Ana Maria Sanchez-Castro

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here to join Stephanie Olivia Ortiz and Jackeline Rodriguez in the spiritual union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

What greater thing for two persons than to feel the 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 -- whatever life has to offer.

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

Stephanie and Jackie, today begins a life of giving and sharing, nurturing and support; allowing each other the freedom to change and grow as individuals while developing your mutual spirit as time goes by. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It is about establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

Today your family and friends are gathered together to celebrate your union. Today we are privileged to witness two very dear friends; two exceptional and driven individuals committed to sharing a lifetime together.

Stephanie and Jackie, you are about to make promises to one another. You will find that as you live by these vows over the years, investing your time, love and your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous because you'll share these joys in marriage.

*(Vows)*

Stephanie, will you take Jackie, choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her and comfort her through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all times, and being faithful to her?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Jackie, will you take Stephanie, choosing her alone to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you live with her in the state of true matrimony? Will you love her and comfort her through good times and bad, in sickness and in health, honoring her at all times, and being faithful to her?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

*(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.

Stephanie, please place this ring on Jackie's finger and repeat after me.

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

Jackie, please place this ring on Stephanie's finger and repeat after me.

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

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I leave you now with the following words:

May all that you are always be in love. May all that is love always be in you. May your love be as beautiful on each day you share as it is on this day of celebration; and may each day you share be as precious to you as the day you first fell in love. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges life brings your way make your marriage even stronger, and may you always be each others best friend and greatest love.

Stephanie and Jackie, you have pledged your love to each other in the company of your family and your circle of friends;

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of New York I now pronounce you married.

You may now kiss!