Emotions are something we often try to control and tears feel like they can get in the way. But it is perfectly normal to be nervous and tearful before your wedding. In fact, I would be worried about you if you were not somewhat nervous. Before the big day, and just before that big moment [...]
If you are getting married you are no doubt excited about taking one of the most important steps in life’s journey. But how do you handle all the ideas and pressures coming at you? You can have your wedding on your own terms, if you approach it thoughtfully. The very first step is to do [...]
Couples sometimes wonder if the have to do ‘this or that’ for their wedding. I always assure them that for the ceremony there are only three things I consider necessary: that they exchange vows in some way, that I ‘pronounce them’ as married, and that the license is properly signed and sent. Other than [...]
Using meaningful, spiritual, or even fun or unusual rituals in your wedding is one good way to express what your commitment means to you. Religious ceremonies are full of rituals, which are specific to their faith traditions. The Stations of the Cross, Confession, Communion, Shabbat candles, as well as prayers or songs are all good [...]
Warm weather has finally arrived in the Poconos and we can’t help turning our thoughts to outdoor weddings! There is a reason outdoor ceremonies and celebrations are so popular. It is romantic as well as meaningful. Standing under the blue sky, with nature all around, is a dream come true. Whether the setting is fields [...]
Two time related topics today: the gap between the ceremony and reception, and the receiving line. Both of these issues impact your guests’ experience because standing around doing nothing is not fun. If you are having your ceremony at a house of worship, you may have little or no flexibility about the time it will [...]
This is why I support marriage equality. Gay and lesbian couples deserve all the same legal, spiritual, social, and emotional benefits of marriage. Because today, marriage is better than ever!
There are many reasons couples choose to renew their vows, often on a special anniversary milestone. It’s a way to say to each other, and to family and friends: we still mean it! We still love each other and we want the world to know. You may feel closer than ever, having grown and overcome [...]
I never get tired of answering the question: what is a celebrant? That’s because I enjoy my work so much and I’m anxious to share the fact that couples outside of traditional settings can still have beautiful and meaningful wedding ceremonies. Because a wedding is one of the most important days in someone’s life, the [...]
Sometimes grooms may seem reluctant to get involved in wedding planning. Culturally its thought to be the ‘bride’s day.’ And brides and their moms do tend to do most of the planning. But many grooms might enjoy it more than they realize, if they realized what they could contribute in a real and meaningful way. [...]
