Andrew and I put a lot of thought into our ceremony and music choices.  After much reading and consideration, we opted to write not only our own vows, but our ceremony as well.  Here is how it turned out:

Prelude Music: While guests were seated.
Harp & Chamber Music by Shawna Selline

Ushers then unrolled the aisle runner.
Processional Music:
Romance II Andante by Mozart - while the mothers were escorted.  They lit their candles before sitting down.

The Raiders March by John Williams - for the bridal party entrance.

Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke - for the bride's entrance.

Introduction:
Welcome family and friends.  We are gathered here today in the sight of God to celebrate Andrew and Marla's love for each other and to honor and celebrate their decision to make a life long commitment to one another.  They are happy that so many friends and family members are here to share and celebrate with them today.   

We rejoice with Andrew Deutsch and Marla Hudnall in the making of this important commitment.  There comes a moment in life when two people are drawn together by an irresistible attraction.  They want to never again be divided by time or space.  They choose to marry, to make a public statement of this love, this commitment, and to make public the vows they have already made within their hearts.  There are many kinds of love, but true love is unconditional.  They are both taking this union of marriage  very seriously, that is why their pledge to join and their confidence in the future brings them before us today to enter into this covenant.  A marriage is a holy covenant between two persons who love one another in a very special way, and who believe that their love will be strong enough to last a lifetime.  Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, yet a sharing that does not diminish, but rather enhances, the individuality of each partner.
Thus, it becomes possible to share not only the joys and successes, but also the trials and disappointments that life may bring to bear.

Marriage is an extraordinary event.  Andrew and Marla present a relationship that has been challenged by time and personal change.  Their love has prevailed by virtue of it's strengths.  Yet marriage adds a new dimension, which they approach with enthusiasm and deepening love.  Today Andrew and Marla start a new life together, different from the togetherness they have shared so far.

Candle Ceremony:
At this time, I ask both Andrew and Marla to step forward, to light the center candle.

The two outside candles have been lit by their mothers to represent their lives to this moment.  The lights, representing the faith, wisdom and love they have received from their parents, are distinct, each burning alone.  Please light the center candle to symbolize the union of your lives.  As this one light burns undivided, so shall your love be one.  From now own your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves.  Your  joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.  May the radiance of this one light and your journey together be a testimony of your unity.

Homily:  At this point, Gordy, our minister said a few words.

Ceremony of Rings: 
Traditionally, the marking of the passage of title status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings.  These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.  Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and receiver for each is the giver and the receiver.  May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.
Exchange of Rings: ___ as you place the ring on ___'s finger, repeat after me:

I give you this ring.  Wear it with love and joy.  As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.  I choose you to be my wife/husband this day and all the days  before us.

Invocation:
In this sacred and joyful moment we call upon you, Lord, to bless this couple, Andrew and Marla to help them to strive to be the best partner they can for one another.  Andrew and Marla, for you we ask every blessing of this moment: a confirmation of the wisdom of your choice, great happiness on the path that is set before you, discretion, kindness, and care as you walk upon it; strength to live out your purpose; grace and peace through each step of your journey; and beloved friends to support you.  May you be filled with joy; may you keep your promises with ease; may love abide with you always.

Expression of  Intent and Sharing of Vows:Andrew and Marla, please join your right hands and declare your intentions in the presence of God and this gathering.

Vows:
Marla,
So here we are, finally, at last we've made it.  We've both been through many trials and challenges in our lives and, I know, before us lie many more.  But I'm here today, in front of our friends and family, to let you know of my purpose.  Because when telling a story a hero must go through many stages.  One in particular is a stage that every hero must go through: its name is "Crossing the Threshold". 

This stage signifies that he is finally committed to the journey before him.  This event raises the stakes and propels the story forward and the hero has to make a choice on how he wants to proceed.

Well, I plan to enter this stage of our lives whip cracking and guns blazing.  I enter it with clarity and confidence.  With desire and passion.  You are everything to me.  And you need to know that you have given me purpose beyond anything I've ever done before.  The purpose that no matter what challenge lies ahead, I will be there, everyday, by your side, hoping to be your hero.  I love you.

Andrew,
Throughout life, you are told to "chose the right partner."  I believe the other side of that coin is to BE the right partner.  When you asked me to marry you, there was no hesitation, no doubt.  I enter this marriage with clarity and confidence that you are my dearest love and my best friend.

I will always strive to help us to grow and change for the better.  I look forward to the joy we will find in our successes both separate and shared, and I welcome the challenge of whatever obstacles we encounter, knowing we face them together.   

I pledge that I will always be there for you, to listen, to laugh, to comfort, to encourage, to be your refuge of strength and to love.  I will be faithful to you all my days, honest with you always and will cherish and adore you every moment of my life.  I love you

Rose Ceremony:
Andrew and Marla, you will remember this day for the rest of your lives.  Those of us who are already married know that marriage, like life, brings with it many joys and also many challenges.  We also know that love, while beautiful, does not always show its prettiest face. 

There are days when we may find it hard to express the depth of our love for one another.  It is my hope and prayer that the two of you will set aside a special place in your home for roses, ancient symbols of love.  When words fail you, or when the challenges of life or marriage begin to weigh on you, go out and get a rose, and put it in that special place in your home, so that the other will be reminded of this moment, and of the love you feel for one another. 

As a token of that love, I would like to ask you to make these roses your first gifts to one another as a married couple.

The couple would also like to present roses to their parents, a public acknowledgement and thanks for all they have given them.. Without them, they would not be the people they are today.

While we gave roses to each of our parents as a way of thank you the DJ
played Bouree by Handel. 

First Kiss and Presentation of Bride and Groom.

Recessional:
Throne Room & End Title by John Williams.

Ceremony Elements: There were a few things other than writing out our ceremony and vows that we had specifically for the ceremony.

• Candles - I was worried about the flame blowing out since it was an outdoor wedding.  I didn't like any of the hurricane lamps I saw.  Hence I chose to purchase extra fat candles in our wedding colors from Urban Home at the Sherman Oaks Galleria.  I burned these candles down in advance and dumped/carved the melted wax out so that the flame then sat about half way down the candle and was protected from the wind.
• Fresh Roses - These were the only fresh flowers used for the rose ceremony.  I picked them up the day of.  Two red roses for us to give to each other.  6 Salmon colored roses for us to give to our parents.
• Orange bud vase - Also from Urban Home to use as part of the rose ceremony to hold our two red roses.
• Aisle Runner - Created by me using curtain panels from IKEA and fabric from JoAnns
• My Rings - They came as a set.  White gold with mini diamonds.  The larger diamond belongs to Andrew's family and used to be in a necklace setting belonging to his grandmother.
• His Ring - Purchased on sale at http://www.titaniumera.com for $55.  Brushed finish, wide band, titanium.  Inside is engraved with our initials and the line "Mo Anam Cara" which means 'soulmates' in Gaelic.

Vendors:  I think we can all agree that a little help goes a LOOONG way.  These were the guys that helped make the ceremony so awesome.

• My DJ - Christopher Gauntt.  He is a fellow swing dancer and we met while dancing at Joe's American Bar and Grill in Burbank.  He was so increadibly patient helping Andrew and I pick out songs.  He also went to rehearsal with me on a tech run for his music and custom edited several songs to make them the proper length.  In adition to playing songs for the cremony and reception, he had a great lighting package setup, AND danced with the guests.
• My Day of Wedding Coordinator- Colleen.  She works with Westlake Village Inn (My venue) and was great for making sure all the elements and things I wanted on the day were there.
• My Photographer - Kerry Corcoran.  We found Kerry through David Michael's Photography in Woodland Hills.  He's a great artist and wonderful to work with.
• My Minister - Gordon Nelson.  I've known Gordy since I was 9yrs old when he moved out to AZ preach at my church.  Even though I moved away 3yrs later, I still couldn't imagine any one else officiating the wedding.  Gordy had since retired to Michigan with his wife.  I flew them both out to attend the wedding and was so glad they could make it.