Sam & Glenn’s wedding ceremony was one of the best. I just kept thinking “I have to get this officiant’s card after the ceremony”. She was incredible in her delivery, reading, but not in the usual concentrated “I’m reading and I hope I don’t slur my words” kind of monotoned voice. And the  words were just spot on “a true pro”, I thought!

Come to find out, after asking for her business card, she’s not a pro, she’s a great friend (and I’d like to add an amazing enunciator) who read the words that Glenn & Sam wrote themselves?! I was floored!! Wait, Whaaaaaaaat?! Glenn and Sam wrote their ceremony?! Who thinks to do that? That’s personalization far beyond custom napkins!

It all made sense, after I found out that Glenn is a writer and Sam is a librarian! WORDS are their love! Sam & Glenn gathered fragments of writings that resonated with them, peiced them together, and tied them in a nice pretty bow.

Here is my favorite part from their ceremony:

You don’t have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. So why do we do it? Why do we put on these fancy clothes? Spend a lot of money on flowers? Stand up all awkwardly in front of friends we’ve asked to fly halfway across the country?

We do it because the marriage ceremony is important. It always has been, across nearly every culture and society through history.

Because in a life made up of a multitude of moments, this one is regarded as so important, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with the people we love.

Because despite all of our differences, as Nat King Cole sang, “Love is the thing.” It’s the thing that brings us all together. No matter who we are, where we’ve come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: we’re our best selves when our hearts are open and we know love.

That’s why you both are standing here. That’s why we all are here to stand with you. Being here with you today, we’re reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.

 

Wedding Planner: COJ EVENTS | Flowers: Jensens Florist | Venue: Avalon Hotel |