Our Alternative Wedding Readings

Last Updated on August 6, 2022

Because of our situation, it was easier for us to get married in a registry office.  We were allowed to choose two readings for during our ceremony BUT they weren’t allowed to contain any mention of religion.  I had no idea where to start so randomly searched for quotes in Pinterest and Google that would suit a marriage of a long distance couple.  The ‘Apache Wedding Blessing’ was on the short list, but these were the two that turned out perfect for us!

1) The first was a quote I found by Bob Marley…great, as we met in Jamaica!

Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around.  You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more.  You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you.  

When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement.  They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself.  Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful.  You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are.  

The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever.  Colours seem brighter and more brilliant.  Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all.  A message or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face.  

In their presence there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby.  Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.  You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do.  You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible.  

You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end.  Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile.  Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.

2) The 2nd reading was a mash up of lots of Long Distance Relationship quotes, which summed us up well!

Long distance relationships are hard.  Really hard.  And no one else quite understands.  Years from now, our past will be a story.  A story of long days and lonely nights, hard work and lack of sleep.  We’ll live each day having intimately known the pain of being apart, we’ll appreciate and embrace our time together, knowing how lucky we are to have made it through.  

Distance can honestly be a beautiful thing.  If you really think about it, love that involves long distance is not built on a physical relationship, but rather a foundation of solid trust, infectious personality, and genuine affection for one another.  We wish for communication, while other couples take it for granted and we try to do everything we can to see our significant other.   We still get butterflies every time we get to see each other.  Those few minutes right before you’re about to arrive, your heart pulsing throughout your body.  Checking the mirror one last time to make sure you look your best.  

But the most beautiful thing is that breathtaking moment when you finally see them, and run to each other with open arms and embrace them like you’ve been apart for decades.  Most couples lose that feeling so quickly.  We take pride in it, because we find that to be a beautiful thing.  We may be separated by space and time, but the bond between couples who push through the hardest of times are the strongest.  There may be miles between, but there is no one closer.


Please note that I am not claiming these quotes as my own, I found them online, if part belongs to you, thank you for making our day perfect!

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