Photo by Catalina Jean
After putting together our favourite non-religious wedding readings post, I thought I should share the readings Matthew and I have decided to have at our ceremony. The first one by EE Cummings is quite a well-known choice and we both just loved it. The second is the blessing of the hands, which will be read by our humanist celebrant as we take part in handfasting. Handfasting is a traditional Scottish tradition in which you literally "tie the knot" with a piece of fabric from each side of the family (usually tartan but it can also be cuttings from the suits/wedding dresses or anything). Our final reading, Amor Eterno (Eternal Love), will be read by one of our close Spanish friends. We decided to have a Spanish reading as I actually spent a few years growing up in Spain and studied the poet Becquer, and Spain was the first place we went abroad together. We'll have a translated version alongside this one in our order of service.
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart) - EE Cummings
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
Blessing of the Hands by Rev. Daniel L. Harris
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Amor Eterno by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer
Podrá nublarse el sol eternamente;
Podrá secarse en un instante el mar;
Podrá romperse el eje de la tierra
Como un débil cristal.
¡todo sucederá! Podrá la muerte
Cubrirme con su fúnebre crespón;
Pero jamás en mí podrá apagarse
La llama de tu amor.
What readings are you having? Leave a comment down below!
From Lauren, With Love xo
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