How Long Should my Wedding Ceremony Be?
The length of the wedding ceremony is a question I get asked by every bride. Whether you are having a short non-denominational ceremony or a full Catholic mass the answer is always the same- your wedding ceremony should be as long as you want it to be.
It’s easy to get caught up in all of the details and planning of the reception that you start to view it as the main event. The reception is literally designed to be icing on the cake after a beautiful love-filled ceremony. Your guests are traveling from distant cities and states (sometimes countries!) to witness your wedding and the first moments of your marriage. Speaking those vows, going through religious traditions, and adding in unique readings are the dear moments that will stay with your guests for a lifetime. Your ceremony is also the primary topic of conversation at the reception!
My number 1 ceremony suggestion is don’t rush it. The ceremony should not be viewed as something to get over with in order to get to the drinks and food. Respect your guests that want to be your witnesses and honor your love for each other by giving your ceremony the appropriate amount of time and appreciation.
xoxo,
Victoria
1. Skipping the bouquet toss– Love that this is slowly going out of style. More time for your guests to focus on your happiness and not feel shamed into sticking with this tradition.
Our story began before we were even aware of it unfolding. Theo’s injured elbow (too many pushups?) brought him to the same Sport’s Medicine Clinic I was at. Theo and I formed a gradual affectionate friendship and after some pretty spectacular hikes, delightful dining, picnics, action hero movies, our friendship bloomed into something more everlasting- lively dating and romantic gestures. Together, we bring out each other’s creative side, sense of adventure and playful exploration, and inspire each other intellectually and spiritually. The last 2 years was a tango of romantic encounters and adventures and many firsts. Theo continued to surprise me in many ways- handpicked flowers to come home to, love notes, new songs on his guitar, and small gestures that are big gestures of love. We call 2 great cities “home” – Vancouver and Culver City.We are thankful for everyone in our lives and for the opportunity we have to start our lives together as a soon to be married couple!
On Friday the 13th, of December, Theo sent me on a surprise treasure hunt through the hills of Los Angeles. The treasure was something so special, beautiful, and hopeful- I said YES! Of Course!Theo planned it out for months and carefully executed the treasure hunt so it would be a surprise. He told NO ONE of his plans.My two good friends Susan and Simon were there when Theo, who was supposed to be in Vancouver, sent me a text and said- “I left something in the car underneath the seat a week ago”.Because Love Notes are common in our relationship, I smiled when I found the charcoal rectangular box, neatly wrapped with a thin silver ribbon. Inside that box was a treasure map. The finish included coordinate points (longitude and latitude) that I plugged into my phone. I was on a time crunch that afternoon and asked Theo if I could hold off until the next day.Luckily, I decided to go on the hunt and told my friends I would see them after the hunt.
He got down to one knee and proposed. The classic ring fit perfectly and was sparkling bright. The sky was on fire before it got dark, Theo was hoping I would come at sunset and I barely made it in time! It was very romantic and reminds me of our first whimsical Hollywood Hike together.We couldn’t stop smiling for days after!
