14
INSITE February 2018
The Swirskys reserved the church, and then were informed that
all four pastors already had commitments for the date of their
wedding. Regina and Stephen decided to ask the husband in
their mentor couple to conduct the ceremony.
“It was really special to have him be the one who made it official
since he had already been building into our marriage,” Regina says.
“He had some really sweet words for us in the ceremony.”
Using rented columns, strands of lights, and the church’s
lighted backdrop, the couple made the already authentically
joyful sanctuary feel dream-like. The ceremony took place
in front of a wooden cross made by the Swirsky’s friend, and
included scripture readings, a message from the officiant, a feet
washing ceremony as a symbol of the couple’s servitude towards
each other, and an exchange of vows and rings.
After the ceremony, their friends and family gathered around
the newlyweds, laid their hands on the couple, and prayed over
them. “[It] was really special and one of my favorite moments
from that day,” Regina says.
Immediately after the ceremony came to a close, 130 of the
Swirsky’s family and friends made their way to Messina Hof
where the wedding reception was held.
Art Stephen and Regina had given each other throughout
their relationship was used to decorate The Gallery on the top
floor of Messina Hof. Blush pink, green, cream, and accents of
gold created a romantic atmosphere. The couple added even
more personal touches to the event space with details like a
themed cake topper from the movie “Up” and a guest registry
book designed by the couple.