Maya Angelou, who died yesterday, had wisdom to share on pretty much every facet of life—success, ambition, and self-respect. So it's not surprising her words on love would work beautifully on your wedding day. Here are six wedding-ready Maya Angelou quotes I adore:
1. "I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now and to be able to love, because that liberates. Love liberates. It doesn't just hold—that's ego. Love liberates. It doesn't bind. Love says, 'I love you. I love you if you're in China. I love you if you're across town. I love you if you're in Harlem. I love you. I would like to be near you. I'd like to have your arms around me. I'd like to hear your voice in my ear. But that's not possible now, so I love you. Go.'"
That one's perfect for a short wedding reading—and we all know short wedding readings are the best kind. (While we're at it, here are 10 more wedding readings that don't suck, from your favorite books, TV shows, and movies.)
And these are perfect for incorporating into your vows or a wedding speech—or to print on your program, a sweet sign on your bar or guestbook table, or even cocktail napkins.
2. "My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return."
3. "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."
4. "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love."
5. "I know for sure that love saves me and that it is here to save us all."
6. "It's one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, to forgive. Forgive everybody."
Which one of these Maya Angelou quotes is your favorite? Would you incorporate any in your wedding?
P.S. 16 more unforgettable things Maya Angelou wrote and said.