Flashmob reading - the bits I loved from 2017 continued - A Wedding Celebrant in Greece

Flashmob style happenings are quite a thing in weddings these days whether they involve the bridal party in a secretly choreographed dance routine or bursting into song. I love the element of surprise and delight these offer as well as the obvious dedication and time spent rehearsing by all involved, and as I’ve said before I’m a huge fan of audience participation in wedding ceremonies. So I was wondering how I could include something similar into an intimate beach ceremony where the guests were all a big group of friends and really close family. I seized the opportunity when I met the maid of honour, who was obviously well up to helping me organise the task. I took her to one side and explained my plan. She thought it was a great idea and set off to find other willing participants. So during the ceremony where I had included an 8 line reading about soulmates by Richard Bach for me to read, at the point where the reading started I gave the nod to the maid of honour and she toned out:

“A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks..“

The bride and groom were completely taken by surprise as the next line came from another friend:

“When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are“

and then the next line from another friend and so on, each line coming from a different place in the group and warmly read by 8 wonderful people who meant the world to this couple!

Ok, it wasn’t a flash mob of epic show biz proportions, but it was beautifully understated and so heartfelt and a really touching surprise for the couple…