Groom walks in to Skye Boat Song played on the pipes

Groomsmen escort Bridesmaids in to Canon in D

Bides walks in to a Trumpet’s Voluntary played on the pipes

Invocation:

Preacher: “ In the name of Jeff and Samantha, let me welcome you to this joyous occasion. For they have invited you here to be part of their wedding to join with them, to love them and support them, and celebrate them, as they are joined in marriage today. I urge you not come for a solemn occasion, but one to celebrate, with gratitude of heart and generosity of spirit. We come not as passive spectators, but active witnesses and participants. To pray with them today, to celebrate with them, to share your joy with them.”

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

Father: “Her mother and I do.”

Preacher: “Samantha and Jeff, we have gathered here today in this sacred space, and this space has become sacred because you are here today. The great Creator, who created this place, and this world in which we live, the spirit on God is present in all of His creations. God is present in the river. God is present in the sky. The kingdom of God is present in the fox, the wolf which run on this very ridge. And the wisdom of God is seen even now in the changing of the trees. The joy of God is reflected in the grasshopper that danced before you as you came up this ridge. And foremost, the image of God is imprinted upon your souls, and God is present in the heart of your being. When you sit and recognize, this is the love of your life, then you are recognizing the presence of God at the heart of her being, and his being. The vows you make today are sacred, because you are inviting God to unite you in your spirit and your souls. God is faithful, and your faithfulness to one another reflects God’s faithfulness to you. The laughter of God is reflected in your joy. The passion of God is reflected in your love for one another.”

Handfasting

“The Tartan is a symbol of the family in Scottish tradition. In it’s bright colors and in the intricacies of it’s weave, it represents and reflects the inner workings of the family, the thing that holds it together, the brilliance and exciting things about the family. This is the tartan of the MacDougall family, the MacDougall Clan, of which Jeff Howell is a member, and of which I, a McDowell, am a member, and of which Samantha is now becoming a member. The handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition symbolizing the binding together of two people in love. Bless these hands that will hold one another in passion and love. Let these hands that will bake bread for one another, and build shelter for one another. Bless these hands that will hold their children, and that will comfort them in grief, and hold them in affection.”

Reading of the poem “Love”, while “MacDougall Blues” plays in the background.

“Amazing Grace” played on the pipes

Preacher: “Jeff and Samantha, you have made many promises to each other in private. Now, it is time to make those vows publicly in front of your family and friends who love you and support you. With these vows, you consecrate your future. You reach out and bless the future and say ‘I’ll be here today, I’ll be here tomorrow, I’ll be here years from now. I will not turn my back on you.’ Now say your vows to one another.”

Groom:

Bride:

Preacher: “ Jeff will you have Samantha to be your wedded wife, to live together in the Holy estate of matrimony, to love her and comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, keep only to her as long as you both shall live?”

Groom: “I will.”

Preacher: “Samantha, will you have Jeff to be your husband, to live together in the Holy estate of matrimony, to love him and comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, keep only to him as long as you both shall live?”

Bride: “I will.”

Preacher: “Amen.”

Preacher: “ You have willingly taken upon yourselves a binder. That, which willingly binds you, empowers you, makes you strong, makes you free. May the seamless circle of these rings be a symbol of the bond between you, and the unending love between the two of you.”

“Repeat after me. With this ring, I give myself to you willingly, sharing with you, the bonds of marriage as a seal of our love forever.”

Bride and Groom repeat

Preacher: “And now, do you as members of this family and congregation, do you promise to love and support this marriage?”

Congregation: “We do.”

Preacher: “There is a Scottish tradition called the Penny Wedding. When a couple would declare their intention to get married, and ask the community to join together and surround them and assist them and be part of their getting married together. And at that point, it was traditional that each person coming to be part of the wedding would bring a Scottish Penny to give to the bride and groom. And at this point we ask you to give not a penny, but to give your blessing to the bride and groom. And anyone who would like to speak now to give their blessing to Jeff and Samantha, please do.”

Members of congregation take turns speaking.

Preacher: “We have been blessed today by the love that they have expressed to one another, and by the outpour of love and blessings, spoken and unspoken, by those of you here today. And we give thanks for that. The great God and father has poured out blessing on you both, and created this day, a new union anchored in love, and joy, and faithfulness. So in the name of God our Father, who dwells in all things, I pronounce now, you husband and wife. You may kiss one another.”

“May God bless you with grace and peace. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warmly on face, and the rain fall softly on your fields. And may God hold you gently in the palm of his hand, both now and forevermore. Amen.”

Piper plays “Highland Wedding” and leads the Bride and Groom in recessional. He continues playing until all Groomsmen and bridesmaids walk out.