A Loving Unity Wedding Officiant! 207 590-6339 www.LovingUnity.com

Moira and Bill had a magnificent wedding at the Martha Mary Chapel, and the Longfellow's Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. Moira wanted a service that would honor her Greek heritage and the ritual included the Service of the Crowning. This service is highlighted by seven significant acts.

• The Exchange of Rings - symbolizing the unbreakable bond of Christian marriage.
• The Lighted Candles - where the Bride and Groom are given lighted candles to hold to symbolize the purity of their lives which should shine with the light of virtue.
• Joining of the Hands - Three long prayers read to ask God to grant the Bride and Groom a long and peaceful mutual love and understanding, happiness, and health. The right hands are joined and God is called upon to join them into one.
• The Crowning - The crowns are raised and the sign of the cross made three times, over the heads of the bride and groom. after which they are placed on their heads. The crowning signifies the newly crowned married couple receive the grace of the Holy Spirit to be the founders of a new generation as they are crowned with virtue and holiness.
• The Bible Readings - following the crowning, St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians concerning the mystery and holiness of marriage and the duties of the husband and wife to each other; and St. John's gospel of Christ's miracle at the Marriage of Canna that shows how our Lord blessed the sacred institution of marriage.
• The Common Cup - Drinking from the "common cup" symbolizes that a couple must share every joy and sorrow. The bride and groom must each drink from it three times.
• Circling the Table - The bride and groom are led by the Minister around the table or altar 3 times. By circling, the couple signifies their oath to preserve this marriage bond forever. The circle symbolizes eternity, the triple circling honors the Holy Spirit. It also symbolizes that they will be following the word of God as they start their lives together.
• Benediction - Finally, after final words of blessing, the crowns are lifted from their heads and the newlyweds thus ending the marriage ceremony.

Labels: creative wedding ideas, Crowning Ceremony, ethnic weddings, wedding ceremony ideas, Wedding Minister

In the past few years, as an officiant,  I have noticed the trend of Groom's Cakes and wondered what the history was, how the tradition began, why couples keep it going, when to have it served, and what it is supposed to be made of?  I will attempt to answer these questions in this post.  It is my understanding that it is a deeply routed Southern custom.  Single women are to be the recipients of slices of this cake to put under their pillows to allow them to dream of their future husbands. (Of course this is folklore).  The groom's cake is now making a comeback all over the nation and they are becoming very unique.  Designers are whipping up elaborate confections that reflect the groom's interests in a dramatic and very memorable way. 

No, this isn't your mother's groom's cake!  I have posted a few pictures that show you how a great deal of thought will go into the creation and design of the groom's cake.    The ceremony plans and the majority of wedding details tend to focus on the brides style and wishes, so this is an opportunity for the groom's personality and style to be in the spotlight.  The ideas are endless!!!  There are John Deere tractors, tuxedo's, keychains with BMW insignias, sport themes, cakes in the shape of baseball caps and so on.

There really are no rules when it comes to when you should serve the grooms cake.  Some couples like to serve it at the rehearsal dinner.  Others, serve it at the reception.  Either way, the guests will enjoy the change to see the groom's interests and hobbies reflected ii this one in a lifetime form. 

Traditionally the cake has been rich chocolate.  The cake should really be in the flavor that the groom loves.  The cost of the cake will vary depending on the complexity of the design.  So...now get busy!!  Get creative!!  How about a beer keg, or a brief case, or a computer, or even an ipod or laptop?  Any talented baker can replicate just about anything in cake that your imagination can dream up.  So, honor your groom with a cake to remember, while adding some fun to your reception.  Just maybe those single gals will benefit and enjoysome "sweet dreams". 

Labels: grooms cakes, Tama Bay Area Weddings, wedding cakes florida wedding cakes

Tis the season to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the season!  Here's one famous couple I know you will ALL recognize!!  Looks like he may have eaten a bit too much wedding cake!!!  All my best to you for a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!

Wedding details:
Location: The North Pole
Colors: Red and White
Flowers:  Pointsettias
Music:  Jingle Bells
Attendants:  Reindeers
Event Planner:  Jack Frost and the Team of Elves!!

The magnificent Don CeSar was the setting for the wedding of Courtney and Eric!  The rehearsal evening was cloudy and cool but for the wedding the sky was a beautiful blue and the sun was shining down on them as they exchanged their vows and rings. Courtney and Erice chose a moving religious ceremony with the reading of Genisis at the opening of the ceremony before Courtney made her entrance with her dad.  Music for the ceremony and reception were provided by Grant Hemond ans Associates, and the photography was by Cameron Photography.  I will post their pictures from Cameron at a future date. The flowers were designed by SeaSide Florists at the Don CeSear.  Ms. Niki Soda and the staff of the Don CeSar once again demonstrated the high quality service and attention to detail that is standard practice at that venue. Congratulations Courtney and Eric!!!!!!

Labels: blending rituals, customized wedding, DonCesar Resort, Religious Weddings, Sunset Wedding Tampa Bay

Kerry and Tim had a unique and beautiful wedding ceremony at the Safety Harbor Resort in Safety Harbor. There was a little chill in the air but the sun was shining down on their happiness!  Kerry and Tim circulated their wedding rings amount the witnesses so that they could place a blessing on them for the couple, and each guest wrote a sentiment for them on a blessing stone, that they will keep in their homes as a reminder of their beautiful day.  At the conclusion of their wedding they released beautiful doves provided by Mark Turner of Marks Magical Moments.  It was magical!   Congratulations!!!!!!

Labels: dove release, Safety Harbor Resort Florida, unique wedding ceremonies, venue

Tampa Bay Watch was the scene of the beautiful wedding of Alison and Jason!  The grounds and ocean view were outstanding and the perfect backdrop for a lovely oceanside wedding.  The sun shone brightly as Alison and Jason exchanged their vows.  Their readers shared a unique and humorous poem called :A Lovely Love Story" by Edward Monkton. It is a childrens book that has quite a bit in common with how one goes about seeking their mate. I have shared that reading in a prior post.  They added many unique details to make their guests feel special, notice the seating cards placed in bottles in the sand, next to sand dollars and shells.


Location: Tampa Bay Watch  - Contact Laura McMurdock 727-867-8166
Catering: Olmpia  - 813-251-8225
Wedding Cake - Sweet Memories 727-784-9487
Florist - Rainbow K  Contact Phoebe 727-784-3961
Music- Grant Hemond DJ 727-736-2316
Valet Parking - Kris Jakobs 727-692-6756
Photography - Erik Wentworth 863-647-4600

Labels: tampa bay weddings, unique wedding ceremonies, venue

There are so many reasons why you may want to celebrate the birth of a baby, the adoption of a child, or just the naming of a child. Many people want to celebrate the arrival of their adopted child with their circle of family and friends and their community. It is with honor and respect that I conduct the Name Blessing/Child Blessing Ritual. This ritual can be religious or non, can be in a church, a back yard, at the beach, in a home. It can be a small intimate ritual or a splendid large family event. This ritual represents a celebration of life! I love to meet the families and learn about this child, how they selected the name of the child, some special features of the child's personality and why this event is so special. The rituals that I perform are non-denominational and do not represent any one particular denomination. It will focus on what you cherish and value about your child. I love to incorporate water into the ceremony and candles, and give other siblings a chance to play a significant role in the ceremony. There are so many creative ideas, such as incorporating the family medallion in the ceremony. This is a piece of jewelry that has been used for joining of couples with children during a marriage, but it is also a piece of jewlery that could be used as a gift for the godparents or sponsors, or a gift for the child. It has three interlocking circles that represent the symbol of unity, a tangible sign of honoring the significant relationships binding together family and friends. Unique and beautiful. There are so many ways to welcome a child in a religious or non-religious way, one family welcomed the child, and each person spoke of what blessings they were going to bestow upon the child and then the family planted a tree to represent new life and growth. I look forward to all of the couples that I have married contacting me int he future for their baby namings and creating beautiful rituals for the beginning of their expanding families.

Labels: baby namings, Baptism, creative baby rituals

Increasingly, brides and grooms are spending their wedding dollars on environmentally friendly products and services. From the dress to the dinner, there are more green options available today than ever before. This book will teach the happy couple just how easy and affordable it is to: choose a stunning environmentally friendly location; create beautiful invitations printed on recycled paper; find the perfect eco-fashion; enjoy a gourmet organic caterer; find the right romantic honeymoon retreat, and more! This fun, informative guide provides all the steps to a beautiful wedding - without leaving a footprint!

The release date for the Everything Green Wedding Book by Wenona Napolitano is December 17th. This is a must for any couple interested in being good stewards of the earth, and in saving money.

Labels: Books To Read, Custom Weddings in Florida, environmentally friendly weddings, flowers, green weddings environmentally friendly weddings, readings

A hidden oasis awaits you! This property showcases 20 different types of species of non-invasive clumping bamboo plants. Last night, I was a guest at a networking meeting that was held at Island Lawn Bamboo Landscapes located at 6540 85th Ave in Pinellas Park, Florida. This was the second time that I have been to this location and I continue to marvel at what a fantastic location this is for a small, intimate wedding ceremony, or other function. Once you step onto the sidewalk that leads to the rear of the building, you will be amazed at the transformation! You will believe you are in a beautiful tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me last night, but I will add some photos. The location can accommodate approximately 100 guests, they have a gorgeous custom designed bamboo arbor, tiki umbrellas, and soothing fountains throughout the gardens.There are two outside restroom facilities, and a music sound system. Inside there is a refrigerator, and microwave, and areas for your caterers to work out of. For an intimate evening event, Kelly and Karlyn, the owners have tiki torch style lighting, and lighting to bring out the beauty of the different types of bamboo they grow. For the event that I attended last night, they had round tables with bamboo style seats, and candles on the tables. It was gorgeous. It is a peaceful and beautiful place. Have a look at their website www.islandlawnservices.com or give Kelly and Karlyn a call for a free complimentary consultation and to check availability. They can be reached at 727-548-0595. This location would provide a truly unique, exquisite, and tranquil location for your ceremony.

Labels: association of bridal consultants, ceremony locations, Destination weddings, florida creative weddings, tampabay wedding locations, unique wedding ceremonies

This is a cute reading that is being done by two adults with a good sense of humor.

A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton

MATT: The fierce Dinosaur was TRAPPED inside his CAGE of ICE. Although it was COLD he was HAPPY in there, it was, after all, HIS cage.

KAREN: Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur. The Lovely Other Dinosaur MELTED the Dinosaur's cage with KIND words and LOVING thoughts.

KAREN: I LIKE this Dinosaur, thought the the Lovely Other Dinosaur. Although he is fierce he is also TENDER and he is FUNNY. He is also quite CLEVER though I will not tell him this for now.

MATT: I like this Lovely Other Dinosaur, thought the Dinosaur. She is BEAUTIFUL and she is DIFFERENT and she SMELLS so nice. She is also a FREE SPIRIT which is a quality I much admire in a dinosaur.

KAREN: But he can be so DISTANT and so PECULIAR at times, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur. He is also overly fond of THINGS. Are all Dinosaurs so uncommonly fond of THINGS?


MATT: But her mind SKIPS from here to there so quickly, thought the Dinosaur. She is also uncommonly keep on SHOPPING. Are all Lovely Other Dinosaurs so uncommonly keen on SHOPPING?

KAREN: I will FORGIVE his peculiarity and his concern for THINGS, thought the Lovely Other Dinosaur. For they are part of what makes him a richly charactered INDIVIDUAL.

MATT: I will FORGIVE her SKIPPING MIND and her FONDNESS of shopping, thought the Dinosaur. For she fills our life with BEAUTIFUL thoughts and WONDERFUL surprises. Besides, I am not unkeen on SHOPPING either.

KAREN: Now the Dinosaur and the Lovely Other Dinosaur are OLD.

LOOK at them.

KAREN: TOGETHER they stand on the hill telling each other STORIES and feeling the WARMTH of the sun on their backs.

MATT: And that, my FRIENDS, is how it is with LOVE. Let us ALL be Dinosaurs and Lovely Other Dinosaurs TOGETHER.

MATT: For the Sun is WARM and the World is a BEAUTIFUL place. THE END.

Labels: children in wedding, wedding readings

I work with many DJ's for all of the weddings that I conduct. I know that the DJ is critical to the success of your wedding ceremony and reception. The Tampa Bay Area's longest running mobile DJ service provides the best in professional sound entertainment for private and business parties, weddings, bar or bat mitzvahs, birthdays or just for fun!!! They are professional, experienced, and reliable!! I have been in the company of Doug Shaw who is the owner, entertainer, DJ with Shaw Productions. He has 36 years in the business, and has also been a DJ in many of the major nightclubs in the bay area. He is also a professional licensed ring announcer. He is a member of the Wedding & Event Professionals of Tampa Bay, and the American Disc Jockey Association - Tampa Bay Chapter. He has been certified as a professional in meeting in exceeding standards in experience and quality equipment. They will meet with you in advance to help you plan all of the details that will make your event successful!! The DJ's will come suitably dressed, bring the music you want to hear, play your requests, use top quality equipment, and work with your needs to make your event successful The company is insured and is happy to provide references. Call them today at (727) 796-3701 or check them out on the web at www.shawsoundproductions.com I am pleased and honored to refer them as someone I enjoy working with at LovingUnity.com

Labels: ceremony music, Disc Jockey Florida, DJ Association