main event ceremony
Carly and Joe Wallace married at Juniper, overlooking the Downtown skyline. (Derk’s Works Photography)
Word to the Wise Ceremony readings run the gamut, from sweet to silly and modern to traditional. BY BROOKE PRESTON
Whether you’re planning a religious or secular wedding ceremony, you’re likely to include at least one reading. Short excerpts can be pulled from texts spanning the Bible to Bob Dylan to add a poetic, poignant and personal note to the occasion. Windi Noble, owner and wedding officiant at Run to an Elopement, has plenty of advice about underused passages she recommends, pieces that are becoming a little too familiar, and how to choose readings that feel just right for you as a couple.
Decision-Making “I always encourage my couples to include readings and meaningful rituals. I think one 64
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or two readings are enough for a ceremony; they can be read by a friend/family member or the officiant,” Noble says. “I often suggest they include verses from their favorite books, poems, song lyrics or quotes from their favorite movies or TV shows. The most important tip is to make sure it speaks to them and their relationship.”
The Tried-and-True 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the biblical passage that begins, “Love is patient, love is kind ...” won’t win points for creativity. But Noble points out that while this verse is arguably overused, “The meaning is great advice for anyone, religious or not,” she says.
