New perspectives for wedding planning in a pandemic
May 26, 2022
So you’re getting married – What do you have to do?
May 26, 2022
General Manager Kathryn Tardieu and her husband Fitz share their advice for couples on their wedding day.
The preparation leading up to the big day
Kathryn – Keep it simple, enjoy every moment along the way, and keep open to the holy spirit to go with the flow.
Fitz – it’s an exciting time, don’t let things stress you out.
The ceremony
Did you know? For Latin rite Catholics, the husband and wife are the ministers of the sacrament, while the pastor of the parish or his delegate presides as the official witness of the Church. (SimplyCatholic.com)
Kathryn – Try to be fully present at the ceremony. Get your mind off the photographer, the outfits, the bridal party, the celebration of this sacrament is just for both of you. I would never forget how the liturgy of word moved me at our wedding Mass. Every word of that Mass was directed to us that day and they seemed to form a blanket of blessings that was covering over us. What a way to start a life journey together.
Fitz – As I was on the altar, I was struck by the sacredness of the ceremony. It occurred to me that if I had understood this before, I would have approached my previous marriage that was short lived and annulled very differently. Being on that altar, present with everyone who came to witness, it was very powerful for me. There was something much bigger that took precedence.
The reception
Kathryn – Eat! Everyone tells the bride that but really, don’t forget to eat at the reception, it’s a long day! Also, even though capturing photo memories of the day is important, it’s easy to get carried away at photo shoots after the ceremony and have your guests waiting very long for you at the reception. Keep that in mind as you don’t want your guests complaining before you even arrive. They’ve come to celebrate with you!
Fitz – Our wedding was small and personal and that made it very special for me.
Our favourite words of wisdom
In one of his homilies, Fr Mannie Pierre quoted author Anita Brookner who said that on their wedding day a couple should take time to console one another for the fact that they cannot not disappoint each other. It’s so freeing to acknowledge that upfront! No one is perfect! In fact, Fr Joe Harris used to say that if you expect your partner to make you happy for the rest of your life your marriage is doomed to fail! Instead, a successful marriage is when each of you spends the rest of your life trying to make the other happy.
