Nathanael Hester & Hannah Large Wedding

THE PRELUDE

(music for 30 minutes)

(Lord’s Prayer Song)

“What a Wonderful World” (Music)

Gideon comes in with Nathanael

SEATING OF THE GRANDPARENTS

Renee and Jake

Poppa

SEATING OF THE MOTHERS

John and Becky

Shana and Cameron

PROCESSIONAL OF THE BRIDAL PARTY

“La Vie en Rose” (Music)

Ethan and Kristen

Luke and Rachel

Josh and Riley B.

Jeremiah and Emily

Will and Abby - go behind the banister to get ready to sing

Ben and Riley T.

PROCESSIONAL OF THE BRIDE

(Wait for Nathanael's signal when the doors open. Mothers will rise as Nathanael turns around and as Hannah enters. Once Hannah is at the front, pause, then ask for everyone to be seated.)

“Can’t Help Falling in Love”

Hannah and Father come down the aisle

THE WELCOME & BLESSING

We welcome and thank you for joining us this evening on behalf of Nathanael, Hannah, and their families. We have gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of this company to witness the union of Nathanael Heathe Hester (groom) and Hannah Marie Large (bride) in Christian marriage. Marriage is a holy estate given by God to fulfill us as individuals and as a couple, and to shape us, as believers, into the image of Christ.

God created us in His image to reflect His glory, as Genesis 1:27 declares:

Genesis 1:27 KJV 1900

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

In His design, God established marriage as a sacred union, uniting man and woman as companions to honor Him. This holy estate, entered by Nathanael and Hannah, fulfills God’s purpose for mutual love and reflects the bond between Christ and His church.

It is in this sacred union that Nathanael and Hannah have chosen to enter.

PRAYER W/PARENTS

“The Blessing” – song by Will and Abby

THE INVOCATION

Let us pray:

Father, we are grateful for the excellent and gracious creation of mankind in your image. We thank you for the love between a man and a woman and for the institution of marriage, which brings joy and a sense of completion. We are thankful for our redemption in Jesus Christ, as we are made new creatures in him. We ask for your blessings upon the union of Nathanael(groom) and Hannah (bride) so that they may grow to reflect the image of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please enable this couple to honor you in their lives and their marriage in all the days ahead. We pray in your name alone. Amen.

GIVING OF THE BRIDE

“Without any reason to object to this marriage, I inquire, “Who presents this woman to be wedded to this man?”

Father responds, “Her mother and I do.” (Alternate: Father and mother respond: “We do.”)

MESSAGE

Nathanael and Hannah, you are about to make sacred vows before God and this company. These promises—to honor, love, and cherish—bind you for life and reflect your commitment to each other and Christ.

First, you promise to honor your spouse. In Romans 12:10, Paul writes,

Romans 12:10 KJV 1900

10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

To honor is to respect and esteem, placing your spouse’s worth above your own. This vow calls for consistent actions, not just feelings, ensuring mutual respect in all circumstances.

Next, you promise to love and cherish. God’s Word teaches that love is the foundation of a lasting marriage. In 1 John 4:16, we read,

1 John 4:16 KJV 1900

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

True love, rooted in Christ, goes beyond words—it is shown through selfless deeds, daily commitment, and placing each other above all else. To cherish is to treasure your spouse, just as Christ cherishes His church.

To fulfill these vows, make Christ the center of your marriage. Seek His guidance and follow His example of sacrificial love. Living in God’s love will build a strong, enduring union that reflects His glory.

As you pledge these vows, know they are as vital in challenges as in joys, binding you until death. May your marriage honor God and inspire all who witness it.

THE EXCHANGE OF VOWS

Nathanael (groom) and Hannah (bride), after hearing this profound explanation of the meaning of the vows you are about to make, it is important to understand that they are as crucial in difficult times as they are in good times. They should only be broken by death.

If you are ready to make this solemn commitment, please turn to face each other and join hands.

Nathanael, do you take Hannah to be your wife? Do you promise to honor, love, and cherish her in sickness and health, poverty and wealth, hardship and blessing, until death shall part you?

Groom responds: “I do.”

Hannah, do you promise to honor, love, and cherish Nathanael as your husband, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, in hardship and in blessing, until death alone shall part you?

Bride responds: “I do.”

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS

MAY I HAVE THE RINGS, PLEASE?

You will now seal your vows with the giving and receiving of these rings, symbolizing purity and holiness in the marital bond. The unbroken circles of these rings represent a union between husband and wife with God that cannot be broken. This follows God’s plan and honors the One who created you to glorify Him. May they always remind you of your love and commitment as you wear these rings.

Nathanael (groom), place this ring on Hannah’s(bride’s) finger and repeat after me:

Groom: I, Nathanael (groom), take you, Hannah (bride), to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. I pledge before God and these witnesses to place your good above mine, now and always, no matter the circumstances. I promise to honor, love, and cherish you until death do us part. Joyfully and willingly, I commit myself to you alone.

Hannah(bride), place this ring on Nathanael’s(groom’s) finger and repeat after me:

Bride: I, Hannah (bride), take you, Nathanael (groom), to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. I pledge before God and these witnesses to place your good above mine, now and always, no matter the circumstances. I promise to honor you, to love you, and to cherish you until death do us part. Joyfully and willingly, I commit myself to you and to you alone.

COMMUNION

Nathanael and Hannah have chosen to partake in the Lord’s Supper as their first act as husband and wife, symbolizing their shared faith and commitment to Christ at the center of their marriage. The Lord’s Supper, given by Christ, recalls His sacrifice for our sins. The bread represents His body, broken for us; the juice symbolizes His blood, shed for our redemption. As baptized believers, Nathanael and Hannah partake in honor of Christ’s death and look forward to His return.

“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” (Music)

Nathanael and Hannah receive the bread and juice.

Read:

1 Corinthians 11:24 KJV 1900

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Nathanael and Hannah eat the bread.

Read:

1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV 1900

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

Nathanael and Hannah drink the juice.

May this act remind you, Nathanael and Hannah, to keep Christ’s love and sacrifice at the heart of your marriage.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for creating us in your image and allowing us to understand true love and know you. We have observed this couple's deep and enduring love as they exchanged vows and rings in this sacred moment. We ask for your power and blessing to help them keep their vows, renew their passion and commitment daily, walk in mutual faith, build a long-lasting marriage, and live confidently in your grace. As they strive to reflect Christ's image, may their lives and marriage bring glory to you, Lord. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

PRESENTATION OF THE COUPLE

Nathanael (groom) and Hannah (bride), we have witnessed the pledging of your love and commitment to each other. We have seen your solemn marriage vows sealed by the giving and receiving of rings. It is, therefore, my joy and privilege to declare you husband and wife. Nathanael(groom), you may kiss your bride.

Friends and family of the bride and groom, I am pleased to present Mr. and Mrs. Nathanael and Hannah Hester to you.

THE RECESSIONAL