Hello, and good afternoon. I would like to join Ruben and Monica in welcoming and thanking all of their family and friends who have come here today to be fellow witness and share in the joy in their marriage. They know that by our presence here with them, we are saying that they, together, are loved by many others.

Ruben and Monica, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. You are fully knowledgable that a lasting and growing love is not guaranteed by any ritual.

If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and dreams that you bring here today. Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the common nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Faults will surface where now you find comfort, and admiration can be shattered by the routines of daily life.

Dedication, love, and joy can grow only when you nourish them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, having faith in your shared destiny just as strongly as you have faith in yourselves and in one another today. Only with this spirit can you forge a union that will strengthen and endure all the days of your lives.

READINGS:

If you'll indulge me now, I will this read just a few marriage-related verses that were selected by Monica and Ruben. This first selection is by Wilferd Arlan Petersen and it's titled, "The Art Of A Good Marriage".

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted.
The courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

And here is a very short verse by George Eliot entitled:

What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?

And here is another short verse by Madeline Bridge titled:

There are loyal hearts, there are spirits brave,
There are souls that are pure and true.
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you

Give love, and love to your heart will flow,
A strength in your utmost need.
Have faith, and a score of hearts will show
Their faith in your word and deed.

For life is the mirror of king and slave.
'Tis just what you are and do.
Then give to the world the best you have,
And the best will come back to you.

And here is a final very short verse by Mildred Merle entitled:

Two volumes bound in one complete
With thrilling story old but sweet
No title needs the cover fair,
Two golden hearts are blended there.

PLEDGE:

Ruben and Monica, if you would, please recite the pledges that you have created for each other. We'll begin with Ruben:

Monica, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and 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 promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.

And now you, Monica:

Ruben today I take you to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I promise you my deepest love, my fullest devotion, my tenderest care. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. You have shown me what love feels like and for that I thank you. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my heart, and my love, from this day forward.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE:

Ruben and Monica would like to give each other rings, which are symbols of the love and friendship they have for each other. Ruben and Monica regard this ceremony also as a symbol of their love, a consecration of each to the other, and of both to the noblest ends of life. Ruben, please place the ring on Monica's finger. Monica, please place the ring on Ruben's finger. And, if you would, please join hands.

Ruben, will you receive Monica as your wife? Will you pledge to her your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing her with a husband's loyalty and devotion?

Monica, will you receive Ruben as your husband? Will you pledge to him your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing him with a wife’s loyalty and devotion?

Ruben and Monica, you have declared, before all of us, your love for each other and that you will live together in marriage. You have made special promises to each other, which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, the making of vows and the giving and receiving of two rings. Therefore, by the authority vested in me by the state of California, I now take great pleasure in declaring you to be husband and wife.
Ruben, you may kiss your bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Varela.