Your Personal Ceremony Photo Blog and Journal

Video of 2010 Schiff-Terbenche Wedding

2011-10-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

2011-09-17T22:05:00.001-07:00

Sat, Sept 17, 2011: Photo credit for photos I just posted: Mike Long of Katchlight Photography.

2011-09-17T21:57:00.001-07:00

Sat. Sept 17, 2011: Just received these great photos of Yehudah officiating at Jes & Jon's wedding!

2011-09-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

Thumbtack Elite Status Badge for Your Personal Ceremony!

2011-09-12T19:53:00.001-07:00

Monday, Sept. 12, 2011: Thinking about writing a short book on interfaith weddings. Any thoughts out there? Would there be interest? I wonder how many people truly interface faiths and cultures?

2011-09-05T08:36:00.001-07:00

Monday, Sept. 5, 2011: Two weddings this past weekend: one in Tigard, the second atop the Eco-Trust Building. The first at Embassy Suites - a couple living in Arizona - large bridal party, very cute and competent seven-year-old flower girl walking with a very serious five-year-old ringbearer. Interfaith Jewish/Christian. The second a Celtic theme with Handfasting Vows. People there requested copies of the ceremony - and one couple soon-to-get-married-without-an-officiant might hire us.

2011-08-28T08:58:00.001-07:00

WIN platinum wedding bands from @OneWed if you rock a platinum engagement ring! http://on.fb.me/nZcnuG showyourplatinum

2011-08-27T19:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011: Yehudah Winter performed a Mexican-American wedding today at a ranch in Mulino today while Ana Villarqui performed a Spanish bi-lingual wedding at Governor Hotel - a lovely blending of Spanish & English.

2011-08-27T18:30:00.001-07:00

WIN platinum wedding bands from @OneWed if you rock a platinum engagement ring! http://on.fb.me/nZcnuG showyourplatinum

Win Platinum Wedding Bands if you wear a platinum engagement ring!

2011-08-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

WIN platinum wedding bands if you wear a platinum engagement ring, and be entered to win $550 platinum hoop earrings just for sharing OneWed's #showyourplatinum promo! Enter to win or share to win here- http://on.fb.me/nZcnuG

2011-08-19T10:30:00.001-07:00

Friday, Aug. 19, 2011: 2 weddings this weekend and one wedding rehearsal at our house. Mine is a wedding full of poetry and readings, gathered by the bride; Yehudah's is very family-centered; many people placing flowers for deceased relatives during the processional; focus on prayers and blessings for them as parents of a young child; the first at a private garden residence, the second at a park.

2011-08-11T07:25:00.001-07:00

Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011: Picture a bridal canopy (chuppah) hand-sewn by the groom's mom with a spiral of petals in front surrounded by three concentric circles of white chairs, full to the brimming with expectant guests. Then a long field of grass lined on both sides by stately fruit trees. The bridal party appears down a staircase hidden by bushes. One of the most beautiful women and her handsome father walk the long walk down to the center to meet her beaming groom. The coach and horses, the mice transforming into servants, etc. just hidden in the mist. Just a half hour north of Portland, a family estate. And now the couple are off to their honeymoon in Croatia.

2011-08-11T00:05:00.001-07:00

Wed, Aug. 10, 2011: 4 very different weddings last weekend, each one with its challenges: one the bride's Israeli brother and family went to wrong address, showed up halfway through the wedding; second one just very small things: like cutting through a pocket that didn't have an opening; third one was challenging input from family during rehearsal and the week before - they all came through at the wedding; and, fourth, 3-4 yr. old ring bearer ran down the aisle without his pillow and wedding organizer couldn't convince 5 yr old flower girl to also carry ring - so I walked back to grab the pillow and the flower girl's hand. Small or large imperfections happen in every wedding. It's just the attitude of the people there that counts to include the flaw. Joanie

2011-08-02T00:58:00.001-07:00

Monday, Aug. 1, 2011: Domaine Margelle in Scotts Mills: idyllic vista, huge tree as wedding ceremony site, parents and sibs create aisle through which bride and groom walk, handing bride flowers for her bouquet. African storyteller relays tale of a girl who didn't laugh and how her suitor wins her hand by his earnest clumsiness and her need to come to his aid plus the current groom's ability to make a special tea blend. And his bride coming to his aid. And the food from The Lamb's Table - so fabulous, served family style, sitting outside. And the fun dance music�.And the sunset! Wow!

2011-07-19T18:24:00.001-07:00

Tues, July 19, 2011: Planning for an African-themed wedding at Domaine Margelle July 30th. Bride has spent time in Mali and is close with a Mali storyteller, a Mbira player and is using African fabric for her chuppah. Now finalizing all the August weddings - all eight of them!

2011-07-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

Sun.,7/17/11: Yesterday's Jewish/Christian interfaith wedding was quite the extravaganza at Crown Ballroom in Portland, OR. The Ballroom reminds one of a French Bordello - rich accents and furniture, art and design. The chuppah was bedecked with white gauzy fabric covering pots and poles, crowned by an heirloom white tablecloth. Personal vows, a parent who spoke about humor donning a red clown nose for a second, rich red bridesmaids' dresses of various styles.

2011-07-11T06:21:00.001-07:00

Sun, July 10, 2011: Red Ridge Farm wedding: Portland and Cayman
Island crowd joins together to celebrate couple today in Dayton!
Rehearsal dinner last night at Andina Restaurant - amazing food,
warm, personable people. Lots of weddings coming up each weekend.....

2011-07-06T17:48:00.001-07:00

Wed, July 6: Back from Kallah, University of the Redlands, CA.
Spent final day at Topanga Beach and Venice Beach. Wedding at Red
Ridge Farm this weekend. Stay tuned.

2011-06-23T01:33:00.001-07:00

THURSDAY, JUNE 23RD: 7-8 PM PARTICIPATORY IMPROVISATIONAL COMMUNITY
DANCE HONORING THE SUMMER SOLSTICE: PENINSULA PARK ROSE GARDEN: MEET
AT GAZEBO, DANCE IN ROSE GARDEN: EVERYONE WELCOME -
DANCERS AND NON-DANCERS, CHILDREN AND ADULTS

2011-06-06T18:11:00.001-07:00

Mon, 6/6: "Pitch" group left Portland today, driving south to Eugene
to plan performances in Eugene, Ashland, SF, LA. From Ezra: If you
missed PITCH this time around, we will be back in Portland July
13-19, and are booking shows in basements and living rooms, and
inviting people to shows at other people's homes. Check out
gocurbside.com for info, or write gocurbside@gmail.com. If you are
in Eugene, Ashland, SF and LA - please check out the website as well!

2011-06-05T00:31:00.001-07:00

6/4/11: 2 Weddings today. Warm, sunshine day in Portland: afternoon
wedding - small, sweet intimate family gathering in our backyard and
evening wedding at Lan Su Chinese Gardens w/gong, incense and Chinese
music on a bridge with honored guests seated across the water.

2011-05-17T22:13:00.001-07:00

Tues, 5/17/11: "Monger" by Barak Marshall....Final White Bird dance
performance of the season....curiously, Marshall is son of my former
Yemenite dance teacher, Margalit Ovid. Strong commentary on class,
work, relationships.

2011-05-16T23:16:00.001-07:00

Mon. 5/16/11: Swing Dance Lessons for First Dance: Guy really
improved from first lesson 2 weeks ago! Today we developed a whole
series of dance moves - quite the choreography. They just are really
cooperating and into it. And possible Cannon Beach Wedding June 7th.

2011-05-15T00:50:00.001-07:00

Chanting, listening, elopement, dance lessons

2011-05-15T00:49:00.001-07:00

Sun. May 15: Chanting weekend; compassionate listening group; new
elopement interview on Monday; swing dance lesson for wedding couple
as well.

2011-05-09T21:14:00.001-07:00

Mon. 5/9/11 "Shehechiyanu, v'kiymanu, v'higiyanu lazman haZeh: Oh
Mystery, Grace unfolding, Oh Miracle, it's You alone,/Oh Mystery,
Grace Unfolding, Oh Miracle, Who brings us Home."

2011-05-08T20:38:00.001-07:00

Sun, 5/8/11: We attended an amazing Jewish chant retreat with Rabbi
Shefa Gold at Stillmeadow Retreat Center in Estacada. Exquisite
chanting, sauna, excellent food, community closeness, focus on
mothering and mother's day.

2011-05-06T01:58:00.001-07:00

Friday 5/6/11: Jail wedding postponed; elopement inquiry; looking at
swing first dance videos on UTube - some pretty fabulous dancers out
there; attending weekend chant retreat at Stillmeadow Retreat Center
in Estacada, led by Rabbi Shefa Gold

2011-05-02T16:57:00.001-07:00

Mon. 5/2/11: Charleston/Swing dance lessons for couple today in
preparation for their processional and first dance....and the groom
got it! Plus Sunday wedding at Canvas Art Bar: canvases set up with
paint for guests to contribute to artwork for couple's home; and
first ceremony I have officiated in which couple said nothing, just
listened. They sat on a couch, listening to all their friends and
relatives tell stories and give advice; exchanged rings to the poem
"Love" by Roy Croft read by me. And such a fabulous sunshine day in
Portland!

2011-04-28T23:24:00.001-07:00

Th, 4/28/11: Preparing for Canvas Art Bar wedding this weekend,
focused on community sharing stories and advice as candle and bowl
for stones circulate from table to table. Plus Ana is marrying a
young Hispanic couple.

2011-04-27T00:05:00.001-07:00

Wed, 4/27/11: Having a dance session with a couple wanting to learn
swing for their wedding - plus they are doing a dance processional!
finally combining both my talents - writing and dancing! anyone else
need a dance lesson for their wedding? plus on the side I am selling
bamboo! large plants and poles.

2011-04-26T00:04:00.001-07:00

Mon. 4/25/11: Wedding this weekend at Canvas Art Bar. Unique, story-
focused wedding at an artsy venue this weekend. And Ana has a small
hispanic wedding as well!
Happy May Day!

2011-04-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Sun. April 24, 2011: Happy Easter! On Good Friday the congregants
of P'nai Or, Portland, attended the Good Friday Passion Play service
of the congregants of St Marks Presbyterian Church. Members of both
congregations had attended a monthly, six month class entitled "Roots
and Branches" taught by Rabbi David Zaslow, focused on the roots of
Christianity in Judaism and looking at the historical Rabbi Joshua
(Jesus). Rabbi Zaslow and Pastor Campbell got together and rewrote
the text of the Passion Play based on this historical view of the
crucifixion. The hour-long revised Passion Play - including
references to Jesus as Rabbi joshua, to the thousands of Jews
crucified during that time period by the Romans and to those few Jews
who chose to collude with the Roman occupiers of Jerusalem ("puppets
of the Romans") was deeply moving for all those present, Christians
and Jews, in the context of the darkest day of remembrance by
Christians. Is such revisionist thinking happening elsewhere on the
planet? Blessings to Pastor Barbara Campbell for her bravery, depth
and inclusion.

2011-04-22T12:31:00.001-07:00

Friday, 4/22/11: From the daughter of the couple who renewed their
vows for their Diamond Wedding Anniversary (she talks to her parents
every night):"We all talk every night during our good night call
about how wonderful the celebration was and how perfectly you
(Joanie) performed the important role you had in making it the most
special day any of us could imagine." Sweet! Anyone else out there
want to renew their wedding vows?

2011-04-21T14:14:00.001-07:00

Thurs 4/21/11: Young Eastern European couple eloped yesterday
evening at 10 pm in our living room. Lovely couple were just so happy
to be married! Sent them a lovely photo album today via e-mail.

2011-04-14T00:06:00.001-07:00

Wed. 4/13/11: Planning on connecting to a 24 hr. Global Water Dance
to highlight issues around clean drinking water and place-specific
water issues June 25th at 5 pm. The Portland dance will be led by
Mettler-trained Doug Victor. University of the Redlands, Aleph
Kallah 2011 event will be led by Joanie Levine. You can set one up in
your locale. See: http://ping.fm/Oh2ri There's music and a
score on the site. Exciting!

2011-04-13T23:49:00.003-07:00

Tues, 4/12/11: On Friday, Yehudah will be blessing the Cauneq - a
Barge owned by 16 Yupik village organizations and 2 Yupik regional
organizations in Western Alaska, built by Vigor Industrial Shipyard,
located on Swan Island, Portland. We will travel to the Shipyard and
dine on the Willamette Star. And they advertised on Eventective for a
minister for this barge blessing! I have been researching Yupik, the
Barge and all - plus it's my birthday on Friday - so, what a way to
celebrate a 62nd birthday! Joanie

2011-04-13T23:49:00.001-07:00

4/10/11: Ana Villarqui performed an Hispanic wedding today, including
a shells and sand blessing ceremony - nice innovation by the couple
on a way of including all their guests in the ceremony. Yesterday
evening we watched "Altiplano" - a deeply mystical, political movie
that takes place in both the Andes and France. Well worth seeing.

2011-04-03T23:03:00.001-07:00

Sunday, 4/3/11: Cross-country skiing today at Teacup - amazing fresh
snow, sunshine, warmth - ah, spring skiing!

2011-04-02T21:52:00.001-07:00

4/2/11: Mali: art workshop trip to Mali plus desert music festival
plans in the making; Pruned away dead stuff in the garden with
intermittent spring showers!

2011-03-31T23:25:00.001-07:00

3/31/11: amazing: Laboratory Dance Project from South Korea tonight
thru Sat. night - the best of the season yet! Final piece was like a
combination of zikr, hip hop and pure power. If you can get a ticket
- go!

Who: Laboratory Dance Project (LDP), from Seoul, South Korea
Presented by: White Bird
When: Thursday, March 31, 2011 - Saturday, April 2, 2011, 8:00pm
Where: Lincoln Hall, Portland State University
Sponsor: Willamette Week, Columbia Sportswear Company
Tickets: $28; $18 Students/Seniors. Tickets available through
www.whitebird.org and PSU Box Office, 1825 Broadway, 503-725-3307

White Bird Uncaged presents the West Coast debut of South Korea�s
Laboratory Dance Project at Lincoln Hall, Portland State University
from March 31-April 2, 2011. Founded in 2001, LDP comprises some of
the most boldly creative young dancers and choreographers from the
Korea National University of the Arts in Seoul and has been making an
international name for contemporary Korean dance with its distinctive
blend of modern, hip hop, break dancing, martial arts, acrobatics and
contact improvisation. The Portland program will feature eight
gifted male dancers, performing three exhilarating works by three
award-winning choreographers, including the company�s signature
piece, No Comment, which has brought audiences to their feet around
the world whenever it has been performed.

The LDP program will begin with Are you happy to see me?, for six
dancers, choreographed by Mi Sook Jeon. This is a witty and
satirical work on social conventions that forcefully points to the
lack of communication pervading contemporary society. Jeon uses the
gesture of shaking hands to represent the choreographer�s wish to
break down barriers in human relationships, both on a personal level
as well as among political parties separated by ideological or
political doctrines.

Modern Feeling , by choreographer Insoo Lee, uses movement arising
from contact improvisation that suggests meetings, conflicts and
compromises between two men. Lee�s intensely physical movement
resonates with hip hop, break dancing, martial arts, and acrobatics,
performed by the two dancers with great strength and precision.
Modern Feeling won the Grand Prix award at the Seoul International
Choreographer Festival in 2008.

LDP�s program culminates with LDP�s signature work, the ferocious No
Comment, choreographed by Changho Shin in 2002. A testosterone-
fuelled group of eight suited male dancers prowl the stage with
physically charged, unpredictable movement that combines modern dance
with hip hop and martial arts. No Comment was inspired by the video-
only, no-commentary news format that characterized the Iraqi War
press coverage in Germany. This comment-less communication style led
the choreographer Shin to drop unnecessary interpretations or
symbolism from his dance. When the work premiered at London�s The
Place this past November, londondance.com called the work �hard-
hitting,� �packing a punch with its intensity, cleverly building
walls of movement.�

2011-03-31T00:18:00.001-07:00

Th, 3/31/11: "We are sorry to make you suffer. Please forgive us. We
thank you and we love you" Say this twice with sincerity to the
waters of Fukushima Nuclear Plant and join millions of people around
the globe today at noon. Blessings!

2011-03-27T23:02:00.001-07:00

Sun. 3/27/11: Quiet, introspective day. Rewrote an old story:
"Visited by an Angel" and received positive regard from several
people to whom I sent it; and just received the draft of our next
ceremony. Great pics to post from wedding vows renewal ceremony
yesterday - soon!

2011-03-26T17:26:00.001-07:00

Sat, 3/26/11: 60th wedding anniversary renewal of vows at Lucky Lab
on Hawthorne: family came from all over Oregon to celebrate with this
couple: warm, moving, sweet ceremony accented by couple's renewal
vows while touching wedding bands, 60 years later, while sitting
opposite each other in chairs.

2011-03-25T23:34:00.001-07:00

Fri, 3/25/11: September 20, 2011 Wedding Network USA meeting at Lan
Su Chinese Garden: We met today with Michelle Starry, wedding
organizer at the Chinese Gardens, Holly Hogan of Catering By Bo and
Evonne Tang of the Tao of Tea to discuss our collaborating on an
evening presentation focused on ethnic wedding trends in September.
Exciting to be a part of the mix!

2011-03-24T01:38:00.001-07:00

Th, 3/24/11: Deposits finally came in from couples we interviewed
several weeks ago and I am sending out first drafts, material from
which they may select. We have a dance processional with swing
music, a handfasting and a Jewish interfaith wedding on the books.
Plus I seeded a patch of earth yesterday with radishes, spinach,
urach, scallions, beets, swiss chard - plus we seeded broccoli,
tomatoes, tomatillos for growing in our indoor kitchen garden
window. Spring is here!

2011-03-18T19:58:00.001-07:00

Fri 3/18/11: Artists Rep production of Jack goes Boating by
playwright Bob Glaudini..very NYC, artistic, off beat production;
Jack & friend blossoms as they fall in love; his best friends reveal
the tension in their relationship; excellent production through Apr.
17th worth seeing. Playing with our granddaughter Sylvia continues
to be a joyful part of our Fridays. Shabbat Shalom!

2011-03-16T23:36:00.001-07:00

Wed. 3/16/11: Quite the day! Girl wanting to marry a fellow in a
local jail came over after I found another officiant yesterday to
officiate the wedding in Pendleton; daughter of couple celebrating
their 60th wedding anniversary came over and we planned the event,
spoke with parents over the phone - they are so excited!; and another
groom called to check in on our pricing and style for a loosely
interfaith wedding. Feels like another period of intense activity.

2011-03-10T00:17:00.001-08:00

Wed, 3/9/11: Lovely wedding interview this evening with couple getting
married at Leach Gardens in August. Their Irish roots tingled as they read
a handfasting vows piece and they resonated with the depth of both Rilke and
Anne Lindbergh - Gift of the Sea. For a great photo, check out:
feed://www.myportlandphotographer.com/feed/

2011-03-08T22:35:00.001-08:00

Tues, 3/8/11: Wedding I officiated at in Feb is featured tomorrow
on: http://ping.fm/1GamR Check it out!
Photographer, Michelle, at artistiquephotographie.com won wedding
photographer of the year award this week.

2011-03-08T16:26:00.001-08:00

Tues, 3/8/11: Booked today for a recommitment ceremony for a couple
married 60 yrs.- for their 60th wedding anniversary, to be organized
by their daughter. sweet!

2011-03-06T17:58:00.001-08:00

Sun.3/6/11: Fabulous wedding at Vista Hills Vineyard in Dayton, OR:
brilliant sunset background through large glass windows on wedding
ceremony; Mexican wedding symbolism and vows, sharing the cup
blessing poem focused on Jesus' miracle of turning water into wine at
Cana; surprise Dr Seuss ending - surprisingly all flowed together
with grace, sweetness and humor.

2011-03-03T10:49:00.001-08:00

Thurs 3/3/11: Wedding rehearsal this afternoon at Vista Hills
Vineyard and Winery in conjunction with Champagne Wedding & Event
Coordination; the actual wedding is on Saturday. Plus booked a
recommitment ceremony in July to be officiated by Ana Villarqui. And
inquiries about a baby naming. Life is good! Enjoy your day!

2011-03-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

Wed.3/2/11: Retreat time at Breitenbush Retreat Center: We snowshoed
on either side of the Gorge Trail and, surprisingly, the main bridges
on both sides were down, so the length of the snowshoe was dictated
by the downed bridges. We brought along our cross-country skis, but
given the mixture of rain and snow, making sleet, snowshoeing was a
great alternative.

2011-02-26T14:39:00.001-08:00

Sat. 2/6/11: Right now preparing ceremony for a wedding this evening
at Kennedy School; Warm Springs couple being married; minister
couldn't make it. So groom came an hour ago and we decided on
ceremony. Full procession, flower girls, ringbearer - the works -
tuxes, et al. Oh my! Hopefully this will go well. More later.

2011-02-24T21:13:00.001-08:00

Th, 2/24/11: Preparing for Mexican/American wedding next weekend;
Grandfather wrote a Spanish poem to commemorate his grandson's
marriage - pretty awesome!
And a couple from Warms Springs, getting married at Kennedy School
this weekend called yesterday to say that their officiant, a friend,
couldn't make it, so they were looking for an officiant. In case of
heavy snow, we can walk to Kennedy School, so we couldn't turn them
down. Up to Breitenbush for SSHR and hopefully lots of cross-country
skiable snow!

2011-02-22T00:18:00.001-08:00

*Tues, 2/22/11: Great quote we received from couple we recently interviewed:
"Since you guys were the only ones we've met with so far that were able to
help us feel comfortable and "heard", it ended up being an easy decision.
We'd love to hire you guys to officiate at our wedding." *

2011-02-15T16:41:00.001-08:00

Portland, OR, Tues, Feb 15, 2011} - WeddingWire, the nation�s leading
wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce YOUR PERSONAL
CEREMONY has been selected to receive the prestigious annual
WeddingWire Bride�s Choice Awards� 2011 for WEDDING OFFICIANTS.

Recognition for the Bride�s Choice Awards� 2011 is determined by
recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire
newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their
experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the
nation.

YOUR PERSONAL CEREMONY stands among the top five percent of wedding
professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and
service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to
the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from
wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the
overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

�WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated
wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,� said Timothy
Chi, WeddingWire�s Chief Executive Officer. �With the annual Bride�s
Choice Awards� program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to
recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We
applaud YOUR PERSONAL CEREMONY for their professionalism and
dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.�

We are happy to announce that YOUR PERSONAL CEREMONY is among the
very best WEDDING OFFICIANTS within the WeddingWire Network, which
includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart
Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our
past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride�s Choice Awards�
2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today
at {Enter WeddingWire Storefront URL}.

2011-02-13T22:18:00.001-08:00

Sun 2/13/11: Several International Film Festival films seen: Iraqi
film very heartfelt, very sad; French flick: witty, fun, French-take
on women's lib in the 70s; this week,
Palestinian movie: Budrus. Meanwhile, several wedding interviews
this week set up. Canadian couple Sat. planning another rooftop
wedding at Arts & Crafts Museum.
Joanie officiated at wedding Friday eve at Oaks Pioneer Church in
Selwood - sweet and it didn't even rain!

2011-02-11T10:38:00.001-08:00

Fri. 2/11/11: Back from Costa Rica: amazing trip: so many animals,
birds, wonderful people. Back to abundance of wedding inquiries.
Booked an elopement for next month. Full up with wedding interviews
for the next two weeks. Jumping into it all.

2011-01-25T01:03:00.001-08:00

Sun, 1/23/11: Leaving for Costa Rica tonight at midnight! Wedding
interview today for Jewish/Interfaith wedding with lovely family plus
an inquiry for a bi-lingual officiant! Moving towards Valentine's
Day, probably more people will be booking. We will frequent computer
cafes on our journey!

2011-01-16T04:36:00.001-08:00

Fri 1/14/11: First wedding for me of 2011: an elopement in our living
room of a lovely N. Portland couple, with their dog and 4 friends,
bubbles, corsage and all.
They were so very gracious and lovely. They will have a larger party
next month. I set up an altar in the living room - a new addition.
Perhaps this will attract more simple ceremonies to our living room!
Pictures to follow.

2011-01-13T21:43:00.001-08:00

Wed, 1/12/11: Got a call today for a couple wishing to elope on
Friday. So they will come over Friday morning with four friends and
a small dog. Have to clean the living room - good excuse.

2011-01-13T18:30:00.001-08:00

Wed. 1/12/11: Skype interviews are a bit weird, but so nice to
actually get to see the couple. The people who find us and think
that we are a match for them are just so special. There are just so
many incredible young people out there finding each other and
choosing to get married. This couple is talented, creative,
interested in ecology and environmental concerns, wanting a "green
wedding".

2011-01-12T08:54:00.001-08:00

Mon. 1/10/11: lovely couple from Scottsdale, Arizona have hired us
for their wedding in September 2011! Wed. have a Skype interview
with a couple in Corvallis getting married at Forestry Center in
Kings Valley. More leads popping up. So hopefully we will book a
few weddings before we take off for Costa Rica! And Ana's Hispanic
wedding this past weekend went well. So begins our 2011 wedding season!

2010-12-07T14:39:00.001-08:00

Dec. 7, 2010: Just booked a 1/1/11 wedding at The Village Ballroom,
in walking distance of our house! Hooray!

2010-11-30T23:25:00.001-08:00

Nov. 30th: Wedding 38 December 19th! Officiant cancelled on this
couple, getting married at Oaks Pioneer Church! Only 2 more to 40.
Also, an inquiry about blessing three children. Interesting. And
composed a Zen ceremony for a couple getting married at the Chinese
Garden in Portland.

2010-11-30T17:16:00.001-08:00

Nov. 29, 2010: Back from Seattle: fabulous Picasso exhibit at
Seattle Art Museum and interesting (fabulous for kids!) Harry Potter
exhibit at Seattle Science Center. Happy interim before Chanukah
starts (this Wed.!) and Christmas begins (three weeks)! Getting back
on Google Maps and working on wedding website are priorities this
month. So, gathering pictures from 2010 weddings. Any good photos
out there?

2010-11-23T00:50:00.001-08:00

Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010: Today my inner wisdom told me: "Everyday do
something to promote Your Personal Ceremony even though the season is
down." So I followed up on an e-mail saying that someone I married
couldn't post a review on Google Maps. I put in link and, sure
enough, no access. We have been dumped from Google Maps. I searched
for a way to communicate and it is a maze. I posted a question.
Will see if that helps. Anyone out there know how to navigate the maze?

2010-11-22T00:28:00.001-08:00

Monday, Nov. 22, 2010: Quiet on the wedding front; still busy
painting - now, the basement stairs and into the basement.
Discovered another storage space underneath the stairs not being
utilitzed. Painted the small door and will put on a handle. Art
going up in kitchen. Final coat on hardwood floor. Facilitated
Restorative Justice and Listening Council session at our monthly
Compassionate Listening Group. Everyone was excited with the model.

2010-11-15T22:52:00.001-08:00

11/15/2010: Tonight reviewing a Mexican/American wedding ceremony
for 2011. The groom's grandfather wrote a love poem for the wedding,
which he will read in Spanish and the groom's mother will read in
English! They are incorporating the coins and lasso, with unity
candle and wine blessing. Ceremony is at a vineyard, with three wine
barrels as the altar space.

2010-11-12T00:20:00.001-08:00

11/11/10: Checking in with folks marrying 2011 who interviewed us
but never got back. One couple in process of interviewing other
officiants. Lots of people to choose from. And then those couples
who postponed their wedding last year because of health or
economics. Plus a possible December marriage on the woman's
birthday. And we finally have knobs and pulls on our kitchen
cabinets!!!

2010-11-09T00:55:00.001-08:00

11/9/10: Oaks Pioneer Church Wedding: rain held off until wedding
done and group picture on front steps accomplished! Couple wore
rings on their wrists, attached by ribbon. Wrote joint vows, back
and forth; bride promised groom he could get a cat! Groom promised
to listen to her music selections. And both cried. Very sweet.

2010-11-04T00:20:00.001-07:00

Thursday, 11/4/10: Glorious weather, terrible political news,
another 2011 wedding booked (at Chinese Gardens) and a wedding this
weekend at Oaks Pioneer Church on Sellwood. Planting onions, favas,
more tulips and daffodils. Good night!

2010-10-30T22:45:00.001-07:00

Sat. 10/30/10: Probably a whole lot of people are getting married on
Halloween tomorrow, wouldn't you think? We didn't score a wedding
for Halloween this year. In fact, I have never officiated at a
Halloween wedding. Anybody out there ever attended such a wedding?
Perhaps some year this opportunity will come to pass!

2010-10-29T23:36:00.001-07:00

Friday, 10/29/10: 9 Reviews on "Wedding Wire"! So lovely to hear
how grateful couples are for the quality of their ceremony and our
interactions with them. Very heart-warming. And I think that the
two "4.7s" were actually just blips - wrong touches of fingers.
http://ping.fm/kz6JS Just sent
out first drafts and material to our 5 already-booked 2011 wedding
couples!

2010-10-24T00:20:00.001-07:00

10/24/10: Sand colors: purple, blue, red, green - bride, groom,
groom's 11 & 12 yr. old sons - mix sands together into a large, glass
mason jar; boys take out their pocket watches and announce the
finishing time for pouring the sand, marking the start of their new
family. Brings tears to several on-looking male family members. So
perfect a ritual for this "new family". At Edgefield, McMenamin's in
Troutdale. Also: composed grandmas reading "words of advice" - quite
the speakers!

2010-10-21T10:35:00.001-07:00

10/21/10: Sending out Final Ceremony copies on fine paper to 2010
couples with requests for reviews on Google Maps, Yahoo Maps and
several wedding websites.
Focusing on finishing up 2010 weddings and sending out start material
for 2011, with three current weddings to go!

2010-10-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

10/19/10: Wedding this weekend at Edgefield, McMenamin's, focuses on
past (advice from grandmas), present (vows, rings) and future (sand
ceremony including groom's boys). In the upstairs ballroom. Fall
colors. On the home front: repainting cabinet doors after they were
planed; touch-up, finishing up odds and ends: still need to choose
countertops, backsplashes, handles for new cupboards.

2010-10-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

10/14/10: 3 more weddings: Oct. 23 at Edgefield, McMenamins; Nov 6
at Oaks Pioneer Church; third one in December. Up to 38 weddings for
2011! Two more weddings to book in 2011 to get to 40 weddings
total. Anyone want to elope in our living room? Kitchen remodel 3/4
the way there. We have a hot water dispenser, filtered water at the
sink and from the frig, pull out sprayer, dishwasher, undermount
lighting, new floor; almost all the kitchen stuff is back in
cupboards. Got to: repaint old cabinet doors, pick out countertops
and backsplash.

2010-10-10T22:36:00.001-07:00

10/10/10: Gorge Crest Vineyards http://ping.fm/GgWbk
events.htm: magnificent setting in Underwood, Washington. Heavy rains
for the rehearsal on Sat.; wedding inside on Sunday with large garage-
type door open to the clear vista of magnificent clouds and peeking
sunshine - could have been outside but a bit chilly. Drinks,
however, outside on the patio. Outstanding food: Celilo Caterers,
Hood River http://ping.fm/91IRy

2010-10-07T22:34:00.001-07:00

10/7/10: outdoor wedding 10/10/10 in Underwood, Washington at Gorge
Crest Vineyards: 30% chance of rain. We shall see! Meanwhile, 2011
wedding bookings continue, several for in the spring. Lucinda
Child's "Dance" this evening at Newmark; remounting of signature
masterwork from 1979: Philip Glass music and Sol LeWitt's photography
- film of original production in black and white juxtaposed on a
mathematical grid with current dancers in white - quite compelling.
AND the cabinets arrived today! Plus we have a functional sink!
almost there....

2010-10-03T00:21:00.001-07:00

Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010: Two weddings: Hotel Monaco and Abernethy
Center: both weddings had great wedding organizers - Holly Jarvis of
Hitched Weddings and Events -
www.hitchedevents.com - had two associates working with her and was
truly on top of all the details. The crew at Abernethy Center were
all working hard to move the wedding along. My only beef with both
was that the music DJs were not on top of the recessional music. The
recessional music should be on a clip with the kiss - kiss, applause,
music. And good volume. Where was the guy at the Hotel Monaco
wedding? The couple just started down the aisle without the
music..... At Abernethy the volume was off - not loud enough for such
a wide open space.
Next is the 10/10/10 wedding on Washington side at a winery. More
later.

2010-10-01T23:22:00.001-07:00

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010: Rehearsals Day: Traveled 90 minutes by bus to
the Abernathy Center in Oregon City, then an hour back into town to
Hotel Monaco. A first - I got the time wrong for the Abernathy
rehearsal - unbelievable as I traveled so long - but the groom saw me
as they were leaving and they came back to find me. So we had a mini-
rehearsal, just the ceremonial pieces, on the spot. So, I was very
early to the second rehearsal, although the meeting spot had
changed. It was just that sort of day. And painting: up to the
doors and portals into the kitchen: two doors, two portals.

2010-09-28T00:36:00.001-07:00

Tues, Sept. 28, 2010: writing first draft for 10/10/10 wedding.
couple called to push me along. painting kitchens and writing
ceremonies at odds, but I got it done tonight rather than putting
final (hopefully) coat of yellow on kitchen walls. And it's HOT!!!
2 weddings this coming weekend.

2010-09-26T00:56:00.001-07:00

Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010: Kitchen remodel proceeding: painting is
becoming tedious but must go on. There will be lots of touch-up.
Meanwhile, two weddings to prepare for next weekend, 3 2011 weddings
to get started; and one new 2010 wedding in November. Lots to do!

2010-09-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

Friday Sept. 24, 2010: Last weekend's wedding: great indoor/outdoor
space for a small wedding (60 people): The Little Church on NE 23rd &
NE Sumner http://ping.fm/6MGPt; delicious, organic,
unique cuisine: Simpatica (tempured squash blossoms, stuffed eggplant
- yum!) www.simpaticacatering.com/; artistic, exceptional
photographer: Josh Seaman www.relicpro.com/

2010-09-17T00:33:00.001-07:00

Friday, Sept. 17: Anna Halperin workshop at Reed College: Planetary
Healing Ritual. What a treat! And tomorrow a dance at her husband's
fountain - Lovejoy Fountain.
Plus a film perhaps Sat. eve. Very special. Late evening wedding
prep for rehearsal tomorrow morning at The Little Church on NE 23rd
and NE Sumner.

2010-09-12T00:07:00.001-07:00

Sunday, Sept 12: Interfaith wedding at World Forestry Center fifteen
hours from now. A post-Rosh Hashanah wedding: auspicious time to get
married! Yehudah officiates. My first easy weekend in months! And
an interview this morning for a bi-lingual ceremony - Spanish/English
- for Ana Villarqui, our associate, for 2011 in Eugene.

2010-09-07T12:37:00.001-07:00

Tues, Sept. 7: Cornered by an Italian fellow, married to a Jewish
girl, who strongly wants to convert, feels a deep affinity with
Judaism. He says: "I'm afraid I will go to Hell if I convert." I
tell him that Jews are God-wrestlers, that everyone is afraid of
something and that this is his wrestling match.

2010-09-07T12:35:00.001-07:00

Tues. Sept 7: Danced the week before with one of the Christian crowd
at an interfaith wedding reception. Good moves of his own, I, the
Jewish officiant, upped the ante with twirls and bends. Exhausted,
he was finished, but shouted: "I'm converting!" Sat down next to a
woman in his golf group, who said: "He will hear about this for years
to come!"

2010-09-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

Tues, Sept. 7: Crown Ballroom: bordello-style drapery, lighting and
art - fun atmosphere, dance floor on stage.

2010-09-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

Tues, Sept. 7: Lovely wedding in Laurelhurst Park: Jewish, German
combo. Goethe poem in German and English. Seven Wedding Blessings in
Hebrew with 7 contemporary blessings read by the wedding party.
Chuppah with large red floral balls hanging in the front carried in
the procession. Traditional Christian vows and breaking the glass.
Interfaith at its best!

2010-09-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

Tues., Sept. 7: Finally sending out backlog of final copies of
ceremonies on "antique laid paper" with requests for on-line reviews!
While our new reclaimed, oak hardwood floor is being laid in the
kitchen!

2010-08-26T23:24:00.001-07:00

Th, Aug26/10: 2 2011 wedding interviews today: people who are
planning ahead! one non-denominational, one interfaith.....plus
Lyndsey McKenzie's 25th birthday party in the park and Last Thursday
happening as well plus Judith Hankin, dear friend and artist
extraordinaire, visiting.

2010-08-25T00:55:00.001-07:00

Wed, Aug 25, 2010: Sunday, Hood River Wedding, The Gorge White
House: As the bride read her personal vows to the groom, she welled
up with tears. He, as well, began crying. He turned his head
towards me, trying to hide his emotional display from their assembled
community. I asked them, "Which of you should I give the hankie to
first?" He responded, "Not to me. Then they will all know that I'm
crying. Military men don't cry!" As he read his own vows to his
bride, tears continued to well up for both of them.

2010-08-22T13:06:00.001-07:00

Sun., Aug. 22/10: Sandtrap, McMennamin's wedding yesterday - the sun
came out, it was warm; all went beautifully. Long staircase
processional; their child joined them for pouring sands into a lovely
pattern - black, white and brown. Today I drive out to Hood River
for a wedding at The Gorge White House. Rehearsal at 3 p.m., wedding
at 6 p.m. Will pick up several flats of peaches between rehearsal
and wedding. Pray for good weather!

2010-08-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Sat. Aug. 21/10: "Rumors" at Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach,
Oregon: pretty hilarious, silly couples comedy - older couples with
all their oddities in a spoof by Neil Simon. We chanced upon it.
Inexpensive and fun. Right next to it in the alleyway is a great
little restaurant, much more reasonable than most places in Cannon
Beach:
Lazy Susan Cafe, 126 North Hemlock St. Yummy seafood salad with
scallops, little shrimps, etc. Seafood stew more of a soup with
clams. Mostly cloudy today - so wedding will be a bit chilly.

2010-08-20T23:43:00.001-07:00

Friday, Aug. 20, 2010: Wedding rehearsal at Sandtrap McMenamin's in
Gearhart - windy, some wispy clouds, area behind hotel only space not
a golf course. Lovely double staircase for bridal party to descend.
weather tomorrow iffy but hopefully it won't rain. so exquisite to be
at the ocean, so fun to be with Autumn, my daughter.
Tonight, by chance, we went to a comedy in Cannon Beach - a
ridiculous, funny spoof...ate dinner at a little place next to the
theater...and stopped to look at Haystack Rock in the dark. Wedding
is tomorrow afternoon.

2010-08-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010: Prepared for our multiple wedding weekend -
each of us has 2 weddings plus Ana Villarqui has 1 - before taking
off for the coast for 5 days - so when we return, everything is
prepared!!! My daughter and I will be going back to the northern
coast for 2 days, then I drive to Hood River. Yehudah's 2 are in town.
Same with Ana's. The remodel continues - decisions, decisions,
decisions. Cherry cabinets! Yay! Looks like the flooring will also
be coming up....scary! Anyway, gotta go! Have a great weekend!