There are many traditions that surround the wedding ceremony, but one of my favorites is the first dance for the bride and groom. As a non-denominational minister, justice of the peace, wedding officiant (whatever you want to call me) I'm lucky enough to officiate for a lot couples under a ton of different circumstances, and whether the wedding ceremony takes place in a backyard or in a grand ballroom, there's always room for a first dance. My job as the wedding officiant usually ends with "I now pronounce you husband and wife", but from time to time I'm invited to stay for a dinner or luncheon, where traditionally the bride and groom get to share that first dance. And I feel like a lucky man to witness it, to be part of a wedding ceremony, to serve as the justice of the peace, and distill the vows into something great, but when they dance? That's when it all really begins.
