I have had the pleasure of working with Reverend Will Saunders many times. He is an excellent Maine wedding officiant. We have done all types of weddings together–elopements, big weddings, and intimate ones it seems Will always has the right things to say. Each of his ceremonies is customized to the clients and you really walk out of the wedding having enjoyed his words. Get to know Reverend Will below and check out his website:
1. How did you become a wedding officiant? I am ordained Unitarian Universalist minister (ordained in October, 1972) and it comes with the territory. I have been performing weddings since 1972.
2. What tips? Listen to your own inner voices and try to keep the noise of the outside world to a minimum as you discern what you want in your wedding ceremony. It is your wedding ceremony and, in my opinion, should reflect your values, your hopes for your marriage, your religious sensibilities. Because there are so many cultural, social and familial traditions that surround weddings, it is important to discern your own sense of balance between what you want and what the world wants. Only you can strike a balance that works for you. Second, the most important element of a wedding weekend is the ceremony. Of course, you would expect me to say that! Keep the details in perspective and remember what is most important.
3. Personalized vows? I think that personalized vows are fine. I encourage couples to find their comfort zone re: vows. For some, they are comforted by traditional vows. Others write their own and would not have it any other way. Some prepare their vows by cutting and pasting from multiple sources. Again, it is a matter of each couple figuring out what works for them. What works for them is probably the best way to proceed.
4. Baked Alaska and Strawberry-Rhubarb pie
5. Oh my — there are so many excellent readings. Here are a couple of my favorites, some of which work best in particular situations:
a. For a seaside wedding, there are beautiful passages in Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea.
b. I am very fond of e. e. cummings’ i carry your heart and John O’Donohue’s On Marriage. Neither are chosen very often!
