Maria Luiza Raia & Eduardo Soares

In the idyllic setting of Solar das Palmeiras (Ilha da Gigóia), Malu and Dudu defied the uncertainties of a difficult time to affirm their love. Based on the biblical promise that 'as long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest will not cease', this ceremony is a testament to faith and hope, proving that love is the only force capable of prevailing over fear and renewing life.

Official Marriage Registry Solar das Palmeiras (Gigoia Island). An open-air celebration marked by emotion and faith, led and written by the celebrant. Geovane Souza for the union of Maria Luiza and Eduardo.

Good morning!
We are gathered here to celebrate the marriage of the young couple Maria Luiza Raia dos Santos Velloso Pinto and Eduardo Soares Dutra do Souto — Malu and Dudu!

Reflection: Love in Times of Trial

We are still living through turbulent times because of a microscopic illness, forced to take a series of precautions for the sake of our health and lives, but in an old black-covered book there is an account of an even more deadly catastrophe, and at the end of it, there was a promise that I would like to share with everyone present:

As long as the earth endures,
sowing and reaping,
and cold and heat,
and summer and winter,
and day and night,
They will not cease.

(Genesis 8:22)

Therefore, dear listeners, we can be sure that life is moving forward after so many days of isolation and, just as everything that is written continues to unfold, in the same way, no one can stop love!

In this unique moment, we will launch into the future a feeling that began approximately eight years ago, when a young woman from Ceará entered high school at Colégio Batista Shepard and, in the same classroom, was a friendly young man from Niterói whom, according to information I received from both of them, she couldn't take her eyes off.

As in any good romantic plot, it seems that the goals are never achieved so quickly, and even some obstacles that don't actually exist manage to get in the way: although butterflies were flying fiercely in Malu's stomach, they were also flying for the same person in the stomach of one of her schoolmates, and she, being loyal, spent some time focusing only on her classical ballet, thinking that the object of her spontaneous feelings would reciprocate her friend's passionate interests…

She certainly could never have imagined that her glances had not gone unnoticed and, powerfully, had already captured the heart of that charming young man who, incidentally, even changed seats in the classroom as soon as he saw her, so he could be closer to the newcomer…

Rest assured, many factors conspired to prevent us from being here today, celebrating this moment so full of love—and therefore, so magical!
For example? Besides her own friend's interest in the man she loved at first sight, a friend of his—or a backstabber?—also appeared and insisted on confirming that he harbored reciprocal feelings for the other woman!

At this point, where we are forced to acknowledge young Malu's loyalty, allow me to offer an important recommendation that may be useful not only to the future couple, but to everyone who does not wish to risk being victims of such misunderstandings: learn to recognize and express your feelings!
I admit it's not an easy task, but it's the foundation upon which the strongest and most lasting relationships have been built.
As for the guarantee of achieving unparalleled peace of mind!

Human beings, being gregarious and particularly so in their youth, often get carried away by trends and widespread behaviors without considering the consequences. However, from the moment we accept the commitment of marriage, we become—as the author of The Little Prince said—responsible for what we have tamed!
Of course, we cannot consider irresponsible people who are perfectly capable of taking care of:
• Juvenal,
• Snow Ball,
• Lindinalva,
• Maria Oswalda,
• Theodora,
• Tico,
• Phylum,
• Tina
The eight most beloved cockatiels on the internet, but if the birds' expectations are essentially met through food, affection, and comfort;
A human being has far more complex needs than just a fish stew or a brownie!

Forgive me for bringing up that old book again, the one with the traditional black cover, but which says that when you get married, what were two people become ONE FLESH.

This means a complete and mutual commitment… it's equivalent to saying that, from a competitive perspective, the winner is the one who is able to make the other happier… and this doesn't necessarily mean breaking the budget, because often the best material goods can't compete with the fullness of acceptance, satisfied feelings, and security, as happens when Malu needs to wake Dudu to accompany her out of the room in the darkness of night, or when Dudu, even while procrastinating, is encouraged to continue, supported, and even challenged by Malu!

In the perfect trajectory of romantic maturity, the couple should, together, deepen their intimacy to the point where they can affirm to each other with total sincerity:
J'ENTEND TON COEUR… EU ESCUTO OS ANSEMOS DO SEU CORAÇÃO!

True love also requires us to be much more sincere than simply wanting to appear "nice" all the time...
And sincerity was certainly not lacking in Mr. Eduardo when, after many, many attempts, he decided to put an end to that friendship situation that left him completely frustrated: he always found a way to do schoolwork and everything else that came up with her, but it seemed that the "friend zone" was insurmountable... until the day he concentrated all his artillery and invited Ms. Malu for a night at the club!

Her reaction? It was as surprising as possible: she took her friend along!!

It was a delicate moment, but Eduardo Soares Dutra do Souto, who sometimes takes his time before resolving certain situations, wasn't in the mood for games that night: according to him, he simply didn't want to "remain a bachelor" and opened his heart, laid his passion on the table, and clarified who the true object of his most complete and pure affection was: Maria Luiza Raia dos Santos Velloso Pinto.

Since then, despite a couple of disagreements along the way —
which, incidentally, only served to further solidify their feelings for each other — their love has grown and become so strong that today we are here to celebrate the officialization of this beautiful…

Malu and Dudu's Vows

A romantic close-up of the bride and groom, Maria Luiza (redhead) and Eduardo, under the bridal veil. Malu smiles serenely with her eyes closed, holding a bouquet of tulips and roses, while Dudu rests his face against hers. Wedding at Solar das Palmeiras, officiated by Geovane Souza.
I, Eduardo Soares, accept you, Maria Luiza Raia,
as my lawful wife
and I promise
to love you and respect you
in joy and in sorrow,
in health and in sickness,
in wealth and in poverty,
for all the days of my life.
I, Maria Luiza Raia, accept you, Eduardo Soares,
as my lawful husband
and I promise
to love you and respect you
in joy and in sorrow,
in health and in sickness,
in wealth and in poverty,
for all the days of my life.
A romantic moment at Solar das Palmeiras: groom Eduardo affectionately kisses the hand of the bride Maria Luiza (redhead), who rests her head on his shoulder. In the background, the landscape of Ilha da Gigóia.

We would like to thank everyone for their presence, and also those who could not be here, paying special and heartfelt tribute to:
Mrs. Eleonora Raia, who would very much like to see her granddaughter dressed as a bride;
Mr. Genival Serafim dos Santos, who passed away this year;
And little Edmund, who fought bravely, must be flying happily through the sky of birds at this moment.

Minutes of the Wedding at Solar das Palmeiras

I now invite the bride and groom and two witnesses to sign the memorial book relating to this celebration.

Artistic composition showing a photo of the bride and groom, Eduardo and Maria Luiza, with the officiant Geovane Souza in the background, superimposed on a handwritten ceremony record in a lined notebook. The text documents the wedding held on December 5, 2020, at Solar das Palmeiras Rio, Ilha da Gigóia.
Rio de Janeiro, December 5, 2020.

Ceremonial

On the fifth day of December of the year two thousand and twenty, the ceremony celebrating the union between Eduardo Soares Dutra do Souto and Maria Luiza Raia dos Santos Velloso Pinto was held.
The event took place at Solar das Palmeiras Rio, located at number 270 Alameda Rosas, on Ilha da Gigóia, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Geovane Ignácio de Souza, who officiated at the above information, attests to its accuracy and signs it.

(Eduardo Soares Dutra do Souto)
(Maria Luiza Raia dos Santos Velloso Pinto)
(Patricia da Silva Duarte)
(Thiago Mendonça de Carvalho)

Now we will have a very important moment, requested by the mothers of the couple, so that everyone present, regardless of their faith, has the opportunity to convey our good wishes, positive energy, and positive thoughts to the newlyweds.
Please stand and extend your hands toward the couple so that we may pray the Lord's Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
Your kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
as it is on earth as it is in heaven;
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our debts,
just as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil;
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.

(Matthew 6:8-13)

To end on a high note, nothing could be more special than allowing the newlyweds to seal this new and important step in their journey together through the act they first performed way back at "Noel's Cradle" in Vila Isabel: they may kiss!!!

May health, happiness, and peace accompany you today and forever!
Enjoy your afternoon!
Have a great weekend!
Bonne vie!

Are you thinking of having your wedding at Solar das PalmeirasThe logistics of Ilha da Gigóia require experience. If you need an officiant who already knows the location and its unique characteristics, count on Geovane Souza to conduct your ceremony.