Jeanine & Paul

On St Patrick’s Day, it’s fun to remember the Irish element of Jeanine and Paul’s wedding.  The Groom, Paul is from Ireland, and the Bride Jeanine was from Gainesville, FL.

Their courtship evolved from a love of fishing- and their fishing dates took them all over the world. Her son was her only attendant and his daughter was his sole attendant. These two very special individuals were the “Attendants of Honor” for them. The couple honored Paul’s deceased parents by lighting a candle together on their behalf and placing flowers on empty seats in the front row to symbolize their presence there in spirit. One of the very many special moments during the ceremony was the bride’s entrance.  The bride’s nearly 90 year old father gave her away.  To include all special guests a large screen TV had also been set up in the Oceanside room so that the Bride’s brother and sister-in-law could attend via Skype, no special guest was going to be left out! He also sang the song “Crazy Love” and led the guests in singing the chorus together.

Another very special moment was the “ringing of bells” after I pronounced them “husband and wife.” After I said “what God has joined together,let not man put asunder …Let us celebrate with the ringing of bells.”  All guests joined in ringing little bells that had been passed out as guests were seated. While the Bride and Groom were handed a special bell of their own for this purpose. This is a tradition in all Irish weddings.