What officiant services do you provide?
Civil Union, Interfaith Ceremony, Non-religious Ceremony, Same Sex, Single Religion Ceremony
What religious affiliations do you serve?
Buddhist, Christian (no denomination)
Can you accommodate the hearing impaired?
No
Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?
I officiate weddings in many different settings - in whatever setting the couple chooses. At homes, churches, gardens, museums (the butterfly room), gazebos, estates, lakes, beaches, the Old Well at UNC, on a mountain top, or in snowy woods. They are all lovely.
What is your attire for the ceremony?
I have different attire that is possible and leave the choice up to the couple. I have ministerial robes in black and white for those who want to honor the religious role of the minister, or I can wear a black dress, off white suit, and other garb for those who want a more civil ceremony. Also I love color, so try to match the colors of the wedding in my ministerial stole - if the couple would like this. I do fabric art in my life and love color so want to have choices available for other people who choose to include me in the aesthetics of their ceremony. I have pictures from which they can choose.
Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?
Totally. The couple chooses and approves every word that is said. I marry couples of many different beliefs, and I believe strongly that the ceremony is to celebrate their love in their language of meaning and tradition. I have a large e-book of resources that I've been building over the last fifteen years that includes choices for every aspect of a ceremony, including symbolic ceremonies and specific resources for Jewish interfaith ceremonies. I provide my book to the couple as part of my services and we customize the ceremony to their needs, and personalize it to speak of their love for each other and their journey to this day.
Do you allow the couple to write their own vows, if desired?
Yes - the couple can write their own vows. I have examples to show them if they'd like, and if not, that's fine. They can read their own vows or I can prompt them. Often each person in the couple writes a unique vow that I hold for them and that their beloved doesn't hear until the ceremony. Sometimes I have couples write love letters to the other, too, which are read in the ceremony. In a traditional ceremony, the only time the couple speaks to each other is during the exchange of vows and rings. I encourage couples to take this opportunity to express their love to each other in many different ways in the ceremony. The moment will go quickly. I encourage them to make it their own.
Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?
I have a list of over 100 readings drawn from ancient and modern, wisdom, poetry from all over the world and prose from wise writers. I have Pablo Neruda, Maya Angelou, Rumi, the Bible, Thich Nhat Hanh, Wendell Berry as well as many of the wonderful writings that we are familiar with in traditional ceremonies. I keep adding to my collection which includes romantic, thoughtful, loving and light spirited ways to celebrate the paths of love and marriage.
How long are your ceremonies?
My ceremonies are usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on the elements that the couple chooses for their ceremony. I caution couples from making a ceremony too short so that it is over before you know it. I create a script with a couple so that I know who to best honor their wishes and they know what to expect. We can tailor the ceremony timing and content to fit their vision.
Do you require that premarital counseling be done?
I don't require premarital counseling. I do offer it and recommend it at any point in the journey of marriage. We are always growing and learning and each marriage is a journey into unknown territory. I have several different programs which I offer couples. One is Prepare-Enrich which helps couples assess their areas of strength and build upon areas where growth is needed. I also draw from several other different programs - e.g., Les and Leslie Parrot's book and workbook, 'How To Save your Marriage Before It Starts.' I like couples to have resources that will continue to support them after they have finished our work together.
Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?
I do rehearsals with every couple who desires one. I also help them assess if they feel a rehearsal is necessary. I can do rehearsals the day or evening before, or prior to the ceremony on the day of the ceremony. In all cases, I ensure that I understand the bride's and groom's vision for their ceremony before it takes place so that everything will go smoothly. At the rehearsal we do all the logistics of the ceremony and make sure that everyone understanding what formalities of entering and leaving the bride and groom are choosing to honor. We also determine the music cues, the best place for the photographer to be located to get the best pictures, who will hold the flowers, if the bride needs help with the train of her gown, where ring bearers and flower girls will be seated, etc. Every detail is covered.
Do you supply a sound system?
Yes - I have a portable battery operated sound system with a lapel microphone. I can take it to any venue. It's unobtrusive and provides enough support for any need. I have even moved the lapel microphone to the readers if the couple want to ensure they are heard.
5.0/5.0
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