You are invited to a picnic in Maine.......SURPRISE it is a wedding!!

What can be more fun that getting invited to a backyard picnic on a lovely day in Maine???   How about a SURPRISE wedding!  That's right, none of the guests would have suspected.  They were so busy trying to decide what they would cook to bring and share, that the thought of a wedding never entered their mind.  How fun is that?

Michelle and Doug wanted to have a wedding with a few of their closest friends and family, they wanted them to be relaxed and they wanted everyone to have a good time.  When the guests arrived, they were enjoying the food and fun, and Rev. Heather just showed up and mingled with the gang as a "friend" of the couple.  At the appointed time, Rev. Heather called the group to come over to a pretty tree, the location that Doug and Michelle had chosen to say their vows.

Once the guests came to the appointed area, they were still bewildered, then all of a sudden, they realized that Heather was a minister, and in fact, there was going to be a wedding! 


Rev. Heather said,"  I went to the appointed place and called everyone to gather around - the Bride's father is half way through his chmeo for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has always been the support of his family . Her parents lit right up when they found out it was a wedding and the father of the bride cried. (Mother of the bride tries valiantly not to, but was only marginally successful). It was a huge surprise to the guests and the looks on their faces was priceless. A collective jaw drop straight to the grass. Both bride and groom were beaming and everyone was very happy."

Great job keeping the surprise!  I wish the new Mr. & Mrs. Long and their family a lifetime of happiness.   

Photography by Lauren Halvorson - Gabe and Jon Point Lookout Resort in Maine

WOW! I had the privilege to meet Lauren Halvorson at the wedding Gabe and Jon at Point Lookout Resort in Maine.  Then, I saw her first look photos from the wedding.  What an incredible photographer that can capture the essence of the day.    I can't wait to see more!!!

Photography by:  Lauren Halvorson Photography
www.LKHPhotography.com
Phone 978-735-0243
email: :KHphotography@live.com

The Music of Jaw Gems from Portland, Maine

At the recent wedding of Gabrielle and Jon, I had the pleasure to meet and listen to the music of Jaw Gems.  Their friendly style and mellow music was enjoyable to all in attendance.  They provided the music for guests arriving, the music for the bride and her wedding party, and the processional, and then continued with the cocktail hour and evening events.    I enjoyed them, and want to invite you to check them out when they are in Portland.  They play every Tuesday night at Local 188 at 685 Congress St. Portland, ME and every 4th Thursday night at Sonny’s at 83 Exchange St. Portland, ME.  I hope to get to see them again sometime soon.  Check them out!

Real Wedding - Point Lookout in Maine Gabrielle and Jon

The rains threatened for the rehearsal, and the wedding day didn't appear to be much better.  The location, Point Lookout in Linconville, Maine is situated on the top of a hill with a view of the Camden Hills State park and a magnificent view of Penobscot Bay.  The acerage of the resort covers a wide area of trails, and also waterfont.  The view is breathtaking.  Even with the clouds overcast and the rain threatening, the view was still quite spectacular! 

Gabrielle and Jon and their families endured the chill and a bit of mist to witness their most beautiful bride and handsome groom exchange their vows.  There was not a dry eye to be had.  Their vows were meaningful, and spoken from the heart. 

Gabrielle was stunning.......that is the only word I can come up with, her gown just took my breath away, and it did for her groom too!    It was such a pleasure to work with a couple so kind, caring, and so in love.  They and their friends and beautiful family enjoyed the resort, and all of it's ammenities, no matter what the weather held. 

I was honored to work with them.  The staff of the facility was so accomodating, and was available to the couple and their guests every step of the way.  

The music for the ceremony was provided by  Jaw Gems of Portland and provided a great variety of music for not only the ceremony but the cocktail hour and reception.

Congratulations Gabrielle and Jon!  All our best for a lifetime of happiness. 

Rheba Sutton White Chapel Real Wedding Keisha and Kevin

If you have never had the chance to see the Rheba Sutton Chapel in Palm Harbor, you should make it a point to visit.  The location is perfect for a wedding and reception.  Janice is a fantastic coordinator and keeps everything moving smoothly!
Keisha and Kevin decided to tie the knot in the Chapel with Rev. David Bishop of LovingUnity.com officiating. 

Keisha and Kevin have been together for quite a few years, and have been the parents of Kingston their dog and Kiki the calico cat! 

Kevin had some Celtic roots thus the couple decided to take part in the Oathing Stone Ritual to seal their vows in stone. 

They shared their own personal vows which brought a tear to everyone present.  

Congratulations Keisha and Kevin!  Best wishes for love and happiness
forever! 

Real Wedding USF Botanical Garden Wedding Tanisha and Chad

Tanisha and Chad sealed their vows at the USF Botanical Gardens in Tampa, amidst magnificent flowers, in a garden full of natural beauty. 

The sweet scents and colors of the flowers and plants made their venue majestic!    The ceremony was held with a ribbon backdrop in the gazebo.  The couple was serenaded by the bride's dad and cousin with a song written especially for this occasion. 

Tanisha and Chad shared in a tree ceremony.  They were gifted with a lovely young tree, which they added soil and water.  The tree represents the roots that are the basis of their married life going forward.  As with the watering of the tree, they promise to continue to feed and nourish their
marriage each and every day.  The tree will grow strong and sturdy as will their love. 

Congratulations Tanisha and Chad, may your life be good, healthy and long upon this earth.  May you both be truly blessed forever!  It was an honor to work with you. 

 

Wedding Officiant:  Rev. Virginia Bishop, LovingUnity.com

 



How Romantic!!! Renew Your Vows

Today I am working on a beautiful renewal of vows for a lovely couple who have been together for 50Years!  That's right.....50!!!   How magnificent is that, and surely cause for a great celebration.  This couple married not knowing what the future would bring, nor which direction their lives would go.  I am sure there were some rough patches and some times when they were tired, but they understood the word commitment, and they understood the seriousness of their vows. 

I am in awe of such couples, and I am so honored when we are able to share in another beautiful and meaningful ceremony as they recommit their lives and love to each other again.

Alot of couples say, I don't want to bother with that, we're too old for that!  No way!  I believe this again is a chance to be proud of this milestone and demonstrate to us younger folks what it means to stay committed forever. 

There are many rituals that can be used in a Vow Renewal ceremony.  Of course, it would be great if the couple could use the same words they said to each other at that time, but, they may also want to create new words, words that review their years together. 

The couple can use the rose exchange ritual, which is a symbolic exchange of a single rose to each other with a promise that they will always remember their love comes first and foremost. 

Another great ritual for a vow renewal would be using an oathing stone. Perhaps they could have their children design one for the special occasion and the couple could renew their vows with their hand on the oathing stone. 

A blended sand ritual can be very unique if they include their children and grandchildren with the different colors of sand.  It then stays in their homes as a constant reminder of the occasion. 

A tree planting ritual would allow them to select a tree or bush they love, and plant it at their home as a reminder of the roots they planted years ago.   The tree would be nurtured and nourished throughout the years as a reminder. 

Of course, a ring exchange, or some other gift exchange is appealing.

As you can see, this is only a small sampling of rituals that can be used to enhance the renewal of vows ceremony. 

Call me today to start planning your renewal, isn't your commitment one that you should celebrate??

Green Wedding A Tree Planting RItual

There are so many incredible and unique ideas for blending rituals for weddings.  It is also a great way to involve other family members in such a great occasion.

When I met Kevin and Keisha they told me of their mutual love for nature and music.  The wanted a ritual that would represent a blending of their lives together and something they would nuture and grow throughout their marriage.

 

Just like the unity candle and unity sand ceremony. The unity tree planting ceremony can be used to symbolize the joining together of two individuals or the joining of two families.

The ceremony is conducted in much the same way as other unity ceremonies are. You set up a separate table near the altar. On this table you would have a potted tree/sapling, something perhaps with special meaning to the couple or taken from a special place.

You would also have two small buckets of dirt, two gardening trowels as well as a small watering can placed on the table.

If you choose to have the ceremony symbolize the joining together of both family’s then upon the entrance of the mothers, each mother goes to the table and scoops in a small amount of dirt. Then they take their seats.

During a specific reading or song, the couple will each add the remainder of dirt and water the plant together.

After the ceremony, the couple plants the tree in at their home or a special location to symbolize the putting down of roots, longevity and strengths in their marriage.

 

Although this post talks about a tree planting ceremony, I could also see a rosebush or some other plant or flowering bush. 

 

Each year, the couple can see how their love as grown along with the growth of the beauty that they planted the day of their marriage.

Catering Questions - Orange Blossoms Catering and Delectables Catering

I am posting questions, as featured recently on The Knot, that you should make sure to ask any caterer that you are considering for your wedding or other special event.  It is important that you interview your caterer as you would any other vendor.............so don't wait, interview several caterers, I suggest Orange Blossom Catering and also Delectables Catering as a good start, but these questions are pertinent to all caterers.

You'll spend more money on wedding food than any other aspect of your reception, so you'll want to work with a top-notch professional. When making appointments to interview wedding caterers, try to schedule a tasting of their wares at a later point. Don't forget to ask them the questions below, and choosing a caterer will be as easy as pie -- just make sure your taste buds have a say in the matter too.

Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food or service? (They should provide you with sample menus to review.) Find a wedding caterer who can make a memorable meal.
 
           Can the caterer arrange for a tasting of the specific foods you're interested in prior to hiring? (They should.) Schedule a tasting if you get a good vibe.
 
            What is the caterer's average price range? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or is there an all-inclusive flat rate? What would that include (linens, tax, and gratuity)? Does the caterer have printed price sheets for food selections? Make sure it fits in with your wedding budget.

            How involved is the caterer in a typical reception -- does she work like a wedding coordinator or banquet manager, cueing the band, telling the couple when to cut the cake, adjusting the schedule if guests don't seem ready to sit down to dinner? (You will need to find someone to fill this role -- if your site manager or caterer isn't going to do this, think about hiring a professional wedding planner.


          Will the caterer provide tables, chairs, plates, table linens, silverware, salt-and-pepper shakers, and more? Ask to see these items to make sure they're acceptable. Do you have to rent tables, place settings, or other equipment? Or will they arrange for the rentals? If not, find wedding rentals in your area.


          Who is the main contact? Will the same person you work with when planning also oversee meal service on the day of the wedding? (You want this to be the case.)


          Will the caterer work any other weddings on the same weekend, the same day, or at the same time as yours? (You want to be sure they will devote sufficient attention to you.) You may want to pass on a smaller outfit who indicates they have another job or two scheduled for that day.


          Does the caterer handle all table settings? Will they put out place cards and favors?


          Will the caterer provide wait staff? How many would they recommend for the size of your wedding? What will the waitstaff wear? (Top caterers say they always use their own serving personnel, even if the site's staff is available, because they understand the caterer's way of doing business.)


          Will the caterer be willing to include a recipe you provide, like a special family dish, or an appetizer with some sort of sentimental significance? Can they prepare vegetarian, kosher, kids, or halal meals for just a few of your guests?



         Where will the food be prepared? Are there on-site facilities, or do you, the caterer, and the site manager need to make additional arrangements? If the caterer must bring in his own equipment, is there an additional fee?


        Does the caterer work with fresh (not frozen) food?



         Does the caterer have a license? (This means her business has met health department standards and has liability insurance-- make sure this includes a liquor license if you're having a bar.)


         Can the caterer provide alcohol? Or can you handle the bar separately? If you can provide it, is there a corkage fee? How and when will you get the alcohol to the caterer? If the caterer will provide it, do they have an flexible wine list, and can you make special requests? How is this list priced?

 
          How will the caterer arrange the food on the buffet table or on plates? Can you see photos of previous work displays?


          Can you speak to previous clients? (Get at least two references that had a similar number of guests and a similar menu style.)