REFLECTIONS

Wedding ceremonies are very special and mark the time to say that marriage is official.

Judy and I have not attended a lot of weddings the past few years, but we do have two this fall and winter.

We witnessed the joining of hands in commitment to a life together by Makenzie and Kole at the Hosanna Lutheran Church in Lakeville.

Many weddings take place outdoors during summer but when we get close to fall and winter, it is best to go indoors.

This wedding was perfect in the preparations that were made. Guests were handed a 4¼  x 11 inch bulletin that included some creative graphics wrapped in a scorecard of the day’s activities.

A section on the wedding card summarized The Ceremony.

A church graphic set the tone for the processional, wedding party entrance, little ones steal the show, bride enters, message by the Rev. Jason Anderson, exchange of vows and rings, unity cross, The Kiss, recessional and bride and groom dismiss the guests.

Key people up front included the maid of honor, six bridesmaids, two personal attendants and two flower girls who stole the show, one attached to her tasty pacifier. On the groom’s side, a best man, six groomsmen, three ushers and two ring bearers finished the cast.

On the reverse side of the bulletin was a tribute to three grandfathers of the wedding couple who have since passed.

To eliminate the taking of photos by guests, Makenzie and Kole said, “We’re going unplugged. Let our professionals do the work! Please turn off your cameras and phones during the ceremony.”

A bit of trivia revealed some likes of the wedding couple. Her likes included reading and wine. His likes included football, beer, and cooking for her. Makenzie and Kole were chosen Homecoming king and queen during their senior year in high school. They have dated since 9th grade.

Some more wedding facts related easiest decisions by the couple included setting the venue and selecting the honeymoon destination. Least favorite part of the wedding was stressing about the details.

Guests for this wedding traveled from 21 states.

Look at some numbers: 2913 days bride and groom were dating. 516 days the two were engaged. Two days until the bride and groom embark on their honeymoon to Puta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The reception followed the ceremony and included a cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, and toasts, solo by bride’s younger sister, first dances, party until 12 midnight and sparkler send-off at 12:15.

Highlight of the wedding day was an in-depth understanding of the word relationships. Pastor Anderson cleverly said he was going to examine the three F’s and 2 C’s, a copy of Kole’s report card (in jest). Both are honor students.

            F - Forgiveness

            F - Friendship

            F - Friend

            C - Covenant

            C - Christ

Weddings are very special, and the outcomes of a successful marriage rely on a strong commitment from the bride and groom.

Congratulations Kole and Makenzie!