Officiant

Yesterday marked a personal first - I performed my first wedding ceremony.  One of Jamie's students, and the daughter of her best friend, had requested that I officiate her wedding.  She made the request over a year ago, while we still lived in Texas.  I was to officiate, Avalyn was to be the flower girl, and Jude was to carry a sign.  Much has changed over this past year, but this request remained, only Jude got upgraded to ring bearer.  

It is for this reason I recently got ordained by the Universal Life Church.  Non-denominational online church primarily designed for ordaining wedding officiants.  Ideally, I would have found a way to be ordained through our denomination.  I have been ordained as a deacon a couple of churches ago, and have filled in giving a message a couple of times, but am not ordained as a minister.  This at least got me legal as an officiant.

Last night was a beautiful ceremony.  For my part, I was short and sweet, keeping my thoughts/message very brief, and moving right into the vital parts of the ceremony.  Having Jude and Avalyn a part of the ceremony made it an even more special night for our family.

I don't know when I'll ever put this to use again.  I don't see when I'll be asked, especially with the now near 12 hour distance between us and most family and friends.  But for a once in a lifetime opportunity, it was pretty special.

Congratulations John and Ashlyn!  Many blessings on you as you continue forward in your marriage!