Josie Balka's To Be With You: A Modern
A recommendation for Josie Balka's poem 'To Be With You' as a contemporary wedding ceremony reading. The source describes it as a down-to-earth alternative to traditional poetry, focusing on real partnership and everyday moments.
If you are searching for a modern wedding ceremony reading, consider 'To Be With You' by Josie Balka. According to a feature on One Fab Day, the poem is praised as a 'gem' for its realistic portrayal of long-term love.
Josie Balka is a New York Times best-selling author, broadcaster, and poet. Her work avoids stiff, old-fashioned poetry and dramatic clichés. Instead, it focuses on what modern couples seek: a safe space to be completely oneself. The poem celebrates a love where you do not have to perform or hide your imperfections.
Why This Reading Resonates
The source highlights the poem's down-to-earth take on marital teamwork. It describes how being together relieves pressure. You finally have someone to help carry life's weight. While many traditional readings focus on grand, cinematic romance, this poem keeps things wonderfully real. It hypes up quiet, everyday moments.
The writing suggests a great marriage is built on simple things. Examples include cosying up to watch TV or watching the seasons change together. The language is clear and conversational. Guests will understand and connect with every word on the first listen. The source advises keeping tissues handy for happy tears.
The Full Text
The complete text of the poem is provided below.
To be with you is to be entirely me,
The exact way I’d be as if no one were watching except you’re there too.
I am me and I am loved because of it.
To be with you is to be me but with less pressure,
Because you are there to bear the other side of the weight that life has to offer
It romanticises the simple things I love to live for,
Like changing leaves and summer days and reading on the couch at night.
It makes me somehow love them more because I exist with you while it happens all around us.
To be with you is exactly where I want to be,
Exactly as I am,
Exactly as you are.
The original article includes a link to a printable version of the poem. For more inspiration on what to include in a wedding ceremony, you can explore our fixtures page for planning timelines. Additional creative ideas for personalizing your day are available in our squad section.
