CONGRATULATIONS! DAY OF OUR LIVES: Andrew and Paul Married in Heartfelt Ceremony: Touching Vows Read
Photo: JPI
On the Tuesday, June 24th episode of Days of our Lives, the wedding of Andrew Donovan (Colton Little) and Paul Narita (Christopher Sean) took centerstage. Prior to the ceremony, during, and after, head writers, Paula Cwikly and Jeanne Marie Ford and their team, continued to bring more emotional moments since the passing of John Black, and the memorial in his honor, which also paid tribute to his portrayer, the late Drake Hogestyn.
Before they head to their nuptials, Andrew and Paul hit the sheets. Later, Paul voices his concern of their future. He says that their long-distance relationship because of Andrew’s career with the ISA, constantly puts his husband-to-be in danger. Andrew calms Paul’s fears saying that they are going to have a long, happy life together. Next, in a touching moment, Andrew presents Paul with a special gift from Marlena (Deidre Hall). When he opens it, Paul is overwhelmed as it was his father’s wristwatch engraved on the back which said, “To JB, for giving me time.”
Paul is in tears, wishing his dad was there to see them get married, as well as his mother, both of whom are no longer with us. Meanwhile, as the ceremony is being set-up, Eric (Greg Vaughan) tells Brady (Eric Martsolf) he is a bit nervous as he has never officiated a same-sex wedding before, but Brady says he will do great.
Courtesy/Peacock
In attendance at the nuptials are: Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) and Steve (Stephen Nichols), Tate (Leo Howard), Rachel (Alice Halsey), Marlena, Carrie (Christie Clark), Will (Chandler Massey), Shane (Charles Shaughnessy), Belle (Martha Madison) and the aforementioned Brady and Eric. As it turns out, Andrew and Paul dressed in matching suits and ties were a bit late, but as soon as they arrived the wedding got underway.
Photo: JPI
First, Carrie helped Paul honor his Japanese heritage which gave a nod to the tradition of drinking sake from three different cups as symbol of their union. Carrie poured the drink into the cup. Paul drank some and then handed the cup to Andrew. Next, the grooms each said their wows, and they were as follows:
Andrew’s vows: “John and I showed up to Paul’s place in San Francisco. Before I knew it, we were off on an adventure that took us all the way to Hong Kong. There was a lot of action on that trip: black tie galas, guns, and poison gas . But what I remember most from that time was a conversation that Paul and I had in a hot tub. Easy folks. We were working, but we were also talking. Paul and I had just met and he was so open about his family, about coming out, and that allowed me to be open. From the very beginning, being with him felt so natural and so right. Paul and I both love our work and each other, and that means that we’re not always able to be in the same place at the same time. But Paul, please know, that no matter where I am, I’m always with you. Wherever I go, you go with me. You are in my heart and my soul forever. I’m so blessed to be the person you’ve chosen to walk through this life with. I promise from the day forward, to love and to cherish you as walk together as husbands.”
Courtesy/Peacock
Paul’s vows: “What you said is true. We connected right away, had amazing, incredible conversations, deep and meaningful talks, and they went on for hours. My mother used to say, ‘few words, speak truth,’ and I love you, Andrew. That is my truth. That is my vow to love you always for a long time. Fear kept me from being honest, from being happy, and whole. But with you, I am both. You know me like no one else does, except my dad. He and I didn’t get to know each other until much later in life. Turned out, that I had followed in his footsteps playing baseball, and later, I was lucky enough to follow in his footsteps again, at ‘Black Patch’ where I got to learn from the best there was. Dad was also an incurable, romantic, and yes, I followed in his footsteps again. He told me not to give up on love. He believed in the power of the heart. He gave me the courage to push past my fears and my doubts, to trust my own heart, to believe that we could work. Here we are. I wondered why he rooted so hard for us. Now, I think I know why. … he was an honorary member of your family. And when I met you, I just knew I was home.”
Photo: JPI
After the men traded rings, and said their vows, Eric officially pronounced them married. However, what should have been a kiss as any married couple would do, was only a hug, for reasons unknown, especially when DAYS has been one of the forerunners for same-sex unions and gay couples, and storylines on the soaps. Next, Brady, spoke with a toast to his brother, Paul, which was also heart-tugging. You can read that below.
Photo: JPI
Best man, Brady’s toast to Paul: “This handsome, athletic, baseball superstar just kind of popped in and stole my thunder. Not only was this guy, cool and athletic, and handsome, and everything I mentioned, he was kind when he spoke, he listened. When you needed something, he was there. So, not only did I resent the fact that he was so much cooler than me, I was sucked in. He won me over and the whole family … we were all taken by him, especially dad. I happen to know for a fact that he was over the moon when he found out that you were his son. I’m so proud to be your best man, and I’m prouder to be your brother. Cheers to the grooms.”
Photo: JPI
Not to be outdone, Shane steps forward and gives praise to his son, which is something we have certainly not heard before and it went as follows:
Andrew’s father, Shane: “Andrew and I were apart most of his childhood, and yet despite that, rather like Paul with John, he decided to follow in my footsteps. Over the years, perhaps I wasn’t as effusive with my praise as I should have been. But today, on this day, I want to make it crystal clear. Andrew, you are and always have been by pride and joy. Not only are you a a stellar, ISA agent, just as importantly, you are a stellar human being and it gives me more joy than you can imagine, that you have found someone equally stellar to share your life with. I love you, son. And Paul, even though I am so deeply sorry that you lost John, I want you to know that you’ve gained another father in me.”
Photo: JPI
As the ceremony and the celebration winded down, Carrie told Marlena she is leaving Salem but on her way to say goodbye to Roman at the the Pub. Shane walks up to Andrew and Paul with a solution on how the newlyweds don’t have to be separated by distance. Shane says that Paul should join the ISA so he and Andrew can be together in Washington D.C.
Later, Marlena thanks Andrew and Paul for not postponing their wedding in the wake and tragedy of John’s death, sharing, “We all needed a double dose of life-affirming joy.” Next, the entire group of attendees looks up and says that John was no doubt looking down on them today as they look up to reveal a rainbow in the color of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag.
What did you think about the wedding vows between Andrew and Paul? Did you like the toasts made by Brady and Shane? Did you reach for the hankies at all during the ceremony? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
