When discussing my work recently, I mentioned that I love having the opportunity to do research on a wide variety of topics. I was asked to describe the types of research I do for ceremonies.
So, in response to that question, I thought I'd first explain why I do research.
Couples that work with me complete questionnaires, with questions about their relationship (how they met, what they love about one another, etc), what they want in a ceremony, and their own likes/dislikes and interests. I take that information and get to work on creating a ceremony that reflects the couple - as individuals and as a pair - and tells their story.
So..... I do lots of research. Which I really enjoy (the library is my friend!) Some of it has to do with topics you would expect, some may be a little surprising.
Here are some topics I've researched for ceremonies:
- Chinese legend of the Red String
- Song lyrics from different artists, including Bjork, U2, Leonard Cohen, Beatles, Deathcab for Cutie, Frank Sinatra, Counting Crows & Journey
- Legal decisions
- Mongolian wedding customs
- Sports lingo - especially baseball
- Pagan holidays
- Verses from the Koran
- Cherokee blanket ceremony
- Secular versions of the traditional Jewish Seven Blessings
- Comic book couples
- Dialogue from movies, such as Twilight, Harold & Maude, Princess Bride, Star Wars & Reservoir Dogs
- Symbolism of flowers
- Vietnamese wedding traditions
- Sherlock Holmes
- Korean wedding rituals
- Disney characters & lines from movies
- Quotes about coffee
- Military language
- Impressionist painters
- German folk songs
- Capoeira, an Afro-Brazialian art form combining dance & martial arts
