Let's Fall in Love: Blessing of the Hands

The wedding ceremony up to this point felt like it was flying by.  I tried to soak it all in, but there were so many moments that I had been looking forward to in the months (years) leading up to September 4.  Walking down the aisle with my father, standing at the front of the church I had attended since childhood in my mom's veil, exchanging vows.  These were all things that I had been imagining since I was a little girl, and they far exceeded my expectations.  What followed after the vows was new to us, but I had been anticipating it just as much as the rest.  We opted not to do a unity candle or other such symbolic ceremony, and shared a Blessing of the Hands instead.  I love the tradition of hand-fasting, and this was the best way we could incorporate it, as well as paying an homage to a cousin who had used it in his ceremony several years before.

I put the words together myself based on several different versions from many different resources.  When we decided to have the wedding at the church, we sacrificed our ability to write our own vows.  Perfecting every word of the Blessing of the Hands was the next best thing.  It was incredibly touching and meaningful to hear  them aloud at our wedding, and it was at this point that my emotion overflowed. 

Meagan, please turn to face Kenny, and hold his hands, palms up in yours, so you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life. 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 protect you and honor you as they work alongside yours to make a happy home. These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your children to comfort and console them. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and as in today, tears of joy. These are the hands that will share their strength when you need it. These are the hands that will embrace you when fear or grief fills your mind. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same outspoken love as they give you today.

Kenny, please hold Meagan’s hands, palms up in yours, where you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours 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 work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, and these are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same outspoken love as they give you today.

 Please join your hands together, as we pray.

 

Heavenly Father, bless these hands 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 stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nourish each other in their love.  May Kenny and Meagan see these four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide, and may they always bring forth the very best in both. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching together for your perfection.

 After the Blessing was complete, it was almost official.   Just a few minutes left before we're Mr and Mrs.

In case you missed it ...

I bought a dress and completely changed it.  We had a marathon final week of engagement.  I giggled my way through our rehearsal.  Mr LikesIt got grilled at our rehearsal dinner.  The groomsmen ran amok in downtown Springfield. The girls got gorgeous.  We exchanged mushy wedding-day gifts.  The guys got fancy and then got dancy.  I became a Bride.  There was a first First Look. I shared my Somethings.  The boys made the most of trolley-time. And did their thing on the Capital grounds. The girls took photos at the hotel. Everyone arrived at the church. We walked down the aisle. We declared our intentions and my cousin preached. We exchanged our vows.