When the heart is truly open, there is a natural sense of appreciation for others, even while being aware of their imperfections. Don Rosenthal I recently reunited with a couple whose wedding I officiated fifteen years ago. They look older but their spirits are as I remember them. Open, inquisitive, yet clearly defined in their ongoing aspirations. “Jack Daniels” joined us at the table and story begat story. It was a magical night. As I was leaving, Ira suddenly asked …
Presume Nothing – While Planning Your Wedding!
We enter marriage offering the best of who we are: our deepest feelings, our best intentions, our greatest hopes, full of generosity and affection for our partner. But we fall in love and decide to live the rest of our loves together without realizing that loving each other and living our life together are different. Susan Piver When Philip and Cora first met with me they were five months away from their wedding. In their late twenties, they’d been …
Marriage = One Long, Grand Conversation!
photo: jesse leake A happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short. Andre Malroux true story One night I grabbed dinner at my favorite local bistro. The staff knows me and brings me “the usual” without my having to ask. I was lost in a book when I happened to glance up and look across the room. Two tables lined the opposite wall. At one sat a young couple in their twenties – laughing, …
The Odd History of Marriage
I’m constantly reading other blogs, along with magazines and papers and so I’m constantly clipping and saving tidbits I find interesting. Oftentimes, though, when I return to the clipping, I can’t recall why I had saved the info or where it’s from! And so it is with this item. . . Recently, I was sorting through a bunch of posts I had saved regarding weddings. I have no idea where I got the following, but apparently it’s a review of …
And Now a Word From Meryl Streep!
In her Oscar acceptance speech for playing British P.M. Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep spoke directly to her husband, saying: “Everything I value most in our lives, you have given me.” What a stunningly poignant thing for a person to say to their spouse! And so I invite you to consider these questions as you prepare to offer your vows: Can you say the same thing to your partner? What do you value most? What does your partner value most? What …