Mitch Albom

Tuesdays With Morrie

“There are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: (one of which) If you don’t have a common set of values in life, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. Your values must be alike…And the biggest one of those values is your belief in the importance of your marriage.”

Ceremony

The institution of marriage has had a long and varied history. Not always referred to as marriage, which is a word from the 14^th Century French (marier) to marry, this sacred state has slipped through history under many guises and forms.  At times, marriage edified both the husband and wife while other times cultures practiced traditions which relegated one or both parties to merely a transaction. 

If history has revealed anything about marriage, it is an emotional, physical and spiritual union between two people.  Marriage is a commitment of the soul. 

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

   It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
   Share the work, share the wealth.
   And if one falls down, the other helps,
   But if there's no one to help, tough!

Marriage ceremonies throughout history are as diverse as the culture they represent.  In America there are ceremonies which are traditional, nontraditional, religious or non-religious. Most ceremonies actually include a variety of elements; both respecting and building on the past.

The first half the ceremony is personal with a spiritual message of love and commitment.

The second half of the ceremony involves the traditional aspects: Vows, exchange of the rings, commitments, prayer and blessing.

The entire ceremony takes less than thirty minutes.

A Wedding Rehearsal is optional...

Mark's quick wit, personal style, and professional leadership set the tone for the wedding weekend.  It take off some of the stress of the occasion. He gets everyone organized and familiar with the ceremony so that each person knows exactly what to do and where to stand on the day of the wedding.