A "Must-Read" for Any Emotional Bride

A few years ago, while planning her wedding, one of my colleagues told me of a great resource she found. No, it wasn’t about table décor, or finding the perfect dress, or creating a signature drink for the reception.

It was about the crazy and stressful array of emotions she was feeling – and finding out that her confusion, anxiety and “negative” feelings were all normal.

Sheryl Nissinen wrote “The Conscious Bride” after polling brides of all ages and finding that, like her, their journey down the aisle – and the months before and after – was filled with much more than joy, excitement and everlasting love.


“There are few occasions in life more beautiful and awe-inspiring than a wedding. When two people decide to solidify their commitment, they begin the sacred journey of marriage, which begins with the engagement and continues through the rest of their lives.

. . .

“For some, their engagement is a joyous time filled with planning and animated discussion about their wedding day and future life together. For most, however, the engagement is a combination of excitement, stress, bliss and confusion.

…

“The road that leads to and from the wedding day is not always smooth. … the engagement, wedding, and first months of marriage can be a difficult time where one person in the partnership [usually the bride] feels overwhelmed by emotions and forces that she has never experienced and does not understand.

…

Through reading this book you will explore the reasons behind the common tendency for women to ‘freak out’ at some point during their engagement, wedding, and/or first year of marriage. ….”

I would highly recommend this book to any bride, whether she’s newly-engaged, recently-married, or approaching her first wedding anniversary. (And grooms, you might want to read it too; you may be able to understand your beloved’s behavior a little better.)

PS: You can find this book at the library; I did!

Soulmates

"A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks ... Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life." (Excerpted from "The Bridge Across Forever" by Richard Bach)

Chris and Kellie met three years ago, when they were introduced by a mutual friend. There was an immediate spark of attraction, as they found they share many interests, values and goals. Both are friendly, fun and witty; they enjoy going to movies, plays and concerts, playing softball or Scrabble, and traveling. Although they tend to be homebodies, they enjoy spending time with friends, and both place a high priority on family.

So yesterday afternoon their dear friends and family gathered to witness their wedding ceremony, held at a private residence situated on the banks of the Truckee River. Chris and Kellie honored their parents by presenting roses to their mothers. Chris's sister, Katy, presented a reading from "The Bridge Across Forever," and Kellie's brother, Shawn, read the Irish Wedding Blessing.

Family and friends enthusiastically promised to support the happiness and success of Chris and Kellie's union, through the highs and lows of their life together.

And since the candles would not stay lit during the Unity Candle Lighting, we acknowledged Mother Nature's playfulness and used our imagination to pretend that the candles were glowing. Of course, the inner light of Chris and Kellie's love was clearly aflame!

The wind also challenged their DJ, Matthew Strong, by blowing over the wireless amps. However, Matt and his team quickly and smoothly resolved the problem; they are true professionals. And rumor has it that the river-side party continued well into the night!

Congratulations, Chris and Kellie! Enjoy your fabulous Hawaiian honeymoon, and thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderful wedding celebration!

Blessings,
Rev. Jeri