Traditional church wedding ceremony details from our wedding on November 3, 2023, in Moorestown, NJ at Trinity Episcopal Church and The Community House of Moorestown | Meghan Kennedy 10/23/24
"It's whatever we feel. It's whatever we wanna do."
Lyrics from one of our favorite Sammy Rae songs play in the back of my mind as I sit down to share our wedding ceremony experience. There's often pressure around how, where, or what couples do regarding their wedding ceremony. Some couples feel pressured to respect their religious upbringing or parental expectations, while others focus too much on what they think their guests may want or expect.
All of this focus negates what the couple actually cares about and that is where your focus must shift and stay. What speaks to you as a couple is where your decisions lie when planning a wedding.
It was important to Ryan and I that our marriage was blessed in a church by a priest. I grew up Methodist and Ryan grew up Catholic, and together we found a beautiful harmony of our Christian faith and upbringing at Trinity Episcopal Church.
We knew we wanted something that felt comfortable to both of us and meeting Mother Emily was truly one of the greatest blessings of our wedding journey. In our faith, marriage is a sacrament - symbolizing Christ's union with his Church. The union of our souls is an outward expression of Christ's love for His people and the only sacrament that requires two people.
Wet met monthly with Mother Emily for the entire year leading up to our wedding day. It was a special time carved out each month to reflect on our relationship's journey and to dream and pray for our future together.
We worked through The Marriage Journey by Linda Grenz & Delbert Glover - which we highly recommend. Whether you're religious or not - I suggest finding a book or workbook to study together in preparation for your marriage. The foundation upon which you build your marriage is already in the works - take time to strengthen this with open, honest conversations and intentional time set aside to remember why you're entering marriage.
Other ceremony requests:
Groomsmen + Groom walked down the aisle instead of just entering from the side
We offered Holy Communion and it was so special!
Giving of the Bride + Groom by both sets of parents with a blessing - another powerful moment
Classical music, scripture, and hymns important to us - read and sung by our family and friends
Slow processional exit so we could take in all our guests in every pew (we practiced this walk!)
A private moment, just us post-ceremony before the petal toss exit and parade to cocktail hour
"Ryan Kennedy and Meghan Deeley were united as one on November 3, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown, NJ. The invitation suite was designed + printed by the bride using recycled paper and vintage Life Magazines."
Ceremony Processional: Canon in D
Ceremony Readings: Song of Solomon 2:10-13, 8:6-7, Colossians 3:12-17
Ceremony Music: Amazing Grace, Wedding March
Ceremony Exit: Prelude in G, Major
"A private first look was shared between the bride and groom and then with parents before the parade down Main Street to the traditional ceremony.
A buzzing courtyard and sachets filled with upcycled petals and programs provided by the church greeted guests upon arrival. Pew bows by the Mother of the Bride crafted with upcycled lace-notated pews reserved for the bridal party and family.
The couple tucked away in a back room of the church with the bridal party while all the people they loved most filled the pews.
The walk down the aisle with Dad was a core memory cherished forever - Liz floofing the dress, and Dad holding back tears linking arms with the bride. The breath Dad and bride shared before walking down the long church aisle - a beautiful reminder of a Dad's love and strength for his daughter.
Dad embraced both bride and groom and then placed Meghan's hand in Ryan’s - the little moments that meant so much to all in attendance.
A unique moment in the church ceremony invited both sets of parents to come forward and hand the bride and groom over, together. A beautiful expression honoring the foundation upon which the couple builds their life together.
Holy Communion was shared at the traditional church ceremony following the sermon by Mother Emily, inviting guests to partake in the blessing with the bride and groom. Holy communion allowed an opportunity for the bride and groom to take the guests in - a breath that often does not happen in a wedding day.
Gentle nudges, hand squeezes, cheek kisses, and well wishes flowed in as family and friends each took a moment to bless the marriage and faith, breaking bread and sharing wine with the couple.
After the traditional church ceremony and an upcycled petal toss exit, 160 guests paraded down Main Street to the black-tie cocktail hour and reception at the Community House of Moorestown.
A 1962 Vintage European Vespa greeted guests with a Prosecco Pour. Family and friends were ushered to their escort cards and favors - vintage coupe glasses - to fill with local wine or signature cocktails - “The Lenny” or “The Flo Baby”, inspired by the couple's late grandparents."
Continue reading about all the dainty details of our wedding here
THE DREAM TEAM
groom: @chadmooretux
bride gown: @bridals_by_cyndi
bride veil: @handmegownsbridal
vintage accessories: @lucid.ladybug
makeup: @monicacase
hair: @oohlalabeautyllc
church: @trinitymoorestown
venue: @communityhouseweddings
florist: @floraanddean
floral repurposing: @forgetmeknotflowers
band: @slippery_band
caterer: @dueamici_nj
cake: @lmbakery
photographer: @laurabriggsphoto
videography: @kyleofthebeard
invitation suite: @lucid.ladybug
calligraphy: @allison.in.bloom.calligraphy
custom embroidery: @sewchicbyjanette
vintage coupe wall: @lucid.ladybug
vintage vespa mobile bar: @beloved.bliss.events
custom doggie bags: @mynamesmargo
Much love, Meghan
photography: @laurabriggsphoto | blog post by lucid ladybug | all rights reserved.
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