Joshua Steven Zapata-Palmer

Processional

Entrance of the Wedding Party (Josh is at the altar already)

Invocation

What more amazing thing is there than for two persons to feel they are joined together; to strengthen each other in labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to help each other in need, to share joy, and to be one with each other through whatever life has to offer.

This is a special time of celebration that Katie and Benji will long remember, and because of this, they are thankful you are here today to share in their joy.

My name is Josh, and as you are aware, we are here to witness the wedding of two wonderful people together in love. I met Benji and Katie in college. I was roommates with Benji, and over time they've become dear friends with my wife and I because they are some of the most genuine people we've ever met.

Benji, you are the sort of person who's always there when your friends are in need. I will never forget the times when I came back to our room to see you consoling someone, or when you'd pass on a new/old film for me to see because it was pertinent to my situation in life. You've always been excited to share life deeply with the people around you, whether it's over a cigar or a pipe or a book or a discussion about faith and Russian films. You are forgiving, patient, and clever. Sometimes so clever, that it goes over people's heads. Everyone except Austin, that is. I mean, come on. Who else could make EVERYONE believe that he doesn't have a legal name because his parents left his name blank on his birth certificate? I STILL don't know how true that is.

Katie, you are brave and always compassionate for those outside of yourself. One of the first times we met, a group of us were watching a movie at your apartment and you were incredibly hospitable and kind; you asked questions and took genuine interest in my life and in the lives of everyone else you saw. And I mean, everyone. Your joy for life, coupled with your ability to see through any existential fog, means you truthfully care for the quality of life of the humans around you. It's never jargon with Katie, only “How are you?” With a little pat on the shoulder.

You both have blessed my wife and I through your relationship, your conversation, and your love. A while back, we had a conversation about the things that are important to you in life, and you both told me that your involvement with your local community has become a vital expression of your faith. To me, that says that you modeled yourself after Jesus Christ, in that you care for the poor, the orphaned, the oppressed. Benji volunteers teaching English as a second language, even though he's Austrian and probably teaching them German grammar. Katie worked at a place helping refugees find jobs or homes or something, plus she majored in "Reconciliation Studies," which basically means she's an expert advocate for the victim, AND she knows how to address conflict. That really comes in handy in marriage. Trust me, my wife has the same degree. You're gonna love it.

Katie and Benji, today you commit to a life of giving and sharing. Of nurturing and supporting. Of allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals, while still developing your mutual spirit in time. Today, you agree to fight against disconnection. Instead of fighting each other, you will keep your love lit by remembering you are always on the same team. In the art of marriage, the little details are what make your masterpiece come alive and full of unconditional love. I charge you with the mission of building a relationship founded on responsibility, trust, self-control, and love. Always pursue each other, always celebrate your relationship first, and always love as God loves.

Today, your family and friends are gathered here to celebrate your union. Today we are privileged to witness two very dear friends become two exceptionally driven partners committed to sharing a lifetime together. I am incredibly excited to see how your relationship grows and share in this moment with you. It is an honor for me to officiate for you. Let's get to it.

Readings

Benji's father Vic will now say a few words.

[Vic’s Speech]

Katie and Benji will now read an excerpt from Plato's Symposium.

[Plato’s Symposium]

Katie and Benji have chosen to plant a [PLANT] as a symbol for the relationship they commit to nurturing and growing over time.

[Plant Ceremony]

A few weeks ago, I asked Katie and Benji to send me 5 things they love about the other person. They haven’t heard or read any of the other person’s response until now, and before they exchange their vows, I would like to read them now.

[Read what Katie loves about Benji]

[Read what Benji loves about Katie]

Declaration of Intent

Katie and Benji, you are about to make your promises to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love, and commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you’ll share these joys in marriage. They have chosen to write their own vows.

[Katie’s Vows]

[Benji’s Vows]

Ring Exchange

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another.

Katie, please place this ring on Benji’s finger and repeat after me:

Benji, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Benji, please place this ring on Katie's finger and repeat after me:

Katie, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love, and that I am choosing to share my life’s journey with you. I give you this ring, with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

Katie and Benji, in this thrilling moment, I wish you both a life full of adventure, happiness and joy, love and peace, hope and faith. Remember to laugh together every day, to play together, and to make your other your priority; for love will never be far behind.

May you always be true to yourself. May you always be love itself. May your love be beautiful and fresh every day, as precious as the first day you fell in love. May you always encourage the best in each other. May your challenges make you stronger. May you always remain best friends.

Pronouncement

​Katie and Benji, you have pledged your faith to each other in the company of your wonderful families and your circle of friends. And by the authority vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss!

Recessional

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very proud to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Benji and Katie Copan!

[The Wedding Party exits. Josh dismisses people to cocktail hour]

(Backup Declaration of Intent)

Do you, Katie Chapin, take Benji to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

Do you, Benji Copan, take Katie to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?