Looking for historically-based wedding reading

Question

I'm looking for a reading for my wedding, and want something unique, so was hoping to find something from Civil War or Colonial-era love letters, writings, ceremonies, etc. Anyone have any thoughts?

Answer 1

Depends, what kind of reading? Before vows, after vows? For vows instead of the more the traditional I take thee thing? If you'd leave more info about when and what kind I know I can help you.

Here's something I found a long time ago. I wish I'd had it when I got married....

You cannon possess me for I belong to myself

But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give

You cannon command me, for I am a free person

But I shall serve you in those ways you require

and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.

I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night

and the eyes into which I smile in the morning

I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup

I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care

I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine

I shall not slander you, nor you me

I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private

and tell no strangers our grievances.

This is my wedding vow to you.

This is the marriage of equals.

this is a Celtic wedding vow.....

Post Script....a poem maybe?

http://www.poetry.com/lovepoems/lovepoem...

look at evening song, a moment to remember or if....these poems are the finest ever written!

or, if you'd like, the two links below are full of famous love letters...

http://weddings.about.com/od/yourwedding...

lastly, try these...from literature...they are powerful  (my favorite, and the most unusual selection, is the one from the Velveteen Rabbit)

Happy Handfastig to you both!