Weddingbee Blog

On our trip to Burlington recently, we met our minister for the first time. I was nervous because we booked the church, mailed the invitations and made all our plans without having met or spoken to her! Much to my relief she was fantastic!! We brought some ideas with us and she loved them all. She encouraged us to make the ceremony as personal as we liked — music, readings, vows — whatever was “us.” She was pleased we weren’t planning a 10 minute ceremony like a couple she’d just married a week earlier. She said “I wondered why they were even here — they should have gone straight to the reception!”

Here is where we’ll stand in front of the pulpit:

Here’s what we’re thinking so far (in parts so it’s not too much to read at once)!

Purpose of Marriage: which the minister will read at the beginning of the service after her brief “welcome.”

Mr. Onion and Miss Onion, you have come together for many reasons. You have decided that being together will enrich your lives. You have decided that whatever challenges may lie ahead for you, they can be met more easily with your shared love for each other. You know that your joy will be enhanced because of your commitment to each other.

You are now taking into your care and keeping, the welfare and happiness of the one person, in all the world, whom you love best. You are agreeing to be a light and strength to each other. You are entering into an act of pure faith in which you give yourself to the utmost.

Marriage is more than just an acknowledgement of existing love or an expression of hope that love will last. In marriage, people exercise their uniquely human power to shape their world according to their will. Two people may come together and come to love each other by chance. But when they marry, every day thereafter they make and act on the choice to stay together and continue to love one another.

Blessing of the hands to replace the lighting of the unity candle:

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

Up next: Vows and readings/poems

How did you plan your ceremony? What is/was your favorite part of your ceremony? What readings did you use? We’re still not set in stone on the readings so I’m grateful for your thoughts.