Music
For the processional, we’ve decided to use the song ‘Everything’ by Life House, instead of the wedding march. The parents will be seated during the beginning instrumental, then the groomsman/groom/pastor will walk in to the first verse. The bridesmaids and MOH at each chorus, verse, chorus and then I’ll walk down during the bridge (it changes beat, so it's an obvious difference). Unless my dad decides to kidnap me before the ’giving away’ part, that is.
As for our recessional, we chose the Peanuts Song ‘Charlie Brown’ to walk back down the aisle to. Its fun and we both still love watching the holiday specials, so I think the guests will get a kick out of it. We are going to have each groomsman walk 2 bridesmaids back down, one on either arm, and then come back down and get the parents and grandparents.
As for our recessional, we chose the Peanuts Song ‘Charlie Brown’ to walk back down the aisle to. Its fun and we both still love watching the holiday specials, so I think the guests will get a kick out of it. We are going to have each groomsman walk 2 bridesmaids back down, one on either arm, and then come back down and get the parents and grandparents.
Our Vows
Chuck and I had decided to do a combination of both the traditional and our own vows....and after weeks of working on them, this is what we came up with. Our pastor will read each of the 'Do you' statements, and at the end of each one we will say 'I do' in unison. As for the 'do you take so-and-so' part, he will say what we are suppose to say and we will repeat after him. Nice and simple, and no stress of us having to memorize or read anything.
Do you choose each other to be no one other than yourselves, loving what you know of each other and trusting that which you do not yet know?
Do you promise to learn from each other, to communicate openly, to honor your differences, and to never become a stranger to one another?
Will you make a home together, putting the Lord first, and during your life try to make a difference in the world, surrounded by those you love?
Do you promise to value each other as individuals with your own interests, desires, dreams and needs, and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than your own?
Do you promise to work on your faults, and encourage the other as they work on theirs, supporting each other when you are weak and walking side by side when you are both strong?
Do you promise to stand by one another, even when life is stressful and you find each other frustrating and irritating?
Chuck, do you promise to love Amy, even when she is acting stupid and typical, even though you never know what color her hair may be the next time you see her, and despite the fact that she orders the same thing every time the two of you eat out?
Amy, do you promise to love Chuck, even when he tries to steal all of your oxygen, even when he has the uncanny ability to always show up late, and regardless of him always changing the radio station before you have the chance to hear the song, much less listen to it?
Do you both promise to respect one another as a companion, a friend, and helpmate, knowing that you do not complete, but compliment each other?
In that case, please repeat after me.
I, Charles, take you, amy, to be my lawfully wedded…….
Do you choose each other to be no one other than yourselves, loving what you know of each other and trusting that which you do not yet know?
Do you promise to learn from each other, to communicate openly, to honor your differences, and to never become a stranger to one another?
Will you make a home together, putting the Lord first, and during your life try to make a difference in the world, surrounded by those you love?
Do you promise to value each other as individuals with your own interests, desires, dreams and needs, and to realize that those are sometimes different, but no less important than your own?
Do you promise to work on your faults, and encourage the other as they work on theirs, supporting each other when you are weak and walking side by side when you are both strong?
Do you promise to stand by one another, even when life is stressful and you find each other frustrating and irritating?
Chuck, do you promise to love Amy, even when she is acting stupid and typical, even though you never know what color her hair may be the next time you see her, and despite the fact that she orders the same thing every time the two of you eat out?
Amy, do you promise to love Chuck, even when he tries to steal all of your oxygen, even when he has the uncanny ability to always show up late, and regardless of him always changing the radio station before you have the chance to hear the song, much less listen to it?
Do you both promise to respect one another as a companion, a friend, and helpmate, knowing that you do not complete, but compliment each other?
In that case, please repeat after me.
I, Charles, take you, amy, to be my lawfully wedded…….
Readings (read by Chuck's sister)
The first reading is called Union, and it will be read as soon as the pastor finish's the introductory prayer and my father gives me away.
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.
For after today you shall say to the world –
This is my husband. This is my wife.
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.
For after today you shall say to the world –
This is my husband. This is my wife.
The second reading will be 1st Corinthians 13 (yes, I know, it's cliche...but it's the most honest piece of writing about love, not to mention, it was read at both of our parents weddings, so we are following in the over-used footsteps)
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
And the last reading will be right before we say our vows, and is called The Key To Love. It should be intersting to see how she does on this one, because she said she has yet to get through it without crying. Which will cause me to cry if she cries. Which will cause Chuck to laugh. Which will just be awesome :-)
The key to love is understanding ...
The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word.
but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.
The key to love is forgiveness...
To accept each others faults and pardon mistakes,
without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.
The key to love is sharing...
Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together;
both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.
The key to love is giving...
Without thought of return, but with hope of just a simple smile,
and by giving in but never giving up.
The key to love is respect...
Realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas;
that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.
The key to love is inside us all...
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work...
but the rewards are more than worth the effort...
and that is the key to love.
The key to love is understanding ...
The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word.
but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.
The key to love is forgiveness...
To accept each others faults and pardon mistakes,
without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.
The key to love is sharing...
Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together;
both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.
The key to love is giving...
Without thought of return, but with hope of just a simple smile,
and by giving in but never giving up.
The key to love is respect...
Realizing that you are two separate people, with different ideas;
that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.
The key to love is inside us all...
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work...
but the rewards are more than worth the effort...
and that is the key to love.
Hand Ceremony
Instead of doing a unity candle or sane ceremony, we are having the pastor read this - I think it is much more fitting for us, and more meaningful.
With our hands, we make and affect the things that surround us and shape our lives. They can be considered a representation of who we are through what we choose to do. In any relationship, our actions speak volumes. Words are not enough to bind two people together. Their actions, and thus their hands, bind them together as well.
Please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to one another.
* Face each other *
The hands that you hold are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times, and will embrace you with joy to celebrate your victories.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, both tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will give you support as you chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
These are the hands that will gently hold your children.
And, lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for each other, still giving each other the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Let us Pray.
Prayer : May these hands continue building a relationship founded in grace, rich in caring, and devotion to one another. May Chuck and Amy see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With our hands, we make and affect the things that surround us and shape our lives. They can be considered a representation of who we are through what we choose to do. In any relationship, our actions speak volumes. Words are not enough to bind two people together. Their actions, and thus their hands, bind them together as well.
Please face each other and hold hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to one another.
* Face each other *
The hands that you hold are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times, and will embrace you with joy to celebrate your victories.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, both tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will give you support as you chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
These are the hands that will gently hold your children.
And, lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for each other, still giving each other the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Let us Pray.
Prayer : May these hands continue building a relationship founded in grace, rich in caring, and devotion to one another. May Chuck and Amy see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Ring Ceremony
We are also having a slightly different Ring Exchange ceremony, that of which includes my engagement ring. It'll go as follows...
In the spirit of love, Charles and Amy will be signifying their relationship by exchanging rings. Rings are the outward, visible sign of the invisible commitment you are making to each other. It is not an ornament or a trinket, but it shares the special message that you belong to each other. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken today.
Charles, please place Amy’s wedding ring on her finger, hold it in place and repeat after me:
Amy, I give you this ring as a symbol of our unity and of my commitment to love, honor and respect you.
Amy, please place Charles’s wedding ring on his finger, hold it in place and repeat after me:
Charles, I give you this ring as a symbol of our unity and of my commitment to love, honor and respect you.
Now, may I have Amy’s engagement ring? (Receive engagement ring from Best Man)
Charles, please take Amy’s engagement ring. This ring is the symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized and the promise fulfilled. Please place this ring on Amy’s finger over her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage.
In the spirit of love, Charles and Amy will be signifying their relationship by exchanging rings. Rings are the outward, visible sign of the invisible commitment you are making to each other. It is not an ornament or a trinket, but it shares the special message that you belong to each other. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken today.
Charles, please place Amy’s wedding ring on her finger, hold it in place and repeat after me:
Amy, I give you this ring as a symbol of our unity and of my commitment to love, honor and respect you.
Amy, please place Charles’s wedding ring on his finger, hold it in place and repeat after me:
Charles, I give you this ring as a symbol of our unity and of my commitment to love, honor and respect you.
Now, may I have Amy’s engagement ring? (Receive engagement ring from Best Man)
Charles, please take Amy’s engagement ring. This ring is the symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized and the promise fulfilled. Please place this ring on Amy’s finger over her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage.
Ceremony Outline
Statement of Purpose
Declaration of Intent
Reading of Union
Exhortation to the Bride and Groom
Exchange of Vows
Reading of 1 Corinthians 13
The Ring Ceremony
The Blessing of the Hands
Reading of The Keys to Love
Sharing of the Lord's Supper by Bride and Groom
Prayer for the Bride and Groom
Recognition of Parents
Pronouncement of Marriage
The Kiss
Benediction
Presentation of the Newlyweds
Declaration of Intent
Reading of Union
Exhortation to the Bride and Groom
Exchange of Vows
Reading of 1 Corinthians 13
The Ring Ceremony
The Blessing of the Hands
Reading of The Keys to Love
Sharing of the Lord's Supper by Bride and Groom
Prayer for the Bride and Groom
Recognition of Parents
Pronouncement of Marriage
The Kiss
Benediction
Presentation of the Newlyweds