Sunday, May 25, 2008

Recap of the Royal Wedding in Denmark

Yesterday afternoon, Prince Joachim of Denmark married for the second time. The wedding ceremony took place at Møgeltønder Church and was officiated by Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen. The French bride, Marie Cavallier, wore an off-white lace and silk faille wedding gown designed by Arasi Morelli couture. She only had one bridesmaid and two pages in her wedding retinue. Joachim gave his bride an 18 karat gold wedding band, studded with six small brilliant-cut diamonds. The wedding reception was held at the Ecco Conference Centre and the wedding banquet at Schackenborg Slot.

Below are some highlights from the wedding ceremony of Prince Joachim and Marie Cavallier.

Bridal processional: “Sarabande très tendrement” from Concert Royaux (Suite No. 4) by François Couperin.

THE BISHOP’S ADDRESS
Interrogation and Declaration

I now ask you, Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian,
will you take Marie Agathe Odile Cavallier, standing by your side,
to be your wife? - I will.
Will you love and honour her,
and live with her for better or for worse,
in what fortune God, the Almighty, will send you,
as a husband should live with his wedded wife,
until death do you part? - I will.
Likewise I ask you, Marie Agathe Odile Cavallier,
will you take Joachim Holger Waldemar Christian, standing by your side,
to be your husband? - I will.
Will you love and honour him,
and live with him for better or for worse,
in what fortune God, the Almighty, will send you,
as a wife should live with her wedded husband,
until death do you part? - I will.
Then join your hands together.
Since you have promised one another that you will live together in marriage and have now confirmed this before God, and before us who are present, I declare you to be man and wife before God and all mankind.
The bride and bridegroom exchange rings.
Let us pray:
Dear heavenly Father,
grant this man and this woman
grace, happiness and blessing
in soul and body.
Grant that they may love one another with faithful love
and serve you sincerely in all things,
that they may live as your dear children
and finally be gathered unto you in the eternal mansions.

Hear us in the name of Jesus:
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen
Peace be with you.

HYMN
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him for He is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear, now to His temple draw near,
joining in glad adoration!
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
and, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
sent by His gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who with marvellous wisdom has made you!
decked you with health, and has guided you safely, and stayed you;
how oft in grief has He not brought you relief,
spreading His wings to protect you!
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
if with His love He befriend you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen sound from His people again.
Gladly forever adore Him!
Hymn 103. Joachim Neander 1679. In Danish 1740.
Tune: Stralsund 1665.
The entire wedding programme of Prince Joachim and Marie Cavallier can be read here.

The entire wedding ceremony speech by Bishop Erik Norman Svendsen can be read here.

The menu from the wedding reception held at the Ecco Conference Centre can be read here.

The menu from the wedding banquet held at Schackenborg Slot can be read here.

The wedding cake details can be read here.

Photos: Steen Brogaard