A lot of time and thought went into our service. The music and readings we chose were very special to us, as were the prayers of the faithful, which were written by us personally. There was very little to guide me when it came to choosing things for this most important part of our wedding day. I'm including our program for you so that it might provide you with some inspiration.
Prelude
Sheep May Safely Graze J.S. Bach
Canon in D J. Pachelbel
Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring J.S. Bach
Ave Verum Corpus W.A. Mozart
Introductory Rite
Seating of the Families
Ave Maria Bach Gounod
Procession of the Wedding Party
Bogoroditse Devo S. Rachmaninov
Introductory Rites
Greeting
Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word
The First Reading
Ecclesiastes Chapter 4: 9-12
Reader: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion; but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up. So also, if two lie together, they keep each other warm. How can one alone keep warm? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not easily broken.
Reader: The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 99
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:
serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.
Know that the LORD is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him; bless his name for he is good: the LORD, whose kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations.
Second Reading
St. Paul's letter to the Colossians Chapter 3: 12-15
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive one another; even as the Lord has forgiven you, so also must you forgive. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And may the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. Show yourselves thankful.
Reader: The word of the LORD.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
The Gospel
Matthew Chapter 5:1-6
Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
" Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for rightousness
for they shall be satisfied.
"Blessed are the merciful
for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
Priest: The Gospel of our Lord.
All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
Prayers of the Faithful
Reader: For leaders of Church and state, for heads of institutions, for heads of homes and households, that they will lead us and guide us in the search for joy, peace, love, and understanding. We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: for these young people, as they begin their journey through married life together that God guide them along the way and help them find true happiness and Peace. You have given them to each other; keep them always in Your love. We pray to the Lord.
ALL: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: For those who are sick or in pain, for those who struggle with addiction, for those who suffer through oppression, hunger and poverty, and for those without a voice, that God in his mercy may bring them peace. We pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: For all children, that the world they inherit from us be cleaner and safer for our having lived here. We Pray to the Lord.
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: For all those who have traveled to celebrate with us today, that they find their way safely home. We pray to the Lord.
ALL: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: For the loved ones who have gone before them,especially their grandparents, that they and all the departed find peace. We pray to the Lord.
ALL: Lord hear our prayer.
Reader: For our own needs, which we offer to you now in silence. We pray to the Lord.
ALL: Lord hear our prayer.
Nuptial Blessing and Dismissal
Recessional
Te Deum M.A. Charpentier
One of the beliefs that we hold dear is that all people form one community and share a common destiny in one God, who has many faces. Our travels have taught us that there are more things that bind us together as a human family than there are things to divide us. We would like to share with you The Buddha's Words on Kindness, a beautiful text we discovered while living in Mongolia.
Buddha’s Words On Kindness
May all beings be happy and at their ease. May they be joyous and live in safety. All beings, omitting none, whether weak or strong; small or great; in high, middle or low realms of existence; near or far away; visible or invisible; born or to-be born. May all beings be happy and at their ease. Let none deceive another, or despise any being in any state. Let none wish harm to another. But even as a mother loves , watches over, and protects her child, her only child; so may all with a boundless mind cherish all living beings, radiating friendliness over the entire world without limit. May we cultivate a boundless goodwill, free from ill-will or enmity, and maintain the sublime abiding of this recollection.
1001 Cranes
The crane is a graceful, majestic bird that mates for life and is extremely loyal to its partner. In The East, the crane is a symbol of longevity, but it is also a symbol of peace. Folding 1001 cranes takes time, patience, energy, endurance, and understanding - things vital to a successful marriage. According to Japanese lore, the couple who folds 1001 cranes before their wedding day will be rewarded with a long and happy marriage.
In Loving Memory
{the names of our grandparents who had passed away}
Reception
The Eola Hotel
Natchez, Mississippi
At Home
Belle and The Boy
Our Home Address in London
