Did you know...

In a Civil ceremony in Australia, the minimum number of guests required is two (over the age of 18).  This is because there must be two witnesses.

Reading: Shakespeare it

Shakespeare 

When I have time, I'll try pulling an adapted memorable Shakespeare medley together. Surely there are enough memorable one-liners to infuse a ceremony - and everyone has *that* friend who can pull off the most amazing shakespearian prose!

But meanwhile, below Sonnet 116 is one of the more popular Shakespearian choices.  Ever endearing and reflexive - and possibly a good conversation starter for the canapes after the ceremony, "So, what did you think about Shakey's" your guests could say...

SONNET 116

Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O no! it is an ever-fixed mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.
Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come:
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.
   If this be error and upon me proved,
   I never writ, nor no man ever loved. 

- William Shakespeare

Inspirational quote!

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Lao Tzu.

Reading: Love is patient and Kind

Did you know? 

The reading below is one of the most popular readings for a wedding ceremony!

The reading below carries with it a timeless wisdom. If you would like the warmth of history, and an element of self evident truth, if you would like to bring a tear or two to the eyes of those who may have seen or heard this piece over time, this is probably one for the romantic you.

Love is patient and kind
(adapted from 1 Corinthians 13)

Love is always patient and kind
It is never jealous
Love is never boastful or conceited
It is never rude or selfish
It does not take offence
And is not resentful.

Love takes no pleasure in other people's faults
But delights in the truth
It is always ready to excuse, to trust and to hope
It is always ready to endure whatever comes.
Finally, true love does not come to an end.

Choosing a reading for your wedding

Readings

 

Offbeatbride.com. talks about themed weddings and my hit-and-miss research shows indicates that it is lauded that each wedding has two or three Readings.

In part, it is entirely conventional.  However, readings are part and parcel of personalising your ceremony.  It also gives you the opportunity to ask family or close friends to contribute to the ceremony without them stressing cluelessly wondering what they should say or do for you. (Or you stressing anxiously over what they could say or do for you!).

As literacy and the vernacular has changed, will a sonnet or two really hit the mark?  So, how does one choose?

You can pick a theme, you can pick your favourite writers or poems, your favourite scripts, something you both hold a memory too - but here are my simplest tips...

Crepe Bouquet Tips:

 
Choose a reading you would tell a child

Too often have I heard structured and serious readings. It shouldn't matter that the audience are thesis adorned philosophers. They were all once children, there may be children there.  Your wedding should always be a young memory regardless of the time that has passed since your last birthdays.

Choose a reading you want to and CAN remember

You will have a lot to remember that day.  Will you remember this reading?  If not, why not?

Choose a reading you can change and re-write for yourselves

I didn't say the choice would be easy, and you are unique.  A minor tweak of Peter Rabbit, or a song you know, and as long as you had fun it could be your winner.

If in doubt...  Email me and I'll write you a random Haiku.

No one said a reading needs to make sense.  :-)  Have fun!

Reading: Togetherness

Togetherness

(author unknown)

Love is a feeling of beautiful warmth
One person can bring to your heart,
A feeling of loneliness deep down inside
Whenever you must be apart.

Love is a feeling of gladness that comes
From the sign of that one happy smile,
A feeling of comfort you have when you know
There's someone there all the while.

Love is a feeling of magic and fun,
A feeling of wonderful closeness you share
With that one certain one.

Did you know...

The most popular colour for the traditional wedding dress is Ivory.

What is the wedding ceremony?

What is the wedding ceremony?

I've done some basic web research to see what brides and grooms know about the wedding ceremony. 

Everything is quite correct. And very practical.  A few websites talk about the guests being on time, consider seating and bathrooms, don't lose the rings, completing the paperwork, flowers for the flower girls and rehearsing vows..

When you consult your celebrant, and we ask you what you want for the ceremony, we are focusing on something far more practical and personal.  Your story.

Whether you are a romanticist, a realist or simply existential - you and your guests are actors on a page in a story that you are carefully or chaotically, intimiately or with a cast of thousands! drawing togther.

Crepe Bouquet says:
"The ceremony is closure and a beginning 
Closure to you and your family,
To friends and your community,
Of your life and identity pre-marriage,
To refresh you at your new beginning."

Crepe Bouquet