Processional

The Cure "Just Like Heaven" (toy piano version)

Greeting

photo credit, Karen DiTullio

Dearly Beloved,
We have come together in the presence of God
to witness and bless the joining of Jim and Liz in Holy Matrimony.
The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation,
and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life
by his presence and first miracle at the wedding of Cana.
The union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind
is intended by God for their mutual joy;
for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity;
and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.
Therefore marriage is not to be entered unadvisedly or lightly,
but reverently, deliberately,
and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
--From The Book of Common Prayer

Readings

1 Cor. 13 read by Dad Marks
Winnie The Pooh by A.A. Milne- read by John Wheaton
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery - read by Cora Reed

Musical Interlude

jhimm's composition - listen to it

Reflection
by Cheryl Cavalconte

Declaration of Intent

Minister: Jim and Liz have you came here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?

Us: We have.

Minister: Will you love and honor each other as husband and wife for the rest of your lives?

Us: We will.

-Traditional Catholic Declaration

Pledge of Support

Do you the family and friends of Jim and Liz, pledge to always stand beside them, never stand between them; to honor both their hospitality and their solitude, to give advice when asked and refrain from advice when not needed, to love them as your friends and be loved by them in return?

(Audience says We do!)

Vows

We wrote our own vows- well, jhimm wrote them with a little editing from Liz. J got them perfect :)

I promise to love and cherish you above all others.
I promise to be your support, your comfort, and your companion.
I promise to be your best friend in the silly times
I promise to be your partner in the serious times.
I promise to laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry.
I promise to always listen when you tell what’s on your mind.
I promise to speak my mind, always trusting that you are listening.
I promise to hold you quietly and say nothing at all.
I promise you the rest of my life

Blessing of Rings

Lord, bless these rings which we bless in your name.
Grant that those who wear them
may always have a deep faith in each other.
May they do your will and always live together
in peace, good will, and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
--Traditional Catholic Blessing of Rings

Pronouncement

Before God, your family and friends you have declared your love for one another and have made your solemn vows to each other. You have confirmed your promises by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings. And now, in the name of God, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.
-- Traditional Catholic Exchange of Rings

(Kiss)

Final Blessing

May God be with you and bless you.
May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

May you have walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain.
And drinks beside the fire.
Laughter to cheer you.
And those you love near you
And all that your heart may desire.
-- Old Celtic Wedding Blessing

Ritual- The Rock Blessing

The rock blessing is an ancient Celtic ritual in which attendants cast rocks into a nearby body of water and the total number of ripples signify the years of happiness the couple has together. Since our wedding was next to the water this seemed apt. We prepared a pretty basket of rocks for the occasion.