Psalm 128

This *wedding psalm* was the basis of the sermon delivered by Reverend Joseph Morecraft, III at the marriage of our daughter,



Margaret, to Patrick McCarthy on Saturday, August, 30, 2008.

1)Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2)For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.
3)Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
4)Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.
5)The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
6)Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.




Complete audio version will be available soon at Sermonaudio.com

Here's the link.

Wedding Sermon


"NOW, while she's changing," said the Dean,
"Her bridal for her traveling dress,
I'll preach allegiance to your queen!
Preaching's the thing which I profess;
And one more minute's mine! You know
I've paid my girl a father's debt,
And this last charge is all I owe.
She's yours; but I love more than yet
You can; such fondness only wakes
When time has raised the heart above
The prejudice of youth, which makes
Beauty conditional to love.
Prepare to meet the weak alarms
Of novel nearness; recollect
The eye which magnifies her charms
Is microscopic for defect.
Fear comes at first; but soon, rejoiced,
You'll find your strong and tender loves,
Like holy rocks by Druids poised,
The least force shakes, but none removes.
Her strength is your esteem; beware
Of finding fault; her will's unnerved
By blame; from you 'twould be despair;
But praise that is not quite deserved
Will all her noble nature move
To make your utmost wishes true.
Yet think, while mending thus your Love,
Of matching her ideal too!
The death of nuptial joy is sloth;
To keep your mistress in your wife,
Keep to the very height your oath,
And honor her with arduous life.
Lastly, no personal reverence doff.
Life's all externals unto those
Who pluck the blushing petals off,
To find the secret of the rose. --
How long she's tarrying! Green's Hotel
I'm sure you'll like. The charge is fair,
The wines good. I remember well
I stayed once, with her mother, there.
A tender conscience of her vow
That mother had! She's so like her!"
But Mrs. Fife, much flurried, now
Whispered, "Miss Honor's ready, sir."

Coventry Patmore
English Poet and Critic
1823 - 1896



Thank goodness for witnesses and guests at weddings or the bride and groom might remember nothing. My sister reminded me that our preacher covered I Peter 3:1-7 for our ceremony. Even though it is quite popular today, we're not recording (DVD or audio) our weddings. It makes for better stories :)

Wedding Details

DD#2, aka The Bride, is home for Spring Break and we are working hard to check things off the never-ending list associated with planning a wedding.



I've posted about R.U.T.s (really useful tips) on Xanga site and it's got me thinking. Item#4 talks about using professionals whenever you can, which is the subject of the rest of this post.


Today the most pressing item is pinning down the style and color of the bridesmaids dresses. After numerous visits to several salons in three states, we're close to reaching a decision. For me, it is important to use a locally convenient shop and capitalize on their customer service. One shop was tossed out immediately because the attendant did not look up from her desk, when we walked in .


DD#2, aka The Artist, is very creative and has designed three color palettes for the florist to work with. We met with him on Monday evening. If there is ever a person who puts my mind at ease over this particular detail, it's this person who has been in business for over twenty years.

Tomorrow we meet with the Stationer, a fine Atlanta company, who like the experienced florist, knows exactly what to do and keeps me from making mistakes.

Friday, the Bride and Groom have their Engagement Photo Session with the Photographer. I highly recommend this couple who did a fantastic job for the wedding of DD#1. We are honored that the first picture you see after *entering his site* is from that special day.

Saturday may be booked with completing registries. Beverly Bremer's is a must.

Thank goodness there are still five months until the ME (Main Event).

That means that Labor Day will be here in 165 days!

Wedding Vows

Not very often do I swear (or make an oath). Perhaps my first was when I was confirmed in 1971. Then when I married in 1980. Later still when our daughters were baptised. I've never been on the witness stand, but I have been sworn in as a juror. At any rate, today I'm posting wedding vows: ones similar to what I expect DD#2 to make on August 30, 2008, deo volente.

Some people write their own. Ours were taken from the Book of Church Order (PCA). It's good to re-read these from time to time.

D-, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live with him after God's commandments in the holy estate of marriage? And wilt thou love him, cherish and obey him, so long as ye both shall live?

I, D, take, thee, K, to be my wedded husband, and I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be thy loving and faithful wife in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live.

There was a *short* sermon based on 1 Peter 3:1-7 at our ceremony years ago.

What do you remember about your wedding ceremony?

Bridal Preview


















Sweet picture taken by my cousin in the bride's dressing room. If any of my readers have Facebook accounts, you might be able to view some wedding candids by searching *Giles Jago Simmer*

It will be over a week before the professional photos are available for online viewing. You will need to leave me a comment or contact me via e-mail, so that I can tell you the password.

Wedding Ditty

Something old = Belle of the Ball Hoop

Something new = ivory satin shoes

Something borrowed = heirloom gown and veil

Something blue = Garter with 4 inches of lace

Sixpence in her shoe = Yup!


Read about these wedding customs here and tell me if you were able to incorporate them on your big day.