Weddingbee Blog

To me, the ceremony sets the tone for the whole wedding. It’s the reason everyone is there. Knowing this, we wanted to make ours very personal. That’s why we decided to have my brother officiate. I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am about this! I wanted to honor him during the ceremony and this is the best possible way, IMO! It will mean so much to have him up there with us.

Another way we’re personalizing it (other than writing it ourselves!) is by including an uncommon ceremony, a wine box ceremony. You may recall this “nontraditional tradition” from Mrs. Cowboy Boot’s and Mrs. Lab’s posts! (Mrs. Lab is saving my bridal-booty during this process, let me just tell you!!)

A wine box, or love letter box, is a small box that you put a bottle of wine and two glasses into. Then you and your lover write each other mushy gushy love letters, describing why you love him/her and why you’re marrying him/her. Then you seal them and place them inside the box. The idea is to seal up the box on your wedding day and not open it until your 5th wedding anniversary. However, if you’re experience insurmountable hardships in your marriage, you open the box, drink the wine together and read the letters.

Both Lab and Cowboy Boot were totally right in saying that this is a realistic, yet very romantic ritual. It is naive to believe that your marriage is going to be all rainbows and ponies, especially in a world where something like 40% of marriages fail. (I didn’t look that up, I’m just pulling it off the top of my head, so don’t quote me, haha.) I like the idea of creating a “love time capsule” that can transport you back to your wedding day.

Source (This isn’t our box, but I have to keep you in suspense somehow!)

We’re also doing a few readings during the ceremony. My favorite one happens to be a very popular one - “The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. I feel like its especially fitting for us since we travel a LOT.

We’re also including a couple scriptures and “Blessing for a Marriage” by James Dillet Freeman. If you haven’t read it, Google it STAT!

I’ll leave you with a passage from our ceremony that brings tears to my eyes every time I read it (which is a lot because, well, I love reading our ceremony haha). I heard it while listening to Sterling on KLOVE radio. There is no title and she didn’t allude to where she’d gotten it.

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 the you same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

What is/was your favorite part of your wedding ceremony?