Atypical Bonding

Last number I heard, 7 out of 10 marriages end in divorce. That doesn't sound much like a successful institution. I can't help but blame the ceremony for a portion of the failure. As a majority, I don't think enough thought is put into the union of two people.

A couple I ran into met one another at a restaurant were they both waited tables. They each discovered their potential in the industry and became cooks. Good cooks. The two of them moved around from kitchen to kitchen, sometimes together, sometimes apart. Their relationship had gone on four years before they got the nerve to tie the knot.


The decision as to what kind of ceremony would best suit their needs took quite some time to figure out. Religion was fairly important to their families. Their friend base was massive. But they knew a traditional wedding wouldn't cut it.

Instead, they rented a vacation home just outside of the city, hired a top-notch chef, invited close family and best friends, and ate their way into marriage. They split the meal up in fourths. The chef was given two recipes from the each of them, with very specific preparing instructions. In essence, each course was a symbol for how they felt for each other. Before the wedding, they spent months finding the right dish for each other. Anything less than perfection would be disastrous.

But it was perfect. Oaths were recited to one another as each course was given. Family and friends had a unique experience, glazed with romance. Fine wines were shared. A little slow dancing(the groom hired jazz quartet from a place the couple used to work for). At the end of the night, everyone was convinced of true love.

The couple now have started their own five star restaurant. Soon they will hand it over to the staff and just supervise. Once the college funds are solid, they plan on starting a family.

Shouldn't weddings be symbolic? Shouldn't the ceremony be tailored to the couple and their unique relationship? I've always been told if you want a great finish, you need an even better start.