Soul Mates vs. Marriage Mates

Guest Blogger: Catherine Anne Collins

When I found out the focus of this blog and that I only had 1 day to write it, I panicked. Marriage! What a huge subject to talk about in a short blog post. I thought of every angle I could possibly approach from and how to relate it back to my books. No problem. Right? Wrong! J But, I’m always up for a challenge, so here goes.

First, let’s have a look at the definition of marriage:

a.     the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.

b.     the state, condition, or relationship of being married

c.     the legal or religious ceremony that formalizes the decision of two people to live as a married couple

Hmmm, sounds somewhat cold and impersonal to me, but I’m not highly religious, or much of a believer in certain legalities and social parameters laid out by politicians. To me, a piece of paper telling me I’m committed to another person, or being married in front of a priest, minister, guru, rabbi etc., doesn’t mean much. Don’t get me wrong, I am married and am fortunate enough to have found my soul mate. But I’m committed to him in my heart and a piece of paper doesn’t do a thing to make that commitment any stronger. Having a priest give his blessing doesn’t change what I already feel in my heart. As far as I’m concerned, an unbreakable moral bond ties us and what I feel in my heart blesses our relationship. God, or whatever ultimate Being who oversees our universe, knows what’s in my heart. The marriage certificate and minister only make it official in the eyes of society and man. That’s my short and succinct view on marriage…I’d love to hear yours. J

Second thing I’d like to talk about is wedding ceremonies. My husband and I planned a unique wedding. It took place in our dojo (martial arts building) which happens to be a converted church and a place blessed with positive energy and love. We wrote our own vows, presented gifts to each other, and had a Japanese tea ceremony. It was an unusual blend of western and eastern philosophies, but suited us fine. I think the minister we hired might have wondered what he’d gotten himself into, but he was flexible and easy-going.

Now, for the book tie-in. I don’t have a wedding ceremony in any of my books, but for A Witch’s Lament, I did research Wiccan ceremonies. If I’d written Skye and Jerome’s wedding it would have been amazing. As Wicca is an earth-based religion, the ceremony would have taken place outside among the singing birds, whispering wind and lush scents of flowers in full bloom. Skye would have been barefoot, her medieval gown flowing with each movement while Jerome would have worn something sexy and masculine. Of course, he looks great in anything.

As hand-fasting is an ancient and once highly accepted ritual, it would have been the approach taken by my main characters, with their best-friend, Samson tying the ribbon around their wrists to make the physical connection. Speaking of Samson (another gorgeous hunk) he finds true love in the sequel, A Witch’s Legacy, but Cassandra would have insisted on an elaborate wedding with all the New York fixings and pomp. Her dress—designer, of course. Pearls, lace, trailing train, veil..the whole thing.

So, tell me about your wedding. I’d love to hear.

Afterwards, please stop by and check out my books at www.catherineannecollins.com

Thanks so much to the Pop Culture Divas for having me here today. It’s been great.