A few days ago I got a “thank you”
note from a bride who’s wedding I recently officiated. She wrote, “I am actually getting emotional thinking about all of it again. . . I
always thought of the marriage ceremony part of a wedding as kind of the boring
part of a wedding, but you really made it exciting and special for our guests
and us and I can't thank you enough for that.
It's something I will remember forever.”
I was both grateful and surprised
by her note as I oftentimes forget how people’s past experiences with ceremony
and ritual can make them confused and apprehensive when they approach their own
wedding ceremony.
I’m happy (and a bit smug!) that I
was able to give this couple a ceremony that was anything but boring. But her kind note also reminds me of what I
have believed for a long time––that when done well ritual and ceremony
refreshes rather than bores, inspires instead of deadening the spirit.
When done well a ceremony reminds
family and friends just what it is that they’re celebrating. And this bride’s ceremony was just 12 minutes
long––that’s shorter than my average ceremony (20 – 25 minutes), but it shows
the emotional power of having cherished ones bear witness as you pledge your
life together.
I’m happy this bride reminded me
again of this great truth. . .
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