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 Lighthouse Wedding

Wing's Neck Lighthouse                                                                                                         

We wanted a non-traditional wedding. We found an amazing lighthouse to stay the week in and the lighthouse itself was non working but you could still go to the top and overlook the water. It was beautiful. One problem..... you had to climb a "rickdy" ladder through a small trap door to get to the top. We were wondering if it was too much to ask for Kathleen and a few friends to make the journey LOL. Well she didnt even think twice! It was so amazing and different that it is something we will never forget and what a story we get to tell people when we tell about her and our wedding. If you want an amazing person to officiate your wedding so you will remember it always..... Give Ms. Katleen a call! You will be so happy you did! 

  Thanks again from Nashville TN!

The time has come to cross- Naturally Elegant Wedding Ceremonies

Key Thresholds “It is wise in your own life to be able to recognize and acknowledge key thresholds: to take your time; to feel all the varieties of presence that accrue there; to listen inward with complete attention until you hear the inner voice calling you forward. The time has come to cross.”    John O’Donohue from 'To Bless the Space between Us'

Update on Friday, November 15, 2013 at 10:42AM by Soulful Wedding Ceremonies

Love Prevails- Wedding Ceremonies on Cape Cod

This Cape Cod Wedding Ceremony celebrant/officiant /interfaith minister is getting excited about Spring and Summer weather and the blossoming of brides and grooms ready to wed on this sandy peninsula we call home. Welcome to the Cape Cod Wedding Season! 

And love does prevail ....I had a wedding at Wychmere Harbor last Saturday April 20th. On Friday at the rehearsal we were all still on high alert after the week of the Boston Marathon mayhem. Most everyone including the Bride and Groom were Bostonians. At the wedding on Saturday spirits were high, there was a sense of some relief and a round of applause broke out after the reading "and the greatest of these is LOVE!"  Love prevails! Whenever I get a little sad or worried about the future I look at these photos, I think about my son, my nieces and nephews (all terrific 20 somethings) and my hope and joy and gratitude is restored. LOVE PREVAILS !

  

Update on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 9:45AM by Soulful Wedding Ceremonies

One Spirit Community of Sacred Practice A Daily Practice of Sacred Reading & Meditation May 9

Confidence in our innate potential to be loving human beings empowers the cultivation of [loving kindness]. Our potential to love is very real and is somehow not destroyed, no matter what we experience: all of the mistakes we might make, all of the times that we are caught in reaction, all of the times we have caused pain, all of the times we have suffered. Throughout everything, our potential to love remains intact and pure. -Sharon Salzberg, Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness

The Vows

The wedding ceremony is built around the cornerstone of the vows. A promise to be faithful to the one you choose above all the rest. The one to whom you give your word. 

 The Meaning of Marriage: Wendell Berry

The meaning of marriage begins with the giving of words. We cannot join ourselves to one another without giving our word. And this must be an unconditional giving, for joining ourselves to one another, we join ourselves to the unknown…you do not know the road; you have committed your life to a way.