There were eight other couples there and it was fun to meet other people who are also getting married soon. I cried twice this weekend...first, I cried when had us hold hands and look into each other's eyes while they read "These Hands Blessing" and a second time when James read me his love letter on the last day (we had to write each other three letters). I have a feeling I'm not going to be able to hold it together on the big day! Here is the "These Hands" Blessing...
"These Hands"
(Bride holds groom's hands)
These are the hands, young, strong and vibrant with love, that will hold yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands you will place with joy against your stomach, until he too feels his child stir within your womb.
These are the hands, so large and rough, yet they will be so gentle as he holds your baby the first time.
These are the hands that will passionately love and cherish you through the years.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears of sorrow and tears of joy from your eyes.
These are the hands that will comfort you and your children in illness and hold you through grief and fear.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin to look into his eyes -- eyes filled completely with his love and desire for you.
(Groom holds bride's hands)
These are the hands, smooth, young and carefree, 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 each child in tender love, soothing and encouraging them along the way -- and knowing when it's time to let go.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving.
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 hold you in joy and excitement and hope.
These are the hands that will work with yours as you chase down your dreams together -- everything you wish for is there to be had.
May these hands always be held by one another. May they have strength to hold on through the storms of stress and the darkness of disillusionment. May they be tender and gentle as they nurture each other in love. May these hands build a marriage
founded in grace, rich in caring, and reaching together to bring forth the very best in both.
