The ceremony shouldn't be the thing that you and your guests have to suffer through to get to the good part. I promise you a meaningful, enjoyable, ceremony that everyone will remember for years to come.
'The ceremony shouldn't be the thing that you and your guests have to suffer through to get to the good part. I promise you a meaningful, enjoyable, ceremony that everyone will remember for years to come.'
What type of services do you offer?
I have performed all kinds of ceremonies, secular, religious, multi cultural, traditional, untraditional, sections that include children, even bi-lingual. I call what I do a “Couple Centered Ceremony” and my goals are always the same. I want to be the mirror that is held up high enough for everyone to see the couples own reflection in it. What ever aspects of traditional structure are important to the couple, we keep. The personal details are, in my opinion, that parts that really make a ceremony shine. When I ask 'Tell me about your guests. Who are these people to you and what does it mean to have them with you on your wedding day?' From that answer comes the welcome of the guests. 'What do you love and admire most in one another?' I love looking right into the eyes of the couple's mothers as I recount what has been said of their child. Although they know it already, to hear that someone sees and loves all the wonderful qualities that they have known all along in their child, moves them to tears. 'Why are you getting married? What is marriage from your perspective?' closes this nicely and it's interesting the answers that I get. My favorite is the oldest and truest of all. 'Because we love one another and want to spend our lives together.' My ceremonies are enjoyable in that everyone is emotionally and intellectually connected to everything that is being said, and then we are on to the next good thing!
Other services include, Baby Blessings, Memorial Services, Writing Services, and Elopement Specials.
What types of religious ceremonies can you perform?
This is an interesting question. I am well versed in world religion, - Christian - Jewish - Islam - Buddhist - Hindu - Earth Based Spiritualities - and always add the aspects of religion that my couples request. However, as an Interfaith Minister and a Professional Wedding Officiant, I don’t like perform any one religion’s ceremony in it’s entirety. It seems disrespectful to me in some way. Couples looking for a traditional religious wedding go to the church or temple. My couples want the aspects of their religion they love, yet in a more personal ceremony.
Do you conduct interfaith ceremonies?
I do! I conduct them most often as a single officiant, but I have worked with a Hindu Priest, Catholic Priest, and I have a favorite Rabbi to work with. Another important point, especially in our area of the country, is knowing how to be culturally as well as religiously considerate.
A quote that I have always admired, although it is a bit wordy, with respect to Interfaith is “The cause of human sectarianism is not a lack of sympathy in thought, but rather in speech. And this it is our not unambitious goal to remedy.”
A nice way to start an Interfaith Ceremony is to acknowledge this commonality with something like:
“Every marriage ceremony is unique, and today, not only are two special people being joined together, but two faiths, as well. Out of two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their differences, and confirming that love, which is spoken of in all religions, is our true home, our true meeting place. So this is not only a joyous occasion, but a spiritual one, as well. May we all see the love we share and offer this couple in their marriage as truly a gift from God.”
How far in advance should a couple book with you?
Most couples meet with me a year to a 18 months in advance, but others are within weeks. Both ways work, it depends on your comfort levels, and if your date is in the popular months. However if you have your heart set on my being available, meeting early is always best.
Do you have any special requirements for marrying a couple?
Nope! I eat sleep and breathe wedding, so I am overjoyed to be at every ceremony I perform. I also consider it quite an honor to be chosen and trusted with these once in a lifetime words and moment.