James Patrick Durkin

Dearly Beloved and Honored Guests,

We are gathered together here today, surrounded by the beauty of creation, to celebrate the union of Matthew Ambrose and Paola Russo in the spiritual union of marriage.

Marriage is the ultimate commitment. It should be entered into with thought and seriousness. You must always remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home and I see all of those qualities in both of you daily. This is also a celebration though, a celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are entering into this union to be one, together, forever. So, today we honor Matt and Paola! We honor their commitment to each other, to each other's families, and to each other's lives eternally. If there are two people I know who understand the depth of this ceremoney, it is Matt and Paola. I see their love towards one another on a continual and enduring basis. They each know that it's the little things that will bind this marriage and they have been practicing the right way to do things since they first started dating. I know you both will laugh, love, and hold one another until your final days because you both already do this every day. Your unending love for each-other is on display every time I see you together and I know you two are not only meant for each-other, but you are absolutely perfect for each-other. You not only share many passions, but also many post-workout meals. So, continue to share, both together and separate, in sickness and in health, for better or worse.

Matthew Ambrose and Paola Russo will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

Do you Matthew Ambrose take this woman Paola Russo to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Do you Paola Russo take this man Matthew Ambrose to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Matthew Ambrose and Paola Russo will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange)*

By the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of Illinois I now pronounce you Beauty & the Beast! ...and Husband & Wife! You may now Kiss the Bride!