The Wedding of Kaitlyn and David
June 12, 2010
Processional
Order: Somewhere Over the Rainbow playing
Granny Annie and Poppa Norman
Grandma Hanley and Grandpa Orrock
Karen with Kevin and Chris
David with Michael and Roxanne
All I ask of You playing
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen:
Lindsey, Catherine and Matt
Kristina and Jesse
Andrea and Adam
Michelle and Andrew
Erin and Blake
Lauren and Alex
Bridget and Chris
Theresa and Kevin
Alli and Zach
Isabel and Paul
Pachobels Canon
Kaitlyn and Bob
Welcoming
Good evening. We gather here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love. Kaitlyn and David, in their devotion, respect, and love for each other wish to unite in the holy bond of marriage, and to dedicate themselves to each other’s happiness and well being as life mates and partners. On behalf of them, I welcome you all.
Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you. For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make our Bride and Groom who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank you all for that. All of you are the threads of which are woven the tapestry of their lives. Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells. It is the fabric that they wrap around themselves and take comfort in when the world seems cold. And on days like today when everything is right in their world, that tapestry is proudly spread out and displayed for everyone to see, with all the glorious colors and textures that your diversity adds. You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call Family and Friends and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today
Foundation
Marriage is the beginning of a new life, a chance at fulfilling long held dreams, and an opportunity for great personal and spiritual growth. Marriage endures through the ages of trends and fads. Marriage thrives, and continues to live as a promise of a beautiful dream come true. As long as individuals are drawn together by God, marriage will be a natural unfolding of that relationship.
Feelings come alive at a wedding. Great happiness. Some sadness. Apprehension. And sometimes pure relief!. There is an acute awareness that something special, something that goes to the very heart of life, is about to happen. Something is gone forever, and something is born, brand new and tender. Something to be nurtured and cared for, protected and cherished, challenged and strengthened your never before created marriage.
And now you stand before this loving community of family and friends, ready to acknowledge to God and to the world: this is my beloved, the one with whom I choose to create the rest of my life.
Parental Honoring
Kaitlyn and David want to acknowledge their parents on this occasion, Bob & Karen and Michael & Roxanne. Kaitlyn and David offer their profound gratitude to their parents for all the love and care they showed in raising them. The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today, and they thank you for guiding them to this celebration of love here today. You have been strong examples of marriage, Bob & Karen as you approach your 35th wedding anniversary and Michael & Roxanne, your 34th wedding anniversary. Without you and that guidance, this day would not be possible.
Vows/Rings
And so we come Kaitlyn and David, to the presentation of rings and exchange of vows by which you symbolize and bind your love. God, bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love.
Kaitlyn and David wish to declare their love for one another in words they have written.
[David says his vows.] [Kaitlyn says her vows.]David, as you place this ring on Kaitlyn, I now ask you: Do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise God, Kaitlyn and all of us here that from this point forward, your arms may be her shelter and your heart may be her guide? Do you promise to support her and nourish her and to love and respect and honor her for the rest of your days on earth? If so please answer I do.
Kaitlyn, as you place this ring on David, I now ask you: Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise God, David and all of us here that from this point forward, your arms may be his shelter and your heart may be his guide? Do you promise to support him and nourish him and to love and respect and honor him for the rest of your days on earth? If so please answer I do.
The Irish Wedding Blessing
As you begin this journey together we now ask God to bless your home, health, and partnership for all your years to come as I read the Irish Wedding Blessing.
Kaitlyn and David,
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon the fields.
May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.
And when eternity beckons,
at the end of a life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you
with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.
Wine Ceremony/ Breaking of the Glass
We will now have a Wine Ceremony and the Symbolic Breaking of the Glass.
Blessed art though our eternal God ruler of the universe who created fruit of the vine.
[Hold up the Glass wrapped in bubble wrap (for sound) and covered with white cloth napkin]
One interpretation for breaking of the glass is that it symbolizes that Kaitlyn and David’s marriage will last as long as the glass is broken– forever. The breaking of the glass also symbolizes that relationships are fragile and once broken are difficult to put back together, so as this glass shatters, may your marriage never break.
Pronouncement
Kaitlyn and David, in the presence of God, your family and friends today, you have spoken the words and performed the rites which unite your lives. It is my legal right and my greatest joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
Conclusion: And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Axelrod.
Recessional Trumpet Voluntary playing
