Epic Love: Nathan & Elizabeth Chapter 81, a when calls the heart fanfic

Nathan & Elizabeth: An Epic Love

Chapter Eighty-one

The Grant Wedding

Part V

"Will the Ringbearer please present the Groom's Wedding Ring for his Bride?"

Jack hurried up to proudly present his rather squashed pillow, and Nathan, smiling, doing his best not to chuckle at his son's antics, untied his Wedding Band for Elizabeth, thanking his Son, who beamed at his praise, before the Groom handed the ring first to Pastor Canfield.

The Pastor held up the Ring.

"May God bless this ring, the Groom who freely gives it, and the Bride who freely wears it!"

"Repeat after me, then please place this ring upon the fourth finger of your Bride's left hand."

"With this ring, I thee wed,"

"With my body I thee worship,"

"And with all my worldly goods I thee endow,"

"In the name of the Father,"

"And of the Son,"

"And of the Holy Ghost,"

"Amen."

Nathan then placed the Wedding Band on Elizabeth's fourth finger of her right hand, then lifted it and kissed her newly given ring.

After, and for a most important reason, he quietly changed Elizabeth's Engagement Ring from her right hand to her left, placing it in front of her new Wedding Band, then lifted her hand again, kissing them both.

"Will the Ringbearer please present the Bride's Wedding Ring for her Groom?"

Jack again proudly presented his pillow, though somewhat damaged from the wear and tear he had unwittingly inflicted, and Elizabeth, giving a rather stern look that morphed into a feeble smile, untied her Wedding Band for Nathan from its rather mangled ribbon, thanking her Son through gritted teeth, then handing the ring first to Pastor Canfield.

The Pastor held up the Ring.

"May God bless this ring, the Bride who freely gives it, and the Groom who freely wears it!"

"Repeat after me, then please place this ring upon the fourth finger of your Groom's left hand."

"With this ring, I thee wed,"

"With my body I thee worship,"

"And with all my worldly goods I thee endow,"

"In the name of the Father,"

"And of the Son,"

"And of the Holy Ghost,"

"Amen."

Elizabeth placed the Wedding Band on Nathan's fourth finger of his right hand, then lifted it and sweetly kissed his newly given ring.

"Will the Ringbearer please present the Groom's Keeper Ring for his children to present to the Bride from the three of them?" (*163)

Jack presented his now severely squashed pillow with mangled ribbons hanging to his sister, Allie, who untied the surviving Keeper Wedding Band for the Bride, thanking her Little Brother, again through slightly gritted teeth but with a sister's understanding amusement, then handing the ring first to Pastor Canfield.

The Pastor held up the Ring, thankful, too, that it had survived.

"May God bless this ring, the Groom and his children who freely give it, and the Bride who freely wears it!"

"Allie, on behalf of your father and your brother, will you children together, first repeat after me, then will you please place this ring upon the fourth finger of the Bride's, your Mama's, left hand as a sign of your immense love for her."

Allie nodded yes and held Jack's hand, nudging him to follow her words when she spoke.

"With this special ring,"

"We thee keep,"

"And treasure you,"

"Forever,"

"And evermore!"

Allie then placed their Papa's 'Keeper Ring,' a beautiful tradition, to secure her Mama's Wedding Band and Engagement Rings while also letting her know she was more than worth 'keeping' and 'loving' and 'treasuring' forever and ever after, with the promise already given by those giving the ring that they would do exactly that with all their hearts! (*164)

On this evening, the three together were making it into a family 'Keeper Ring' for Elizabeth, in turn, to remember this moment of pure love from her whole new family, with the ring she would always keep next to her Wedding Band and Engagement Ring, symbolizing her family's immense love for her. (*165)

With tears in her eyes, Elizabeth hugged and kissed both children, bringing them to the forefront to stand with both the Bride and Groom.

Suddenly, an old familiar hymn began to waft through the air in this idyllic setting that could not have possibly been more beautiful as the air was filled with the most magical scents of nature, a wild garden of roses literally assaulting the senses with fulminant beauty. At the same time, the celestial skies continued putting on the grandest of shows with lavenders, pinks, reds, and golds in hues like no other, constantly evolving across the sky in the most glorious of sunsets. Altogether, creating a night of pure love and glory, a natural celebration of celebrations by the world's Saviour, needing nothing else at all.

God was there in Spirit, blessing this unique Wedding, smiling over its simplicity with no pretense at all, just a holy expression of a pure soulmate love that God, Himself, had ordained so many ages ago, even before he had created these two for each other.

Yes, the couple had fought for the right to share it, but with God's abundant grace, that only made their victory of achieving it all the more treasured.

The soloist stood in front of the guests as Pastor Canfield asked them all to stand and join in this special hymn.

"May we please stand together and raise our voices to God, in the grand hymn of 'Amazing Grace,' all verses, beloved by both the Bride and Groom!"

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we'd first begun. (*166)

By now, the Bride was outright crying tears of happiness, along with most of the guests, as she had everything and more than she could ever want – her beloved husband standing next to her, supporting her with an incredulous love she marveled over time and again, along with the love of her children – her beautiful family complete at this most holy, unforgettable moment.

The Groom lovingly wiped her tears away, smiling at her with more love than she had known existed, his own eyes glistening.

Pastor Canfield then resumed their Wedding Ceremony.

"Will the Bride and Groom please kneel to receive Holy Communion, along with your Wedding Party and Wedding Guests?"

As the Children moved back to their places, the Groom helped the Bride to kneel in all her elegant yet simple finery, perfectly blending with the beauty around them.

The church Elders quickly came to assist their Pastor in the serving of Communion as they began passing the blessed bread and wine.

"Here in this most magnificent setting You have given us, we humbly come to You as one body of Christ for the service of communing with You."

"We do not presume to come to your table, merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies."

"We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table."

"But You are the same Lord of all, whose nature is always to have mercy."

"Grant us, therefore gracious Lord, that together in remembrance of You, we take this blessed bread and eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ. Then together in remembrance of You, we take this blessed wine and drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in Him and He in us. Amen!"

The pastor paused as communion was partaken of by all God's believers.

"Let us lift our hearts up to the Lord, for it is right to give him thanks and praise."

"And now in this glorious setting of nature wrought by your own Hand, together, we proclaim your great and glorious name, forever praising you and saying: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the Highest ring out over your Land!"

Pastor Canfield made the Sign of the Cross, followed by everyone doing the same, now having all partaken of the blessed bread and the blessed wine.

"Let us pray."

"O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life: Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof these rings given and received are a token and pledge,) of both a couple and a family, and may they ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord."

"As everyone is please seated, to our Bride and Groom, please rise!"

Then, with Pastor Canfield raising the Bride's and Groom's joined right hands, he proclaimed to all.

"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder."

Pastor Canfield then addressed the Wedding Guests.

"Forasmuch as Nathan Alexander and Elizabeth Rose have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings, and by the joining of hands; it is my great joy and privilege, to pronounce that they are blessed man and wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Pastor Canfield, here again, made the Sign of the Cross, with the Bride and Groom doing the same.

"Let us pray once more for our benediction."

"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favour look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so joyfully and righteously live together beautifully in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting ."

"Nathan Alexander Grant, you may now kiss your beautiful Bride, Elizabeth Rose Grant!"

With their guests looking on, the Groom kissed his Bride so tenderly, leaving no doubt of the vast love between them, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Chief Inspector and Mrs. Nathan Grant!"

Everyone stood and clapped ever so enthusiastically as the most beautiful, awe-inspiring hues of complementary colors filled the skies as though they had been wistfully ordered for this Wedding alone!

"Normally this is where our Bride and Groom would take their elated departure for their Wedding Reception, but I assure you that will come later. As tonight, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to let you know there is something most important to come in between. Will the Bridal parties please sit in the chairs that have been provided for them, as the Bride and Groom remain with me and their children? Also, will Judge Bill Avery please come lead this part of the service as I become his assistant?"

"One other thing in transition, please take a moment to look around you as well as upward at the glorious setting of the sun as it sets further down in the sky in such a magnificent way! God's glorious gifts of nature are truly astounding, and never more so than right here in Rose Valley, made for us to enjoy. We would like to take this moment to thank the Bride and Groom for sharing their secret place with us tonight, for which we are most awed and grateful!"

With a smile, Judge Avery took over leading this new portion of the service, with Pastor Canfield now at his side.

The Orchestra, along with the harpist, began to softly play "All Things Bright and Beautiful" in the background, Allie and Jack's favorite hymn. (*167)

"I cannot tell you how blessed and honored I am bein' able to preside at this happiest of occasions. Thanks to the Senior Grants and the Thatchers for bein' so kind as to share their family with me. You see, after years alone, I now have a family, too! We've learned tonight love is everything. As Henry so poignantly told us, God's love is the central force of the world, and that is true. But I am here to tell you that family is also everything. For family paints the picture of God's love with a myriad of brushes like nothin' else on this earth can do. I know because I've lived it, lost it, and found it again with these four lovely people who have taken me in."

"You see, we adults can be pals – we can help each other in tough situations, and even love each other. But family always works best when there are children around, for they are the ones that keep us delighted and on edge, all at once, never knowin' what their innocence and insight is gonna come up with next!"

"They are all about teaching us older folk how to love, like no other, making us see the world all over again in ways we might have missed the first time around!"

"Love swirls about them, and none more so than our Allie and Jack!"

"Jack-a-roo sort of inherited me as a Godson at birth, so the poor guy had no choice but to accept me as family (laughter). But I will never forget the day Allison Rose Grant arrived in town and walked into my Office – well, it was really her Papa's Office (more laughter), but that's another story for another day. I had never seen an eight-year-old so smart and with such a commandin' presence, and, of course, being the curmudgeonly Judge that I am, I guess I sort of bristled since she was more take charge than me! But Allie was havin' none of my bristlin'! She wasn't the least bit intimidated, realizing she had just met her new sparring partner – yours truly! And to this day, I have to watch my p's and q's around that girl, though most of the time it's her keepin' me straight than the other way around."

Elizabeth gathered Allie to her lovingly, proudly placing her arms around her daughter's shoulders, as Nathan did the same with Jack.

But as Scout, who had been resting, suddenly saw his family coming together, he immediately knew he had to be a part of it all and came running back to the front again!

"Now, make no mistake about it, these four, or should I say five, are already a real family, but tonight, if you'll bear with me, we're gonna make it all as official as official gets!"

Judge Avery took his place behind a rose-bedecked white desk-like table that the Pastor had been standing in front of and reached for his glasses, which were needed for this next portion of the proceedings.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have two most important official Court Proceedins to complete, and for that purpose, this Court is now most happily and officially called to order!"

"Please raise your right hands. Do the four of you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothin' but the truth, so help you, God?"

"We do," answered Allie and her parents.

"I do too, Uncle Bill!" added Jack hurriedly, not wanting to be left out.

"Nathan Grant, is it your intention to adopt Jack Thornton, Jr., and Elizabeth Grant, is it your intention to adopt Allison Rose Grant?"

"Yes, it is, with all our hearts," the couple responded joyfully and in unison.

"Allie Grant and Jack Thornton, is it your intention to be adopted by Nathan and Elizabeth Grant?"

"Yes, it is, with all our hearts," both Allie and Jack responded in unison.

Here, the Judge nodded for Pastor Canfield to share his first Scripture.

"To the parents: Proverbs 22:6 tells us to 'Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.'"

"Nathan and Elizabeth, with these words from the Holy Book, I charge you both. Do each of you accept this charge to mold and shape Allie's and Jack's lives?" asked the Judge. (*168)

"We do, with all our hearts," answered Husband and Wife in unison.

Here, the Judge nodded for Pastor Canfield to share his second Scripture.

"To the children: Exodus 20:12 tells us to 'Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.'"

"Allie and Jack, with these words from the Holy Book, I charge you both. Do each of you accept this charge to honor both your father and your mother?" asked the Judge. (*169)

"We do, with all our hearts," answered Allie and Jack together.

"Will you parents meet Allie and Jack's needs in every way, financially, medically, educationally, emotionally, and spiritually?"

"Yes, we will," responded both parents.

"Will you parents, together, also provide a lovin' home for these children?"

"Yes, we will!" answered both with intent.

"Allie, otherwise known by me as 'Little Mountie,' do you wish for Elizabeth Grant to become your adoptive and legal mother in every way?"

"I do, Uncle Bill, I mean Your Honor!"

Judge Avery couldn't help but smile.

"Turnabout, fair play, I'd say!"

"Jack, otherwise known by me as 'Jack-a-roo,' do you wish for Nathan Grant to become your adoptive and legal father in every way?"

"But he's already my Papa, Uncle Bill!"

"I'll take that as a yes, Son!" to the laughter of the crowd.

The Judge then proudly handed four documents over for all four to sign, though Jack printed his name largest of all, so there could be no mistake whatsoever!

Last but not least, the Judge added his own signature, making everything perfectly legal!

"I hereby decree that Elizabeth Grant is now the legal mother of Allison Rose Grant, along with her Son, now known as Jack Thornton Grant. I also hereby decree that Nathan Grant is now the legal father of Jack Thornton Grant, along with his Daughter, Allison Rose Grant. I also hereby most joyfully decree that Nathan and Elizabeth Grant together are the full and loving Parents of both said Children forever more, and Allie and Jack are legal Sister and Brother together, also forever more!"

"Additionally, William & Grace Thatcher and Archeford & Eleanor Grant are legal Grandparents of both Allison Rose Grant and Jack Thornton Grant; The Earl, Countess, and Viscountess of Etherington are legal Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin of Allison Rose Grant and Jack Thornton Grant, and Miss Julie Thatcher is legal Aunt of Allison Rose Grant and Jack Thornton Grant."

"I now decree these adoptions, filled with a whole lot of love, are now complete and irrevocable for life, with their love lastin' on through eternity."

"And by the power vested in me, it is my immense pleasure to also joyfully declare Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, and Jack to be the Grant Family together…"

Jack instantly went up to his Uncle Bill and whispered something that seemed most important to the boy, causing the Judge to pause.

The Wedding Attendants and Guests were trying hard not to laugh, though it was both comical and rich to see a six-year-old laboriously correcting the Judge, totally backed by his dog who had followed him!

The Judge listened intently, though, for all practical purposes, he truly had no choice.

"My apologies! I stand corrected and hereby amend: by the power vested in me, I joyfully declare Nathan, Elizabeth, Allie, Jack, Newton, Sergeant, Nellie, Scout, Pal, Collie, and Thorne to be the Grant Family together! And now, just like your parents kissed a few moments ago, it's time for kisses and hugs for the entire Grant Family, which, by the way, definitely includes me as your good old Uncle Bill! And it wouldn't hurt to include your earthly Spiritual Father, your Pastor, in these kisses and hugs!"

Everyone was still trying not to laugh at Jack and the Judge, but they were also trying not to cry, though both laughs and tears overflowed!

Beaming, Allie kissed her new Mama, then her Papa, Jack, her Little Brother, her Uncle Bill, then Pastor Canfield!

Excited as could be, Jack kissed his new Papa, then his Mama, Allie, his Big Sister, his Uncle Bill, then their Pastor!

And that was when the entire family with both sets of Grandparents, Aunts, Uncle, and Cousin joining in with their hearty and warm congratulatory welcomes to the family as well!

Then, the parents heartily embraced and kissed both their children once more.

Everyone was seeing intimately a family that had always been meant to be, being born officially, and it was a glorious sight!

A Family of four, well eleven to be exact, according to Jack's corrections, and even beyond with their extended families standing with them, so full of a well-earned appreciation and love for each other, along with a true joy of being together seldom seen, beyond thankful to be making this life journey together as a real united family, lifting each other up in tremendous love for one another!

Pastor Canfield stepped forward as the orchestra grew louder.

"Let's all please stand and sing "All Things Bright and Beautiful," which happens to be Allie and Jack's favorite hymn!" (*170)

And sing the crowd did! With glorious support and zest, resulting in a celebratory harmony like no other…

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all

Each little flower that opens
Each little bird that sings
He made their glowing colors
And made their tiny wings

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all

The purple headed mountains
The rivers running by
The sunset and the morning
That brightens up the sky

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all

The cold wind in the winter
The pleasant summer sun
The ripe fruits in the garden
He made them every one

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all

He gave us eyes to see them
And lips that we might tell
How great is the Almighty
Who has made all things well

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
'Twas God that made them all
(*171)

The crowd was blessed, touched as never before, having witnessed a beloved couple's beautiful Wedding and two heart-rendering Adoptions of children they adored all coming together to form a new official family that was clearly meant to be, with the whole town in support!

Happy tears prevailed as well as gratitude and immense joy that simply couldn't be contained.

Pastor Canfield then spoke, offering the benediction to this 'Adoption Ceremony' portion of the evening.

"Let us pray!"

"Dear Father, we pray your many and richest blessings on these blessed Children, who are already part of this beautifully formed but now 'official' family and extended family, along with each family member, and for Jack's sake, lest we not forget their beloved pets. Please help the Grants' immense love for each other continue to grow and grow, especially now, as they meld together, further extending the family they already are, by now officially living together. Though they are all so grateful and thrilled to be coming together in their love and respect for each other, help them with the many day-to-day adjustments they will face. Be with Nathan and Elizabeth as their Parents and William, Grace, Archie, and Eleanor as their Grandparents and help them and their children to heed your Teachings in the Good Book. Also, be with the Children's Aunts, Uncle, and Cousin, helping them to love and support this new family that is also theirs. And for all of us together, let us heed the Good Book teachings, especially of Isaiah 48:17 'Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God…which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go." Be with each of all these good and wonderful people here, collectively and individually this day forward. We ask this for your Kingdom and for your Glory, Forever, Amen!" (*172)

Next, Pastor Canfield resumed the now combined Adoption and Wedding Services.

"In conclusion, and with a heartfelt effort not to be corrected by Master Jack, I am going to give this all I've got and try to get it right on the very first try! It is my distinct honor and privilege to present to you Chief Inspector and Mrs. Nathan Grant, their Daughter, Allison Rose Grant, their Son, Jack Thornton Grant, and their many beloved animals, including Newton, Seargent, and Scout, who are with us sharing this evening, as Finn has so graciously ridden Sergeant so he could be included. Still, we can't forget Nellie, Pal, Collie, and Thorne who are every bit as much loved by this beautiful and most loving family! And to our most patient Groom for what you've been through this evening, you may kiss your gorgeous Bride a second time!" (*173)

The crowd broke out in low chuckles, while Elizabeth was still holding onto Allie, and Nathan was still holding onto Jack, the Groom did just that and kissed his Bride a second magical time!

Their Wedding Attendants and Guests erupting with joy and thunderous applause, for both the lovely new couple and family standing before them.

As the joyful Recessional music played, also 'Pachelbel's Canon in D,' started victoriously, together, the children moved forward first, with the Bride and the Groom following closely behind them, toward the Wedding Arch of Sabers, as all were immediately pelted with rose petals and rice. (*174)(*175)

Their Wedding Attendants followed closely behind the Bridal Couple, though somewhat informally, yet also together as couples, waiting outside the Arch.

Staff Sergeant Finn Valen began leading the Arch Ceremony by barking the orders.

"Perfect Two Lines!"

"Halt…Center Face!"

"Present…Sabers!"

"Arch…Sabers!"

"Are you ready to run the Arch of Sabers, Family?" asked Nathan. (*176)

"Ready, Papa!" answered both children enthusiastically, taking off in a run with Scout at their heels and with Alex, beaming and imperceptibly winking at Allie as she passed through, protecting both her Little Brother and Scout.

Nathan led his new Wife through their Saber Wedding Arch behind their laughing, overjoyed children because this was all about love and family! (*177)

Once through, the children immediately gathered Scout to wait for their parents to complete their run-through. Allie was in charge of taking Jack back to the Reception with their Grandparents. But first, they both wanted to kiss their Parents goodbye and let them know they would meet them back at the Reception, along with their Grandparents and everyone else.

Though the children had clearly and successfully escaped the Arch of Sabers, as the Groom and his Bride neared the end of the arch, the two shiny sabers at the end were drawn down and firmly crossed, prohibiting passage. (*178)

"A grand kiss for passage, Sir!" barked the Staff Sergeant in drill mode.

"Funny, Sergeant Valen, I don't remember the word 'grand' in that order!" chuckled the Groom.

"With all due respect, Sir, it is now! Via clearance from Commissioner Doneghy as an approved exception!"

Nathan nodded, with a smile on his face, turning his full attention to his lovely Bride, whom he was holding close.

Bending down with all his love while dipping and kissing her even more properly and passionately than before, his actions simply caused her to radiate her love back to him.

"Happy, my resplendent Mrs. Grant?"

"Deliriously, so, my Darling Husband!"

Up came the sabers, and with a shout of "Job, Grandly and Grantly Done, Sir!" from his men, replacing the standard 'Job, Well Done!" and with the Groom hovering over his Bride in an effort to protect her from onslaught of the flying rice and petals being thrown by their elated and overzealous Wedding Attendants and Guests, they made a beeline for their Wedding Carriage, and with Security in tandem, took off!

Though, oddly enough, in a direction no one seemed to know where to…

163-165. "Keeper Ring," a tradition that started somewhere in the 1800s of giving a third band to the Bride, signifying that she was more than worth 'keeping' through eternity, but also to securely and safely protect her Wedding Band and Engagement Rings. The Keeper Ring is usually made of pure gold or platinum but can also be made of precious stones. Public Domain Information.

166. "Amazing Grace," beloved hymn originally written in 1772 by John Newton, a former sea captain and slave trader turned well-loved Anglican curate in the British town of Olney. It was published in 1779 as part of a collection of hymns Newton wrote with William Cowper, called Olney Hymns. Public Domain Information.

167. "All Things Bright and Beautiful," an Anglican Hymn also sung in many other Christian denominations. The words are by Cecil Frances Alexander, and were first published in her 'Hymns for Little Children of 1848.' It was written to help explain to children the statement, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth," which is the opening of the so-called 'Apostles' Creed.' Public Domain.

168. "Proverbs 22:6," for parents: 'Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from (his teachings).' The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.

169. "Exodus 20:21" for children: 'Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.' The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.

170-171. "All Things Bright and Beautiful," an Anglican Hymn also sung in many other Christian denominations. The words are by Cecil Frances Alexander, and were first published in her 'Hymns for Little Children of 1848.' It was written to help explain to children the statement, "I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth," which is the opening of the so-called 'Apostles' Creed.' Public Domain.

172. "Isaiah 48:17," for all: 'Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God…which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go."The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain.

173. "Service Intro, Vows, Prayers, Communion, and Benediction," throughout Chapter 78 taken from various types of Wedding Services, primarily Anglican for the Victorian and Edwardian time periods. Public Domain Information.

174. "Pachelbel's Canon in D Major," music composed by Johann Pachelbel, lyrics by Johann Pachelbel and Emily Anne Shulz; though origins and composition date are unclear, the piece is thought to have been written around 1680 or 1696 in the late 17th or early 18th century; the oldest surviving manuscript copy is from the 19th century; though unlikely, the piece is thought to be a wedding gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach's older brother, Johann Christoph, who studied with Pachelbel, a 17th century German composer who was a virtuoso organist and a major contributor to the development of baroque keyboard music. The piece has become a popular wedding song, often used for the processional and recessional. Public Domain.

175-178. "Wedding Arch of Sabers," the custom of using the military arch of sabers to honor a newly married couple occurs after the couple leaves the church, with them walking under or through an 'arch of raised sabers;' this symbolizes that the couple will be together forever; the custom originated in Spain and could date back to the medieval period, though some reports see it as a medieval revival in the 19th century. Public Domain Information.