They asked you to officiate.
Here's every word you'll say.

WELCOME [Dana smiles warmly at the guests and then at Maya and Jordan] Hello everyone! Welcome, welcome. Look at all of you. It is genuinely great to see every one of these faces here in beautiful Portland on this incredible day. What a perfect setting for such a special occasion. Please, make yourselves comfortable. OPENING WORDS [Dana takes a breath and looks at Maya and Jordan with affection] For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Dana, and I have the immense privilege of being Maya’s best friend since college. Being up here today, watching Maya and Jordan, brings a huge smile to my face, and honestly, a tiny bit of vindication. Because I remember the night Maya came home from a community garden meeting, utterly fuming about some ‘zucchini guy’ who had the audacity to leave a passive-aggressive note about her rogue plant. She ranted for a solid twenty minutes, and then, completely out of the blue, looked at me and said, quote, “I am going to marry that infuriating man.” And here we are. Who knew a rogue zucchini could be Cupid’s arrow? THEIR STORY Maya and Jordan, your story is truly one of a kind. From that initial, shall we say, vigorous debate over horticultural boundaries, you’ve built something so genuinely unique. Jordan, you may have started with a passive-aggressive note, but Maya quickly matched it with a laminated rebuttal and, cleverly, a peace offering of zucchini bread. And that, my friends, was the moment everything changed. Fast forward a few years, and Jordan, you found the perfect way to propose, right back where it all began: in that same garden plot. Hiding a ring in a seed packet labeled "Zucchini 2.0" was pure genius. And Maya, true to form, you said yes before Jordan even finished kneeling. That’s just… them. It's been six years since that fated zucchini encounter, and Maya and Jordan have crafted a life filled with laughter, deep connection, and an impressive level of organization for their very specific interests. They are the kind of couple who rates every taco truck in a shared spreadsheet with 14 meticulous criteria. Their cat, Waffles, has an Instagram account they absolutely deny running, despite the perfectly curated content. And they cannot, for the life of them, assemble furniture without a formal debate, complete with opening statements and closing arguments. But beneath all the playful banter and the spreadsheets, there's a profound love and respect. Maya, you adore that Jordan takes everything you care about seriously, even the most ridiculous things. He truly listens and validates your passions. And Jordan, you love that Maya turns every setback into a bit, finding humor and resilience in every challenge. Their deep commitment became truly clear during a defining moment in their relationship. When Maya lost her job, Jordan didn’t just offer support; he woke up at 5 AM for a month straight to drive her to interviews across the city before his own shift, armed with a different, perfectly themed pep-talk playlist every single day. That’s not just love; that’s unwavering devotion, wrapped in a perfectly curated soundtrack. It’s in these moments, big and small, that Maya and Jordan show us what it truly means to be a team. They are each other’s biggest cheerleaders, confidantes, and co-conspirators in life’s grand adventure. DECLARATION OF INTENT [Dana turns to Maya and Jordan] Maya and Jordan, you stand here today ready to commit to a lifetime of shared laughter, support, and of course, many more taco truck ratings. So, Jordan, do you take Maya to be your lawfully wedded partner, to be your confidante and co-pilot, to love and cherish her through all of life's zucchini-related disputes and triumphs? JORDAN: I do. [Dana turns to Maya] And Maya, do you take Jordan to be your lawfully wedded partner, to be your steadfast companion and chief debater, to love and cherish him through all of life's furniture assembly challenges and joys? MAYA: I do. VOWS [Dana addresses the couple] Maya and Jordan, you’ve prepared some vows to share with each other today. [Dana gestures to Maya] Maya, please share your vows with Jordan. [Maya shares her vows. Dana offers a warm smile when she finishes.] [Dana gestures to Jordan] And Jordan, please share your vows with Maya. [Jordan shares his vows. Dana smiles warmly when he finishes.] RING EXCHANGE [Dana addresses the guests] Now for the exchange of rings, symbols of endless love and commitment. [Dana looks to the wedding party] Marcus, if you could please bring forward the rings, along with our very special ring bearer, Waffles. [Marcus walks forward, carrying Waffles, who ideally has the rings attached to a collar or small pouch. Dana waits for them to be in position.] These rings are perfect circles, with no beginning and no end. They represent the endless love you have for each other and the promises you’ve made today. [Dana takes Maya’s ring and hands it to Jordan.] Jordan, please place this ring on Maya’s finger, repeating after me: Maya, with this ring, I choose you, always and forever. JORDAN: Maya, with this ring, I choose you, always and forever. [Dana takes Jordan’s ring and hands it to Maya.] Maya, please place this ring on Jordan’s finger, repeating after me: Jordan, with this ring, I choose you, always and forever. MAYA: Jordan, with this ring, I choose you, always and forever. PRONOUNCEMENT [Dana smiles at Maya and Jordan, then turns slightly to the guests] Maya and Jordan, you have openly declared your love and commitment to one another. You have made sacred vows and exchanged rings as a symbol of your eternal bond. You’ve sealed your promises in the presence of your beloved friends and family. By the power vested in me by the great state of Oregon, and by the sheer joy emanating from this amazing couple, it is my distinct honor to now pronounce you officially married! THE KISS [Dana gestures expansively] You may now seal it with a kiss! [Maya and Jordan kiss. Guests applaud.] PRESENTATION [Dana waits for the kiss to conclude, then turns to the guests, beaming.] Friends and family, it is my absolute joy to present to you, for the very first time, the newly married Maya and Jordan! [Dana gestures for guests to applaud and cheer. Maya and Jordan turn and walk down the aisle.] DELIVERY PEP TALK Dana, you did it! You absolutely crushed it. You were warm, funny, and brought everyone along on Maya and Jordan's incredible story. You delivered those emotional moments with sincerity and landed every punchline perfectly. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and know you just gave your best friend the most unforgettable ceremony she could have wished for. Now go celebrate!

WELCOME Good afternoon everyone. [Pause] And welcome to this sacred space, as we gather to witness a joyous union, blessed by God. OPENING WORDS My name is Raymond, and it is a profound honor to stand before you today as Samuel’s uncle, and now, by extension, Ruth’s. To see these two souls, Ruth and Samuel, preparing to commit their lives to one another, fills my heart, and I know, fills many hearts here, with immense gratitude. Marriage is a sacred covenant, a partnership rooted in faith, love, and unwavering devotion. It is a path walked together, hand in hand, with God as your guide. Ruth and Samuel have cultivated a love that reflects this truth, a love that has grown deep and strong over the past four years. We are here not just to celebrate their affection for each other, but to celebrate the deep foundation of faith and companionship they have built. I remember teaching Samuel how to drive. He was a focused young man, even then. And I recall the first place he ever drove alone, without my watchful eye: to choir practice. Forty minutes early, every week, for a whole year. He loved the music, yes, but even then, I suspect a deeper call was at play. Little did I know, he was preparing the way for a divine encounter. Before we continue, let us take a moment to remember Ruth’s beloved mother, Miriam. Though she is not physically with us, her spirit of love, grace, and joy lives on in Ruth and in the hearts of all who knew her. We know she is smiling upon us today, a guiding light from above. Let us hold Miriam in our thoughts and prayers, with gratitude for the precious legacy she left behind. [Pause for a brief moment of quiet reflection] Amen. THEIR STORY Ruth and Samuel’s story began the way the best ones do — quietly, and slightly against the rules. It started, as many of you know, right here within the walls of a church, in the vibrant community of our choir. Ruth, with her clear alto voice, brought such richness to the sound. Samuel, well, Samuel found himself drawn to that richness, so much so that he was willing to pretend he could sing tenor just to stand next to her. [Smile warmly] The choir director, after three weeks, gently suggested Samuel might explore other sections, but by then, the heart had already found its harmony. He kept coming, for Ruth. From those early days, a beautiful pattern of shared life began to emerge. Their mornings start with the same devotional over coffee, a quiet ritual of connection, even when miles separate them. Their home is a haven, known for its warm Sunday dinners, open to anyone with nowhere else to go. This is who they are: generous, faithful, and deeply rooted in community. Ruth deeply cherishes Samuel’s steadfastness. In four years, he has never once raised his voice. He is a calm and steady presence, a rock. And Samuel, in turn, delights in Ruth’s joyful spirit, especially when she sings while she cooks, pretending, of course, that she doesn’t. These small, tender moments are the true fabric of their life together. Their love was truly tested and affirmed during Samuel’s deployment overseas. For fourteen months, they wrote letters by hand, week after week, never missing one. In a world of instant messages, they chose a slower, more deliberate connection, each word a precious link. It was a defining time, proving the depth of their commitment and the strength of their bond. It was fitting then, that Samuel chose this very sanctuary, after a Sunday service, to ask Ruth to be his wife. In the quiet, empty church, in the exact spot where the tenor section stands – a place that holds the beginning of their story – he knelt and asked for her hand. And here we are, today, at another beginning. READING Ruth and Samuel have chosen a passage from Scripture that speaks beautifully to the enduring nature of love, from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4 through 7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This is the Word of the Lord. [Pause] DECLARATION OF INTENT Ruth and Samuel, you stand here today to publicly declare your commitment to one another. Marriage is a solemn covenant, a promise made before God and these witnesses. Are you ready to enter into this holy union? Ruth, do you take Samuel to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? RUTH: I do. Samuel, do you take Ruth to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? SAMUEL: I do. VOWS Ruth and Samuel, now it is time for you to express your vows to one another. Please face each other and join hands. [Wait for Ruth and Samuel to face each other and join hands] Ruth, please repeat after me: I, Ruth, take you, Samuel, to be my husband. I promise to be your faithful partner, to cherish our love and our life together. I promise to support you, to uplift you, and to find joy in our shared journey. I will love you truly, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live. Samuel, please repeat after me: I, Samuel, take you, Ruth, to be my wife. I promise to be your faithful partner, to cherish our love and our life together. I promise to support you, to uplift you, and to find joy in our shared journey. I will love you truly, from this day forward, as long as we both shall live. RING EXCHANGE The wedding ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of endless love and commitment. It is a visible sign of the vows you have just made. [Turn to Best Man David] David, please present the rings. [Wait for David to present the rings] Samuel, please place the ring on Ruth's finger and repeat after me: Ruth, with this ring, I give you my promise. I consecrate my love to you, and pledge my faithfulness, now and forever. [Samuel places the ring on Ruth's finger] Ruth, please place the ring on Samuel's finger and repeat after me: Samuel, with this ring, I give you my promise. I consecrate my love to you, and pledge my faithfulness, now and forever. [Ruth places the ring on Samuel's finger] [Turn to Matron of Honor Naomi] Naomi, please come forward to assist with the unity candle. [Wait for Naomi to come forward and light the two taper candles] Ruth and Samuel, these two candles represent your individual lives, your distinct spirits, and the families from which you come. Now, you will light one candle together, symbolizing the merging of your lives into one, a new light, a new family, bound by love and faith. [Ruth and Samuel take the taper candles and together light the center unity candle, then extinguish their individual candles] May the light of your love continue to burn brightly, illuminating your path together. PRONOUNCEMENT Ruth and Samuel, you have exchanged solemn vows, given and received rings, and sealed your commitment with the lighting of this unity candle. By the authority vested in me, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, it is with immense joy that I now pronounce you husband and wife. THE KISS You may kiss your bride! [Wait for the kiss] PRESENTATION Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to present to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Ruth! DELIVERY PEP TALK Raymond, you have everything you need here. Breathe. Take pauses where indicated. Look at Ruth and Samuel, and look at the congregation. Your warmth and genuine affection for them will shine through. This is not a performance; it's a heartfelt sharing of a sacred moment. You've got this. Enjoy celebrating these two wonderful people.

WELCOME Hello everyone, and welcome! Boulder decided to show off for us today. [Pause, smile warmly] On behalf of Elena and Priya, I want to thank you all for being here. Each of you has played a unique part in their lives, and your presence makes this moment even more meaningful. OPENING WORDS For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sofia, Elena’s very proud older sister. And as her sister, watching Elena find Priya has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Seeing these two wonderful women stand here, ready to commit their lives to one another, fills my heart, and I know it fills all of yours too. Love is a remarkable thing. It finds us in unexpected places, often when we're not even looking. It challenges us, lifts us, and grows us. And sometimes, it even requires a piggyback ride down a mountain. THEIR STORY Elena and Priya’s story began, fittingly for Boulder, on a hiking app. Their first date took them two miles up a mountain trail. Then, as many of us know, adventure sometimes takes an unplanned turn. Priya sprained her ankle. Badly. But instead of cutting the date short, Elena, without a second thought, hoisted Priya onto her back and piggybacked her all the way down. Along the way, Elena, in true Elena fashion, kept pointing out different birds. Priya says she knew, right then, by the third bird. [Smile, look at Elena and Priya] I remember getting a text from Elena at 11 PM that night. It was a photo of a very swollen ankle, followed by the words: "Best day of my life. Do not call an ambulance." And that, my friends, is Elena and Priya. Five years later, Priya brought Elena back to that very trailhead. She got down on one knee, not with a ring at first, but with a hand-drawn map titled "Every Trail Since You." It was there she asked Elena to be her wife. What Elena loves about Priya is her incredible spirit. Priya laughs first and panics never. She brings a calm and joy to Elena’s life that is truly special. And what Priya loves about Elena is how she notices everything – the tiny details, the rare birds, a quiet mood, or when someone simply needs a glass of water. Elena’s attentiveness creates a space where Priya feels completely seen and cherished. They are also a duo of beautiful quirks. They keep a jar full of folded notes, each one a small, good moment they’ve shared, and they read them all together every New Year’s. I’m also told that Elena continues her daily tradition of burning toast, and Priya, without fail, eats it anyway, calling it “artisanal charcoal.” It’s these small, everyday acts of acceptance and celebration that define their connection. There was another moment that truly solidified their bond. When Priya’s grandmother, who didn't speak much English, first met Elena, Elena had secretly spent a month learning to make perfect chai. Grandmother took one sip, looked at Elena, and just nodded. That nod, Priya told me, meant everything. Elena and Priya, your love story is beautiful, real, and uniquely yours. It’s built on shared adventures, quiet understanding, and deep, unwavering affection. MOMENT OF SILENCE Before we continue, I'd like to ask for a brief moment of silence. Let's take this time to remember and honor loved ones who are no longer with us but whose spirits are deeply felt here today. May their love and memories continue to bless us. [Pause for 15-20 seconds] Thank you. DECLARATION OF INTENT Elena and Priya, you are standing here today, surrounded by your community, ready to make a profound commitment to one another. Marriage is a promise of partnership, a dedication to navigating life together, through all its seasons. It asks for openness, patience, and a willingness to always return to love. Elena, do you take Priya to be your wife, to be your partner in life and your one true love? Do you promise to cherish her, to support her, and to grow with her, from this day forward? ELENA: I do. Priya, do you take Elena to be your wife, to be your partner in life and your one true love? Do you promise to cherish her, to support her, and to grow with her, from this day forward? PRIYA: I do. VOWS Elena and Priya, please turn to face each other now. [Wait for them to turn] You have prepared personal vows to share, words that come from the deepest part of your hearts. Elena, please begin. [Elena reads her vows] Priya, please share your vows. [Priya reads her vows] RING EXCHANGE Now, for the exchange of rings. These rings are perfect circles, with no beginning and no end. They are a visible symbol of the promises you have made today, a constant reminder of your enduring love. Nico, would you please bring forward the rings? [Nico walks forward with the rings and hands them to Sofia, who then hands them to Elena and Priya] Elena, please place the ring on Priya’s finger and repeat after me: Priya, with this ring, I give you my heart. PRIYA, WITH THIS RING, I GIVE YOU MY HEART. I choose you, always and forever. I CHOOSE YOU, ALWAYS AND FOREVER. Priya, please place the ring on Elena’s finger and repeat after me: Elena, with this ring, I give you my heart. ELENA, WITH THIS RING, I GIVE YOU MY HEART. I choose you, always and forever. I CHOOSE YOU, ALWAYS AND FOREVER. PRONOUNCEMENT Elena and Priya, you have witnessed the beauty of their love story today. You have heard their vows and seen their commitment. By the power vested in me by the State of Colorado, and by the love that surrounds us here, it is my absolute joy to pronounce you spouses for life! THE KISS You may kiss your wife! [Elena and Priya kiss, guests applaud] PRESENTATION Ladies and gentlemen, it is my immense honor to present to you, for the very first time, Elena and Priya! [Cue music, Elena and Priya walk back down the aisle] DELIVERY PEP TALK Sofia, you absolutely crushed it! Your voice was warm, your timing was perfect, and your genuine love for Elena and Priya shone through every word. You connected with everyone there, and your personal touches were truly special. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and know that you delivered a beautiful, memorable ceremony that they will cherish forever. You did an amazing job!