Madison Kiana Hines

The Invocation

“On this special day, we celebrate the commitment of love, co-creation, family, and friendship. Surrounded by the beauty of creation and the sights and sounds of nature, we celebrate the union of Andrea Arcelia Saenz Barela and Marla Gloria Lopez in marriage.

They have taken this time to wear the armor of vulnerability. To connect deeply with one another through love and honor. To value each other's lightness and shadows and support each other through challenges and the evolution of life.

Many may ask what love looks like when it chooses you. For Andrea and Marla, their love has been chosen at every encounter. From the hint of nerves or questions asked, emotional frustration, or the urge to resist each other’s presence.

There was opportunity for a giggle and belly laugh, embraces that felt like fever dreams, and moments where finding the right words didn’t exist. They are mesmerized by the light they exude.

Their union embodies the phases of each moon cycle, the absorption of light from the sun, the spirits who share secrets in the wind, the purity of the fire’s flame, and the calmness and clarity of the waters. They embody the elements of love when it meets you where you are–with no shame but with a curious consciousness, playfulness, and receptivity. It’s a love never borrowed on time, but with divinely calculated appearances.

Their love looks like each other, staring back at one another—in all their beauty and their flaws. The rest of the world only exists as spectators of their embrace. As we unite with the presence of our ancestors, we express gratitude for their journey in the here and now. To experience the beauty in what is and what always will be.

Your foundation is secured, tied in nature’s gift and in the evolution of now and forever. Whether separate or apart, through your challenges or sorrows, and in your dreams and desires, you’ll remain strong in each other‘s hearts. You’re here now to make the commitment to support each other, sometimes without words, but in the comforts of each other’s touch and breath.”

The Declaration of Intent

"Andrea and Marla, please join hands, look at each other now, and remember this moment in time."

Officiant to Andrea

"Andrea, will you, cherish Marla as your co-creator in this life - to laugh with them, go on adventures with them, practice the brave work of speaking your truth? Will you voice your needs even when it's uncomfortable, see the courage in initiating honest conversation, and allow the hummingbird within you to sing proudly? Will you support and hold them through life's tough moments, encourage and celebrate them, grow old with them, and find new reasons to love them every day?"

Andrea to Marla

"I will."

Officiant to Marla

"Marla, will you, cherish Andrea as your co-creator in this life - to laugh with them, go on adventures with them, trust that all things will unfold in divine timing? Will your practice relaxing in the warmth of vulnerability, honor the needs of your heart and allow the softness of your butterfly spirit to exist freely? Will you support and hold them through life's tough moments, encourage and celebrate them, grow old with them, and find new reasons to love them every day?"

Marla to Andrea

"I will."

Officiant to the couple

"Andrea and Marla, will you be each other's partners from this moment forward? Will you bring out the best in each other, share your happiest moments together, and love each other absolutely - for the rest of this lifetime and for whatever may come next?"

Couple to the Officiant

"We will."

Vows Exchange

“At this time, you may recite your vows to each other.

“Andrea, whenever you’re ready,”

(Andrea begins to recite and nods/looks at the Officiant once finished).

“Marla, whenever you’re ready,”

(Marla begins to recite and nods/looks at the Officiant once finished).

Rings Exchange

Officiant to the couple

"You've both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of your commitment to each other. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that love and creation are a process. It comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. This is what you've created, a love that is invaluable.”

Officiant to Andrea

"Andrea, as you place this ring on Marla's finger, repeat these words after me: This ring symbolizes my love for Marla and the commitments we’ve made for a lifetime with each other."

Andrea repeats the words as they place the ring on Marla’s finger.

Officiant to Marla

"Marla, as you place this ring on Andrea’s finger, repeat these words after me: This ring symbolizes my love for Andrea and the commitments we’ve made for a lifetime with each other."

Marla repeats the words as they place the ring on Andrea’s finger.

Pronouncement of Marriage

Officiant to the couple

"Andrea and Marla, they are here today of their own free will. In the presence of nature and their ancestors. They have declared their love and commitment to each other, given and received rings as symbols of their promises.

As you begin this new journey with each other, tell the world your stories, honor where you’ve been, respect where you are now, and where you may go in this lifetime. Remember to tell each other how much you care, be authentic in who you are, and choose to evolve together.

By the power of your love and commitment to each other, and by the power vested in me by the State of Texas and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you lovers for life. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.”

Officiant to nature

“With the strength and unity of our ancestors, it is my honor to present the newly married couple.”