Amish Community Shares Wedding Details and Honeymoon Plans

Lovina Eicher recounts the details of Ben and Joanna’s wedding, highlighting the communal and family-centered nature of the event. The gathering, held in an Amish setting, featured seating arrangements that emphasized kinship and tradition, with the bride and groom seated near the Eck, a central symbol in Amish community life. Family members, including parents, grandparents, siblings, and Day Brighteners—individuals who assist with community service—were seated nearby, reflecting the importance of extended family and communal support in Amish culture.

The meal was served by Joanna’s brother Jon Mark and cousin Myrna, with guests singing “How Great Thou Art” as food was being prepared. This practice of communal singing is a common feature in Amish celebrations, underscoring the value placed on fellowship and shared worship. After the meal, guests gathered to greet the newlyweds and their parents, offering congratulations. For many attendees, this was their first opportunity to meet Joanna’s parents, uncles, aunts, and church members from her former congregation in Ohio, illustrating the interconnectedness of Amish communities across distances.

Following the meal, the couple and their witnesses, along with family members and helpers, gathered to sing songs chosen by Benjamin and Joanna. These included “The Wonder of Love,” “Our God is for Us,” “Precious Memories,” “Battle Hymn of Love,” and “Thank You Parents.” The songs reflected the couple’s personal values and the importance of gratitude and love in their relationship, as well as the role of family in their lives.

Snacks and punch were then passed out by Lovina’s nephew Benjamin and the husbands of her nieces, Menno and Manuel. This act of shared responsibility and hospitality is a hallmark of Amish social gatherings, where community members contribute to the well-being of others. The couple opened their gifts while cleanup was underway, receiving many thoughtful presents from friends and family.

Lovina and her family prepared a gift for the couple, including an upright freezer, a pig to butcher, and half of a beef. This gesture reflects the Amish tradition of supporting one another through practical means, especially during significant life events. The meat they are raising is intended for other family members, including Joseph and Grace, Daniel and Lovina, and Daniel Ray and Verena, highlighting the communal aspect of resource sharing within the Amish community.

After the event, benches and tables were packed into wagons, and the space was cleaned. Family members, including Emma and her family, assisted with the cleanup, staying until everything was prepared for transport. Joanna’s family departed after the gifts were opened, as they had a long drive home. The couple left for their honeymoon shortly after, with Lovina ensuring all dishes were put away. The remaining food was distributed to family, further emphasizing the Amish emphasis on sharing and care within the community.

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