As we spoke of the wedding we'd just attended, I mentioned to Cindi that this is what happens when both the bride and groom and their respective families are staunch Lutherans. Quick rundown:
Beautiful preservice music utilizing the rich traditions of organ literature of the Lutheran Church, including for the procession of the bridal party and the bride.
The singing of Now Thank We All Our God.
Invocation and Introduction.
Readings: Genesis 2:15–25, Ephesians 5:1–2, 22–33, Mark 8:34–38.
The singing of The Church's One Foundation (three stanzas) to the tune for Jerusalem the Golden.
Wedding homily by the groom's father; quite excellent.
The singing of Lord, When You Came As Welcome Guest.
The marriage with consent and vows, exchange of rings, and declaration of marriage.
The singing of Abide, O Dearest Jesus.
Prayer for the wedding couple, and for the institution of marriage, and the Our Father, then the benediction.
The singing of Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, followed by an assortment of joyous music from the organ literature of our Church as the nave emptied out.
From start to finish, a service in which the main thing remained the main thing, not the bride (beautiful as she is, both inside and out, and looking radiant), not the groom (tall and handsome and looking utterly smitten by his beloved), but Jesus and His love for His bride the Church. It was everywhere and shaped everything and held it all together in a joy that was palpable.
Folks, this is how you do weddings. Great and overwhelming joy indeed. May our Savior bless both Jess and Johanna and grant them many, many years together, making their union fruitful and always an image of Him and His Church!
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