Like everything else about our wedding, we chose readings that were unique in form, expression and source, that were different from the ones everyone uses for weddings, and that reflected what we really wanted to express and share.

Because of our strong attachment to Egyptian symbology and expression, we sought out fragments and writings from ancient Egyptian sources.

The immense popularity of things like the displays of treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Hollywood imagery from movies like The Mummy and specials on TV that highlight the attention and adornments focused on the dead emphasizes an inaccurate common view of ancient Egypt. Few people realize that the ancient Egyptian culture had a strong, nearly obsessive reverence for life. Much of the imagery in popular modern media is based on old misinterpretation and misunderstandings.

Ancient Egypt was a remarkably enlightened culture, with highly advanced mathmatics, science, philosophical thinking, fair and equal laws, and mostly a remarkable tolerance for all people's lifestyles and beliefs.

One of the lesser known aspects of the culture is the prevalance of poetry and songs dedicated to love, courtship and relationships. The passionate and expressive writings of that time were often quite moving and beautifully written, even when expressed in plain and common words. Our first and third wedding readings are taken from transcriptions of heiroglyphics from lesser-known papyruses that contained such writings.

The other readings in the cerermony are pieces we've put together from quotes, song lyrics and modern poetry.

The wreath dedication reading is comprised of excerpts frorm lyrircs by the band Bella Morte.

The second reading in the ceremony is a compilation of several famous quotes we like, along with excerpts of lyrics from the band Faith and the Muse and also some excerpts from Irish poets.

We hope you enjoy both the sentiments they express as well as enjoying their uniqueness.

Our Readings

First Reading
" Whenever I Leave You ",
from the Harris Papyrus, 500 Song Cycle 2, 15th Century BCE, Egypt.

Whenever I leave you, I go out of breath
Death must be lonely like I am
I dream lying dreams of your love lost
And my heart stands still inside me
I stare at my favorite datecakes
They would be salt to me now
And pomegranate wine, once sweet to our lips
Bitter, bitter as birdgall

Touching noses with you, love, your kiss alone
And my stuttering heart speaks clear
Breathe me more of your breath, let me live!
Woman, meant for me!
God himself gave you as his Holy gift
My love to outlast forever

Second Reading
"The Light Within",
a compilation from many sources by Lori.

Oh hear the song within my heart
And sing it to me when memory fails
Free me restless from the dark,
Let frozen scenes enkindled burst to fire
Where splendor casts umbrageous twin
And love sparks radiance to guide the heart from within
Song and light, the beacons of the spirit rise
Stretching ribbon fingers towards heaven
To where destined souls entwine
And the ribbons melded as one being
Mythical journey on trails of stars
Cast back a single brilliant light
Together made uniquely ours

Third Reading
"Let My Love Love Me Best ",
from the Turin Papyrus, in the Ramesside period circa 1100 BCE, Egypt.

Let my love love me best and I shall ordain
Her hands full of lotus blossoms and flowers
Full of buds and perfumes, strong ale
And beer of every brewable kind
Then she'll give me, her love, a day to remember
Make me drink down this day to its last shadow

Wreath Dedication Reading
compilation of excerpts from Bella Morte lyrics

Away, we grow cold as years pass
Who we were, echoes still
I remember your smile
Though you're far away
I remember tears on your face
Though the reasons fade
And when the years have passed away
When memories have gone
And darkness is your day
Your dreams of Autumn carry you
To days of youth and life
And sorrow falls before the drifts of
Faded scarlet skies
Only the silence calls your name