Anika S. Benson

We are gathered here today in the presence of God and as witnesses to celebrate the marriage of Donnamarie and Jason Sr. in holy matrimony.

We come together not just as guests, but as the People Who have Shaped their story—

Family who Raised them, Friends Who Walked Beside them, and Loved Ones who

Helped them Become the people standing before us.

Surrounded by your love and support, We Gather in this Beautiful Place to Share in

Their joy as they Begin their New Life Together.

TO THE PARENTS/ FAMILY

Today, we will witness the coming together of not only DONNA and JASON but also their families. To honor the impact their families have had on their lives. 

I want to ask! Mr. Mel & Mr. Horton, Do you give your blessing to the union of DONNA and JASON?

Answer:

(He responds. JASON shakes MR.AROCHO hand and takes hand as they face each other.)

👩🏽‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏽LOVE STORY

DONNA & JASON'S LOVE STORY

Their Story began in a Nursing Home Kitchen, where DONNA and JASON worked side by side in dietary.

Jason noticed Donna First. When a coworker told her, "I think Jay likes you,"

Donna's response was: "Who's Jay? "But once she knew, Everything Changed.

It wasn’t his Looks that Caught her Heart — It was his Personality and Charm. The way he’d Finish his Own Work early, Just to Come Help her. The way they Talked, Laughed, and Connected so Effortlessly.

Then one Quiet day in the Break Room, after Everyone Else had Gone,

Jason leaned over and kissed her.

Donna thought: "I'm in Trouble Now."

She was Right — Because not Long after, she Realized He was the One.

For the past 24 years, through every season of life, Jason has been Donna’s Steady Place — her Rock, her Peace, her Partner. He treats her like a Princess, brings her Gifts from every Trip, and Checks in Just to Stay Connected.

He’s her biggest supporter — always bragging about her strength, her intelligence, and her drive to keep growing, Pursuing her Education. He believes in her completely.

And Donna? She Spoils Him right back. The Cooking, the Cleaning, the Late-night snacks and the surprises birthday cake Donna ran cross town to pick up last night—there's Nothing she wouldn't Do for Him.

From her favorite TV show Grey's Anatomy, Donna calls him her McDreamy— Her Romeo—

the one who always shows up, no matter what.

The Proposal? Classic Jason. Christmas Eve, Donna found him on One Knee and thought he was Tying His Shoe. She told him to Hurry Up.

Then she saw the Ring.

Jason’s been calling her his wife for years. But today, after 24 years of love, laughter, and family, they’re finally making it official.

Today, Donna gets to Share His Last Name—her Missing Puzzle Piece.

Today, they Seal it Forever.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏽TO THE BRIDE & GROOM

DONNA and JASON, the Commitment of Marriage is Sacred and should not be entered into lightly, but Thoughtfully and Seriously with a Deep Understanding of its Obligations and Responsibilities.

Marriage is one of Life's Greatest Adventures—a commitment that goes Deeper than any Promise you've made before.

It demands Love, Loyalty, Communication, Understanding, Forgiveness, and the Courage to Stand by Each Other, no matter what Life brings.

It asks you to be Vulnerable when it's Easier to be Guarded. To Forgive when you'd Rather be Right. To Stay when it Feels Hard.

Marriage Doesn't make you Perfect—It Makes you Partners.

It won't Erase ✏️your Differences; it will Teach you to Dance with them.

No other Human Ties are more Tender, and no other Vows are more Important than those you are about to Pledge.

The Beautiful Truth is this: You Don't Have to be Perfect for each other. You Just have to be Present. Show up, Even on the Hard Days. Choose Each Other, Again and Again.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

“JASON, do you take DONNA to be your lawfully wedded wife

Will you respect, honor, and cherish her;

Love, Trust, and commit to her,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

Until death do you part?

(JASON responds)

“DONNA, do you take JASON to be your lawfully wedded husband

Will you respect, honor, and cherish him;

Love, Trust, and commit to him,

through joy and pain, in sickness and in health,

and whatever life may throw at you both

Until death do you part?

(DONNA responds)

💍RING EXCHANGE & VOWS

Officiant Says:
Ask for the Rings "Please place the rings in the officiant’s hand to be blessed."

The exchange of rings represents your commitment to each other,

an unbroken circle of love. Let these rings remind you of the vows you've made

and this cherished moment.

Ring Blessing

"Bless these rings, O LORD, and grant that DONNA and JASON, who GIVE them and WEAR them, may always live in faithfulness, unity, love, and peace. Amen."

Repeat After Me

JASON Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, JASON, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you,

and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge,

I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward,

I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

DONNA Repeats (after saying full name):

“I, DONNA, with this ring, give you my heart.
I promise to love you, stand by you,

and be your safe place.
Through every joy and challenge,

I will walk beside you.

This ring is a symbol of my lasting love and loyalty.

My Heart will be your Shelter, and my Arms your Home.
From this day forward,

I Choose You—Now and Forever.”

📝Signing the Marriage Certificate

Now, as part of the legal proceedings, DONNA and JASON will sign their marriage certificate. This document represents your commitment to each other and the legal acknowledgment of your union. Please invite your two chosen witnesses, to join you for this important moment.

🙏🏽PRONOUNCEMENT

DONNA and JASON, having proclaimed your love and commitment to each other in the presence of God and your loved ones, and, By the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

it is my Greatest Joy and Privilege to pronounce you husband and wife!

💋THE KISS

“Let this kiss be the first of many in your forever story—

sealed in love, bound by faith,

and kissed into eternity.”

Closing Remarks

AFTER THE KISS. GUEST, PLEASE STAND 

DONNA and JASON turn to their family & friends/guests. 

May DONNA and JASON life journey together be blessed with steadfast support and lasting love; we pray that God will continuously guide their paths both individually and as husband and wife. 

It is my honor to present, you for the first time as

Husband & Wife