At Last: a sweet wedding reading that honors a life lived before finding love

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At Last: a sweet wedding reading that honors a life lived before finding love
Christine and Jim | Photo by Laurel McConnell Photography

Not unlike Etta James' classic love song “At Last,” this particular reading acknowledges a lived life, having been beaten by it a time or two, and still being joyful that you found lasting love.

Considering how many weddings are second marriages or older-than-average couples, the sentiment is really lovely and really realistic.

Here's a sweet wedding reading for an older bride and groom, a reading that takes into account a life lived prior to the wedding…

From “At Last” by Elizabeth Akers Allen

At last, when all the summer shine
That warmed life's early hours is past,
Your loving fingers seek for mine
And hold them close at last at last!
Not oft the robin comes to build
Its nest upon the leafless bough
By autumn robbed, by winter chilled,
But you, dear heart, you love me now.

Though there are shadows on my brow
And furrows on my cheek, in truth,
The marks where Time's remorseless plough
Broke up the blooming sward of Youth,
Though fled is every girlish grace
Might win or hold a lover's vow,
Despite my sad and faded face,
And darkened heart, you love me now!

I count no more my wasted tears;
They left no echo of their fall;
I mourn no more my lonesome years;
This blessed hour atones for all.
I fear not all that Time or Fate
May bring to burden heart or brow,
Strong in the love that came so late,
Our souls shall keep it always now!

Check out our readings archive for many, many more readings ideas!

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