Barnes-Pettavino Wedding
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you with love: Mr. and Mrs. Pettavino!
Loved ones gathered over the holiday weekend at Circa on Seventh near the Kenosha Harbor to celebrate the love story of Victor and Dalonda. Heartfelt joy was abundant in every special moment for this sweet couple. It was a lovely honor to get to know Victor and Dalonda and to unite them in marriage.
Enjoy a few excerpts from this beautiful ceremony below.
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Today, in the presence of these witnesses, Victor and Dalonda are ready to be united as one family. Also sharing in the love today are those unable to attend, especially the bride and groom’s cat and dog, Mister and Mia. They wish they could be here to celebrate with you. Additionally, may you know in your hearts that dear Cap is watching over this union with joy.
It is remarkable how we go about our daily lives, crossing paths with some people and missing others by a mere moment or by being one block north or south. We will never know why it took so long for you two to meet; but, thanks to some mutual friends, the timing was finally right- and there you both were- placed with gentle perfection onto the same path- and your love story was right there- waiting for you.
Victor said, “Dalonda is kind and nurturing. She comforts me, and my soul is at peace with her.”
Dalonda said, “Victor not only makes me want to be a better person, but I am a better person with him.”
From this day forward, you are called upon to write your love story together, with your words and actions, with your hearts and souls, every moment of every day, until God calls you home.
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Vows
Earlier, the couple privately exchanged their personalized vows with each other. The vows you are about to exchange now also express the actions you promise to take to show your commitment and faithfulness to each other. You must carry out the actions of your vows all the days of your lives to perpetually secure your union.
(Victor) Dalonda, I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become.
I promise to appreciate you, to grow with you, and to be supportive of you.
I will cherish you always.
I will love you and have faith in your love for me,
through all our years together and all that life may bring us.
(Dalonda) Victor, I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become.
I promise to appreciate you, to grow with you, and to be supportive of you.
I will cherish you always.
I will love you and have faith in your love for me,
through all our years together and all that life may bring us.
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Victor and Dalonda,
Now you will feel no storms, for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness, for each of you is companion to the other.
You are two persons, but there is one life before you, and one home.
Turn together to look at the road you traveled, to reach this- the hour of your happiness.
It stretches behind you into the past. Look to the future that lies ahead.
A long and winding, adventure-filled road, whose every turn means discovery, new hopes, new joys, new laughter, and a few shared tears.
May happiness be your companion, may beauty surround you both in the journey ahead; and through all the years to come.
Go this day to your dwelling place and enter into your days together.
May your days be good and long upon the earth. Your adventure has just begun! -Apache Wedding Prayer
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If you didn’t know, in July of 2023, Victor and Dalonda went on a hike at Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve in Grafton. They found a bench overlooking Lake Michigan, and, as they rested and enjoyed the view, Dalonda remarked that this would be a perfect spot for a couple to get engaged. Well, Victor already knew that, and he proceeded to get down on one knee and pop the question.
Now, there’s another question to be asked: “Is there anything more beautiful in life than a young couple clasping hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?”
And the answer is given: “Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled but still clasped; their faces are seamed but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired but still strong with love and devotion. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love. Old love.” -The Beauty of Love –Anon
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To Victor and Dalonda and a lifetime of love! Cheers!