Ideas & Trends

The carefully selected words of your ceremony speak of why you've chosen each other and what this life-long commitment really means to you. Perhaps your officiant will relate the story of your meeting, your plans for the future, or your gratitude for the support of friends and family.

As a wedding officiant I work with each couple to develop a personalized, meaningful ceremony. I am also an excellent speaker who performs ceremonies that draw people in and make emotional connections. In 80% of the weddings I do, I'm the only speaker. Occasionally, a couple will want to read their vows to each other. Some couples choose friends or family members to recite poetry or prose selections. And then there are couples who have a friend or professional sing at some point during the ceremony. The beautiful thing about music is it speaks in ways that words cannot, whether or not it has lyrics. Music touches hearts in a deep way and presents a beautiful accent to a ceremony. It goes beyond the boundaries of language.

Coincidentally, my husband is a wedding singer. He says that some of the songs performed for the processional or first dance go very well within the ceremony. Some classics are "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle, "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain, "Here and Now" by Luther Vandross, and "Forever's as Far as I'll Go" by Alabama.

Songs have a way of staying with you. If you have a favorite love song or if the two of you have a special song that defines your relationship, consider adding it to the ceremony. Your song will stand out and become associated with you and your wedding forever.