The Processional: HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

                    

Update on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 4:42PM by Soulful Wedding Ceremonies

                                                                                           THE CEREMONY

Often I am asked by couples for an outline of the ceremony. So here is a simple guide.

Processioal

Welcome and Gathering Words

Readings

Consent

Exchange of Vows and Rings

Blessing

Pronoucement of Marriage

Kiss

Presentation

Recessional

Weddings on Martha's Vineyard

This Cape Cod and the Islands wedding officiant/celebrant and interfaith minister wants to let engaged couples know that I will be on Martha's Vineyard from August 14th to the 21st. On August 16th my darling daughter has booked us for a lobster bake and Jackopierce Concert at Sailing Camp Park.

The Sailing Camp Park in Oak Bluffs looks like a great venue for weddings.

 Gives rustic elegance a whole new meaning

 

Sailing Camp Park Nuptial.

Here are some photos from weddings in Edgartown weddings.

Katie & Brian's Martha’s Vineyard Wedding by Stacey Hedman.

  

John and Kate were so enthusiastic about saying I do - loved it. The reception was at the Harbor View . 

 So if you are looking for an officiant that middle week in August this year call me and we'll have a great time !

Kathleen

Wedding Readings: A Threshold of Life - This my husband. This is my wife

 I love this reading: It is a beautiful way to set up the vows and prepare the couple for crossing a sacred threshold into the state of matrimony.

 Union by Robert Fulghum      

You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.  The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another,

“You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.” 

 Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion.  Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.  For after today you shall say to the world –

This is my husband. This is my wife.

  Please turn and take each other’s hands and share the vows of marriage.

 The Vows:

______, the woman who stands by your side is about to become your wife. She will look to you for gentleness, for support, for understanding, for encouragement, and for protection. You must never take ____ for granted, but be continually sensitive to her needs. Your life and love will be her greatest source of joy.

 

 So therefore I ask you ______do you choose_______to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold, to share your life with her? Do you promise to love, honor and care for her with tenderness and affection, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for all the days of your life.   “I do."

  “I do, too"

New Year- Race Point- National Seashore Nuptials

My husband and I went out to Race Point at the National Seashore in Provincetown on New Year's Day. It was spectacular so much clarity. Here are some photos from that day and some wedding memories from national seashore nuptials. We are so lucky to have this wild expanse of natural and national seashore in our province. Thank you Kennedys.

Being Engaged! What's next? How to choose a Wedding Officiant

Congratulations from this Cape Cod Wedding officiant/celebrant/minister.

You've just said yes and now you are engaged to be married." The ring is on the finger and 2014 is going to be a great year! After all the excitement sinks in you may start asking, "What do we do next?" If you plan to get married on Cape Cod at a venue, start there. Choosing an officiant could come next. If you are associated with a faith community you may not have to look too far but if you are doing a destination wedding or are unaffiliated you may want to start checking your options.

I sat with a couple yesterday who seemed relieved at my approach.  It can feel odd looking for an officiant.Would the person be an officious officiant? Would he or she feel too religious? Are they too new-agey? One just doesn't know what to expect.

It is all about a feeling of connection and comfort.

Your officiant /celebrant/ minister should feel like someone who has your back. Some one who is sincerely interested in your story and what you want in your ceremony.

There should be no feeling of pressure or having to explain yourselves. 

My approach is to let you take the lead to be as much or as little involved in the creation of your ceremony. It's up to me to ask the right questions. If you want to write your own vows I'd be glad to help with samples or ideas or even writing prompts.I have a questionnaire I use to get to know you which is especially helpful if we can't meet. But it is optional so there isn't a feeling of stress or duty.

I have ceremony templates but no boilerplate ceremonies. I am happy to send a draft of the ceremony as the date approaches.

I always say, "I am only as good as my couples" when I am complimented after presiding over a ceremony. And it is true. I do try and choose words that express your unique love but it is all about you two, pledging to be true and the genuine feelings this moment generates.

It is such a stunning and beautiful moment. So congratulations and enjoy the process of being totally engaged!

Congratulations! Happy New Year and New Life!

Kathleen at Soulful Wedding Ceremonies