Since I play so many weddings, vow renewal ceremonies are a special treat. This one was for a couple who has been married for thirty years, and chose to renew their vows in front of a large group of family and friends at the Indiana Operating Engineers Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.
Most vow renewal ceremonies follow a framework very similar to a wedding ceremony. I played prelude music as the guests arrived. As weddings have a tendency to do, the start was delayed! I always have plenty of music with me to cover as much time as needed. Once everyone had found the hall and was ready to begin, the officiants said a prayer and gave a scripture reading. Between this and the processional, I played “The Lord’s Prayer” as an instrumental solo.
The coordinator for the event had requested continuous sacred music played softly throughout the ceremony. I alternated harp music with a keyboardist who was part of a larger band. The band played the processional, “Every Step of the Way,” for the attendants. The first members to enter were also singing with the band. I played the traditional fanfare for the bride’s entrance, and then the band picked up again with “Lord Lift Us Up” for her entrance.
The ceremony included vows, a ring exchange, Holy Communion for the couple, and feet washing. Not easy to get up and down off the floor in a wedding dress! The band also played and sang a song that had been composed for the couple and “Take That” as a recessional. Since the guests were already seated at the dining tables, they were able to go immediately into the meal service.
Whether you didn’t have the wedding of your dreams when you were originally married, or if you just want a wonderful reason to celebrate your relationship, a vow renewal can be a beautiful and meaningful service. I would love to provide the music for you! Just give me a call at 1-574-344-9401 or visit my website, Northwest Indiana Harpist, for more information.
