The Program



Keith Hands (Donna's nephew, Sue's oldest son) registered all the guests and took care of the gifts.

Guests were seated.

LIGHTING OF CANDELABRA:

John Johnston lit the candelabra

PROCESSIONAL:

Trumpet and Organ played "Trumpet Voluntary". Laura and Chuck entered first, Sue and Jon entered next, followed by John Johnston and Melissa, then the Flower Girl was escorted by the ring bearer, and Donna's Dad escorted her down the aisle.











Jeff's dad officiated the wedding.

INTRODUCTION OF BRIDE AND GROOM:

"Dear friends, welcome to this joyful occasion! We have gathered to celebrate the wedding of Donna Ruth Cole and Jeff Borden Carter. We give thanks for the way God has led them and rejoice in their desire to serve Him together. God bless you, Jeff, and Donna, as you declare your love and make your vows to each other in His presence."

"BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME" - Click on icon for lyrics

Susan Hands sang "Because You Loved Me" (Theme from "Up Close and Personal", sung by Celine Dion. Words and music by Diane Warren)

PRESENTATION OF BRIDE:

Jeff's dad asked, "Who is giving Donna in marriage to Jeff?" Donna's Dad and Mom stood, and along with Melissa (who was still up front) said "We do".

Jeff's dad continued, "Jeff's mother and I join Donna's parents and little Melissa in this happy celebration of their love. Let us unite our hearts in prayer for them."




PRAYER:

Donna's dad prayed a very nice prayer of dedication:

"Dear Heavenly Father, As we gather here to celebrate Jeff and Donna's wedding, we thank you that you are present with us. May this celebration honor You. As Jeff and Donna repeat their vows before You, may they be very conscious of the fact that You are here listening to them. May those of us here who are married be reminded of our own vows given before you. As Your children, may Your Holy Spirit, Who indwells Jeff and Donna, give them wisdom, desire and determination to build a Godly home based on Your Word and the precepts in it. Make their relationship and their home a blessing to others and a witness for You. Go before them and bless them as they enter a new chapter in their lives. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen."

The attendants were then seated in the front row.

CHARGE TO THE BRIDE AND GROOM: - Click on the icon to read "The Charge"

Jeff's dad began the charge, and while talking about God creating the first man and woman, and the first birth, he meant to say "and the first wedding" but mistakenly said, "The first funeral" and stopped briefly, shook his head and said.. "WEDDING!" ... everyone sort of chuckled ... Donna got into a fit of the giggles and couldn't seem to quit. Nearly died. She was trying very hard to be quiet, but couldn't stop shaking when she was giggling... she was desperately hoping no one was noticing, and Jeff was hanging on to her hand and whispering (very quietly) "Deep breath! Deep breath!" while both he and his father were doing their best not to look at her for fear they would all burst out laughing.

Thankfully, she finally got a grip.

The charge was actually quite beautiful:

About this time, Melissa realized with vocal dismay the fact that she had come down the aisle without her flowers! Disaster! Grandma Cole slipped back to the foyer and got them for her.

DECLARATION OF CONSENT:

Jeff's dad said, "Jeff and Donna, is it your desire, after careful thought and prayer, to make a Christian marriage and establish a Christian home?" (they answered, "Yes.")

He then asked Jeff, "Jeff, do you take Donna to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, protect, and provide for her. to be to her a true, devoted husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in prosperity and adversity; and forsaking all others to keep yourself for her only as long as you both shall live?" Jeff said "I do".

He then turned to me and asked me, "Donna, do you take Jeff to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, encourage, and care for him, to be a devoted wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in prosperity and in adversity and forsaking all others to keep yourself only for him as long as you both shall live?" and Donna rather emphatically said, "Absolutely!" (and everyone laughed).

He said, "May God who knows the commitment of your heart give you strength to fulfill it by His grace. Amen."

"BEAUTIFUL IN MY EYES" - Click on the icon for lyrics

Chuck Minear (groomsman, Jeff's friend) sang "Beautiful In My Eyes" (Joshua Kadison... excellent song... and Chuck sang it beautifully)

EXCHANGE OF VOWS:

Jeff and Donna had written their own vows, but prior to reading their vows, they had also written to each other something of how they felt when they first met and how their relationship progressed. Donna read hers first, and Jeff responded with his.

Donna's Vows - Click on icon to read the vows!

Jeff's Vows - Click on icon to read the vows!


EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

Stephen Hands stepped up exactly on cue for the ring exchange. (Donna's Mom made the ring pillow by hand, and it was done beautifully... exactly as Donna had described it to her)

"Jeff, in expression and seal of your love and commitment to Donna, you may present your wedding ring to her now." (Jeff had a hard time getting the ring on her finger, but insistently managed to do so in the end)

"Donna, as an expression and seal of your love and commitment to Jeff, you may give him your ring now." (Donna put Jeff's ring on his finger)

UNITY CANDLE:

"During the symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, let's think about the light of faith and love that Donna and Jeff have purposed for their marriage."

Laura Hendricks and Jon Carter read a reading while Donna's parents lit her candle and Jeff's parents lit his. Then Jeff held Melissa while Donna lit Melissa's candle and handed it to her, then they all lit the Unity candle together while Laura and Jon finished the reading. Jeff and Donna blew their individual candles out, but they left Melissa's lit along side the Unity candle for the remainder of the ceremony.

The attendants returned to their places standing in front.

PRESENTATION OF MR & MRS JEFF & DONNA CARTER:

"Jeff and Donna, you have declared your commitment, and made your vows to God and each other. Now as a minister of Christ and God's kingdom, I pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate! Jeff, you may greet your bride! (kiss)

Jeff kissed Donna. (of course, she kissed him back!)

RECESSIONAL:

Trumpet and Organ played Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" for the recessional.

"Please be seated until the bride and groom return to dismiss you row by row. Everyone is invited to the Reception that follows in the Fellowship Hall below."

Jeff, Donna and Melissa returned (after Sue and Laura bustled Donna's dress in the back so it wouldn't drag around....) and they dismissed the guests pew by pew to join the reception downstairs. (There wasn't room for a reception line, and this way they could be sure to thank each person for being there)