Reading 1

I encourage couples to customize their weddings into reflections of their relationship and their commitment to one another. Selecting prose, poems, or songs that have a special meaning for you is a great way to do that, and at the same time share with your friends and family something literary or musical that you love.

Reading 1

Possibly the most common reading for weddings is from the Bible, 1 Corinthians. Included here is 1 Corinthians from NIV. It is followed by some reflections written by fellow secular officiant, my sister Michelle Harrell.

Example: Scripture

1 Corinthians
Marriage is a celebration of love, but what is love? In 1 Corinthians the Bible says that:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
You've probably heard that verse before. But what does it mean?
It means that love is not a feeling – it's not something you can fall in to and out of on a whim. Love is a commitment. Love doesn't just happen, love takes work. Marriage is a commitment to love. It's that commitment that you're making here today. So, as you continue your journey together, I ask you to remember these simple words of advice:

©      Let your love be stronger than your anger,

©      Learn the wisdom of compromise - it is far better to bend than to break,

©      Confide in each other and ask for help when you need it,

©      Always be best friends,

©      Never take each other for granted, and most importantly,

©      Remember to be in love every day.

Reading 1

At this point in the ceremony it's very common to hear a prayer, recited scripture or a blessing. Since I am aiming to provide secular weddings I won't be leading anyone in prayer. I will read some selections of scripture just as I would read any other prose or poem for you - but if you are after a traditional religious ceremony I can make recommendations for pastors or reverends. I've included as an example an abridged version of a traditional Irish blessing.

Example : Blessing

Traditional Irish Blessing
May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow

May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again my friend
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward
May green be the grass you walk on
May blue be the skies above you
And from this day forward.
May the joys of today be those of tomorrow.