The ceremony, step by step

As we get closer to the day I'm starting to go through each part of the wedding that needs some attention and clarity, so first things first - the ceremony.

Together with the minister we came up with a basic outline of the order of service, which is really very simple. So since we had that we just needed to sort out music and who walks when and where.

We're hoping to do things slightly differently to a normal entrance but once we've had a rehearsal we'll see if it actually works (if there's enough time that is). Once the minister has entered and takes his position by the alter, the song Heaven (slow version by DJ Sammy) will start. This song couldn't be more perfect, it has so much relevance to our relationship which started when I was only 14 years old (I'll post the lyrics at the end of this post). N will then walk down the aisle followed by one of my girls then one of her boys and so on. The boys (incl. N) on the right and girls on the left. Once they're all there the song will be faded to an end. After a slight pause Only Time by Enya will start. That's when I walk down with my brother on my right. Once the alter is reached the music will be faded to an end and the ceremony will begin.

Processional
Words of welcome
Prayer
Exchange of vows
Exchange of rings
Unity candle ceremony (very short and simple)
Pronouncement of marriage
Signing of register
Recessional

The song we choose for the recessional is At Last by Etta James. It also seemed so appropriate.

Lyrics to Heaven

Oh, thinking about our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free
Now, nothing can take you away from me
We've been down that road before
that's over now
You keep me coming back for more

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh, once in your life
you find someone, who will turn your world around
pick you up when your feeling down
Now, nothing can change what you mean to me
There's a lot that I could say
But just hold me now
'Cause our love will light the way

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

I've been waiting for someone
something to arrive
love to come along
Now our dreams are coming true
Through the good times
And the bad
I'll be standing there by you

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Ohh, ohh, ohh
Ohh, ohh, ohh
We're in heaven