Universal Life Church

The Wedding of Laura Jali and Antonio Monreal

Processional

~ Introductory Music ~

Welcome Statement

Minister: Welcome to this day of celebration, it's great to have all of you here to witness the union
of Laura and Antonio as wife and husband before the Elements. Together, we will share in the joys
of their wedding, both with the outward celebration of this occasion and with an internal
appreciation for the love that surrounds us.

Laura and Antonio, you two have the opportunity to build an amazing life together. You are
blessed to share this experience with the loved ones gathered here to support you as you embark
on this journey together.

At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands. (Addressing couple) Will you please join
hands with your beloved?

These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you
promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work
alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will hold you and
comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears
from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength. And these are the hands that even when wrinkled
and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a
touch.

May you all remember and cherish this ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind
Laura and Antonio together.

Speak Now

Minister: If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be
joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace.
 Universal Life Church

Wedding Sermon

Minister: Marriage is more than a simple exchanging of rings or combining of material assets.
Rather, it is an indescribably powerful shared commitment. While today I will legally bind you
together, the truly important bonds we form today are largely invisible to the world, existing
primarily in the unlled corners of your heart.

Marriage is one of life's greatest gifts, and it is a blessing to make these promises with your
soulmate. As you hold onto one another, you will nd deeper levels of joy, happiness and peace
together. Your marriage is the foundation upon which you will build the rest of your lives and,
despite any adversity, will always be there to sustain you.

Laura and Antonio, take a moment to sense the tremendous amount of love radiating throughout
this space. As you stand here today, before the Elements, before those gathered here in your
honor, and before one another, take note that after you speak your vows this day your lives will
never be the same. Marriage, regardless of any preconceived notions you might have, has the
capacity to deepen and challenge and strengthen you and your relationship in ways that you never
thought possible.

The joy you'll nd as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll
encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest
priority in your heart.

Learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly
things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your
relationship strengthens you will nd that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both
abundantly given and freely accepted.
 Universal Life Church

Consecration

Minister: As we celebrate this bond of unity today Under the fold of the Elements, it is important
that we keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we
witness here today are serious and life-altering commitments.

"Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by
example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for Laura and Antonio the blessings
of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand
the lessons each element has to oer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they
mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well."

"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their
future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air ows freely to and from and through us all,
may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner.
Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom."

"Spirits of Fire, we ask that Laura and Antonio's passion for each other and for life itself remain
ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire
clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring
about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life."

"We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the
serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our Bride and Groom. May they
be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea,
owing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a
reminder that with love all is well and will endure."

"Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock
solid place to stand and fulll his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile elds,
expansive and alive. May they nd the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when
they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for
each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."

"Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your
continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have
gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever
revel in the magik that is love."

It is with simultaneous feelings of elation and expressions of respect that we proceed.

 Universal Life Church

Exchange of Vows

Minister: Laura and Antonio, I would now invite you to publicly speak your commitment to your
partner.

Laura, would you like to begin?

Laura: Antonio, today I take you to be my husband; I join my life with yours. I promise to love and
to honor you; to treasure you and to respect you; to walk with you side-by-side in joy and sorrow. I
vow to be honest, caring, and truthful; to love you as you are, and not as I want you to be; and to
grow old by your side as your love and best friend. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from
this day forward.

Minister: Antonio, your turn.

Antonio: Laura, today I take you to be my wife; I join my life with yours. I promise to love and to
honor you; to treasure you and to respect you; to walk with you side-by-side in joy and sorrow. I
vow to be honest, caring, and truthful; to love you as you are, and not as I want you to be; and to
grow old by your side as your love and best friend. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from
this day forward.

Declaration of Intent

Minister: Laura and Antonio please join hands.

Laura, do you take Antonio to live together in the union of marriage? To take him as your best
friend and partner in life? To honor, cherish, and love him, from this day forward, for better, for
worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for all of your days?

Laura: I do.

Minister: Antonio, do you take Laura to live together in the union of marriage? To take her as
your best friend and partner in life? To honor, cherish, and love her, from this day forward, for
better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for all of your days?

Laura: I do.
 Universal Life Church

Tree Planting Ceremony

Laura and Antonio, while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the planting of
your marital tree that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.

At this time Laura and Antonio should receive a vessel, each containing soil. The sapling should
already be positioned in the ground or pot, ready to receive their soil.

Each of you holds now a vessel of soil. Allow this soil to represent your life: every thought that's
ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of
your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every bit of soil is another moment, either a
moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.

And now, pour your soil in and give a life and home to this tree.

Laura and Antonio should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their soil into the hole or pot housing
the tree.

As this tree grows, so shall you both. The tree will endure harsh weather, invasive animals, all
matter of hardships but, just like your marriage, it shall endure.

Pronouncement

Minister: Family and friends, by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and by the
state of California, I am pleased to pronounce Laura and Antonio as wife and husband, sealed
together today both in law and in love.

Presentation

Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, for the rst time, Mrs. Laura Jali and Mr. Antonio Monreal!

Recessional

~ Exit Music ~