Readings

Ceremonies Celebrating Equality

Getting married – it is so exciting! Except. Many loving couples’ right to marry is in jeopardy. With the Supreme Court’s most recent decision in the same sex wedding website case, marriage equality is one step closer to being at risk. And this means that we must all stand together to support our friends and family. Because a threat to one is a threat to all. We are sad that the country’s highest court chose to legalize discrimination against gay and lesbian couples. This is a step backwards. To right this wrong we encourage those who care about equality to […]

Writing a Ceremony with Meaning

“I’m pregnant!” or “I won mega bucks”, mean life changing events. Last month, when I asked Linda, a future bride, if she needed an outline for their ceremony she said, “We just want to get married. Bring whatever.”  I said No. I had done that once and the words were hollow; we all felt ill-at-ease. When you put effort into seeking out beloved authors, stirring poets and historical verses, everyone wins! Linda and Matt (after finding their words) held hands under a majestic covered bridge. Her eyes glowed when she heard the words spoken that evoked memories and tugged on […]

Incorporating Your Kids into the Ceremony

There are 4 million stepchildren in this country (US Census Bureau 2010). That represents a lot of blended families! If you are about to join the ranks, get a solid start by involving your kids in your ceremony. After all, the commitment you’ll be making is not only to your new spouse. It is also to the children in the new family you are creating. Your ceremony should reflect that. Words Readings: Our previous blog on Readings suggested using children’s books. They have the most insightful truths. Depending on the ages of your children, select an excerpt of a children’s […]

Writing Your Own Vows Part 2: How-To Tips

So you’ve read last February’s blog about writing your own vows and overcoming stage fright, and now you and your fiancé have decided that this is what you both would like to do. Your ceremony is fast-approaching, but suddenly you have a case of writer’s block. Get Inspired If you are finding yourself staring at a blank screen, try these things to get the sparks going: Head space: Hit a bucket of balls, cast a line, walk the beach, or stare into a hot fire with a cold beer. Clear the clutter out of your head to make room for […]

Writing Your Own Vows Part 1: Overcoming Stage Fright

When you’re asked if you’ll be writing your own vows, how will you reply? Yes, I can’t wait to affirm my commitment in the presence of witnesses I’m not sure No, I’ll be too emotional to speak Before you answer, here are a few things to consider. A Moment in Time The moment in your ceremony where vows are exchanged is one of the most important in your life story; one that you will never experience again. It’s your opportunity to declare what you will do, or more importantly, who you will be in this union. Once the moment has […]

Wedding Readings that Tell Your Story

Wedding reading and poems

To create a beautiful and powerful wedding ceremony, your wedding officiant will strive to weave together your past, present, and future as a couple. A collection of just the right words, placed in just the right order, tells the story of who you are, touching the hearts of everyone within earshot. Readings play an important role in that narrative. Yes, you may already know you want to incorporate readings to help define this moment, but perhaps you don’t know where to begin. Readings and quotes can come from almost any source, but here are some classic sources to consider. The […]

Getting Married Later in Life? Anything Goes!

If you’re a mid-life (or later) bride or groom, “Relax” might be your mantra. That’s how one 55-year old bride (third wedding) was able to cope when she realized she’d left her bridal bouquet at home in the refrigerator. “My first two weddings were about pleasing other people,” she told Match.com. “But I ended up being very pleased this time around …. We both felt it was our ceremony.” Turning the ceremony into our ceremony can really make the difference when you are getting married later in life. Your ceremony can be anything and everything both of you want it to be. Find a JP who will help make that […]