Joyful Wedding [With 2 CD's]

A boon for brides who don't want matters of seating arrangements and buffet spreads to overwhelm matters of the spirit, this little book offers suggestions for wedding vows and questions to ask during wedding planning, as well as reflections on the meaning of marriage, meditation exercises and couples yoga positions. Judith Ansara Glass, a teacher and consultant, pens an essay on the ""conscious marriage""; couples, she says, must learn to pay attention to their feelings, practice empathy and ""cultivate presence"" in the early stages of their relationships. In ""Coming Home,"" Piver describes what she sees as the two parts of a committed relationship, the love couples feel for each other and the life they build together. Both are crucial, but they don't necessarily go hand in hand; asking ""Hard Questions"" about home, children, faith and money before marriage can help ensure that partners' life plans match. Two CDs offer meditations for couples and readings that might be appropriate for a wedding ceremony. While it's no substitute for a step-by-step guide (or a busy-bee mother), this calm volume may soothe brides' nerves and help them focus on the marriage instead of just the wedding.