Wedding Ceremony

We were a bit late starting - we couldn't find Zander (adventure blogged here).  Eventually, both grandmothers and moms were ushered to their seats.

I'm sure Kami got photos of some of these things. 

The wedding party entered while  "Haven't Even Kissed" by Moriah Peters played (click title to listen). This song was perfect for BreAnne's journey - even to the keys..... those of us who knew smiled big, sniffed a bit and watched seven handsome men in fedoras and seven beautiful  women in Audrey Hepburn dresses walk in.

After the members of the wedding party were settled, Nolan came down to pull the runner up. But...um...it seemed to be tacked down backwards. In any event, it would NOT unroll. This is where Nolan's humor (loved his laugh) and his unflappability (spell check says this IS a word) came to the rescue. I have learned to hoot, holler and make emotional moments or awkward moments humorous so folks aren't nervous while a solution is sought. Nolan ended up bending over and rolling it down the aisle - he even kicked it a time or two. I started the cheering...and there was laughter, clapping and all was well....Though Michael and BreAnne wondered what in the world was going on. (We have a video clip of this but I'd like to edit. It won't load at this point.)

Zander was up next. He had a cute chalkboard with, "Here Comes the Bride" written on it. A fun idea from pinterest. He came up the aisle and was hamming it up! The crowd had fallen in love with him when he was "lost" and everyone was relaxed by now. Lots of laughing and cheering.

The music changed to a beautiful instrumental arrangement of, "Someday my Prince Will Come," and Stacia walked down the aisle. (I can't find it on youtube to link). 

At this point the ushers - our five sons - were in the back getting ready to sneak into the front pew during the worship. Josiah looked up and caught this photo. Oh, be still  my heart. I love it. Thanks, son. It's a precious photo.  As I watched them walk towards us I reflected on life coming full circle. We're in a good place. Thirty years ago this very day, I walked down the same aisle to meet Michael at the altar. Today, he walks our oldest down to her groom.

Pastor Kirk said some sweet things (I'll load a video clip). Kirk grew up in this church - as did I when we weren't overseas. He went to Bible college at the same time as Michael and I. Fun to have him tag team with Michael. One of the things Kirk said was,  "BreAnne entered into a covenant of purity with her parents and with God to remain physically and emotionally pure until her wedding day. Today she has fulfilled this covenant and returns the symbol of that covenant to her father." She gave the ring to Michael - God's grace is truly amazing! 

 Michael gave Izaak a charge (blogged here)

During the charge, Michael said, "As Bre is entering into this new covenant with you, I am giving you the symbol of her faithful fulfillment of the first covenant.....she was faithful to that old covenant. She will be faithful to this new covenant." He gave Izaak the ring. A tender moment for sure. (Michael's charge was caught on video). 

 

When the wedding party came up, they moved to the front pew on either side of the aisle. AJ (is one I used to babysit. His family moved away. We moved away. BreAnne and Izaak are both on staff at this church now and he was a groomsmen in her wedding - small world connections) - ANYWAY - AJ led the congregation in two worship songs...and it was good to have time to compose ourselves.

We sang, "This is what you do,"  and "There is None like You."(Click titles for clips).

Loved these red shoes - Bride wore them too ::grin:: 

I thought the Converse were pretty cool too. 

Don't the groomsmen look spiffy? Dakota (our Grand Gherkin) is the best man

Izaak reads his vows (will eventually blog here)

BreAnne reads her vows (blogged here)

This is where Michael lost it at rehearsal but he did GREAT tonight....with this ring....

While Izaak and BreAnne took communion we listened and worshiped along with, "In Christ Alone!" I'm telling you they sang some of my favorite songs.....this and There is none like You are two of my favorites....

Four sisters in one shot

 During the rehearsal I had asked if any of these gals wanted to make bets how far Michael would get without tearing up. One disbelieving bridesmaid said, "Not at the rehearsal."

Ah - she doesn't know my tender, lovable, engaged daddy,  husband as I do. When he teared up, I yelled, "I win!" and ran up and gave her a high five...broke up the emotions and allowed all to relax and move on...and within minutes Kirk teared up too....and at the wedding...well I think most of the bridesmaids teared up at some point. It was a really sweet ceremony.  When I blew this up I caught a few tearing up.

Have you ever seen the sand ceremony? We hadn't - but it is beautiful. Dakota joined them for this, signifying the joining of their three lives into one family unit.  Happy Together (this exact version) played during this part of the service....it was fun and sweet and perfect. 

Their first kiss

"It's my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Izaak and BreAnne D....." She does look like a princess! 

The recessional? Fabulous! My all-time favorite work out song! ::snort:: 

James Brown belted out, "I Feel Good!" 

Some danced down the aisle, all smiled, we whooped and clapped....it was simply fantastic! 

There are many more photos. Shelby took all the ones during and after the ceremony. She did a fabulous job. I'll load them all to Facebook...but couldn't put them all here.  I still have a few more posts to go.....

Izaak and BreAnne had obviously thought of so many special details. There was a slide show while folks waited...and even a few photos of OUR wedding....we love you two, too!  There were coloring books for kids....they turned their colors  and redeemed the coupon for one of those wedding sweets the girls and I had made. Many commented on how sweet the wedding was and how FUN it was. Kids were captivated and still. It was a balance of traditional and contemporary, spiritual and plain out fun! 

We are thrilled to have a new Son and grandson. This was a red-letter day! 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...