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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Wedding Wednesday: The Ceremony

I've got to say, the ceremony part of our wedding was the part I worried about most. Would people be entertained? Were we doing it right? Would all of the wedding party know what to do? Would our songs sound good? Would it be too long? Too short?

In the end, it was, like the rest of our glorious wedding day, just right. My childhood pastor came into town to wed us. My talented friends played music (I cried). My sweet sister read a beloved poem (I cried). My father walked me down the aisle (We both cried). Our friends and family literally surrounded us (They cried). I got to hold hands with my best friend the entire time (He cried). And everyone cried tears of joy the entire time.

Scroll down to read my Do's and Dont's for your wedding ceremony:
Do:
Include your family traditions. This is personally my favorite part of weddings!

Expect that if you have littles, dogs, animals of any kind included in your plans, things are not going to go smoothly. We had a reluctant ring-bearer situation, & luckily his older brother stepped at the last minute to help. No harm, no foul, the pictures turned out cute!

Invite friends & family to share their talents. My sister read a poem, and two of our friends played music. We totally cried.

Build in time after the ceremony for signing your marriage license. You know, making it legal & stuff (bonus points if your bridal party brings you celebratory beers while you sign!)

Do not:
Stress about the time. Want a quick 15 minute service? Do it. Looking to enthrall your audience for 2 hours with a lyrical dance that recreates your love story? By all means. Everyone in attendance is there to see you, celebrate you, & party with you. Most likely you are providing them with an all inclusive party afterwards, so leave the stress behind, & you do you.

Rush. Yes, all eyes are on you. You are getting married silly! Take a deep breath & soak it in. I am so grateful that my father walked me down the aisle at a snail's pace. I got to make eye contact with all our guests, & really soak it in. Even if it did mean seeing my friend in his banana yellow SHORTS and giving him the stink eye (thanks Shawn!)

Married friends - what are your wedding ceremony Do's and Dont's?
Those of you planning your wedding ceremony - what are your must haves?

12 comments:

  1. great advice. you look absolutely beautiful! xxo
    Jamie
    www.candystilettos.com

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  2. oh Jess, could you look any more beautiful? Everything about these pictures is perfect.

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  3. love this! great advice!! your ceremony looks stunning!

    xx nikki
    www.dream-in-neon.com

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  4. It was a beautiful beautiful day and we were all so blessed to be a part of it. Side note: look at Claire in those pictures and take in the baby chub, because you will NOT believe the tall skinny big girl she is when you see her next week.

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  5. Congratulations! You look beautiful. I love the low back on your dress!

    Style by Joules

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  6. What a gorgeous venue for your ceremony! Also, love that your hubs is wearing sneakers instead of the traditional dress shoes.

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  7. This may be the weirdest thing to say, but you look gorgeous from the back! The swoop in the dress, the placement of the veil, the shape of the dress, style of the hair, it all just has such a pretty, romantic look! Of course you look stunning at all angles!

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Thank you for your comments, they make my day!!
xx