symbolic ritual rooted in African and African-American culture, associated with marriage ceremonies. It historically signified a couple's union, especially during slavery when formal marriages were not legally recognized. Today, it celebrates love, heritage, and commitment in modern weddings.

Hold the broom up

Take a moment to reflect on your relationship and all of the steps you've taken to get where you are today. What are your greatest joys? What are your deepest sorrows? What are the things that led you to each other's arms? Hold these things dear.

All of the pain and the beauty of life have led you to this place of time, together, where you are today. Each moment you have experienced has a dozen more that you will face together. Are you ready to take the plunge? When you're ready, grab your new spouse's hand, and jump over the broom together.

Daijon and LaShae join hands and jump over the broom