Hello everyone, this doesn't really fit in to a category so I'm sticking it in here in hopes that you have some brilliant ideas.
My very dear friend left home to be a missionary a few years ago, while in the mission field she met a wonderful man and a few months ago they had a wedding in Costa Rica and are married. Unfortunately, due to travel issues no one from home including any of her family were able to attend.
She is currently home for about a month with her new husband and since no one from her friends and family were able to fly down then we want to have a celebration now in order to bless the marriage and give them well wishes.
They do want to have some sort of ceremony and not just a party. My thoughts were as follows:
They walk down the isle together to meet the pastor up front.
The pastor will welcome the guests, pray and give a definition of marriage.
Bride's father will give a prayer and blessing to the couple.
Bride and groom will exchange vows of commitment.
Unity ceremony of some sort (not sure if it will be sand, or rope or what)
Pastor gives a blessing and benediction.
Bride and groom move immediately in to a reception line followed by cake and punch in the fellowship hall.
Any other thoughts or brilliant suggestions to add or make this work?
Thanks in advance.