The Deacon, the daddy; father of the bride

So about 10 days ago I announced here on my blog that #1 daughter Elizabeth is engaged to be married to her now fiancée Mark.  They do indeed make for a beautiful couple.  Immediately my prayers have turned to the young couple for a lifetime of happiness and a wonderful, beautiful marriage.

As a Deacon, I have plenty of experience in preparing couples over a period of about 6 months before the wedding day and I have plenty of experience now in witnessing the exchange of vows and then filing all the necessary "legal" documents.  In fact, I would say that as a Deacon, I love the Sacrament of Matrimony.  As a daddy, you always have in the back of your mind that magical day when your little girl calls to tell you "I'm getting married".  I never could have imagined that the day would play out in such a way that I knew the day and the hour it would happen and then be able to celebrate with the happy couple just minutes after the proposal.  Can I tell you, as I'm sure you can figure out, both my daughter Elizabeth and Mark are excited and happy.

Now as father of the bride I assume a new never before and never to happen again role.  Remembering my deacon duties, I was quick to remind the happy couple to avoid the temptation to work harder and longer at prepping for wedding day versus the many, many years of marriage.  Yet here I am, right in the line of fire and witnessing the hectic rush to start checking everything off the list.  Mark took care of the ring, and did a great job.  With our help we also have set the date, April 30, 2016.  We have a church and a reception venue and I understand now we have a band.  Tonight, we may have photographers as Wendy and Elizabeth meet with one tonight.  I have heard chatter about other things too like a bridesmaid gathering, a couple of bridal shows and a summer time engagement party.

But I will also remind #1 daughter and soon to be #1 son-in-law, as I do with every couple I have ever helped prepare; it's so much more about the marriage than it is the wedding.  It is so important to prepare properly and completely, to discuss the importance of a sacramental wedding and the role God will be playing in their lives as husband & wife.  For wedding prep, we have decided to engage the help of a brother Deacon who was ordained with me.  This will accomplish two things, I know they will be beautifully and properly prepared, and I will have more time to do what father's of the bride do so well, write the checks.  I've already done that once; many more to come.

So as Elizabeth and Mark enjoy the excitement of newly engaged love, I will add to deacon and daddy the role of father of the bride.  I am not sure if I am completely ready but it will be a role, like all others, that I will embrace with great enthusiasm.

And I certainly have a great intention to lift to God as the planning and preparation continues!