Welcome to the Family of God!

Another occasion that is so enjoyable is the welcoming of a child or adult to the family of God! It is a secular baptism, and a naming ritual, that can take place in a home, a church, at a covered bridge, on a beach, or any number of locations. This ceremony in no way will inhibit the person from seeking their religious preference later in life, in fact, it may allow them to have a broader view of life and will encourage virtues of honesty, integrity, fairness and love to others. I may include the meaning of the names that are chosen, or the reason for the names chosen. My wish is that we all welcome a new child of God, and we shower them with love and affection and goodwill throughout their lives.

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming a mother and her two children to the family of God. The location was the beautiful covered bridge in Bethel, Maine, right in the stream of water flowing beneath. The weather was beautiful and the sun was streaming through the clouds.
Ryleigh Shea, Seth Alexander and Katherine Ann, had the special honor today to be welcomed.

I like to use a poem entitled "Little One" by Rabindranath Tagore

Bless this little heart, this white soul that has won the kiss of heaven for our earth.
She loves the light of the sun, she loves the sight of her mothers face.
She has not learned to despise the dust, not to hanker after gold.
Clasp her to your heart and bless her.
She has come into this land of one hundred crossroads.
I know not how she chose you from the crowd, how she came your door, and grasped your hand to ask you the way.
She will follow you, laughing and talking and not a doubt in her heart.
Keep her trust, lead her straight and bless her.
Lay your hand on her head, and pray that, though the waves underneath grow threatening, yet teh breath from above may come and fill her sails and waft her to the haven of peace.
Forget her not in your hurry, let her come to your heart, and bless her.

I then bless the godparents or sponsors, and the parents. And say, Welcome to the family of God!

Don Cesar Resort Commitment Ceremony

Tara and Tanya shared their commitment to each other on the Beach at the Don CeSar Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. Though the day was overcast, with showers threatening, the ceremony was held and it was beautiful! Violinist Laurie Vodnoy-Wright played "I will remember you" for the processional, and "Vilvaldi" for the recessional. The couple exchanged vows that included 3 personal attributes that they loved about each other. There was a ritual involving a sand dollar. Inside the sand dollar are shells in the shape of doves. The couple broke open the shell to share peace, love and goodwill to all present and the world. I want to share this beautiful poem which describes the love Tara and Tanya have for each other and the happiness they have found. I send them my best wishes for a life time of happiness!



The Commitment to Love Poem- by Susan Polis


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

Sunset at Redington Beach

Danielle and Ray chose to exchange their vows on the balcony overlooking Redington Beach at the Doubletree Hotel. Marie Molina, Catering Sales Manager and her staff, did an outstanding job of making sure everything was perfect for Danielle and Rays special day.

The colors Danielle chose were magnificent and the flowers created by her daughter Michelle Clark, enhanced the beauty of the colors. The sun was setting over the gulf as they said their "I Do's", which made it spectacular. Congratulations Danielle and Ray!!

For more information about the location see below.

Doubletree Beach Resort

17120 Gulf Boulevard, North Redington Beach, Florida, United States 33708-1443
Tel: 1-727-391-4000 Fax: 1-727-397-0699

Don CeSar Resort - A Beautiful Persian Wedding Ceremony

Congratulations Ali and Helena! How beautiful it is when marriage rituals of two cultures can be combined! I was so honored to officiate the wedding of Ali and Helena this past weekend. I officiated the American wedding at the beautiful Don CeSar Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. Once completed, the couple then had a Persian Wedding Ceremony and I want to share with you about that ceremony and the rituals involved.

The aghd wedding ceremony is performed by a religious or civil authority. He asks the bride if she accepts the groom as her husband. This question is traditionally repeated three times. The first and second time, the bride does not respond. Other people make excuses like, "she has to conduct surgery", or "she went to the library." Finally, the third time, she quietly responds "baleh (yes)." It is said that not responding the first two times indicates that the bride is entering the marriage with enough thoughtfulness and wisdom. So, in this case, Helena rejected Ali twice!!

The wedding vows are taken before an elaborate table called the "sofreh aghd" in the presence of the bride and grooms parents, family members, and close friends. As with any other Iranian and Persian traditions, the sofreh aghd and the multiple items placed thereon have deep symbolic meaning. Perhaps the most significant items is a large central mirror placed directly in front of where Ali and Helena sit before taking their vows. Two candles flank the mirror and this represents the bright light that shines into the couple's future. A

tray of bread also adorns the sofreh representing prosperity. Traditionally, a flatbread called non-e-sangak has been used and can be decorated in many ways. Representing fertility are walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and decorated eggs. These are usually painted in gold and silver colors. The sweetness of life is represented in many items including, a bowl of crystalized sugar, or "kaseh nabat", a small bowl of honey, and in one or more trays of assorted Persian sweets and pastry such as Baghlava, Toot, and raisin cookies. A small bowl of yogurt represents the sour times in a marriage. Termeh is a traditional Persian embroidered cloth, generally having the paisley design. It is used to decorate the sofreh aghd and symbolizes tradition. A tray of esphand (wild rue), which can be decorated in many different shapes and colors is used to keep away the "evil eye." Also placed on the sofreh are small bowls of coins representing wealth and many pomegranates, a heavenly fruit. Religious and poetry books may be placed on the aghd setting.

Family and friends gather and hold a long scarf made of fine fabric or silk over the heads of Ali and Helena. The guests take turns rubbing two large pieces of rock sugar (Kale-ghand) over the scarf. This represents the sweetness they bestow upon the couple. A needle and seven strands of colored thread are sewn into one corner of the Kale-ghand scarf and are used to figuratively sew up the mother in law's lips from speaking unpleasant words or meddling in the marriage. For those who wish to keep this portion and make it less offensive, the tradition could mean sewing the lips of the "nay-sayers".

There was also a beautiful Persian Knife Dance. The purpose of this dance called Raghseh Chagoo is for Ali and Helena to retrieve the knife from the dancers with money so they can finally cut the wedding cake. The dancers who performed the knife dance at the wedding were Shahrzad and Rozana.

Beautiful, rich, traditions, enjoyed by all! Congratulations Ali and Helena!!!

Bethel Maine - A Green Wedding For Cyclists!!! Congratulations Amy and Stephen!

A love for cycling brought together Amy and Stephen for a splendid wedding! They decided that they would tied the knot while standing on the covered bridge in Bethel, Maine, along with their wedding part adorned in their cycling clothes! The bridal party had their bicycles decorated with flowers freshly picked and designed by Designs by Janet Black of Bethel. . Simply green and simply beautiful!! After the wedding, the couple drove away with recycled cans and ribbons decorating their bicycles. What fun!! I hear that the family that bikes together stays together!! Best wishes to Amy and Stephen! Happy trails!

Have you had a creative wedding that you would like to share about? Let me hear from you!

Having a GREEN Wedding, Reduce......Reuse......Recycle........HAVE FUN!

Yes, there is a way to throw an Eco-Friendly wedding.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle......  Don't think that having a "eco-friendly" or "green" wedding means that you will sacrifice style and beauty.  There are many alternatives to create an environmentally sound wedding!

Your Location for your ceremony can be outdoors.  Taking vows at the beach, at a lighthouse, at a botanical garden, nature preserve, covered bridge, or park will serve as a reminder about the beauty that must be preserved.  If you choose to have a hotel or resort room for your wedding, you can always check to see if that hotel or resort is committed to eco-friendly practices.  I know that in Florida, many are.  For example, the Sandpearl in Clearwater takes pride in their practices of being eco friendly.

Transportation is another area where you can minimize the amount of travel for both the wedding party and the guests. In my next blog, I will be telling you about a couple that did just that!  They drove to their ceremony on their bicycles!  In New England and in Florida, there are trolly services available to transport your guests.  You could also utilize a horse drawn carriage and that surely makes a statement.  If you happen to hold the reception at the same area as the wedding ceremony or within walking distance, guests and wedding party can walk to the event. 

When you think about your food and beverage, caterers can provide organic options, and use locally grown and produced food and drinks.  This supports local farmers and will reduce the carbon emisions generated in bring the food long distances.  There are some great organic wines, in New England at Trader Joes and other stores and in Florida, at most food stores.  You can also ask your cake maker if they are able to make an organic cake for you made with free range eggs.

When you think of the flowers and decor, choose organic and locally grown flowers, or incorporate small perennials or baby bushes as centerpieces.  The bicycle wedding I blogged about had hand picked flowers wired to their bicycle handles the morning of the wedding.  I have also attended receptions where the couple gave their guests a small tree sprout for later planting, and for beach weddings, couples have given hand picked sand dollars that the couple has inscribed a message on.  There are so many items you can consider using, like seed packets, bulbs which could be put in eco friendly favor boxes for your guests.  

There are also eco friendly candles that can be used for a unity candle ceremony or for the candles on the guest tables.  These are madeo f beeswax or vegetable oil.    Your table centerpieces could be made of containers that hold sea glass, shells or beach stones.    Not to be forgotten would be linens, you should ask the linen supplier if they use eco friendly business practices.

Your gown can bring you pleasure, be eco friendly, and help a charitable organization.  As you know from a prior blog, I am totally committed to The Making Memories for  Breast Cancer.  You can purchase your gown from them, one that has been donated either from a company or a bride that donated her gown, and take a tax deduction as well.  Proceeds from the purchase of your gown goes to raising money for the research and granting of wishes.  Check out The Making Memories for Breast Cancer.  If you are in Florida, you will get the opportunity to participate either as a volunteer, donate a gown or purchase a gown at the event to be held in March at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Email me and I will give you details on how to donate or volunteer!  It's a good cause and also don't forget about good Karma!

How about an organic gift registry??  Find stores that sell cotton, recycled glassware, bamboo accessories and so on.  Your gift registry will reflect your commitment to go green, your lifestyle and your values. You could also ask guests to donate to eco-friendly organizations or environmental groups instead of buying you gifts.  Giving to any charity is eco friendly.

Have a look at these websites and research more for great ideas.  http://www.greatgreenweddings.com or http://www.greeneleganceweddings.com

Going green can be a challenge, but certainly will help to benefit the world as a whole.    If you have had an eco friendly wedding I'd love to share it here on the blog!  Just email me, or send along some jpeg photos.

Makeup and Hair Professionals for your wedding day..

We all want to look our best, but the most important day of our life would be our wedding day! With all the stress and running around that each bride and her attendants have to prepare for the big event, it is wonderful when they can be pampered and taken care of in their own location. This location can be the hotel or their homes or even if they wanted to have a girls Spa Day. Let the professional come to you!!!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to not only meet Betsy Dillon of Bridal Vision, but to actually observe her in action. Betsy provided the hair styling for my bride and her family, as well as makeup that complimented their hair style, skin tone and color, and the gowns that they would be wearing. Betsy had a calming demeanor and was so pleasant and acomodating. It was so nice to meet her and see her create her magic.

There is nothing better than having the opportunity for a professional to take care of your hair and makeup. She not only is available to provide services for Bridal Party's, but also for your special occasions. It was a thrill for me that Betsy handled my makeup and hair to prepare me to be at my best for the wedding as well.

If you are in New England, you should call Betsy at 603-765-7076 and 207 439-1184 or email her at bridalvisioncompany@comcast.net. She is a true professional who will not only make you feel comfortable and relaxed, but will bring out the true beauty in you for your special day.

Wentworth By The Sea, New Hampshire -Tammy & Ted Congratulations!

The Wentworth By The Sea is a spectacular location for a wedding. The floral gardens, the gazebo overlooking the harbor, and the meticulously manicured grounds, were many of the reasons that Tammy and Ted had selected the Wentworth By The Sea in New Castle for their wedding!

The day of the wedding, the angels were shedding tears of joy as evidenced by the rain that kept falling. The wedding ceremony was moved indoors, and the Wentworth Staff and the Kathy and Vinny owners of Jardiniere Florists worked their magic to transform the indoor location for the splendid wedding event. You can contact Kathy and Vinny at http://www.jardiniereflowers.com/ or call them at 603-427-5560.

Gina Damiano and all of the staff and outside vendors worked together to bring about a beautiful, elegant setting, where Tammy enjoyed her walk down the aisle to meet her handsome groom. The music for the ceremony was provided by Peter Bloom, flutist and Marery Hansen, Harpist. Peter can be contacted at phbloom@comcast.net and Margery can be contacted at 978-282-7425

There were many surprises in store for the guests. Tammy and Ted enjoyed a beautifully choreographed first dance, and enjoyed sharing a special dance with Tammy's grandparents who were celebrating a very special wedding anniversary. Congratulations to them as well!

One of the special elements of the ceremony included a sea glass ritual, and the breaking of a sand dollar. Each guest received their own sand dollar keepsake, inscribed with the names and date of the marriage.

Of course, the day would not have been complete without a visit from a very special guest! Boomer, the couples dog, outfitted with a rhinestone studded tuxedo with collar and leash, made his special appearance on the dancefloor.

The dancefloor was packed! The music selection pleased all ages! Even I managed to get in a dance or two. The DJ kept things moving. Doug Bounds is a professional DJ and Master of Ceremonies and he can be reached at 603.659.6938 or at his email dougbounds@comcast.net

The reception and staff of the Wentworth By The Sea demonstrated once again the elegance, style and professionalism that makes the location a highly sought after one by many couples. Every detail is handled with the utmost professionalism. I highly recommend this facility for any couple or special event function. For inquiries, email ino@wentworth.com or review the packaes listed on their website.

Professional photos were taken by Peter Clayman of Images, his website is wwww.nhimages.com and his email is pclayman@nhimages.com The images from Tammy and Ted's wedding will be available online in the next few weeks at http://www.nhimages.com/ He's truly top notch!

Tammy & Ted, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was a truly wonderful day, and I wish you unlimited years of happiness and blessings.