hands ceremony

One Love Photo

There were so many elements of our ceremony that made me melt.  Honestly, every word captivated all of me.  A huge reason for that is the presentation of it all was lovely - our dear friend, Megan, officiated.  Her delivery was superb.  A lil tear would drop every once in awhile. 

Until the hands ceremony...and then the tears made their way into little streams down the sides of my cheeks.  I (thankfully) didn't make any of my horrifying weird cry faces....they were just subtle tear pathways down my checks. It was actually a really sweet moment for Tommy and I - to be in such a vulnerable place yet comforting each other silently with the tender touch of our hands. 

We took the typical hands ceremony and spun it around and composed our own elements.  These were some of inclusions that made it special to us:

Jessica, please face Tommy, and hold his hands, palms up, so 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 work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

-These are the hands of an educator and coach, who's life work helps guide students in the direction of their dreams.

-These are the hands that will make music for you, with the saxophone, guitar, computer, or the dashboard of your car to bring a smile to your face.

-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 countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

-These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or frief overwhelm you.

-These are the hands that will teach your children how to throw a baseball, ride a bike and pitch a tent.

-These are the hands that will continue to compose eloquent and poetic love letters in your honor.

-These are the hands that will take you on new adventures to experience our beautiful world.

Tommy, please hold Jessica's hands, palms up, where you may see the fit that they are to you.

-These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, and yound, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she promises to love you all the days of her life.

-These are the hands that will hold your children in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way  and knowing when it is time to let go.

-These are the hands that will hold you tight as your struggle through difficult times.

-These are the hands of a training surgeon who will heal others, yet will come home at the end of the day to embrace your family.

-These are the hands that will bless your with a lifetime of high fives when achievements are made, no matter how small.

-These are the hands that will learn to cook beside you, to bring healthy meals to the family table.

-They are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. 

-These are the hands that will take yours, as your family prays for the Lord's wisdom, guidance, forgiveness and blessings.

-These are the hands that will hold yours throughout the journey form youth to old age. 

I loved this.  Especially the "high fives" acknowledgment...I give an obnoxious amount of high fives.