From “I Do” to the Dance Floor: A New Way to Prepare for Marriage

5 March 2025 | New Class Offerings, News and Articles

This is Morgan Mizell, and today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Rev. Benita Livingston to talk about love, marriage, and the journey beyond the wedding day. With over 30 years in ministry, Rev. Benita has guided countless couples through premarital coaching and heartfelt ceremonies, and together, we’re excited to bring you a unique collaboration. Curtsy Ballroom and Living Ceremonies are now offering Dance Your Vows packages—combining meaningful premarital coaching with wedding dance lessons to help couples step into marriage with both confidence and connection. Let’s dive into our conversation!

Could you share a bit about your journey as a wedding officiant and what inspired you to step into this role?

After retirement I wanted to do something fun and meaningful. I have been in ministry for over 30 years and during that time I did premarital counseling and performed a few weddings and I really enjoyed it. So, when I was thinking about my future I saw a post from another officiant and God said “that’s it.” So here I am.

How do you approach crafting a ceremony that feel personal and meaningful for each couple?

I have specific questions for couples to answer about their relationship, how they met, what it means to be married, about the proposal, and I take the information they give me and create their love story. Every couple is different therefore, their ceremony is different.

How do you encourage couples to stay connected and continue nurturing their relationship after the wedding day?

During premarital coaching sessions we talk about the importance intimacy, communication and staying connected. To do a check-in on a daily basis, to continue to date and not neglect each other. I encourage them to be mindful of each other, to always express gratitude and to show each other grace.

How do you see dance fitting into the journey of marriage and connection?

David Mace said, “Marriage has too often been portrayed as two people frozen together side by side, as immobile as marble statues. More accurately, it is the intricate and graceful cooperation of two dancers who through long practice have learned to match each other’s movements and moods in response the music.” Like a professional dancer it takes practice and match each other’s movements, the same goes for marriage; couples also have to learn to dance to different genres. 

How do the packages we’ve created together reflect your vision for couples as they prepare for their wedding day and beyond?

It is always my hope for every couple that they are more focused on their marriage than their wedding day. I like to remind them that it’s not about the dress, or the flowers, or the reception it’s about the marriage, because when the day is over it’s just the two of them. As they prepare for their wedding day and beyond, keep the focus on the two of them and as a couple prepares for their first dance they are working together which is significant of what marriage is.

If you could offer one piece of advice to couple as they prepare for both their wedding and their life together, what would it be?

Your partner is not perfect, they will make mistakes, life will change, things will happen so be mindful of how you speak to each other, forgive often and show each other grace.

How can couples get in touch with you to learn more about your services and the packages we’ve created?

They can go to my website, www.livingceremonies.com or DM me on IG @livingceremonies. 

Thank you so much for taking the time, Rev. Benita!

Thank you so much to Reverend Benita Livingston for your insights into how to prepare adequately for marriage! Curtsy Ballroom and Living Ceremonies are now offering packages including premarital sessions with Rev. Benita and wedding choreography lessons with Morgan at Curtsy. Watch this space for more information on our Dance Your Vows packages, coming soon!

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