It’s tricky when there are such different family backgrounds but we’ll get there!

Lisa
http://LisaKiftTherapy.com

A bit more of an organized effort would have been more appropriate. Perhaps putting it in the order of service or printing it in the bulletin.

As for the response of the Divine, I believe S/He was laughing along.

This coming from a young (too young?) minister.

We had a wedding we could afford. Contrast this to colleagues of mine who <i>took out a second mortgage</i> to pay for their daughter’s wedding. (???)

We, too, had a potluck reception, because that’s what our spiritual community does. I think there’s a big difference between potluck and cash (not to mention advertising — !). Food is sacred in a way money is not. Bringing food is bringing something of yourself. And it’s a way for folks to participate.

Also, if potlucks, or potluck receptions, are part of a family tradition, or cultural, faith, or spiritual tradition, having a potluck adds meaning to the reception.

What I wanted on our wedding day was a spiritually meaningful experience and a good party. I did not want a spectator event.

When I work with other couples, I try to help them discern what’s meaningful for them.

(And I regularly give your book as an engagement present to friends.)

Cheers,
Stasa

You have spoken very elegantly thus far, but I must say, a happy dog is a very very well fed dog. I can’t express the joy I felt as I was gulping down the four chicken breasts given to me by the kitchen counter. As a compromise, perhaps you should suggest to your readers to have a wedding cake made of chicken.