The Ceremony From Scratch

When we had initially set out to do our own ceremony, I was completely lost.  I had been to many weddings, been in a few, and still, I could not figure out the format or sequence of events that was acceptable.  I found a ton of religious examples online, and was not sure how they would translate into a non-religious design.  Plus, I could not find any secular versions that had the entire ceremony - just the readings!  

Thankfully my cousin Matt saved the day, yet again!  He gave us a few examples of ceremonies he had done in the past - basic outlines to follow.  We picked over them, took what we want, inserted other things we found along the way, figured out our own reading and vows and - tada!   We created a ceremony that was custom made for us, without being constrained by religious formalities or leaving anything out!     

We opted to have a very small 'discussion' on the rings.  They are symbolic of a marriage, but I feel like every pastor/preacher/priest that has ever wedded anyone has gone on and on and on about them - and we all know by now that married people wear rings.  A huge bonus to doing the ceremony ourselves!

Creating the ceremony ourselves really helped us become familiar with the document and it became part of us in a way.  This was helpful in that we knew what to expect and we knew when to kiss.  I was so nervous I wouldn't hear that part and look silly.  

If you would like to read our entire wedding ceremony, please click here.  You will find both options for our vows, although we ended up writing our own!