Wedding: Cynthia & Lisa 4/9/2022

Ceremony Order

Prelude

3PM – 4PM Soft Music Playing While Guests Arrive

Getting Into Place

Lisa & Kaleigh Take Their Place at the Front w/Pastor Lights Dim/Music Changes (Come & Get Your Love – 1Min 4Sec.) Flower Man Proceeds Down the Aisle Processional Music Plays (Two Becoming One – Fade when in Place) Cynthia & Chelsea Make Their Way Down Aisle & Stand Opposite Side of Lisa & Kaleigh

The Introduction

Welcome by Pastor Cuestas

Good Afternoon, and welcome to friends and family of the beloved couple Cynthia & Lisa, who today affirm, commit, and pledge their love for one another in the blessing of marriage. As we begin this afternoon, we all stand as witnesses to the beginning of a lifetime of memories yet to be made, of trials still to be had, and of blessings still to be received…but through all of it, you two will lift each other up, prevailing above all as you both begin this new journey together. Will you all join me in bowing your heads as we begin this ceremony with a Word of Prayer.

Opening Prayer

Amen!

Reading of 1 John 4:16-19

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

From Beginning to End by Robert Fulghum

You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way.

All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks—all those sentences that began with "When we're married" and continued with "I will and you will and we will"—those late night talks that included "someday" and "somehow" and "maybe"—and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those things we've promised and hoped and dreamed—well, I meant it all, every word." Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another.

Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you…you will be stronger, more assured and commited of the love that you both have for one another.

Cynthia & Lisa have prepared vows that they would like to give for one another.

Exchanging of Vows

Pastor invites Cynthia to recite her prepared vows Pastor invites Lisa to recite her prepared vows

The Blessing of the Rings

The giving and receiving of rings is the most important part of a marriage ceremony, because the rings are made in the symbol of that which is eternal. There is no beginning and no end, and as you place these symbols on each other’s finger, it signifies that there shall be no end to your marriage, and no end to the happiness that you will both share together.

But let me remind you that these are also the special symbols you will wear before the world, certainly when you go back to your family, and friends, and co-workers. In fact, you will notice the response when you walk away from this beautiful occasion tonight. For when people look at you, they will look at your hand and notice the ring on your finger.

They will know that you belong to someone special and that someone special belongs to you. Everyday for the rest of your lives, every time you wash your hands or reach out to touch each other, these rings will be there to remind you of the great love that you share and of the wonder that the person standing in front of you loves you as much as you love them.

So when you place these rings upon each other’s fingers, wear them with love and with honour.

Pastor invites Chelsea & Kaleigh to place rings in box held by Pastor

Pastor offers a Prayer & Blessing Over the Rings

Dear Father in Heaven, We call you blessing over these rings and those who wear them. We ask that that your abiding strength and power enable this couple to live together in the example of your love, peace, and harmony. May they always be reminded by these rings, these symbols of their love, of their unwavering commitment to each other. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen!

Chelsea & Kaleigh pick up the rings again from box. The Exchanging of the Rings Pastor leads brides in exchanging of the rings

Cynthia, do you take Lisa, to be your lawfully wedded wife?

I Do

Lisa, do you take Cynthia, to be your lawfully wedded wife?

I Do

Chelsea gives Cynthia the ring

I Cynthia, give you Lisa, this ring as a sign of my dedication & love.

Kaleigh gives Lisa the ring.

I Lisa, give you Cynthia, this ring as a sing of my dedication & love. The Unity Candle Ceremony There will be a single candle lit on the communion table representing Christ

The couple today has chosen to affirm their love and their union in the lighting of a unity candle

Get into Place

The single candle lit represents Christ, who is the head of our lives. He is the light of the world who imbues us with His light.

Cynthia & Lisa, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families, separate sets of friends. The uniqueness of all you were and are.

In honoring, remembering, and embracing what has made you both who you are today, I invite Chelsea & Kaleigh to light the candles as representatives of the distinct families that are joined today.

Cynthia and Lisa, as you take hold of your candles, take a moment to reflect on the uniqueness each of you bring and the strength that you will add in this new union. Together as you light this candle of unity, you symbolize the flame of your own individual selves joining as one in the blessing of marriage. Never to be dimmed or distinguished.

Marriage Takes Three

I once thought marriage took

Just two to make a go,

But now I am convinced

It takes the Lord also.

And not one marriage falls

Where Christ is asked to enter,

As lovers come together

With Jesus at the Center.

But marriage seldom thrives,

And homes are incomplete,

Till He is welcomed there

To help avoid defeat.

In homes where Christ is first,

It’s obvious to see,

Those unions really work,

For marriage still takes three.

Get back to center

Marriage Pronouncement

By the power vested in my by the State of Texas and Embrace! Church of San Antonio, I now pronounce you legally wed! Brides…you may kiss!

Family & Friends…It is my distinct pleasure to present, for the very first time,

Mrs. Cynthia & Lisa Rubio-Cansino!