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

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.

Labels: ceremonies with families, children in wedding, Family Rituals, Great New England Wedding Venues, Massachusetts Justice of the Peace, White Cliffs in Northboro

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.

Labels: creative wedding ideas, Family Rituals, Memorial Rituals for Deceased Relatives

What a blessing it is to have a birth or an adoption.  It's a time of great happiness and family joy!  We were honored recently to minister to the baptism of  Noah.  It was a very beautiful event, while Noah's parents Terrence and Rochlle cuddled him, the guests were entertained by a friend singing a song from Hendel's Messiah, blessing everyone with their tears or goose bumps.  Noah's sister Christina, contributed by reading the poem "Little One."  After Rochelle and Terrence pledged to love and care for Noah always, Noah's godmother Lauren, who had written and framed an original poem, offered her gift aloud. 

The warm breeze, sunshine, and backroud music of the birds framed Noah's godfather Gary's presentation, which he prefaced with the assurance, "I promised Noah I wouldn't talk forever."  His two readings and prayer were full of beauty and sincerity. 

Following the actual water baptism, about which Noah squealed his disapproval, Rev Terri Hutchins of LovingUnity.com welcomed him into the family of God  while he sat in his Momma's lap, cool and comfortable.  As a perfect ending to a perfect ceremony, little Noah giggled and cooed right along with me through to the closing.  Welcome Noah and congratulations to Rochelle and Terrence and their families!!

Labels: Baptism, Child Blessings, Child Naming, Family Rituals