Faith has always been an important part of Cory and Ashleigh’s lives. Ashleigh grew up attending a Catholic church, while Cory was raised in a non-denominational church and attended a Baptist school. When Ashleigh moved to Augusta, they decided to explore the Episcopal church right down the street from their house. The connection was immediate. Ashleigh’s grandfather had been an Episcopal minister, so stepping into the Episcopal church felt like coming full circle.

Together, they found a place they could call home, deepen their faith, and find comfort in the Lord. The church has become a meaningful part of their journey as a couple, grounding them in love and shared spirituality.

We are using the service of marriage from the Episcopal Church for our wedding. We love the traditions included in it, but we know they may not be familiar to all of our guests. Below are some details about the service that we hope will be helpful for anyone who is joining an Episcopal service for the first time.

The wedding ceremony will last about an hour and fifteen minutes.

Episcopal services follow a structured format from the Book of Common Prayer, which includes prayers, readings from the Bible, and hymns. You may notice a mix of standing, sitting, and kneeling throughout the service. If this feels unfamiliar, feel free to follow along at your own comfort level—your presence is what matters most to us.

You’ll also be invited to participate in parts of the service, such as saying prayers, singing hymns, or responding with the congregation. Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to do—there will be clear guidance in the service program, and those around you will help lead the way.

Our marriage ceremony will culminate with the celebration of the Eucharist, also called the Lord’s Supper. The Episcopal Church believes in the real presence of Christ in the elements: that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Eucharist. If you would not like to partake, you may indicate your preference and receive a blessing from the Rector by crossing your arms over your chest.