Fall In Love With Indy!

http://weddingvideo.com/videos/business-brides-association-bridal-consultants-convention

I hope that you will be able to click on the above site to see the video of the Association of Bridal Consultants National Conference in Indianapolis.  I am so very proud that I have been a member of ABC for a number of years, and this year had the opportunity to be a speaker. My first session was this afternoon, and I feel good and hope that I was able to provide lots of information and content for the attendees!  Being a speaker takes a great deal of energy, and I must admist I am a bit tired now, but am still excited to be here and be part of such a wonderful group of people.  The organization has so much to offer consultants and those of us in the wedding industry.  I will be posting soon about some of the great speakers and their topics so that you too will be able to see just how fabulous ABC is.    Enjoy the video!!!  And to all the attendees who came to my presentation today, thank you, and Happy Blogging!!!

Small Wedding Elopement Packages

Sometimes you just don't want all the planning and craziness that goes along with having a wedding!   You just want something beautiful and something SIMPLE!  That is why, I am offering a Small Wedding and Elopment Package.  This is particularly attractive to a couple that really doesn't like the idea of just going to the courthouse, it has a lot of little details, and special touches that will make your wedding one to remember.  You only need to have a marriage license, and I will do the rest for you!  This package would be available for weddings that would be held Sunday through Thursdays.  You can invite up to 10 guests!  Here is what the package will include:

• consultation/planning session
• indoor or outdoor location for ceremony/reception
• 2 hours for your wedding and reception
• ceremony and reception music
• small wedding cake in your choice of colors
• photographer to capture highlights
• photos on a disk
• fresh flower bouquet for bride & boutonnierre for the groom
• champagne or sparkling cider toast
• keepsake booklet of the marriage ceremony
• filing of the marriage license

 If this sounds like just what you have in mind, give me a call at 727-532-6186 or 207 590-6339 and we can start the planning process!!!

Civil Unions, Commitment Ceremonies, Same Sex Marriages

What do the above titles have in common?? They are ALL demonstrations of commitment and love between two people witnessed by their friends and family. I am always happy when I officiate the life rituals uniting two people in love. Individuals who choose to make a lifetime commitment to one another are making the ultimate decision to share their love, hopes and dreams, and begin a shared venture, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. When a couple decides to make their commitment together, I suggest to them different types of rituals, blending ceremonies, readings, and vows. Here is a reading that was brought to me by one couple for their ceremony, I wanted to share it with you.

The Commitment to Love Poem

Love is the strongest and most fulfilling emotion possible

It lets you share your goals, your desires, your experiences

It lets you share your life with someone

It lets you be yourself

With someone who will always support you

It lets you feel tenderness and warmth-

A wholeness that avoids loneliness

Love lets you feel complete

But in order to have a successful love relationship

You must make a strong commitment to each other and love

And you must do and feel everything within your mind and body

To make this commitment work

You must be happy with yourself

And you must understand yourself

Before you can expect someone else

To be happy with you or to understand you

You must be honest about yourself and each other at all times

And not hold any feelings back

You must accept each other the way you are

And not try to change each other

You must be free to grow as individuals yet share your life as one

But not live your life through each other

You must follow your own principles and morals

And not follow what societal roles tell you to do

In order to have a successful love relationship

You must be together always in your heart

But not necessarily always in your activities

You must be proud of each other and love

And not be ashamed to show your sensitive feelings

You must treat every day spent with each other as special

And not take each other or your love for granted

You must spend time talking with each other everyday

And not be too busy with outside events that you are too tired for each other

You must understand each other’s moods and feelings

And not hurt each other intentionally

But if your frustrations are taken out on each other

You must both realize that it is not a personal attack

You must be passionate with each other often

And not get into boring patterns

You must continue to have fun and excitement with each other

And not be afraid to try new things

You must always work at love and your love relationship

And not forget how important this relationship is or what

You would feel like without it

Love is the strongest

And most fulfilling emotion possible

If you live

Your commitment to love

You will live your dreams

Between awakenings......

Incorporating children into the wedding

Another fantastic wedding weekend!!!! I was thrilled to officiate the wedding of John and Kathleen along with their three boys! Often we think of a wedding as the union of two people, but in reality it is much broader. It is the coming together of families. The wedding took place at the beautiful White Cliffs in Northboro, Massachusetts, and John and Kathleen had many unique elements. Kathleen was escorted in by her sons, who carried roses with the wedding rings attached. John and Kathleen wrote the vows that they shared with each other and kept them secret from each other until the ceremony. It was such a romantic touch.

After the couple shared their vows they spoke a vow with Devan, Troy and John and gave them each a family medallion. The boys knew that they had a very special role in this wonderful day!

The family medallions symbolize the love that binds them all together forever. The boys were told that they are a gift and blessing that God gave to them. Their parents promised that today, tomorrow and forever, they will love them, care for them, and that they are together as a family for life.

A customized ceremony truly made the day special for John, Kathleen and their families. Congratulations and best wishes for a long, healthy, and happy life together.

Your First Dance as Husband and Wife - Don't Panic!!!!

After officiating, one of my favorite parts of a wedding and reception is when the Bride and Groom make their grand entrance and begins their first dance.  Are you worried about your first dance as husband and wife??? No need to worry!!!  Even if you have never danced together before, you will be able to look like you have been dancing together for years!  So, don't start your marriage off on the wrong foot.  The Wedding Dance is the first activity that you will share as you begin your new life as a married couple.  Now, I know that most of you have busy jobs with long hours, and the thought of heading off to a dance class after a very long day or long work week sounds exhausting.  Here's the solution.

If you would like your first dance and the dances for the rest of your life to be impressive, romantic, and relaxed, then the opportunity is here for you.  You can learn from the privacy of your own home, where you will learn smooth, simple moves that will work with the music you love.

Professionally directed and shot in HD by Oscar nominee Erika Frederick, "Dancing Together" is a 90 minute guided dvd that features 2 sample dances in full wedding attire for the newlyweds to learn.    This is a great opportunity for couples on a limited time and budget to reap the benefits of learning from professionals.

This is a wonderful way to learn and have fun in the privacy of your own home while you perfect the dance that will be seen by all your guests at your reception.  Remember, the more you practice, the better you will be.

I hope you will look into this great opportunity!  Make sure you send me along photos from your wedding of your first dance so that I can feature them here!!!

Contact:  Beautiful Wedding Dance/Big City Swing
Phone: 312-243-0700
Email:  Info@BeautifulWeddingDance.com
Web: www.BeautifulWeddingDance.com

Don't forget to email me at lovingunity@gmail.com to send along a photo of your first dance!!!

Unusual Ring Bearer - A Robot???

An associate of mine, Rev. Claire Goodman recently officiated at a wedding where the bride was an employee of NASA.   Apparently, they thought it would be fun to have a ROBOT for a ring bearer!!!  Claire took some photos, which I have attached here.  I just love it when people are so creative!  This must have been a really fun wedding. Thank you Claire for sharing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

Now I personally have seen many dog ring bearers, but I think this takes the cake!!!!!

Have you had or been to a wedding with a unique ring bearer or flower girl????  Send me a snapshot so I can post it!

Samuel Wilde Memorial Chapel Wedding of Nicole and Rob

Nicole and Rob chose the historic Samuel Wilde Memorial Chapel in Portland as the location to tie the knot! The setting was beautiful! The weather had been foggy and raining but at the time of the ceremony the sun shone brightly on the happy couple! After the ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated at the Eastland Hotel in Portland. Music was provided by Michael Mahoney of M&M Entertainment and the dance floor was bustling all evening! The staff at the Eastland Hotel provided outstanding service! I was very impressed with the way that they welcomed the newlyweds with he opening of the champagne bottle corks all at the same time for the toast!. In Addition to a wonderful meal, the staff entertained with a flaming desert. Congratulations Nicole and Rob, may yuo have many years of happiness together!