Rolando and Anthony Garcia
Wedgewood Weddings - Ashley Ridge
Sunday, 10/20/24, 5:00 p.m.


Good evening, everyone! Welcome to Anthony and Rolando’s wedding. Before the ceremony begins, I’d like to ask you to silence and put away your cell phones. Anthony and Rolando have requested that this be an unplugged wedding, without use of cell phones, so that we can fully focus on this special day. Thank you.


Processional:
Rolando and Valentina
Anthony and Barbie


Who gives their blessing for this union? (We do) Thank you. You may be seated.


We come together today, in joy and delight, to celebrate Anthony and Rolando, as today they formally join their paths in this life. So let us take this moment to surround them in love as they enter into this sacred ceremony. Today we also celebrate all the people whose love is with Anthony and Rolando. Each person here has supported Anthony and Rolando in their own unique way, through friendship, love, and laughter. We honor family by blood and family by choice. We especially honor Anthony’s mother, Barbie, who brought Anthony into this world and helped him become the person he is today. All this support has helped Anthony and Rolando become the amazing people and the amazing couple they are today, so we give thanks for everyone’s love.


Anthony and Rolando, it is a joy for us all to be here with you on your wedding day. Your whole lives have brought you to this very moment! I invite you to take a moment to pause and revel in the moment. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in the beauty around you. Look at your guests and see the love on their faces. Look out at this beautiful day, the evening setting around us, and the earth and stars and moon that hold us. And finally, look at one another, and see all the love in the eyes of your beloved.


Rumi’s poem,


“Looking for your face” beautifully represents this moment. From the beginning of my life I have been looking for your face but today I have seen it Today I have seen the charm, the beauty, the unfathomable grace of the face that I was looking for
...
I am bewildered by the magnificence of your beauty and wish to see you with a hundred eyes. My heart has burned with passion and has searched forever for this wondrous beauty that I now behold
…
You have breathed new life into me. I have become your sunshine and also your shadow
…
Your effulgence has lit a fire in my heart and you have made radiant for me the earth and sky. My arrow of love has arrived at the target I am in the house of mercy and my heart is a place of prayer.


For Anthony and Rolando, arrows of love hit in 2021. Anthony was working as a hospice and palliative care community liaison, and Rolando was working as a nurse case manager at a physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital. To this day, Rolando remembers the moment
Anthony walked into his office - looking very smart in blue pants, a white shirt, and black shoes, with his hair gently pushed to the side stylishly. Even though they were both wearing masks, when they looked into each other’s eyes, their connection was immediate. When they went on their first date, that connection became profound. In fact, Rolando remembers falling in love with Anthony from the very first time they hugged, at the beginning of that date. And that evening, they shared about everything, baring their souls to each other.


Later, the two would look back on that date and cherish the wise words of Rolando’s Aunt Leticia: relationships are only hard when you are with the wrong person.”


Because on that first date, they realized they had finally met the RIGHT person - the man they had always been waiting for. They both knew that their future together would be filled with joy, possibility, hope, and love. From that first date on, they were inseparable. On a date night, they would plan to watch a movie together, but then they would end up having long conversations, listening to music.


Rolando would write long letters to Anthony or leave sweet messages on the bathroom mirror. They would play video games, which Rolando let Anthony win (almost) all the time! They road tripped to Chicago, walking around Lake Michigan with Rolando’s parents. They traveled to
Cozumel, where Anthony shared his love for adventure, and they held hands while snorkeling and parasailing. They had the courage to fly through the air and dive through the oceans, because together, they could do anything.


Rolando cherishes Anthony’s kindness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. He loves Anthony’s courage and strength, and how he turns difficulty into opportunity. Rolando feels uplifted, guided, and inspired by Anthony.


Anthony cherishes Rolando’s compassion, emotional intelligence, and kindness, as well as his ability to embody strength, grace, and integrity. Anthony knows he can always be himself around Rolando, since Rolando understands, accepts, and loves him unconditionally.


Together, Anthony and Rolando support each other without hesitation. They nurture each other’s hearts and minds. They stay real with each other, and are honest about everything. They face any adversities as a united front, always solving problems together. They communicate openly, sharing their love and gratitude for each other. They also gently and lovingly remind each other to always remain authentic, to overcome their fears and to be their truest, most genuine self.


And now they prepare to enter a new chapter: marriage. Their love will continue to be pure and strong, and yet from this moment on, everything will be a little different.


Anthony and Rolando, it is time for you to share your vows to each other. While you do this, we will pass around your rings. We will ask each guest to take about 10 or 15 seconds with the rings, to hold them, and infuse them with love and best wishes for their marriage.


Anthony, you may share your vows. (Vows)


Rolando, you may share your vows. (Vows)


Now, it’s time to exchange the rings. These rings are physical reminders of your love, to be worn as a symbol not only of your commitment, but also of your eternal love. Rings have no beginning and no end, and therefore they are also symbols of the deep connection you share. These rings have been infused with love, prayers, blessings, and joy from all of us. When you wear them, may you remember all the love in your hearts today.


May we please have the rings?


Anthony, do you choose Rolando, giving him your heart, your soul, and your undying devotion,
for all the days of your life? (I do)


Rolando, do you choose Anthony, giving him your heart, your soul, and your undying devotion
for all the days of your life? (I do)


Now we turn to our guests to share their vows of support. As with any relationship, Anthony and Rolando do not stand alone, and they will need your love and support as they nourish their marriage. They will need their community around them, both in times of joy and in times of adversity. So we call upon the community for your vow: will you support Anthony and Rolando in nurturing their marriage, in helping them laugh and love together, and in encouraging their growth and happiness? If so, please say we do. (We do)


Anthony and Rolando, as you enter into the sacred beauty and magic of marriage, wishes and prayers for your happiness surround you. Your rings contain love, blessings and good wishes. And so, I send you with these blessings as well. May you always remember the trust and devotion that exists between you. May you grow together, as friends, partners, husbands, and lovers.
May you always find happiness in bringing joy to each other. May you fiercely guard and protect each other’s hearts. May you always turn towards each other, not away from each other, and may you always be a source of comfort for each other. May you see only opportunities when there are hardships. May your heart open again and again, so that you fall deeper in love every day. May you find true peace together within your hearts and souls. May your souls grow and stretch and play, knowing that within your love, you truly accept and adore each other for who you are. May you choose one another again and again for all time.


Anthony and Rolando, you have affirmed your devotion to each other through your vows and the exchange of rings. You are now joined together in marriage! I pronounce you husbands for life.


You may seal your vows with a kiss.


It is with great joy I now introduce to you, the married couple - Mr. Rolando and Mr. Anthony
Garcia! (Processional)


The happy couple would like to invite you to the reception!




Meal Blessing -
Let us pause and take a moment to bless our food. Let us pray. We come together in community, with our hearts open and joyful, to celebrate Anthony and Rolando. We give thanks for their marriage! We give thanks for the love, hope, and joy that they have shared here today. May we truly celebrate their love and rejoice in every moment of their first dinner as a married couple. We give thanks for everyone who has gathered here, and for the gifts of their love, friendship, and laughter. We will cherish all the beautiful memories we are creating here today.
We receive this food in gratitude to all beings who have helped to bring it to our table. respond to this kindness in turn, by sharing our bounties with others. May our joy and love overflow into the world around us and grant peace to all that need it. So shall it be; Amen!

Rolando,


As I stand here today surrounded by people we love, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of joy, pride and gratitude knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. Who knew walking into a Hospital on what seemed to be an ordinary work day would turn into THE most extraordinary journey of a lifetime -it honeslty feels like something out of a hallmark movie.


I’m a person that usually overthinks everything BUT from our very first date, without a single doubt I knew I wanted a future with you. We wasted no time and you moved in quickly after our first date. Our souls recognized we had finally found each other and had a lot of catching up to do. Since then we have built such a beautiful life together and am so grateful for every single day I get to spend with you. You are my answered prayer. You are my miracle.


From writing our names in the sand to walking side by side in the snow I love every season and every year with you. Traveling has always made me realize how beautiful the world can be but with you by my side no matter where we are, every single moment is absolutely beautiful.


The journey to find you wasn’t easy, especially since it took this long but Loving you is the easiest thing I have ever done.


We have walked together through laughter and tears, through triumphs and trials and with each step, my love for you has deepened in ways I never thought possible. We are stronger and better versions of ourselves when we are together. During difficult times, I will be here to remind you that strong storms make trees grow deeper-and-stronger-roots.


I am a better man because of you and I promise to keep working on myself every single day so that I can be the best for you and for us. You truly are my world and am the happiest I have ever been because of you.


You’re the most generous man with your beautiful words that embrace me time and time again. Its the small things that you do for me that makes me feel so loved. For example, I felt like a teenager when you took me to a book store, opened my door and went straight to a poetry book where you began reading me the sweetest poem. You’d pause, look deep into my eyes while yours would begin to tear up. Moments like that make me realize how fortunate I am to be loved by you.


You’re are the smartest most kind person I have EVER met. I not only admire that about you but also appreciate your emotional intelligence. I love the way you love our friends and family. You’re perfect for me. I can’t believe I get to marry and share the rest of life with you. You are truly remarkable. Not only are you absolutely beautiful on the outside but even more so on the inside.


You understand me, you get me and we just click. You were always meant to be my last missing puzzle peace. I know that to be true because the world just makes sense now and I am a better man because of you.


I promise to love you unconditionally with all that I am and all that I’ll be.


I promise to respect you and listen to all you say with an open heart. I will honor your thoughts and your deepest dreams.


I promise to be your safe haven, a place where you can find comfort, peace and understanding.


I promise I’ll be your partner in all things, your confidant and your best friend. I promise to stand by you thru all the changes and challenges that life brings. I will celebrate your victories and stand by you in your challenges, knowing that together, we can overcome anything.


Today, I take you Rolando Ismael Garcia to be my Husband. You are the greatest gift Ill ever receive in this lifetime and I am forever thankful for you!


I promise to love you each day of this and every lifetime after.


You are not only my better half, you are my favorite human! I will l love you, honor you, respect and cherish you in sickness and health, through sorrows and success, for all the days of my life. I am forever yours. I love you!

Anthony,


You changed my life forever when you walked into my office four years ago on October 21, 2020.


You have this fire, Anthony: unapologetic, brave and bold, that my soul recognized even then. your divine spark burns so brightly. You have built the man you are brick by brick, strategically and thoughtfully, and each victory that you’ve ever had in your life has been hard won. I admire your strength, your perseverance, your diligence, your determination and resilience. You have faced obstacles and have overcome them with the acumen of a philosopher, the foresight of a prophet, and the heart and strength of a warrior. I am inspired by and awed by your brilliance and your capacity to love. You are kind, perceptive and considerate. You bring joy to everyone you meet, and you make us all feel special, valued, and seen. You make us feel worthy of love and acknowledgment! You, Anthony are so beautiful, and I will never fail to tell you that and remind you how you make the world a better place.


It’s no wonder that at our first meeting your soul called to me. That’s the only way I can describe it. A call in to the abyss. You haunted me and filled my thoughts and consumed my day dreams with every subsequent meeting. Falling in love with you was as easy as breathing, and to this day you still take my breath away.


I wasn’t nervous when I texted you for the first time because I was so certain we would end up right here in this moment. Even though we barely knew each other personally and we hadn’t seen each others faces until our very first date, you had a way that was so familiar, I felt like I had found a part of myself that was lost to the ages.


You changed the course of my life, and you liberated me from my cave where I lived aware of only shadows. I now finally see the world in vibrant and joyful color. Over the last three years together I’ve learned that true love does in fact exist and that life was only hard because it was with the wrong person. You excavated the hollows of my heart and filled its caverns with warmth and love. You have bewitched me body and soul, and I willingly and whole heartedly succumb to your influence. With you I have experienced true wonder. I stand across from you today eager to be your partner, your future, your forever and make these vows to you as we embark on married life!


I will laugh with you when life is funny and crazy. I will weep with you when the days are melancholy. I will rejoice with you in all the little things as every second I spend with you is a tremendous gift and even an eternity together would never be enough. I will celebrate our victories and triumphs . I will dance with you when there’s no music and sing your praises with every breath.

I will tend to and nurse any hurt, pain or discomfort. I will be brave for you so you won’t have to be brave all of the time although you’re already the bravest person I know. I will grow old with you, hold your hand always, say good night before bed, and kiss you before leaving for work. I will never stop telling you how grateful I am for you and how much I love you on the regular. I will celebrate the wonder that you are and never will I fail to be in awe of you. I will worship you body and soul as you deserve. You are pure light, shining effervescently, so much so that even the ground you walk upon is sacred. I will be a sounding board, a collaborator, a good and loving partner through all the good times and all the not so good times. I know our good times will be bountiful because they have been abundant in just the short time we’ve been together. Though the not so good times are inevitable, we are strong, formidable and brave. the wind may billow and the hail come, but we will weather any storm, face any struggle, and overcome any obstacle because not only do we have each other, but we have our tribe comprised of those gathered here, our community, our family.
I will protect and keep you safe from the slings and arrows of this world and the next. I will always lift you up so you may never dash your foot against a stone. Though you may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I pray you fear no evil, nor terror at night, nor arrow that flies by day for I will always be with you. I will be your refuge and your fortress as I know you’ll be mine, and we will walk hand in hand into holy land.


Over the course of my simple existence, I have seen souls initiated into this world; I have cared for and laid healing hands upon the broken and suffering; and I have walked alongside death itself. But that all does not compare to the greatest act I will ever do in this lifetime which is loving you.


I will acknowledge fault and shortcomings and apologize when I’m wrong and always find an answer seeking opportunities for growth and intimacy in love rather than seeing only problems, obstacles, or impossibilities. With you by my side anything and everything is possible. Though my mind may break and madness come and my body wither and illness strike, my soul will forever be your soldier, tried and true, transcendent, standing tall and steady, fighting the good fight, finishing the race.


You are my lighthouse, calling out to me in the storm, calling me home. I promise to heed that call, abide by it, respect it, and always answer it first before all others. I will always find you through madness, through darkness, through illness through despair in this lifetime and every lifetime that follows. You are my way, my truth, my life. I believe in you.


I promise my whole, true authentic self to you. I will cherish and love you forever. with all my might I will be the best husband to you for always, my beautiful man. May god bless us and may god bless our union.