Prelude

Processional

Chiming of the Hour

Readings

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

Exchange of Arras

ARRAS - comes from the Spanish word arrhae meaning "earnest money". It usually consists of 13 pieces of gold or silver coins.
The arras symbolizes the bride and groom's mutual hope for wealth, prosperity and security. It also stands for the groom's dedication to provide for his wife and their future family's welfare.
Joshua, our ring and coin bearer, carried the arras during the processional and recessional.

CANDLE: Anna and Erwin
The candle sponsors each lighted the wedding candles located at each side of couple. The flames from the candles symbolize God's presence within the union.
VEIL: Liane and Vigil
Next, the veil sponsors draped and pinned the veil, usually a long white tulle, on the groom's shoulder and over the bride's head. This symbolizes the union of two people "clothed" as one.
CORD: Lourdes and Rene
Finally, the cord sponsors stood up with the cord--a silken rope--in the form of a figure eight. They both placed the loops loosely around our neck/shoulder area. This symbolizes the infinite bond of marriage.

Conclusion of Candle, Veil & Cord

Blessing of the Hands

Cecilia, please face Eugene, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your best friend. Young and strong, shaking with love for they are holding yours today, on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, and as you share your secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your family.
These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of love.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, whether tears of joy or sorrow.
These are the hands that will comfort you in labor, in illness, in joy, and hold you when fear or grief consumes your mind.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.
Eugene, please hold Cecilia's hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
These are the hands of your Best Friend, young and carefree, that are holding yours, today, on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, always supporting and encouraging them along the way, and then knowing when it's time to let go.
These are the hands that will hold you tight and support you as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick and console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
Celebrant: With hand placed upon ours for a blessing
God, bless these hands and these individuals that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of every day life. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to you. May Eugene and Cecilia see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Recessional