Nowadays, more and more couples choose to hold church weddings. Maybe church weddings give people a solemn and sacred feeling, or maybe it is a different culture that gives people a sense of freshness.

In several church weddings that I have photographed in Taiwan, I have often observed that relatives and friends (especially non-religious relatives and friends) always have expressions of expectation~

The following is an explanation of the church wedding ceremony: < /p>

1. The guests take their seats

After all relatives and friends are seated, the wedding ceremony officially begins

2. The groom enters

The groom enters The groom can be accompanied by a pastor or priest to position himself at the altar. The groom can also enter alone or alongside the best man (a flower girl, best man and bridesmaid can also be arranged to enter before the groom enters)

3 . The bride and her father enter the venue

The bride holds a bouquet and her father enters through the gate

4. Handover

Arriving at the altar, the father hands the bride over to the altar. The bride and groom are united in front of the altar with the approval and blessings of relatives and friends

5. Singing hymns

The choir will sing songs about marriage

6. Ask

The pastor or priest asks the guests if anyone objects to the wedding. If there is no objection, they will pray, offer poems and witness the wedding ceremony (weddings with objections can usually be used as movie scripts~~)

7. Calling and Prayer

Calling - Two loving new people, today in this sacred and solemn church, in front of God and in front of the congregation, we would like to pray for you, brother XXX and XXX The two sisters held a sacred wedding. According to marriage, marriage is extremely precious and established by God. Therefore, we should not be careless and hasty, but should be respectful, pious, and respect God's will to accomplish this great thing.

Prayer - God, we thank you for this joyful wedding; we thank you for this important wedding day; we thank you for this important moment; for you are with us all the time. Thank you; in the name of Christ the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Playing wedding march).

8. Everyone sings 185 "Wedding Songs" or other related hymns

9. Pastor exhorts

Standing before God, I exhort you both to remember that love and faithfulness are the foundation upon which joy and an eternal home are built. If you always keep your solemn vows; if you unswervingly seek and follow the will of your Holy Father, your lives will always be harmonious and happy; and the family you build will withstand any changes.

Of course, you must also remember that you are not embarking on the journey of life alone. When you face difficulties, don't be afraid to ask others for help. Helping hands come from ------ friends, relatives, and church. Accepting help from others is not an act of shame, but an act of sincerity. All around us, the Lord reaches out to us. The hand of Jesus Christ is everywhere. The most important thing is: we witness the marriage of this new couple. Amen.

10. Announcement of the engagement

The priest or priest reads the engagement: XXX, do you want XXX to be your (wife/husband) and live together as friends and partners? Do you love (her/him) and respect (her/him)? Are you willing to share happiness with (her/him) as an equal, regardless of pain, victory or confusion?

The couple answered: I do! Yes, I do!

11. Exchange of vows

The couple vowed to become husband and wife in front of God and guests, no matter what Illness and poverty, we will always be united

XX, I choose you XXX to be my (husband/wife). From today on, I will own you and stick to you. No matter good or bad, rich or poor, sick or not, I will love you and cherish you until death separates you and me. In obedience to God's will, I pledge my love to you and my loyalty to you.

12. Exchanging rings

Pastor: "The wedding ring symbolizes eternity; it symbolizes the eternal union of two hearts and souls with endless love. Now give your love and Your sincere desire to unite your hearts and souls forever is given to her as a gift. You can give this wedding ring to your bride.

Groom: "XXX, this is the one I gave you. The ring symbolizes my love and devotion to you.

Pastor: "Give him the same gift of your love and your earnest desire for your hearts and souls to be united forever. You can give this wedding ring to your groom.

Bride: "XXX, this ring I give you symbolizes my love and loyalty to you.

13. Lifting the veil & kissing

After lifting the veil, the pastor instructed (or hinted): Brother XXX, you can kiss your bride.

14. Pastor’s announcement

Pastor: Now I have the honor to introduce to you, Mr. XXX and Mrs. XXX.

15. Choir singing

Choir singing blessing to the couple

16. Pastor blessing

Bless you and be with you . May the merciful and generous Lord favor you.

The Lord will bless you and keep you safe.

17. Blessings from relatives

The officiant delivers a speech, giving warnings and blessings

18. Thanking parents

The newlyweds bow to their parents Or present flowers and thank the guests

19. Signature and seal

The groom, bride, witness, officiant and introducer shall all seal and sign the marriage certificate

20. Wedding exit

The order is usually as follows: (1) Groom, bride (2) Bridesmaid, bridesmaid, flower girl (3) Other guests

21. Throwing bouquet

The bride can throw her bouquet and take photos outside the church.

(Refreshments are prepared for guests)

*** The above process is for reference only and may sometimes be adjusted due to the different habits of each church or the needs of new members

(Excerpted from: Guam Wedding Sharing Station)

References:

1 Shen Xinglin’s Smart Consumption and Peace of Mind Life - Explanation of Consumer Protection Cases

2 Luo Rong 2002 ** * Integrating images and their body politics - media texts and the gender construction and practice of listeners

3 Gu Yuzhen 1990 Family relations, professional roles, interpersonal relationships, and female body display