"Turn Out the Lights, The Party's (Wedding's) Over"
Glad I rested Friday night. (Ref: Previous entry) The wedding was better than advertised. Held at The Village Chapel in Pinehurst (a misnomer if one ever existed) on a beautiful sunny spring evening, it was one of those special occasions one will long remember. The ceremony, for lack of a better description, was formal "High Episcopalian", resplendent with Crucifer, Flag Bearer, Acolytes, Numerous Bridesmaids & Groomsmen, Flower Girls, and Ring Bearers.
MUSIC:
- Prelude music provided by The Capital String Ensemble, a string quintet, was worthy of a concert at Carnegie Hall.
- Trumpeter's renditions of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Mouret's "Rondeau", Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary", & Purcell's "Trumpet Tune" were the best I have ever heard.
- Widor's "Toccata from Fifth Symphony" masterfully played on the grand pipe organ was superb.
- Having the congregation of guests sing a Processional Hymn, "Lift High the Cross", was a unique touch...something I had not witnessed at previous weddings.
- Hymn, "Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place", preceding the vows was apropos the setting.
SOMETHINGS NEW TO ME, THAT I LIKED:
- The groom, a lifelong friend of my family, escorted his mother to her seat.
- The groom having his father and his brother as best men.
- The groom processing with the wedding party, not just appearing from a door at the front of the church.
- The aforementioned Processional Hymn.
- Friends, as Readers of the selected Scripture passages (Proverbs 3:1-6 & Colossians 3:12-17)
- The vows: "...For better or worse...till one of us lays the other in the arms of the Lord".
- Notice in the Bulletin: "***Please, no applause". The whole event was not only a wedding ceremony, but a reverent worship service, just as it should have been.
"SURELY THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD WAS IN THAT PLACE". May He continue to be with the young couple as they continue their lives together as one.
posted by the doc at 6:43 AM
5 Comments:
It sounds like an amzing service - very much like the one I hope to have one of these days...
Beside the ceremony and people getting married the music is key for me. I can remember when I did the reading and pslam at my friend's wedding he said don't raise your hands because I will laugh. So, what do I do raise my hands with a serious look on my face and the bride and groom started to laugh. The priest was not pleased. Plus, I think he was mad because I would not repeat the response to the pslam because my mouth was dry. Luckily, the Jesuit staying at my house remember the response from me practicing before the wedding.
I'm glad you enjoyed the ceremony. Weddings are a beautiful experience and make me think, thank God it is not me.
Interesting the person I want Stratocade to meet in London (if he ever decides to move there) is from Pinehurst.
Question - did they have an Affirmation of Faith? As a "Presbyerian Worship Nerd" I am amazed at the number of lifelong Presbyterians that when planning weddings and funerals omit an afirmation of faith.
Tom,
There was no Affirmation of Faith. As stated, it was a High Episcopalian (or even High Anglican) service. I'm not well versed in the usual order of worship in that denomination. As you stated, an Affirmation of Faith is part of all Presbyterian worship services.
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