Last night we were at D+2 walking through the marriage ceremony I am conducting on Saturday.  The church is a multi-functional building, the main part of which houses a pre-school during the week, so I began by wheeling the display boards of paintings to the edge of the room and helped the pianist move the electronic keyboard into position so she could practice her timings.

All the key participants arrived and we set out a 'front row' of chairs so that people could begin to visualise what would be where (and take the weight off their feet!).  The music struck up and bride-to-be and father walked sedately down the 'aisle' before switiching to a giggling goose step - I could sense this was going to be a giggly walk through, and it was.

It is always a special moment hearing the couple speak aloud for the first time the promises they will make to each other, and seeing the enormity begin to strike home.  We had the inevitable stumbles over words - and are altering a non-legal bit so they can their tongues round it  - and much giggling.  The funniest moment was when I read out part of the vow and the groom-to-be said "what was that?" having not heard a word I'd said.

This was the first couple I've met who opted to 'rehearse' the kiss following the declaration (which I don't read out at the walk through), which was actually surprisingly moving for the gathered onlookers.  Then when it got to the walk from church they chose to skip.  I almost wish they would do so on Saturday, though a long white frock will make it a tad tricky!

This will only be the fourth marriage I've conducted, and like the other three there is a really moving underlying story of how the couple reached this moment.  In a time when marriage is somewhat out of vogue, it is wonderful to have two people who want to 'plight their troth' in this way.  The last year has been especially tough for this young couple; the bride-to-be's mother died last autumn and the groom-to-be recently lost his job.  There are the inevitable 'interesting' relatives who may or may not turn up and may or may not behave if they do.  There are the sneering bystanders who are vocal in their judgements.  But here are two young people who have had their struggles and stayed together, who want to make their vows in an overtly Christian setting and who have entrusted me with their special day.  It seems to me that is reason enoguh to skip up, down and through the aisle!

G & R may God bless you with a lifetime of loyalty, love and trust.