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Prelude: <MUSICAL SELECTIONS: Reflections of Passion – Yanni; Behind the Waterfall – David Lanz> Processional <MUSICAL SELECTION: Canon in D - Pachelbel> Lighting of Unity Candle: Dr. Bernadette Nwafor (mother of the groom) and Rhonda Donkers (mother of the bride) Opening Words Family and friends, we have gathered here to share with Groom and Bride, a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have chosen to live their lives together as husband and wife. On this holy occasion, in the presence of God and of all who are witnesses today, Bride and Groom will dedicate their lives to each other. SHORT INVOCATION OR PRAYER BY REV MCLAIN (OPTIONAL) Heavenly Father, our hearts are filled with happiness on Rachel and Ross's wedding day, as they come before You and give their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they be ever true and loving, living together in trust, honor and understanding. Temper their hearts with kindness and patience, and rid them of pretense. Guide them, so that together they may meet the problems of life bravely. May the home they create truly be a place of love and harmony where Your spirit is always present. We pray that you bless this marriage and walk beside Rachel and Ross throughout all of their lives
together. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord; Amen.
1st Reading: Genesis 2:21-24 (by Aunt of the Bride, )
21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Statement of Intent Bride do you come before me freely and with out reservation is it your intent to make this man your husband if so say I do Groom do you come before me freely and without reservation is your intent to make this woman your wife if so say it is. Definition Of Marriage Groom, Bride as you wake tomorrow as husband and wife remember that common courtesy and respect are more important today than it was yesterday. Embrace the life you are embarking upon… In loving each other; In appreciating how you are alike; In treasuring how you are different; In sharing your lives together; In the blessing of raising children of your own; In the fulfillment of living and growing and achieving together;
In the warmth and companionship of family and friends; And in realizing your fondest hopes. 2nd Reading: I Corinthians 13 (by Cousin of the Groom, Geraldine Obi-Nwagwu) Love is… Sermon: I John 4:16-19 (by Chaplain, Rev Colleen McLain) 16. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. Vows
Bride will you hand your bouquet to your maid of honor, take Grooms hands in yours and repat after me I Groom choose you Bride to be my wife, to respect you in your successes and failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow and share life with you for as long as we both shall live. I Bride choose you Groom to be my husband, to respect you in your successes and failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you, and to grow and share life with you for as long as we both shall live. Exchange of Rings Rev McLain: The circle of a ring symbolizes unity and eternity. As you give these rings to each other, our prayer is that your love will continue in precious unity forever. Wear these rings as symbols of your love for one another and of what you have pledged this day. Groom will you place your ring on Bride’s finger as repeat after me, As this symbol of my love is un broken so shall be my promise to you Bride will you place your ring on Groom’s finger as repeat after me, As this symbol of my love is un broken so shall be my promise to you
Unity Candle Ceremony Rev McLain: The two outside candles have been lit by their parents to represent their lives up to this moment. The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love they have received from their parents, are distinct, each burning alone. They light the center candle to symbolize the union of their lives. As this one light burns undivided, so shall their love be one with God. From now on their thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves. Their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. Holding hands, they encircle the candle to symbolize the nature of their life journey together. May the radiance of this one light and their journey together be a testimony of their unity. <MUSICAL SELECTION: Glow – The Mahp> Vocal and instrument first and then Latter part of song will be instrumental while Groom and Bride light candle Closing Rev McLain: <Please say what you feel is appropriate.>
Proclamation of Marriage
Rev McLain: <Please say what you feel is appropriate.> e.g. The officiant typically says something akin to "By the power vested in me by the State of Minnesota, I now pronounce you husband and wife" or for same-sex couples, "I now pronounce you married." This is followed by the first kiss of the newly married couple. Introduction Of Newlyweds Rev McLain: *Please say what you feel is appropriate.* e,g. The officiant says "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Groom and Bride Nwafor Breaking of the Glass We will not be having a receiving line. Instead we plan to meet and greet our guests during the cocktail hour of the reception at the Radisson Riverfront. Recessional <MUSICAL SELECTION: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Schop)> Postlude <MUSICAL SELECTION: All Original Instruments> return to scripts menu |
