The importance of the Scriptures cannot be understated. Likewise the core symbols of the rite and especially the role of prayer in the life of believers:
216. The couple can also meditate on the biblical readings and the meaningfulness of the rings they will exchange and the other signs that are part of the rite. Nor would it be good for them to arrive at the wedding without ever having prayed together, one for the other, to seek God’s help in remaining faithful and generous, to ask the Lord together what he wants of them, and to consecrate their love before an image of the Virgin Mary. Those who help prepare them for marriage should help them experience these moments of prayer that can prove so beneficial. “The marriage liturgy is a unique event, which is both a family and a community celebration. The first signs of Jesus were performed at the wedding feast of Cana. The good wine, resulting from the Lord’s miracle that brought joy to the beginning of a new family, is the new wine of Christ’s covenant with the men and women of every age… Frequently, the celebrant speaks to a congregation that includes people who seldom participate in the life of the Church, or who are members of other Christian denominations or religious communities. The occasion thus provides a valuable opportunity to proclaim the Gospel of Christ”.(Relatio Finalis 2015, 59)
There’s a lot here, both from Pope Francis and the synod bishops. Meditation. Consecration. The basics of Matthew 28:19-20. Even the notion of the multivalence of the wedding day (not just the liturgy), a confluence of sacred and secular, religious and civic, family and friends and faith community, churched and unchurched. With this awareness, as a pastoral minister, I could be waking up with eagerness every Friday or Saturday morning where a wedding was gong to follow somewhere in my time that day.
For your reference Amoris Laetitia is online here.
Catholic Sensibility 