| ~ Sample Meal Blessings ~ |
| "The Wedding Prayer" by Robert Lewis Stevenson "Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make our lives delightful; for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen" "Lord God, as we sit at Your table, the table that You have filled with the earths bounty for our celebration, bless us all and the food that we are about to share with the Bride and Groom in their first meal together as Husband and Wife. As food nourishes the Body, so does love nourish the soul. May our conversation this day remind us of how true this is and may we offer one another strength and support. Grant that this meal enrich us with wisdom and laughter enough that it's memory shall last for the rest of our days. Amen "A Secular Grace" "For what we are about to receive let us be truly thankful …to those who planted the crops …to those who cultivated the fields …to those who gathered the harvest. For what we are about to receive let us be truly thankful to those who prepared it and those who served it. In this festivity let us remember too those who have no festivity those who cannot share this plenty those whose lives are more affected than our own by war, oppression and exploitation those who are hungry, sick and cold In sharing in this meal let us be truly thankful for the good things we have for the warm hospitality and for this good company." "Let us pray, Heavenly father, you have placed the earth and it's fruit under our care so that by our efforts we may insure that all will share in the benefits of your creation. We ask that you bless this food and all those that are present here today, the families and friends and also all those who are were unable to attend today. We also ask your blessing on bride and groom who have come to you this day to unite themselves to You in love and sacrament, all this we ask in your love. Amen "We come to the table not merely to refresh our bodies but to renew our hearts. We are thankful for food in a world where many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where many walk alone, and for faith in a world where many walk in fear. O Lord, Thou Sustainer of our body, heart and soul, Bless all we receive. In thankfulness. Amen "Dear God: Thank you for the food we share this afternoon in celebration of this marriage. We thank you for the love, guidance and support of all the important people in their lives, their parents, family and friends We offer our gratitude for this joyful and abundant day. Please bless those that have worked hard to make this day a success for this couple. And, please bless this meal that we are about to share – our Bride and groom's first meal together as a married couple." "Lord God, Creator of the universe, Father of us all, we have gathered here around this dinner table to celebrate the love and commitment that have united this couple in a wonderful bond of marriage. Bless, Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts as a sign of your continuous bounty and providence. May your generous blessing descend also upon these newly married spouses, their families and friends present here at this joyful banquet. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen." |
| I usually stay till about 45 minutes after the scheduled start time. This gives me time to pack up my PA, congratulate the parents, give you the book that I read your ceremony from and sneak in a quick kiss from the newlyweds. Usually time prohibits me from staying to give a blessing at dinner. However in the case of an evening wedding it is usually an option and there is an extra charge of $100.00. for the extra time spent. The Meal Blessing, like a reading, is also another way to give a friend or family member a place of honor in your day. Although I do plan on writing some of my own soon, these were culled from the archives of the American Association of Wedding Officiants. If you are an officiant and you wrote one of these please send me an email so I can give you credit and a link! |
| Jamie & Brian They were married on February 20th 2010 at the Riviera in Massapequa. It was a beautiful day and though a little cold they got great outdoor photos as well as indoor ones. For a couple as interwoven into the fabric of who one another are as this couple they didn't need the weather to increase the snuggle factor.... But how great do the look together! |
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