Non-Religious, Religious, Non-Denominational, Civil or Spiritual
The spirituality of your wedding ceremony is, of course, entirely up to each couple. You should choose a ceremony that best reflects your beliefs and principles. It probably stands without saying that I most certainly welcome couples of mixed culture, inter-faith couples, and same sex couples. After many years of traveling all over the world, and keeping an open mind and heart along the way, I truly enjoyed learning the different aspects of various religions, and developing a vast knowledge and respect for many cultural traditions. Therefore, I will honor your heritage and customs if you choose to incorporate them in some way.
The actual scripting and delivery of the ceremony is most important. I believe my role is not only to write emotional and meaningful words, but the Officiant should also captivate the guests with the love story that is being told - your love story. If the couple so chooses, I creatively weave into the ceremony a sentimental, humorous, and romantic piece about them - and I engage everyone with the charismatic way in which it is told. This personal touch makes each and every ceremony totally unique. I endeavor to draw on all the emotions, from tears to laughter.
My clients also appreciate my flexibility to include any segments that are very important to them. If they choose to invite a special guest to deliver a reading, anecdote or poem, it is my delight to welcome their friends or family to take part. It is also my pleasure to offer a dedication to any dearly valued family member or friend who was not able to attend the ceremony due to ill health, or, who may have passed away.
The actual scripting and delivery of the ceremony is most important. I believe my role is not only to write emotional and meaningful words, but the Officiant should also captivate the guests with the love story that is being told - your love story. If the couple so chooses, I creatively weave into the ceremony a sentimental, humorous, and romantic piece about them - and I engage everyone with the charismatic way in which it is told. This personal touch makes each and every ceremony totally unique. I endeavor to draw on all the emotions, from tears to laughter.
My clients also appreciate my flexibility to include any segments that are very important to them. If they choose to invite a special guest to deliver a reading, anecdote or poem, it is my delight to welcome their friends or family to take part. It is also my pleasure to offer a dedication to any dearly valued family member or friend who was not able to attend the ceremony due to ill health, or, who may have passed away.
Unity Ceremonies
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There are many traditional Unity Ceremonies than can be included within the Ceremony, some of the most popular are:
- Candle Lighting Ceremony - This involves 3 candles that are placed on the altar table. A family member from each side of the Bride and Groom is invited to light the two outer candles at the beginning of the ceremony. Once the ceremony is near the end, and the Bride and Groom have been joined in matrimony, the couple each light the center candle which represents the unity of families.
- Sand Ceremony - Similar in meaning to the Candle Lighting Ceremony. However, instead of 3 candles there are 3 glass cylinders. The outer two cylinders contain different colored sand. They are poured by the Bride and Groom into the one center cylinder, thus representing the blending of the families. This ceremony is a nice alternative to the candle lighting ceremony especially because it can take place outdoors and a candle lighting cannot because of the wind blowing out the candles. It's also a very pretty ceremony and the vase of blended sands make for a lovely wedding day keepsake.
- Wine Ceremony - Two glasses of wine are blended together, usually one red and one white wine, to make a rosé. The blending of the wine, represents the blending and unity of both families.
- Ceremony of Gratitude - A gift, a rose or a bouquet of flowers is presented to the mothers of the Bride and Groom to honor them. This is a surprise for the moms and it is a respectful and lovely start to the ceremony.
- Ribbon Tying/Hand Fasting - A Ribbon Tying of the hands and wrists is a gesture that shows the Bride and Groom will be forever entwined in love and are bound together by a sacred bond of trust. During this ceremony, it is often that a reading of the passage "These Hands" is recited.
- Honey Ritual - Prior to the ceremony, the mother of the Bride places honey inside a small heirloom pot or an ornate jar. After the vows are exchanged, both mothers will each give the Bride and Groom a small taste of the honey - this is a Persian tradition and is performed to give the couple their first taste of sweetness in their new life together.
- Rose Petal Ceremony - A family member from each side of the Bride and Groom's family will combine rose petals, usually red and white in color ( the red petals symbolize love, and white petals symbolizes the purity of their love) and they sprinkle the petals over the Bride and Groom before they walk down the aisle for the recessional
In Summary:
I offer my clients a personalized and hand-crafted ceremony that will incorporate all the elements they request. You will receive a selection of my vows to choose from, or I can help you to create your own vow. Alternatively, you can write your vows without my involvement. I will provide you both with personal guidance to ensure your ceremony will be delivered in a warm, relaxed and sincere manner. As your wedding is such an important day, your ceremony deserves to reflect your love for each other and your shared dreams and goals for the future.
I Will Provide:
I offer my clients a personalized and hand-crafted ceremony that will incorporate all the elements they request. You will receive a selection of my vows to choose from, or I can help you to create your own vow. Alternatively, you can write your vows without my involvement. I will provide you both with personal guidance to ensure your ceremony will be delivered in a warm, relaxed and sincere manner. As your wedding is such an important day, your ceremony deserves to reflect your love for each other and your shared dreams and goals for the future.
I Will Provide:
- A beautifully designed ceremony, with options to include your own material, family members and ceremonial traditions that may have specific significance.
- In depth personal consultations to discuss your relationship, and I will provide a running order format.
- Advice and guidance during the planning and lead up to your ceremony.
- Liaison with your Wedding Coordinator
- A vendors list if required of the recommended vendors whom I have worked with over the years.
- Information regarding the filing of your License and how to obtain copies of your License. I will submit the applications on your behalf after the wedding.
Including Children in the ceremony
There are many times where there are children present from a previous marriage, from either the bride or the groom, or from both. It is important to make children feel as welcome as possible and let them know that they are very important members of this new family being created.
Couples may choose to include their children within the wedding party, or perhaps include an additional vow which is especially written for the child. They may also want to present the child with a gift or a piece of jewelry at the same time as the couple's ring exchange. A sand ceremony is usually enjoyed by the children because it is so visually pretty. A Unity Cross is another example where children can take part in creating a special keepsake. I am very open and accepting of all ceremonies that wish to involve their children in some way. I will go over many ideas I have on how to approach this delicate time for step-children. |
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