Hello All,

Today was the wedding of Stephanie and Kenny at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio. As always the Manor house put on an extravagant flawless wedding for the Bride and Groom. The linens were crisp, the crystal goblets and silver were lustrous and in the Atrium the clear blue sky above was perfect.

This couple are Christian and Jewish so there were elements from both types of ceremonies. There was a chuppa (hoopa) for the couple to stand under and the Bride's four sons each stood at one of the corners and explained the meaning of the chuppa which was really neat. They also had a close friend do a reading from 'The Velveteen Rabbit" and of course at the end of the ceremony the glass was smashed under the Groom's foot.

The following is a copy of their ceremony.

Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB

Kenneth and Stephanie

It is often said that it is love that makes the world go around. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. Stephanie and Kenny came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also their strength, warmth and most importantly the warmth of true friendship.

In the Jewish and Christian traditions, the joining together of two persons into one unique, intimate, and creative unity in marriage is not only a symbol but also a demonstration of the well being, the shalom, the purpose of human society.
The uniting in marriage of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. For us, attached as we are to Kenny and Stephanie by special bonds of love and affection, the uniting of these two people in heart and body and mind is an occasion of great significance which we all can celebrate.

Vows
Groom to Bride and children:
I, Kenneth , am honored and blessed
To have you as my wife.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.

Vows
Bride to Groom

I, Stephanie, am honored and blessed
To have you as my husband.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.


Stephanie, not only do I
Promise to be a good and
Faithful husband to you,
But also to be a patient
Loving Papi to the boys.
I promise to be their strength
And their emotional support
Loving them with all of my heart
Until the end of their days. (Laurie Beckstead)

Ring Ceremony
Kenneth do you have a token of your love for Stephanie??
Stephanie do you have a token of your love for Kenneth??
Traditionally the marking of the passage to the status of Husband and Wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver - for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.

Please place the ring on Stephanie’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my wife
From this day forward.
Please place the ring on Kenneth’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my husband
From this day forward

Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Prayer:
Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen Kenneth and Stephanie with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all of the other gifts you so abundantly impart, that they may fulfil the vows they have made today. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Amen

Explaination of Yichud
I would like to take this opportunity to mention to you, the guests, that Kenneth and Stephanie will be spending a few moments alone together, immediately following the close of the ceremony. This is custom callrd Yichud which means union in Hebrew. It gives the couple an opportunity to share, privately, the power and importance of this moment in their lives. They will return to greet you shortly.

Prounouncemet


Breaking of the glass
Stepping on this glass signifies remembering the past and moving into the future. You no longer belong to your parents houses but to your own. It also signifies, the last time Kenny will be able to put his foot down.
As the glasses are broken I invite you all to join in shouting, Mazel Tov” which means congratulations and good luck.
KISS YOUR BRIDE