Things to consider

Is it possible to have a wedding ceremony that isn’t boring or impersonal?  Absolutely!  Can you imagine a ceremony that is joyful and actually celebrates the two of you?  A ceremony that tells your story?  That is what I set out to do.  To share your story in ceremony. 

You can think of me as your ceremony craftsperson.  Your storyteller. I give voice to your story by listening to who you are and learning what brought you together and the hopes and dreams you share for the future. This is a collaborative experience. Through our conversations, I will weave your stories together and create a meaningful ceremony.

Music.  Are there special pieces of music you’d like played at your wedding?  Soloist, band, guitarist, orchestra or DJ?

Readings.  Perhaps a poem, or blessing, prayer, or reading? 

Rituals.  Rituals, simple or complex, are lovely symbols that speak to the unity of two individuals in marriage and provide a moment of visual and active metaphor that live in our memories.

Family Members.  If you have children, we can thoughtfully integrate them into your ceremony or honor family members who are no longer with us but who were important in your life.

Faith and Culture.  Perhaps you and your partner are from different faith or cultural backgrounds, together we can create purposeful rituals that honor both of your traditions.

Vows.  If you are considering writing your own vows, I will offer you guidance to help get you started or supply examples of vows you might wish to change in whatever way serves you best.  Or you may choose traditional vows of which I have plenty of examples to share.

Location. This should be your first decision. Having a wedding outside can be amazing or a disaster. Remember to chose a place that offers you both in case Mother Nature changes her mind.

Determining priorities

Before you begin making big decisions sit down together and decide what your priorities are. Talk about what you want and what you do not want for your wedding.  What is the highest priority for your wedding?What is important for you to have/experience in your ceremony?  Do you want a personalized ceremony written about the two of you? What style of wedding interests you? Formal, informal, traditional, non-traditional?  Religious? Spiritual? Secular? Or perhaps a combination?  What is the feeling you would most like your wedding ceremony convey to your family and friends?  Who would you like to be part of your wedding?  Remember that there are other ways of including special people in your ceremony besides having them in the wedding party.  You could ask them to offer a poem or reading, a blessing or prayer, or to participate in a ritual. There are also opportunities at the reception or event following your wedding in which to involve special people in your life.  What do you absolutely NOT want for your ceremony?