Isn't this thrilling?: We Start Today: The Ceremony Part 2

Mr. Castle and I had just finished our vows. Next it was time for our rings.

All Photos by the amazing Palos Studio

I was still wiping away tears from the vows

At this point Mr. Castle made me aware of the fact that pieces of tissue were stuck on my face. Apparently the mixture of airbrush makeup, cheap tissues, and tears is not ideal. Mr. Castle to the rescue!

Thanks Mr. Castle for making sure I look good :)

Father Geoff had asked for our rings from our Best Man and Maid of Honor. They brought them forward and he blessed them saying, "May these rings remind you always of your vows and the love that has joined your two lives."

Mr. Castle went first. "Miss Castle accept this ring as a sign of my love and commitment."

"Mr. Castle accept this ring as a sign of my love and commitment."

After we exchanged rings Mr. Castles sister was invited up to begin her reading.

"Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. 

In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude  of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best."

- by Wilferd Arlan Peterson

The final portion of our ceremony was the most religious. It started with a nuptial blessing from Father Geoff.

"Holy Father, may your fullest blessing come down upon Mr. Castle and Miss Castle as they begin their life as a married couple. May they find strength and joy in each other’s embrace, may their friends console them and all people live at peace with them.

Bless them with children and help them to be good and loving parents. May they live to see their children’s children living in an abundant and peaceful world

And, after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in heaven.

We ask you this through Christ our Lord. Amen"

And lastly Father Geoff said a closing Prayer

"Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for Mr. Castle and Miss Castle, who are newly united in marriage.

Grant them the vision and grace to faithfully and lovingly live out the promises they have exchanged today.

Grant them your blessing and protection as they journey together through life together.

We ask you this through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

After the closing Prayer Father Geoff said something like, "This concludes the marriage ceremony of Mr. and Mrs. Castle..." But as you will see from my face bellow all I was thinking was, "OMG we're MARRIED!"