“All Wedding Ceremonies Should Begin with Meditation”

by Meditation Teacher Training graduate Lori Baker, Director of Super Edible Events

While I was working on menu planning with a young couple for their upcoming nuptials, it quickly turned into a bonding experience and we became fast friends - even though we live across the pond from each other.

So when Anna and Robbie asked me if I would officiate their wedding ceremony after a family member backed out, I said “of course” (even though I was not ordained and had no experience).

After the initial euphoria waned, I did ask Anna and Robbie to take a few days to really think about it. This would be my first wedding and this was their most important day. They agreed to take a few days to let it macerate. But two days later, I received an email from them telling me how honored they would be to have me officiate. My eyes filled with happy tears and on to Google I went, searching for officiating instructions.

I got ordained online and then researched the “how to’s” of writing a ceremony script. I asked Anna and Robbie some questions and from there wrote the ceremony. Anna requested that I start the ceremony by leading a meditation, reciting 2 poems by Yung Pueblo that she selected and finally guiding them in a sand ceremony.

This ceremony was bliss and perfection!! I was honored to officiate.

Once guests were seated and Anna’s parents walked her to the altar, I welcomed everyone, shared the story of why I was there, and explained to guests that we were starting the ceremony with a meditation so that everyone would be truly present for Anna and Robbie on this beautiful day.

It was also a way for Anna and Robbie to be truly present with each other and in this special moment … because ceremonies often go by in a blink of an eye.

Anna is from Germany and Robbie from Arizona. He plays professional baseball in Germany and she is a singer. On game 1 of the season Anna sang the national anthem and at the end of the game it is customary for the players to sign a ball. Do you see where this is going? Their love story started at that game and endured through covid (he was stuck stateside and couldn’t travel back) and brought them to this moment.

The ceremony was beautiful and so special! Everyone was so relaxed, in the moment, and full of love. I strongly believe that all ceremonies should start with a meditation. Family and friends and bride and groom were so happy and it set the intention for the entire celebration.

I never expected that taking The Path’s Meditation Teacher Training program would open so many opportunities for me. Meditation brings a fullness and deep inner satisfaction to everyone that experiences it, including all the guests at this wedding.