04/03/06 - 11:31:07 am
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EmergentThis past weekend I went to my first Emergent Wedding. Now, let me preface that by saying that neither the bride or groom are involved in the Emergent conversation, but in many ways they live the Emergent Church dream.
It has been, by far, the most untraditional wedding I have been too. Very cost effective as well. There was no pastor, no justice, no expensive chapel or rented space, no glamorous wedding dress, no tuxes, no rings...but there were vows.
The wedding was an intimate, small group of close family and friends, many of whom think that this couple is weird, but they came and they enjoyed.
The ceremony consisted of a couple of guests speaking about the groom, the bride, and the couple. Then there was a song, written and performed by the grooms' best friends (Quiet Mind-if you are ever in LA, you ought to check them out...they are amazing...see their MySpace page). Following that, the vows, that the couple co-wrote, were said. They were very personal and very spiritual. Then the families had their own vows to make, including each person into the family.
Then we ate tacos (YUM).
It was so intimate, so personal, and so signature of the couple. The fancy, shmanciness of most weddings was void and a real sense of belonging to the marriage occurred. No doubt it was their special day, but it would not have been so special for them if their intimate family and friends did not huddle close and participate in the way they did.
I think I would prefer it a bit more traditional. I go to a more traditional church too, so that's no surprise. I do like the intimacy and one day wish to bite off what I saw here and be more inclusive of family and friends. It is the family and friends who will be assisting in the marriage, as no marriage is an island.
Emergent folks out there, you have a new book to rival Relevant's new wedding planning book. Get too it.
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