Joel Paul Parada

THE PROCESSIONAL

(Music begins. Guests rise.)

Parents escort the couple. Flower boys make their way down the aisle, followed by the wedding party.

Jenna and Dante meet at the front.

UNPLUGGED MOMENT

Welcome friends and family, before we dive into this celebration of love, the couple would like everyone to know that this is an unplugged wedding. That means when we *officially* start we ask that everyone put away all their electronic devices and be fully present in the moment.

However, to make sure everyone has the opportunity to take a few memorable photos of the couple at the altar, please take the next 30 seconds to take as many photos as you would like. *count to 30 seconds*

Alright and as your final photo… we’re going to take one together.

(Officiant gathers couple and guests for selfie.)

Alright everyone, devices away, take a deep breath, and soak in this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

INVOCATION & MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest gifts — love — and to witness the union of Jenna and Dante as they join their lives in marriage.

Love is why we are here. It brings light into our lives, meaning to our journeys, and joy to even the simplest of moments.

Still, today, is not only a celebration of the couple’s love, but a tribute to the power of family and community, to those standing beside us, and those we carry in our hearts.

Let us take a brief moment of silence to honor the loved ones who are no longer physically with us, but whose presence surrounds us in spirit today and always. *Count to 30 Seconds* *Thank you*

INTRODUCTION OF COUPLE

Now as some of you may know, Jenna and Dante’s story began at UC San Diego in January of 2020, when a single first date made one thing undeniable — standing together overlooking Gliderport, neither of them knowing the world was on the verge of change, but both confident that what they had was something far more than a college crush.

As time passed and the world went into lockdown, their relationship only grew. Jenna saw Dante's drive and passion in everything he did, and Dante discovered depth and kindness woven throughout her soul. Their connection didn't just survive the uncertainty of those early years — it flourished through it.

And if there's one thing that's certain about Jenna and Dante, it's this: they are, above all else, best friends — two kind people who find delight and happiness in even the most ordinary moments they share together, and that is a love worth committing forever to.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Dante, do you take Jenna to be your lawfully wedded wife—to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and to love and cherish her for all the days of your life, until death do you part?

Dante: I do.

Jenna, do you take Dante to be your lawfully wedded husband—to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, and to love and cherish him for all the days of your life, until death do you part?

Jenna: I do.

VOWS

The couple has chosen to write their own vows. More than words for this moment, these vows will serve as a blueprint for how the couple will love, respect, and commit themselves to one another forever.

Dante when you are ready:

Jenna when you are ready:

THE RING EXCHANGE

Now we move onto the exchange of rings. These rings are a beautiful reminder of the vows Jenna and Dante have made today. Their unbroken circle, without a beginning or end, representing the promises they will continue to keep to one another, always.

Dante, please place the ring on Jenna’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love,

And my promise to stand by you

All the days of my life.

Jenna, please place the ring on Dante’s finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love,

And my promise to stand by you

All the days of my life.

PRONOUNCEMENT & FIRST KISS

Jenna and Dante, you have shared your vows, exchanged rings, and made your promises before the people who love and support you the most.

By the power vested in me by the state of California and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

Dante, you may now kiss your bride!