This Expert Survival tip comes to us from published poet, Chloé Yelena Miller, the creator and founder of Word Arrangement.

Chloé specializes in creating personalized wedding poems and is commissioned to write these unique pieces by brides, grooms, fathers of the bride, and wedding guests. In her experience, personalized wedding poems have made for some truly memorable, one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gifts. Chloé has also included in her Survive Wedding Season tip a recent poem she wrote for a father to read as a toast to his daughter and new son-in-law at their wedding reception at a destination wedding in Maui. This is the first time the poem is being published online. Thank you Chloé:

You and your love are planning your wedding and don’t want to simply follow the movie-familiar script. You want to add in a unique touch that expresses your own love story to share with your guests. A personalized wedding poem offers you, your ceremony and reception the perfect opportunity to do just that. The poet will interview you (in person, on the phone or via email) and learn about your own love story. From the details you share about your past, present and dreams for the future, she will craft a unique poem.

Bogie and Bacall in Color

(Click here for the audio recording of Bogie and Bacall in Color)

by Chloé Yelena Miller

Face each other to dance at your wedding:
balance
in your steps
and in the eyes you’ve trusted for so long.
We watch, carried by and carrying this love.

Here on Maui, flowers trace the sun’s arc.
The true colors, like a scent, will be a reminder of love.
At home in California, while creating dinners
tilted in flavor with fresh, green herbs, remember this day.
Cook, indulge, create new memories.

A toast to Gavin and Sherry, across the table,
who united these two. Chocolate
desserts, extended conversations, traced the beginnings.
At the Bartolata, the engagement toast
chimed the bell for a new beginning.

Look behind to your family, lives past.
Look forward to your future.
Look at each other.
These are the lessons,
hopes you each contain and know.

You have been to weddings and heard famous poems recited as a part of the ceremony. You might ask why not just choose one of those poems? Because it won’t be exactly about you, the couple marrying before your closest friends and family. Make your wedding day express your own lives and hopes for the future. Make it personal.

You can integrate this poem into your special day any number of ways. Here are some popular suggestions:

1. Read the poem as a toast at the rehearsal dinner or during the reception
2. Integrate the poem into the ceremony
3. Include all or part of the poem in the vows
4. Use the poem in the invitation or save-the-date
5. Display the poem during the reception or cocktail hour
6. Add the poem to the ceremony program
7. Include the poem on the wedding website
8. Have the poem printed on wedding day favors
9. Insert the poem into your thank you cards
10. Give the poem later as an anniversary gift
11. Offer the poem to your partner as a part of the bride or groom present
12. Are you a wedding guest? Why not print and frame the poem as a gift for the couple

If you would like to order a Personalized Wedding Poem or have questions about the process, please do not hesitate to email the poet directly: ChloeMiller(at)gmail(dot)com. She looks forward to creating a poem for you!

Related topics:

1. Expert Survival Tip: Get Gifting - The New Wedding Card Box by Marni Gold and Linda Protovin
2. Expert Survival Tip: Personalize Your Bridal & Wedding Day Gifts by Tiffany Bressan and Courtney Noelle
3. Wedding Guest Tip: Cookbooks Make Great Bridal Shower Gifts

Have a great wedding survival tip to share with the Survive Wedding Season community? Email your tips to solutions@surviveweddingseason.com.

Your Attendance Is Appreciated! ^™

Tags: alternative wedding gifts, Chloe Yelena Miller, How To Survive Wedding Season, Wedding Poem

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