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Relationship Counseling including "The State of Grace Document."
A Wedding and any ceremony you plan is such a special time and so in each ceremony and celebration Your wishes and personal traditions are included and honored. We strive to create a ceremony and celebration that is meaningful and personal and inclusive of the elements that will make your day memorable to you, your family and friends.
Mary Jean says,
"I perform each ceremony as if it were the first, last and only ceremony I will ever perform.
Every couple that stands before me deserves to have an extraordinary and memorable experience.
After all, this is the moment when they are making promises of love and deepening the spiritual bond they have created. It is an honor to be chosen to share such an intimate moment and so it is important for me to contribute a feeling of warmth, intimacy and magic! I never rush through a ceremony, rather I speak to the couple and help them feel relaxed and present."
With over 12 years experience we bring knowledge, inspiration and a variety of ideas to the creation of your ceremony so it truly is an expression of your unique relationship and the words spoken will reflect your style and what is in your inmost hearts.
"I approach each and every ceremony with humility and encourage you to express your individuality."
"My goal is to help you have a ceremony that is more than you ever dreamed it could be and to that end I pay attention to detail, and listen carefully to what you want. Then together we collaborate to create your ideal ceremony." "As we work together, you have complete control of the ceremony content and once you have approved it, that is exactly what we deliver.
It is a matter of utmost respect and our heartfelt commitment to you that your ceremony is what you want."
We begin by offering a complimentary, in person consultation to see if we are a match.
At that time I have 3 goals......
First we take some time to get to know each other and see if we connect:
Your ceremony is a most significant moment, it is important to have an officiant with whom you feel there is a connection, someone who makes you feel comfortable and safe and someone that cares about you.
Second we discuss your ceremony ideas:
You may have many ideas, or none at all...you may have traditions or something you have seen someone else do......whatever it is we will take time to explore your personal feelings about the ceremony and determine a direction and tone for your ceremony.
Third I bring numerous ceremony samples for review:
Together we will review ceremonies to find examples of material that would be appropriate for you which is a great starting point in creating your ceremony and helping you to see what is possible. Often we discover together new ideas or directions you may not have previously considered.
At the end of this first meeting you will have a very clear idea of what is possible and what kind of ceremony you will have when you choose A Ceremony of the Heart for your Wedding!
I have often been told "Mary Jean’s exquisite voice adds a feeling of warmth, and intimacy."
I have years of public speaking experience and so it is my commitment to perform your ceremony with love and care and do it so it is warm and conversational and never preachy. I believe words can be like music and that they should come alive so that everyone listening is engaged and moved by this very special moment.
In addition to weddings we offer
Vow Renewal, Family Blending Ceremonies
Baby Blessings, Baby Naming,
Partnership Blessings, Commitment Ceremonies,
House Blessings, Young Adult Rites of Passage,
Memorial Ceremonies,
Pet Ceremonies including Welcoming and Memorial services.
Premarital and Relationship Counseling
We take pride in providing a beautiful keepsake copy of your ceremony!
We serve the greater Los Angeles area including the San Fernando Valley,
Orange County, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and will travel to whatever destination you choose!
Wedding Planning Services
We offer Full, Partial and Day of Services as well as Vendor and Concept Consultation.
Mary Jean Valente is a full-service wedding planner serving the Southern California area, including Los Angeles, Orange County, and the San Fernando Valley as well as Destination Weddings. Mary Jean provides full wedding coordination, month of consulting and day~of coordinating.
“After working in the event industry planning large corporate and celebrity events I began to specialize in weddings. I love working with people and I especially love helping a couple plan a day that is based on their love for each other! It is very fulfilling to help create a day that is more than just another party, rather a day to be cherished forever and one that is an expression of your unique taste and personal style.”
From the Ceremony, to the Décor, Photography and Videography, to the Cuisine, Music, Floral Design and other special elements your wedding will be as unique and different as you choose. “My approach is to bring insight, imagination and expertise so your wedding is everything you hope it will be!”
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to participate in this once in a lifetime moment and so I treat you and your wedding day with the respect and care this significant and meaningful day deserves.”
“It is my commitment to bring joy and happiness as well as a sense of peace and grace to you, your guests and the celebration of your love!”
WEEK DAY WEDDINGS Posted By: A CEREMONY of the HEART When you hold your wedding Monday thru Thursday we offer a special rate. Call Mary Jean Valente at 323 650-3020 or 3... (more) Applies to Officiant, Wedding Planner, Unique Services
"I DO I DO" Posted By: A CEREMONY of the HEART Just want to get your License Signed? California is a Ceremonial State so you must have a ceremony...however if what... (more) Applies to Officiant, Wedding Planner, Unique Services
CEREMONY WRITING Posted By: A CEREMONY of the HEART You want your friend or family member to perform your ceremony but they are at a loss for words and not sure how to d... (more) Applies to Officiant, Wedding Planner, Unique Services
A SALUTE TO THE MILITARY Posted By: A CEREMONY of the HEART In Honor and Appreciation of all Men and Women in Service we Thank You by offering our services at a special Rate. C... (more) Applies to Officiant, Wedding Planner, Unique Services
LAST MINUTE WEDDINGS Posted By: A CEREMONY of the HEART For Weddings scheduled last minute we offer a sweet ceremony and a sweet price. Call Mary Jean Valente at 323 650-37... (more) Applies to Officiant, Wedding Planner, Unique Services
Mary Jean is hands-down the best wedding officiant in the country! You will be thrilled with the personal ceremony she creates for you. Your guests will walk away saying yours was the best wedding they have ever attended. Make Mary Jean your number one call! - Stephanie Lairson, Wedding Consultant
The great thing about Mary Jean is that she is so warm and loving the ceremony seems like it is being done by an old friend. There is a connection to the couple and a level of caring that cannot be contracted for. That generous spirit sings in my photos and for that I am eternally grateful. I love working with Mary Jean!
I have worked with A CEREMONY of the HEART on several weddings and they gave me free range in order to get the must have shots that a bride and groom expect at their wedding which are the kiss, the ring exchange and their reactions. They are extremely easy to work with and I would highly recommend them to assist you in writing your vows and officiating your wedding.
You can trust Mary Jean to supply a ceremony with grace, love and the right dose of spirituality. A true lady and someone you will feel comfortable with is Mary Jean Valente.
Mary Jean is the perfect officiant for your wedding. I have known Mary Jean for over 13 years and she has always been a woman of integrity, light, love and inspiration. Her pure spirit really shines through from her melodious voice. It has a soothing, purposeful, healing intent and tonality. When my time comes to wed, I will fly this gorgeous soul to officiant my wedding wherever it might take place on this globe!
Hire this woman to truly connect your and your mate's souls.
We are so lucky to have been able to work with Mary Jean for the past 10 years and expect that she will be a part of many of our events in the future! Mary Jean has a thorough knowledge of all aspects involved in planning a wedding ceremony & reception, but her true gift is creating cusomized and memorable ceremonies for our clients. Wheter you want a traditional or a completely customized ceremony, Mary Jean will make it amazing! Erin @ Calamigos Ranch in Malibu.
Frequently Asked Questions for Officiant
What officiant services do you provide?
Civil Union, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony, Same Sex, Single Religion Ceremony
What religious affiliations do you serve?
Agnostic, Baha'i Faith, Buddhist, Christian (no denomination), Christian - Baptist, Christian - Catholic, Christian - Episcopalian, Christian - Lutheran, Christian - Methodist, Christian - Mormon, Christian - Orthodox, Christian - Presbyterian, Christian - Quaker, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, Taoist
Can you accommodate the hearing impaired?
No
Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?
We travel to the location of your choice and have performed ceremonies at Luxury Hotels, Private residences, Beaches, Yachts, Backyards, Mountaintops, as well as Chapels and other sites.
Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?
Each ceremony is custom designed to include your personal choices. You may choose everything in the ceremony. For some clients who want a totally traditional wedding we can also accomodate your wishes. For example, I have performed a traditional Church of England wedding for a couple who came to Los Angeles from London and have also performed Native American Ceremonies, Handfasting Ceremonies and, ceremonies with a Celtic influence.
Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Absolutely and I am happy to help you in any way I am able including editing, or offering ideas.
Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?
My clients have total fredom of choice and I never dictate or insist on ceremony content. I encourage couples to bring their selections and favorite poems, prayers and readings into the ceremony. Additionally for suggestions and as a resource, I have a document of readings that include a wide variety of selections ... everything from Shakespeare, to Pablo Neruda, to e.e. cummings to the Velvetine Rabbit and everything in between. One of the things I love most about what I do is the ability to constantly add new ideas and material to my repetoire and so I am always searching out new material to offer my clients. So, I love when clients have a new reading or poem that I have not seen and I then add it to my offerings.
Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
Pre-marital couseling is not a requirement however I do offer couples counseling utilizing "The State of Grace Document' and other methods. I have had great success with this and often help couples write their vows after these sessions.
Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
Yes, I aim to be very flexible and not only attend, but can also conduct rehearsals since I have extensive wedding planning experience As part of my service to my clients, I help create the processional order.
Frequently Asked Questions for Wedding Planning
What types of weddings do you accommodate?
Civil, Destination, Double Weddings, Eco-Friendly / Green, LGBT, Military
What wedding planning services do you offer?
Day-of Coordinator, Full Planning, Partial Planning
How many planners do you work with?
This is determined by the size of the wedding and needs of the couple.
What style of wedding do you specialize in planning?
I am selective and only serve about 5 clients per year for full coordination. I customize every wedding to suit the personal style and taste of the couple. We work with simple weddings and also plan complex theme weddings.
Do you support or cater to any specific religions?
I am open and embrace all.
Which venues have you worked at or are familiar with?
Ojai Valley Inn and Spa,
Calamigos Ranch,
Greystone Estate,
Sunset Restaurant,
Gladstones,
Casa Del Mar,
Shutters,
Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey,
The Richard Marx Estate,
Yamashiro Restaurant,
Bistro 45,
Ca De Sole,
Private Residences,
Le Bel Age Hotel,
Il Cielo Restaurant,
The Assistance Leage of Hollywood,
The Parker Hotel of Palm Springs,
The Dolce Hayes Mansion, San Jose
Los Altos History Museum,
Numerous Beach locations
and others
Tips and Advice
Over the years I have experienced so many different situations...frequently Brides and Grooms tell me that they feel overwhelmed by the planning process. I suggest to focus on what is truly important! and that is That you are getting married and as much as you want all the details to be perfect, that your friends and family are happy for you and want you to be happy! So, Relax, enjoy the planning and do your best......When it comes to the day before your wedding, let go and have a good time!
Rather than resist or Try to Convince: When someone tries to hurry you or tell you what to do, learn to say this: "Thank you so much for your concern! I will consider that." and then proceed to do exactly what you want to do. Don’t engage in argument as it will only fuel the fire. Let it pass without picking it up!! You will save a lot of energy and aggravation.
So often couples don’t even eat at their own wedding and I suggest you do! Be the King and Queen of the day and let your Friends and Family take care of you....they are usually thrilled to do so!!!
Take advantage of any help that comes your way. You will be surprised how many people want to be part of your day. It may seem like a small thing to you, but if someone can do one little thing, it may mean the world to them and save you time and effort!
Make sure you eat before your ceremony....you will feel better and especially if it is hot, you won’t tip over during the ceremony!
Both Brides and Grooms should have a handkerchief......at this sweet and emotional time, you never know where the tears will fall.
As you walk down the aisle, take your time, look around and enjoy the moment!
Keep it simple....For your reception, choose a few wonderful elements and do them Superbly
Remember to BREATHE!!!
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