Mitsi Nicole Gallardo

Good evening everyone,

We have gathered here today to witness and bless the uniting of Denise and Luis in marriage.

It is my utmost honor, as Denise’s older sister, to be here to perform this ceremony. I have to say that nothing makes me happier than to see my sister find the love of her life and commit to spending the rest of her life to someone who truly loves her… and I can honestly say that I admire the way Wee loves Denise. If you have seen them together, you know they have a special type of love.

When I think of Wee and Denise, it reminds me of the Biblical story of Ruth. Ruth was a woman who had a lot of things happen in her life. Much like Denise, she lived most of it serving her family. Her personal needs and wants were put to the side while she took care of her family… that is, until she met Boaz.

I’m sure at least some of you have heard of Boaz - he’s the guy that exemplifies the perfect man to marry - honorable, trustworthy, devoted to doing the right thing. And if you know Wee, you know that he is trustworthy, devoted to his family and can always be counted on… a modern day Boaz. The Bible doesn’t say much about Boaz’s life before he meets Ruth. All we know is that he was older, that life had happened. To be honest, it doesn’t matter what happened during Boaz’s life - the important thing was that it took time for him to meet the woman that God had for him…

You see, when God provides, He always provides on His time - and that timing is perfect. Denise had to walk her path in order to be prepared to meet Wee… And Wee had to walk his path to be ready for Denise. Denise is Wee’s Ruth; Wee is Denise’s Boaz… a couple that God brought together to bring Him glory! The reason why the story of Ruth and Boaz is so important is that Ruth and Boaz were the grandparents to King David - the man after God’s own heart.

Marriage is a serious commitment. It should not be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and carefully with a deep understanding to what it entails. And while it will not always be easy, being able to walk through this life with the person you love makes all the work worthwhile. Denise & Wee, as you begin your journey, remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.

And now for the good stuff…

Do you, Luis, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

WAIT FOR HIS ANSWER

Do you, Denise Marie, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

WAIT FOR HER ANSWER

Now, the rings…

Luis, please take the ring you have selected for Denise. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

Denise, I love you. You are my best friend. You are beautiful and your love is all that I need. Today, I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to support and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard; when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I know that with you at my side, the world will always shine bright. Because of this, I, Luis, give you, Denise, this ring as a symbol of my eternal love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my wife. I pledge to you my eternal love, now and forever.

Denise, please take the ring that you have selected for Luis. As you place it on his finger, repeat after me:

Wee, I affirm my love to you as I invite you to share my life. You are the answer to my prayers. You are strong, kind, generous. God brought you to me just when I needed you. I promise to always respect you and honor you with kindness, unselfishness, and trust. I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together. I know that with you at my side, I will always find home. Because of this, I, Denise, give you, Luis, this ring as a symbol of my eternal love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my husband. I pledge to you my eternal love, now and forever.

Before we make this official, let’s pray a blessing for this couple:

Gracious Heavenly Father, we come to you in the mighty name of Jesus. Father, we thank you for Luis and Denise. We praise you for bringing them together and allowing them to find love in each other. May You be a constant force in their lives. Father, I ask that you hold them together and bless them with even more passion for each other. I pray that You go before them and bless the path that You have planned for them. May you be honored in their lives and in their marriage. It is in Jesus’s name that we pray, Amen.

Luis and Denise, because of your declarations of love and devotion to each other… and because all of those here can’t wait for you two to kiss… by the power given to me by the American Marriage Ministries and by the State of Illinois, I now pronounce you - husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time - Mr. and Mrs. Delgado!