Sean and Jess came and got the kids so that we could prepare together. We entered the church, asking Sean and Jess to greet our guests at the door of the church (hospitality and what not for noncatholic family members who might otherwise get overwhelmed) and we went and spent a good fifteen minutes praying before the tabernacle.
I was really disappointed with the turnout-- it was us, our families, one army buddy and three Catholic friends we had recently met who we absolutely love. But in the end, that was exactly what we needed--- it was precisely the people that God wanted to be there. Perfect.
The ceremony itself was very simple but very beautiful. We chose not to have a communion service and not to do it during a mass because we wanted to represent union in Christ in every way, and not everyone would have been able to participate in the Eucharist.
Father was awesome about explaining to noncatholics what we were doing and why... how we read the Word of God first to prepare our hearts to receive the grace in teh sacrament, etc.
We exchanged vows, which was amazing, since we never did that in our vivil marriage. In every single way, it was as if we were coming into a true covenant as opposed to a legal, physical thing.
We were both very moved the whole time
We had a simple reception afterwards. Having focused on us and not so much on the party, we had the opposite experience of many married couples I know. So I decided to just order some pizzas, put them on pretty plates and be done with it.
Turned out to be a great idea.
Everyone had fun and after the last guests had gone and the kids were asleep, Sean, Jess, Wayne, and I sat down on our porch to enjoy the hot summer evening, the buzz of the cicadas and the smell of rain in the pines. It was the perfect end to the perfect day and made me appreciate so much what God is doing here in our lives.
We have a great house in the perfect part of town, family who love us and who we love, an amazing parish and wonderful friends..... who could ask for more?
Enjoy the pictures..... we wish you were there. :)
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books
Beauitful Wedding how awsome! We're searching about becoming Catholic so great you and your husband are on the same page.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You have a beautiful family. I love your dress and veil. Looks like it was a wonderful ceremony.
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