Surrounded by our loved ones, our Pastor, Eric, welcomed our guests and opened up with a Scripture Reading:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13:4-8a, 13
We had a moment of silence for those who could not physically be with
us. Because we knew and felt their presence spiritually and it was so important that we take this
time to remember each and everyone of them.
Then our pastor spoke on the significance of marriage and love. And we said our vows.
"Do you promise, by God's grace, to respect Steele, to be devoted to him in love and to honor him as your husband, as long as you shall live?" (I do) "And is it your will to have this man to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage?" (Yes) "Then let your yes be yes!"
He then began the presentation of rings. Eric explained the significance of the rings.
He followed with the most beautiful group blessing:
Each of you are here today because you bring something special to the lives of Steele and Mireya. Some of you have known one or both of them for years - and some of you are meeting one of them for the very first time today. But whether you’re an old friend or a newly acquired relation, you have a special place in their hearts. Likewise, you have a special purpose. You are witnesses to this sacred union. You have witnessed Steele and Mireya's vows and promises to love one another as husband and wife as long as they live. As beloved family and friends, it is you to whom they’ll turn in the coming years, whether in joy or in sorrow. It is you with whom they’ll share their happiness, and you to whom they’ll bring their pain. You will watch their marriage mature; you will watch their children grow. And when hard times come, and the loving support of friends and family is needed, Steele and Mireya hope to be able to turn to you, just as they will turn to each other.And so they ask that you commit to them, as they are committing to one another. That just as they pledge to support and protect the other, you pledge to support and protect their relationship, today and always. Will you, as long as you live, and by God's grace, promise today to do everything within you're ability to uphold and encourage Steele and Mireya in their marriage? If so, answer "We will."
Then our pastor gave us both one final exhortation to love one another, to make Christ the center of our marriage, followed by one final benediction.
And then he said "Steele and Mireya, I now pronounce you husband and wife," and to the guests, "I give you Mr. & Mrs. Steele....."
"Steele you may kiss your bride."
all photos by the queen bee: Jenny Jimenez
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