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!

A 25th Wedding Anniversary Renwal of Vows

Paul and Carol and their families stood in exactly the same spot, and the very location where they began their lives together as husband and wife 25 years ago!  The Martha Mary Charpel at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury was he fantastic and romantic location for them to renew and share again their word of commitment and love for the rest of their lives. I was so honored to work with them to create a beautiful ceremony that included the wedding bowl ritual representing their lives and the twists and turns and the commitment that it takes to continue to keep the fire of love burning bright.  Congratulations Carol and Paul!  Best wishes for much continued happiness.

Keep the spark of love alive! Renewal of Vows

"Marriage and the union it symbolizes can be the most sublime of human experiences; for in any final accounting, love is what life is all about."

As you know I just love officiating weddings and commitment ceremonies but I have to say, when couples make the decision to renew their vows and reaffirm their commitment, it stirs something heart warming deep within me.  Couples are choosing again, to recommit, reinvigorate, and give new life to their marriage vows.

Danielle and Lucas chose to renew their vows in Maine, near the Anchorage Hotel, across from the beach in York.  Although the day was a bit foggy, their smiles and the gleam in their eyes, truly showed their love for one another and the pleasure they took in renewing the vows they had made seven years ago!  Together they have raised a beautiful daughter, and have spent the time to make their relationship a priority in their lives.  Congratulations Danielle and Lucas, I was so very honored to officiate your renewal and be there with you on that very special day.  Best wishes for many, many, years together!!!

Walsingham Park - where the couple first met........

Natalie and Benjamin first met and then fell in love during their visits to Walsingham Park.  Thus, selecting a location in the park to exchange their vows was perfect!  The weather was splendid, and they exchanged their vows and along with their children, participated in a blended sand ritual.  A small, intimate, family gathering to celebrate in the park was just what they wanted!!  Rev. Kathy officiated and the day was lovely.......  Congratulations Natalie and Ben! 

Remembering deceased family and friends......

Many times I meet with couples who have experienced the loss of family and friends and they ask me about the ways that they can pay tribute to those people. I'd like to share with you a few of the ideas I have, and show you a few ideas that my couples have created as well.

Those we lost, remain in our hearts forever...........

During the beginning of a wedding ceremony, I ask the couple if they would like to have a special mention of their deceased family of friend. This is done by saying.......today, the couple, would like to mention the brides grandparents, John and Mary Smith and the grooms father, Bill Jones. We know that they are with us in spirit today on this very happy occasion. Some times, couples choose to leave a flower on a seat in the audience, or they may wish to light a memorial candle during the ceremony. Another idea is to have photos of those to be remembered at an area at the reception with candles or flowers. Of course, a couple who is going to have a wedding program, may wish to have it printed on their back page of the program. I would be happy to hear from all of you as well if you have some creative ideas on memorial mention.

Sandpearl Resort Florida - Congratulations Carrie and Omar

One of the greatest part of my role as an officiant is the opportunity to meet so many beautiful and loving couples who want to spend the rest of their lives together. Carrie and Omar are a fantastic couple, and I worked with them to customize their religious ceremony. The wedding was held on the beach at the magnificent Sandpearl Resort, in Clearwater, Florida, where they had a blended sand ritual to demonstrate the joining of their lives together. It was a sunny warm day with a slight breeze, and the Sandpearl staff brought out a refreshment stand with cooling drinks for the guests. After the ceremony, before the dinner, the couple lit a unity candle inside the reception hall. Omar and Carrie, Congratulations!!! Best wishes for a very long, healthy and happy marriage!

Saco, Maine Beach Wedding

Ashley and David and their families had a destination wedding to Saco, Maine.  The cottage a short walk down the boardwalk to the beach, and the location was stunning. The weather was sunny and warm, and the couple were so happy as they shared their vows in front of their families and friends!  Maine has such a long and beautiful coastine, there are so many locations for a beach wedding. Congratulations Ashley and David! 

If you are thinking about a destination wedding to either New England or Florida, please give me a call at 207 590-6339 and I will be happy to help you to find the location that is just what you are looking for!

Tarpon Springs - Florida Wedding

Ann and Jon spent a great deal of time vacationing in Tarpon Springs and when they decided to tie the knot, they knew exactly where they would like to do that. With their toes in the sand, the breeze blowing through the palm trees and the ocean lapping the shore, they had a very intimate and beautiful wedding ceremony. They spoke their own custom vows, and the love they have for each other was very evident! Congratulations to Ann and Jon, may you have a long, happy and healthy marriage!

Massachusetts Wedding at Primavera!

Congratulations Krissy and David!!!!!!!!!!!! They tied the knot at the magnificent Primavera in Millis, Massachusetts.  The Primavera was the perfect setting with it's magnificent three story grande atrium, which is breathtaking!  The sweeping princess staircase and the Romeo & Juliet balconies are full of ornate wrought iron railings, along with Roman Columns and Italian granite floors  Krissy and David had their ceremony inside due to the rainy weather, but the warmth of their love and commitment was evident to all!  They shared their heartfelt vows and demonstrated the blending of their lives with a beautiful sand ceremony ritual. David and Krissy, I wish you all the best for a very long, healthy, and loving life!

Get Off to a Great Start!

Couples I meet, who are not getting married in a church or place of worship, where pre-marital counseling is required, often ask me if I can provide counseling to help them to get off to a great start and deal with any challenges in their relationship befre they become problems. For couples that secure my services, I offer them something special. I offer them a course that will also allow them the opportunity to receive a discount on their marriage license.


Here's a little bit of what you will learn:

• The normal stages of a relationship
• Skills for important conversations
• How to nourish your relationship daiy
• How to create a vision together
• How to manage change and differences safely
• How to have fun as a couple!

Marriage requires work and effort. This course will prepare you for whatever the future may bring as well as enhance and protect the loving relationship that you already have! Give yourselves the wonderful gift of marriage preparation. Let me know if you are interested in this service!

Allow me write your custom ceremony and vows!!

Times sure are changing!  As they say in the wedding business, "It's not your mothers' wedding anymore"!  That's right.  More often that not, I have met couples who have a close friend or a relative who they would love to have officiate their ceremony.  If you are in that situation, and they are a notary, or have permission for a one day officiating for you, then let me write your custom ceremony and your personalized vows!

I would be honored to work with you to create a ceremony of your dreams, including the vows that you would like to share with each other.  I will talk with you personally to get the feel for your wishes and style, and then write the ceremony and mail it to you for your own use.

The fee for this custom ceremony would be  $100.00 and I would mail the ceremony to you within two weeks of our conversation.    Please email me at lovingunity@gmail.com and we can get the process started!!

Invitation To Love

A beautiful poem from the Paul Laurence Dunbar Digital Collection

Invitation To Love

Come when the nights are bright with stars
or when the moon is mellow;
Come when the sun his golden bars
drops on the hay-field yellow.
Come in the twilight soft and gray,
Come in the night of come in the day,
Come, O Love, whene're you may,
And you are welcome, welcome.

You are sweet, O Love, dear Love,
You are soft as the nesting dove.
Come to my heart and bring it rest.
As the bird flies home to its welcome nest.

Come when my heart is full of grief
Or when my heart is merry;
Come with the falling of the leaf,
Or with the redd'ning cherry.

Come when the year's first blossom blows,
Come when the summer gleams and glows,
Come with the winter's drifting snows,
And you are welcome, welcome.

If you have some other wedding readings that you would like to share, please send them along.

What is Maine Wedding Connections???

I wish that when I got married, I would have had the opportunity to make just one call and find all the experts that I needed for every detail that had to be handled for my wedding! Things sure have changed since back then...........and for the better! I am honored to be associated with the great professionals of Maine Wedding Connections. This team consists of experienced Maine Wedding Professionals who are committed to providing you with the very best products and services available. The term PROFESSIONAL means that this group commits to high quality standards and ethics and this is critical. They coordinate their work and services with the team members that will best provide you with this same high standards and ethics.

Why should you consider calling them???

• they will save you time
• they are familiar with all the venues and other professionals
• they will save you money
• they will eliminate STRESS!!!! Now, that is truly the reason to call.

The Maine Wedding Connections will save you the time of making calls, long distance or other time consuming calls, they will take care of the interviewing of vendors that you may need, and they will save you from running from appointment to appointment.

Have a look at their website at www.MaineWeddingConnections.com

In the prior post, I told you about the Meet the Experts Weekend at the Nonantum. It is free of charge and you will have an opportunity to meet the professionals from Maine Wedding Connections and see for yourself! You will also have a chance to win a night on the town courtesy of the Maine Wedding Connections. That night on the town includes an all inclusive date night for two, with limousine, and theater show and an evening stay at the Clarion in Portland. Go to their website and click on the link and fill out the survey and you are well on your way to a great night out on the town!!!!!

New England Weddings - Ask the Experts Weekend!!

I am so excited that I will be a panelist at the "Ask The Experts Weekend" that is scheduled at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine on May 22-24, 2009. There are many couples thinking about destination weddings for this summer,and also for 2010 and beyond. Are you unsure about how to get answers to all of the important questions that you have? Do you need some help and direction in going through all the details of the planning for the most important event of your life? This is your opportunity to get the answers to your questions by people who are experienced and dedicated to the wedding profession. You will have the opportunity to spend a weekend talking with these top professionals in the wedding industry, and also visiting reception sites from Kittery to Boothbay. The Nonantum is an exquisite location and this is a fantastic opportunity for you to stay there for two nights as you tour the Southern Maine venues. They have a great package price available for you and the informative weekend includes:

• 2 nights lodging in the Carriage Inn at the Nonantum
• Breakfast for two on both mornings
• Saturday morning question and answer session with representatives from the Maine Wedding Connection.

The price for this great weekend is $199 for 2 people, not including tax. This is a great opportunity for you.

The Nonantum Resort

95 Ocean Avenue, P.O. Box 2626

Kennebunkport, Maine 040456-2626

Toll free: 1-800-552-5651

Phone: 207-967-4050

Fax: 207-967-8451

stay@nonantumresort.com

Hope to see you there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brides Against Breast Cancer - We Granted A Wish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some of you know, I have a few volunteer organizations I work with but one that really warmed my heart recently was when we granted a wish for a Breast Cancer Survivor!!!!  A delightful and awesome opportunity was presented to me.  I was honored to officiate the wedding of Cassiday and Douglas at the Safety Harbor Resort in April.  Their eyes truly sparkled as they shared their own personal words of vows, and exchanged rings.  Their daughters looked on with misty eyes, and so did all the other vendors who helped make Cassiday's wish a reality!!!  This was truly made possible by the love and generosity of a variety of people who gave of their time and talents to make this wish come true!!!   Congratulations Cassiday and Douglas, we wish you a very long, happy, and prosperous life!!!!  May you be blessed.

Event Planner:  TammyWaterman of  Events by Special Moments
Photographer:  Brian C. Idocks  Photographics
Videographer: Mike & Dave Furhmann of Artistic Media
Music: Neil Barnhart of Creative Prodctions
Florist: Scott, Apple Blossoms
Hair & Makeup: for the bridesmaids (the couples daughters) Michelle Rene
Venue and Accomodations and Spa for the Bride: Tina and Katie of the magnificent Safety Harbor & Resort
Tudexo: Sacino's Formalwear
Bridal Gown:  MakingMemories

When you spend your time volunteering for a cause like Brides Against Breast Cancer, you truly can see that dreams do come true.

By the way, the special guest, the pink poodle, is a good luck charm that Cassiday takes everywhere she goes.  She took it into surgery with her at the Moffet Cancer Hospital for good luck so her lymph nodes would be clear...............they were!!!

Davis Island Garden Club Wedding Venue

Congratulations Andrea and Scott! We just LOVED the Davis Island Garden Club for this wedding venue. The weather was magnificent,sunny, with a light, gentle breeze, and a great view of the water. Andrea was radiant, Scott was attractive and the love between them was very apparent! Their ceremony was simple and elegant, and her flower selection of daisys just seemed to be the perfect petals to pick for their ceremony! Andrea and Scott exchanged beautiful, meaningful vows, and a blended sand ritual. The music for their ceremony and reception was provided by Rob Strange. Rob had quite the array of music talents and we was truly impressed! Andrea processed into the wedding to peaceful flute sounds. Andrea and Scott shared beautiful vows with each other that they were inspired from Conversations With God. As an officiant, we feel so blessed to be present at this most intimate time. One of the most beautiful and meaningful rituals of their ceremony involved the creative exchange of rings. It was such an honor to work with this magnificent couple as they created a truly unique ceremony that represented their own wishes and style and brought tears to the eyes of all of the guests. Andrea and Scott, thank you, for allowing us to have the honor of working with you on the most important day of your life!

Venue: Davis Island Garden Club
Music: Rob B. Strange 727-520-6650 www.bufflostrange.com
Catering: Amici's Catering www.amiciscatering.com

Officiant: Rev. David Bishop www.lovingunity.com