by Pastor Marie April Gismondi.
With so many things to be concerned about on your wedding day, whether or not your officiant will step out of the way of the kiss should not be one of them and it is not something you will ever need to worry about with me and my team at The Officiants at Church of Ancient Ways.
There are some websites that say the kiss is a moment for only the 2 of you. Honestly, that’s what cropping is for Among the myriad of shots there will be of that moment, some will be close and others will be filled with the smiles and cheers, the love and support that is so organic and real, as your bridal party and everyone you love shows that your love makes them happy. This isn’t a styled shoot where strangers make pretty pictures. This is the best moment of your life, that should not have the emotion and spontaneity micromanaged out of it. Paying attention and gently guiding you so that your wedding photos are absolutely amazing is something a professional wedding officiant knows how to do. It’s just one of many reasons to work with a professional wedding officiant. Of course make sure your guests rise for the bride’s arrival. Of course we let them know it’s ok to sit as we begin. Of course we keep you centered to the aisle and to slow down certain moments when we see your photographer changing angles. We consider where the cameras are in the room, encourage you to look into one another’s eyes without being obtrusive, and of course, to step not “out of the way” but “to the side” for your kiss!
I admit that I have at times felt a little… ok a lot… insulted when a couple tells me to make sure I, “get out of the way”, as though I somehow wouldn’t know something that even beginning officiants are aware of. However, in recent years I realize that there have been wedding officiants (not us!) who purposefully step into the kiss as if it were a signature move of some kind, or is something they feel is actually appropriate!
From our perspective, there is no brighter star in the night sky of your wedding day than that first kiss. Until that moment, there has never even been a kiss that you’ve shared as husband and wife. This is the kiss that seals the deal and we know it! That kiss that is the first in a lifetime of many, many more; launching your ‘happily ever after’ into true being.
Of course it’s important and that’s why we will never leave our body parts sticking out of the top of your head. We will step to the side and smile and clap and cheer right along with everyone who loves you. But please, don’t ask us something that sounds like you want us half way to the parking lot before you even get your flowers back.
