Who was St. Valentine? This wedding officiant /celebrant /minister

  just read, "Valentinus, aka St. Valentine, was licensed to marry people."(from My View by Barbara Leedom in today's Cape Cod Times.)  Sadly, the poor soul ended up in jail for presiding over weddings for Roman soldiers. The powers that be didn't like their soldiers to be married.  Valentine befriended his jailer and the jailer intoduced Valentinus to his blind daughter, Julia.

Val was nice enough to cure Julia of her blindness.  Then while on his way to the gallows, he penned her a letter, signing it, "Your Valentine."

Wow. If I've heard this legend before it didn't resonate. St. Valentine was one of us, a Wedding Officiant. You have gotta love that.  (Unfortunately for Val, the Romans in power didn't.)

With Valentine's day upon us romance is in air, red hearts everywhere and the subject of love- ubiquitous. From the mating habits of California Tree frogs (inside family joke) to hearing Daniel Jones, editor of the NY Times column, Modern Love talk about his new book, Love Illuminated..... my head is spinning with the subject of     (see below)

Happy Valentine's Day.

I need to rest my mind, awaken my heart, get off the computer and take a shower.

My husband has just come through the door bearing the most beautiful bouquet of flowers.

                   I wish you all mad love and sweet contentment. Who could ask for more.

               And for any of you who get engaged today hope I'll be hearing from you soon!

Hearth side at the Brewster Homestead Miranda and Michael Wed.

So before the next storm blows into Cape Cod

 I want to spread the happy news that Michael and Miranda wed

 hearth side at their Brewster homestead. This is what I know

in Costa Rica five years ago

the surf was up and hanging ten toes,

Michael spied Mirrrronda from his surf board perch

and hit the worldwide web for words to search

His English a bit stuttery but his words far from muttery,

"I like your smile and, Mirrronda, I love saying your name."

 and after that- things were never the same..

 better, much better, though sometimes a sludge

to get through red-tape to declare their love.

So keep researching ways to express and spread a smile

surf and fly over waves and miles,

 have a swell after swell married life

proudly declaring,

 "this is my husband, this is my wife."

 Thank you to the amazing Julia Cumes for these wonderful photos. How lucky is Miranda ( and Mark) for having you in their lives!

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

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

A Soulful Wedding Ceremony wishes you A Happy New Year

 

Here are some wedding couples who said, " I do" in 2013. And went on to seal their vows with a kiss!