One of the great things about being a wedding celebrant is that I learn so many new things from my couples: traditions and rituals in different cultures, songs, and also wedding poems.
I may be an expert in wedding ceremony design and yes, I know quite some wonderful poems about love, life and marriage, but every couple is unique and it's often in the less known corners of the internet that real wedding poem gems can be found.
There are many beautiful wedding poems out there, but when a couple finds a poem that truly reflects how they feel about their relationship, the words come to life to stir the emotions of everyone who hears the words.
The below poem was chosen by Els and Casey, teenage sweethearts, who had fought really hard for their relationship to be acknowledged.
This moving wedding poem can also be used as vows.
I choose you
again and again
at the start and finish
of every single day
no matter the season
no matter the year
I choose you
to struggle and succeed with
to fight and make up with
to love and grow old with
I choose you
knowing there are still trials
we must travel
knowing there are mountains
left to climb
I choose you
To always be by my side
(c) Tyler Kent White
How to choose the wedding reading that's right for you
An obvious start is to browse the internet, which will definitely result in some wonderful readings. However, if the results not really resonate with you, consider the following options:
Do you have a reading that is meaningful to you as a couple? A wedding reading does not have to be a 'wedding' reading!
Ask a friend or family member to choose a reading (or, if they are creative, write one for the occasion). If you're brave you can even ask them to leave it as a surprise until the day.
Song lyrics can also be read out - let your favourite song shine on your day!