A personalized wedding poem is a poem written specifically on the occasion of a particular couple’s wedding. The poem can be used in many ways: integrated into the couple’s vows, read during the wedding, framed as a gift, posted on a wedding website or printed in the program, mailed as a part of a thank-you letter, integrated into a vow renewal ceremony, etc.
I meet with you, the gift giver (the couple, a member of the couple, a friend or family member) and discuss your goals, aesthetics, and knowledge of the couple. I have a number of questionnaires prepared for different gift givers (parents, bride, groom, friend, etc.) We can meet and discuss the questions in person (or on the phone) or you can fill it out online.
The questionnaire asks questions about the couple’s history, your relationship to them, etc. Each questionnaire ends with the question, “What am I forgetting to ask?” Every couple is unique and I rely on you to help share as much information as possible. You are welcome to share pictures or other mediums (songs, recipes, etc.) with me as well. One bride told me that she really enjoyed filling out the questionnaire with her groom as they spent time reminiscing about the early days of their relationship.
I use the information you share to create a draft of the poem, which I then send to you. You read it and send me feedback. Usually, someone will remember another detail to be added and ask it to replace a less important detail. This is a key part of the process because it ensures that the final product fulfills your expectations and reflects the couple’s love and history.
The poems that I craft for you will be an original poem. It will reflect the couple, their love, and will forever be a memory of their union.
A few commonly asked questions:
Can you tell me a little more about the questionnaire?
There are a broad range of questions on the questionnaire (how did the couple meet, are they affectionate in public, do they resemble a famous couple, etc.) You are free to skip any questions that don’t relate to the couple and add in anything that you feel is appropriate.
Has this been done before?
There is a long history of wedding poetry. The poetic term for a wedding poem is an “epithalamion.” You can link to examples and read about the history here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epithalamium.
How long does the process take?
Usually, it is helpful to have at least two weeks for the first draft and a week for the second draft. The earlier we can start, however, the better. If you need a poem more urgently, we can work together on those details.
What is your experience with poetry writing?
I have an MFA in poetry writing from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY. I have been writing since I was a child. For samples of personalized wedding poems, please click here: http://wordarrangement.com/4.html. For links to published poems, please click here: http://www.chloeyelenamiller.com/8428.html.
How did you come up with this idea?
I completed a manuscript entitled “Cent’Anni” which tells the story of my family’s emigration from southern Italy in the 1800’s. The poems are paired with photographs that my mother, a professional photographer, took during our visits to the small town of Sala Consilina, SA. Many of these poems arose from stories told to me by American or Italian relatives. Writing personalized wedding poems arose out of this interest in listening to people’s stories and translating them into poems.
For more information, please feel free to contact me: ChloeMiller(at)gmail(dot)com or see the WordArrangement website: www.WordArrangement.com.
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