Making it Official

 (Source)

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but Josh and I are not particularly religious. I was raised Catholic but have completely cut ties with the Church for multiple reasons (reasons that I'd be happy to get into if you're really interested and contact me privately). Josh wasn't really raised with any religion. It's just not something that's important to us.*

When it came to finding an officiant, we had a few choices. My dad is a lawyer so we could have found a judge to marry us. A close family friend is licensed to marry couples in the state of Ohio, so we could have asked her. Or we could find some one the "new age" way: on the Internet. Guess which one we chose.

Internet, baby!

We've received more than a few raised eyebrows from people upon hearing this decision, but hear me out. I don't like asking my dad for favors and having a judge marry us just wasn't how I pictured my wedding. While we would have loved for our family friend to marry us, I wanted her to be a guest first and foremost. So we were left with looking online. Luckily, it worked out really well for us.

Our officiant is Peter Boruchowitz, a licensed minister from Our Wedding Officiant. We met him last summer and instantly knew he would be a great fit. His background is incredibly interesting. He was a theater major and a professional extra in New York City for many years. He also performed in many off-Broadway productions and a number of movies. Score! He's comfortable in front of large groups AND kinda famous! (Anyone who knows me knows how much I love celebrities. One day I'll be famous. One day.)

Together we've worked to create a personal and emotional ceremony that fits us incredibly well. I sent it to Josh for final review a few days ago and he told me he cried. All together now "Aaaawwwww." I know we're both going to be serious messes come vow time.

Doing something like this is not meant for everyone, but it's perfect for us. As I alluded to before, we've had quite a few raised eyebrows regarding our decision. Here's the thing: you don't have to like it, I just ask that you respect it. And trust me, we've had some seriously DISrespectful reactions. Twice I've been asked (by acquaintances, not people who know me well) if I believe in God. Um, in what circumstance is that an appropriate question, especially in mixed company? The answer is never.

Fortunately, I haven't let comments like that get me down and I'm fully confident in our decision. Our wedding ceremony is going to be meaningful and something I know I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

Who is officiating your wedding ceremony? Anyone else find a guy (or gal) online? (Please tell me I'm not alone here.)

*That is not to say religion isn't important. I fully support your right to freedom of religion as long as you support my right to freedom of no religion :)

Reading Rainbow

Much like my epic search for our invitation wording (y'all remember that, right?) my search for the perfect ceremony reading was a wild ride. Obviously "wild" is a relative term in this case.

After searching Weddingbee threads and posts, Googling "wedding ceremony readings" and yep, you guessed it, the Kvetch section of indiebride, I found something that I absolutely adore. Wanna read it?

Love, by Roy Croft

I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.

I love you,
Not only for what
You have made of yourself,
But for what
You are making of me.

I love you
For the part of me
That you bring out.

I love you
For putting your hand
Into my heaped-up heart
And passing over
All the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help
Dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out
Into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.

I love you because you
Are helping me to make
Of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern
But a temple;
Out of the works
Of my every day
Not a reproach
But a song.*

I love you
Because you have done
More than any creed
Could have done
To make me good
And more than any fate
Could have done
To make me happy.
You have done it
Without a touch,
Without a word,
Without a sign.
You have done it
By being yourself.
Perhaps that is what
Being a friend means,
After all.*

  

I can't even describe why I'm drawn to it, I just *am*. I like that it has a sense of "realism" so to speak. It's not overly sappy, but it's still romantic. I like that it's simple and straightforward. Basically, I like it because it has all of the elements that our relationship has: romance, simplicity, honesty, realism, etc. It's uncomplicated, kind of like us.

My beautiful friend and bridesmaid Despina is reading it during the ceremony and I know she is going to do a fantastic job.

 Ain't she purty?

 Are you having any readings during your ceremony? What are they and what drew you to them?

*The italicized parts we will not be using, but I wanted to include them here in case anyone is interested in the full poem.