A Bounty of Blessings: When one blessing leads to another

 As the sun reflects on the snow I am reminded of the pure love I feel when one blessing leads to another. Last June I had the joy to preside over the nuptials of two wonderful women.Looking out this same window where I now sit, Lisa noted all the birds at the bath and feeder. Rita went on about how her Italian family had welcomed Lisa as their own. At their wedding on Cape Cod Bay they vowed their love and celebrated in a big way.The following October I traveled to Connecticut. I was so touched to be asked to bless their baby girl. Held by her Godfather, with Godmother close by, all the famiy joined in the blessing. Rita's mother, Maria, also joined us as we blessed the house, calling on the archangels in each corner of their home. A bounty of blessings indeed! This family has such a big, bright, beautiful heart! The light of their love still radiates on this midwinter day.

The True Love
by David Whyte

There's a faith in loving fiercely the one who is rightfully yours
especially if you have waited years and especially if part of you never believed you could deserve this loved and beckoning hand held out to you this way.

                                                       WE ARE FAMILY! 

 

Rhonwen Churchill Photography 

An Interfaith Wedding Minister Muses about Fusion Ceremonies

How to avoid confusion, when there is to be a fusion, of two religious or cultural backgrounds? How do you avoid clashes and find an authentic tone and text to your ceremony? How to keep it real while remaining sensitive to family members who hope your ceremony will be more this, less that- whatever this or that may be.

Some couples have two ceremonies. Two ceremonies can be a beautiful, as well as, practical option. If this isn't an option then here are a few suggestions.

   Start the conversation early just between the two of you. Put all options on the table then begin discussing what is negotiable and what isn't. Have you always imagined you would wed outside, on a beach or has a church wedding been your dream?      

 Start there then tackle the trickier parts. There is a reason we don't discuss religion, money or politics in polite company...it can be divisive. Clarifying what you believe, what your spiritual framework is or isn't and how this will come forth in your ceremony is an important discussion.

After the two of you are fairly clear then and only then begin to consider what will make your family comfortable with your ceremony. Then have some fun exploring and asking questions about family traditions. Your relatives will come alive telling you about their weddings. 

An authentic fusion ceremony can be a marvelous meritage - a blending of two fine heritages into one fabulous marriage! 

 From the bottom up Kate and Alex wed at Chatham Bars Inn in a very literary ceremony with many readings,  Leah and Anthony say," I do" on Ridgevale Beach Chatham: a Christian wedding with Jamican/ Cape Cod Flair, Siobhan and Kirrill wed at Captian Linnell House with elements from her Irish and his Ukranian background, Lindsey, hennas her hands in a nod to her husband's Indian heritage, Kelley Chapel though originally Quaker can be used for wedding couples from all or no religious background,  in a small village outside of Madrid in Spain, Leah and Emilio say I do in the first of two ceremonies, stay tuned for the next one. This double I do wedding tradition is carried on in our own family! 

Cape Cod Wedding Celebrants, Officiants, Ministers

Thank you Rebecca Arthurs and Julia Cumes for the photographs.  How do you chose what type of officiant you want to preside over your wedding? I often have couples from different faith traditions seek me out for spiritual yet not necessarily religious ceremonies. They say they want to bring some cultural aspects into the proceedings.

As an interfaith minister with a truly unorthodox view of religions, who was raised Irish Catholic, I love to share and to learn about all kinds of traditions, religious as well as cultural. I so enjoy hearing about and working into the ceremony some little ritual that is meaningful to your particuliar family.

Our family always sings and has a few recitations every time we gather for birthdays, graduations, weddings and yes, even at funerals- "we play the best of all." ( From McNamara's Band one of the many Irish American songs we performed as children.)

I am blessed to belong to a family that loves to celebrate and I carry that tradition into my ceremonies.

So I feel more like a celebrant with an interfaith seminary education than I do an officiant, although I do believe it is important to stand on ceremony and give this nuptial rite of passage its proper gravitas.

That doesn't mean we can't have fun!

 

 Hello Love Photography

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!