A letter to Hanna and Jerry…

This is a special place. A place where people have brought beautiful living plants, alluring butterflies here to establish them, to nurture and care for them, that they may be forever surrounded by the beauty we now see.

We are with you now in this appropriate place to celebrate your relationship. We ask only that you remember how your life together will have the same seasons and needs as the garden. As you caringly choose this place to declare your marriage, so remember its lessons for your life together through the seasons that are yours to share. And may these seasons bring you and yours joy and happiness.

The last time I stand before you, I spoke promises. This time, I will solidify them into vows: A vow to take care of you for the rest of my life. A vow to build a home filled with trust, love, and dreams. A vow to stand by you through happiness and sadness. Time will pass, hardship will come. I vow to go wherever you go. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.

One of the beautiful elements at the butterfly conservatory is the release of butterflies.

Koi, the first time I met you, I remember being nervous, but as soon as you smiled at me, I remember thinking, "Ah, his smile is kind of cute." That smile has carried me through many moments since then. It's the smile I look for when I'm worried. The smile that gave me strength. The one that reminds me everything will be okay. Your smile and your laughter are things that I would like to protect and see for the rest of my life. You have been by my side through all these years together as my friend, boyfriend, fiancé, and now husband. I am forever grateful for you. I vow, from this day forward, that you will never face this world alone. I vow to face whatever challenges or adventures we encounter together.

Hanna, I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live. Koi, I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as long as I live.

We invite you now to kiss.

I vow to support you. I vow to respect and honour you, and I vow to love and support the man you are today, the husband you will be tomorrow, and the person you hope to become.