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/
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.
on: http://ping.fm/1GamR Check it out!
Photographer, Michelle, at artistiquephotographie.com won wedding
photographer of the year award this week.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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}.
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}.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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".
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".
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!
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!
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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!!!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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....
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....
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!"
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!"
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Aug. 10, Tues: Yehudah and I biked the 36 mile, 10 bridge, Bridge
Pedal Ride Sunday - plus about 4 miles to and from our house!!! We
started out from the house 6:30 a.m. and I passed the finish line by
10:45 a.m. So awesome - biking on Freeways, over wide expanses of
bridges, from the Sellwood to the St. Johns. People partying on the
tops of the bridges. Taiko drumming on the Freeway! I was pretty
sore that evening but recovery was swift. Definitely a must do for
next year! Come join us!
Pedal Ride Sunday - plus about 4 miles to and from our house!!! We
started out from the house 6:30 a.m. and I passed the finish line by
10:45 a.m. So awesome - biking on Freeways, over wide expanses of
bridges, from the Sellwood to the St. Johns. People partying on the
tops of the bridges. Taiko drumming on the Freeway! I was pretty
sore that evening but recovery was swift. Definitely a must do for
next year! Come join us!
August 7, 2010: Wedding at Northstar Ballroom, NE Killingsworth,
Ptld: Exquisite, tearful bride; handsome, composed groom - community
involvement in honoring the directions, verbalizing community
support; handfasting with colored ribbons; personal ring vows.
Yehudah and Joanie co-officiated. Plus a great dinner!
Ptld: Exquisite, tearful bride; handsome, composed groom - community
involvement in honoring the directions, verbalizing community
support; handfasting with colored ribbons; personal ring vows.
Yehudah and Joanie co-officiated. Plus a great dinner!
Friday, July 30, 2010: Surge of new wedding interviews. For in a
week, for 10/10/10, a wedding for Ana Villarqui to perform Aug. 21,
for 2011. Wedding inquiry from a sister helping an out-of-town
sister. And the dance processional video from Aurelia and Gary's
Mexican American wedding is now on utube. will post that soon!
week, for 10/10/10, a wedding for Ana Villarqui to perform Aug. 21,
for 2011. Wedding inquiry from a sister helping an out-of-town
sister. And the dance processional video from Aurelia and Gary's
Mexican American wedding is now on utube. will post that soon!
Wildwood Recreation Site - Welches, Oregon, the amphitheatre. Bring
some extra chairs and this is a divine site for a wedding. Tucked
among trees, right near the river.
We married a couple there on Saturday. Good, natural acoustics. A
gem of a spot for those who love the outdoors and want a low cost
possibility.
some extra chairs and this is a divine site for a wedding. Tucked
among trees, right near the river.
We married a couple there on Saturday. Good, natural acoustics. A
gem of a spot for those who love the outdoors and want a low cost
possibility.
Wildwood Recreation Site - Welches, Oregon, the amphitheatre. Bring
some extra chairs and this is a divine site for a wedding. Tucked
among trees, right near the river.
We married a couple there on Saturday. Good, natural acoustics. A
gem of a spot for those who love the outdoors and want a low cost
possibility.
some extra chairs and this is a divine site for a wedding. Tucked
among trees, right near the river.
We married a couple there on Saturday. Good, natural acoustics. A
gem of a spot for those who love the outdoors and want a low cost
possibility.
Interview today for a beach wedding in August. Plus several more
fall wedding inquiries. Saturday a couple is getting married at the
Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches, Oregon, then having their
reception at Resort at the Mountain - less expensive alternative to
doing the whole shebang at the resort. Life is good!
fall wedding inquiries. Saturday a couple is getting married at the
Wildwood Recreation Site in Welches, Oregon, then having their
reception at Resort at the Mountain - less expensive alternative to
doing the whole shebang at the resort. Life is good!
We send each couple a final copy of their ceremony, with any changes
made right before and even during the ceremony, amended, on Antique
Laid Paper, plus we ask for help with reviews and receiving photos
for our website and Facebook pages. I caught up last night with
sending these out. To date, we have officiated at 16 ceremonies this
year, with 15 in process and several more interviews pending. It is
so gratifying to interact with people at this important step in their
life!
made right before and even during the ceremony, amended, on Antique
Laid Paper, plus we ask for help with reviews and receiving photos
for our website and Facebook pages. I caught up last night with
sending these out. To date, we have officiated at 16 ceremonies this
year, with 15 in process and several more interviews pending. It is
so gratifying to interact with people at this important step in their
life!
Limousine arrival by bridal party, Mariachi Band, dancing
processional, lasso, gold coins, kneeling pillows, Unity Candle, sand
ceremony in pink, burgundy and white, German prayer to honor the
Groom's heritage - this Mexican-American had it all. Fabulous decor
job by the family of the bride in what moments before was a simple
Grange Hall in Vancouver. Reception was in the cool basement room.
Blessings to the bride and groom - off to Guadalajara for their
honeymoon!
processional, lasso, gold coins, kneeling pillows, Unity Candle, sand
ceremony in pink, burgundy and white, German prayer to honor the
Groom's heritage - this Mexican-American had it all. Fabulous decor
job by the family of the bride in what moments before was a simple
Grange Hall in Vancouver. Reception was in the cool basement room.
Blessings to the bride and groom - off to Guadalajara for their
honeymoon!
The Timberline wedding yesterday evening was just so lovely. There's
still snow right up to the building and a slight wind was blowing.
Considering the heat of the city this was so refreshing. Sand
ceremony with sands of different colors from different locations was
very special, with parents coming up during the ceremony to place
their stones, hug and kiss. And, of course, the Crows Nest is such a
venue, Mt. Hood looming close through the window. Today's the
Mexican wedding....
still snow right up to the building and a slight wind was blowing.
Considering the heat of the city this was so refreshing. Sand
ceremony with sands of different colors from different locations was
very special, with parents coming up during the ceremony to place
their stones, hug and kiss. And, of course, the Crows Nest is such a
venue, Mt. Hood looming close through the window. Today's the
Mexican wedding....
Picture a wedding procession including 39 people - 2 moms to light
the candles, 4 madrinas (women) to carry the ceremonial objects; 6
groomsmen and 6 bridesmaids; groom; 2 ringbearers; 7 flower girls;
bride followed by 10 Mariachi players....plus me. To boot, everyone
will be dancing down the aisle (except the band). This was the
wedding rehearsal I conducted this evening for a Mexican/American
wedding in Vancouver, Washington. The wedding is on Saturday.
the candles, 4 madrinas (women) to carry the ceremonial objects; 6
groomsmen and 6 bridesmaids; groom; 2 ringbearers; 7 flower girls;
bride followed by 10 Mariachi players....plus me. To boot, everyone
will be dancing down the aisle (except the band). This was the
wedding rehearsal I conducted this evening for a Mexican/American
wedding in Vancouver, Washington. The wedding is on Saturday.
I am thinking of making the beach wedding into a mother-daughter
getaway at the coast. We shall see if it materializes.
Have a rehearsal tomorrow evening for a Mexican-American wedding,
complete with a 10 piece Mariachi band! Not at the rehearsal, but at
the wedding. The bride asked me to wear a Mexican Sombrero! I do
have a Mexican dress bought in Oaxaca and maybe Yehudah will wear the
sombrero!
getaway at the coast. We shall see if it materializes.
Have a rehearsal tomorrow evening for a Mexican-American wedding,
complete with a 10 piece Mariachi band! Not at the rehearsal, but at
the wedding. The bride asked me to wear a Mexican Sombrero! I do
have a Mexican dress bought in Oaxaca and maybe Yehudah will wear the
sombrero!
Gotta an inquiry today from a woman who has already gotten the
marriage license with her fiance, and has decided to "surprise" him
by just planning a date to a spot and then having it all set up to be
married - just an officiant and two witnesses. It so happens that
the place she wants to get married is within walking distance of our
house - pretty simple and easy! Definitely easier than going by
metro to the Washington County Jail! Since that one I am realizing
that driving even 1 1/2 hrs. to the coast isn't so challenging, since
it took me that long to get to Hillsboro via public transportation.
I am rambling on about another wedding inquiry for a beach wedding in
August.
marriage license with her fiance, and has decided to "surprise" him
by just planning a date to a spot and then having it all set up to be
married - just an officiant and two witnesses. It so happens that
the place she wants to get married is within walking distance of our
house - pretty simple and easy! Definitely easier than going by
metro to the Washington County Jail! Since that one I am realizing
that driving even 1 1/2 hrs. to the coast isn't so challenging, since
it took me that long to get to Hillsboro via public transportation.
I am rambling on about another wedding inquiry for a beach wedding in
August.
The groom was roundly roasted by an old friend...the bride's sister
put together a powerpoint presentation of photos of the two of them
with words, sentiments and all....and they took it all in with great
humor and enjoyment....another shared the 10 best things about the
couple....and the bride's friends has rare stories about their
courtship......
put together a powerpoint presentation of photos of the two of them
with words, sentiments and all....and they took it all in with great
humor and enjoyment....another shared the 10 best things about the
couple....and the bride's friends has rare stories about their
courtship......
What a site at the rehearsal yesterday! Nine guys with beer bottles
in hand, after a river rafting, wine tasting day, seeing the seven
bridesmaids arrive in a golf cart for the wedding rehearsal. Who
were they to be hooked up with to walk down the aisle? The two
tallest guys graciously walked down the aisle arm in arm. Bride
dealt with the delicate subject of how to walk down the aisle with
her estranged parents - trying out all the alternatives. And I
suffered hay fever from grass newly cut on all those golf lawns....
in hand, after a river rafting, wine tasting day, seeing the seven
bridesmaids arrive in a golf cart for the wedding rehearsal. Who
were they to be hooked up with to walk down the aisle? The two
tallest guys graciously walked down the aisle arm in arm. Bride
dealt with the delicate subject of how to walk down the aisle with
her estranged parents - trying out all the alternatives. And I
suffered hay fever from grass newly cut on all those golf lawns....
Wedding this evening at Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon.
Excellent wedding location - Mountain vistas beyond, great food,
excellent management of wedding party and details. Becca, one of the
wedding organizers at the resort, was superb in managing the large
wedding party, all the last minute details. And great food.
And 1 hr. from Portland very near the Salmon River.
Excellent wedding location - Mountain vistas beyond, great food,
excellent management of wedding party and details. Becca, one of the
wedding organizers at the resort, was superb in managing the large
wedding party, all the last minute details. And great food.
And 1 hr. from Portland very near the Salmon River.
Well, I thought this was going to be simple - drive to the Washington
County Jail, meet with these folks for 15 minutes, drive home. Not
so. Our car is at Brian's being fixed. So, the Max! Takes 1 1/2
hrs. to get to the end of the line in Hillsboro, home of the
Washington County Jail. And then the same to get to Brian's to pick
up the car. Tired now. The bride and groom are married. That was
15 minutes. Hopefully, making this commitment will help the groom to
change his life patterns of drug use that leads to illegal behavior.
That's what he has promised. I am happy to have been part of what
hopefully is a transformative action. We are up the mountain for a
wedding in Welches this weekend! Everyone enjoy the long weekend!
County Jail, meet with these folks for 15 minutes, drive home. Not
so. Our car is at Brian's being fixed. So, the Max! Takes 1 1/2
hrs. to get to the end of the line in Hillsboro, home of the
Washington County Jail. And then the same to get to Brian's to pick
up the car. Tired now. The bride and groom are married. That was
15 minutes. Hopefully, making this commitment will help the groom to
change his life patterns of drug use that leads to illegal behavior.
That's what he has promised. I am happy to have been part of what
hopefully is a transformative action. We are up the mountain for a
wedding in Welches this weekend! Everyone enjoy the long weekend!
Dicey weather....We have two weddings this weekend, Friday and
Saturday. A rehearsal on Friday. So much rain! But hopefully this
weekend will be just lovely - clear, bright, sunshine. Let's all
pray for sunshine! What else? People are now beginning to plan fall
and winter weddings - so, another flurry of inquiries. Blessings to
all you out there who are getting married! Joanie
Saturday. A rehearsal on Friday. So much rain! But hopefully this
weekend will be just lovely - clear, bright, sunshine. Let's all
pray for sunshine! What else? People are now beginning to plan fall
and winter weddings - so, another flurry of inquiries. Blessings to
all you out there who are getting married! Joanie
I have several weddings for couples who are already married. One is still a
secret; the others the immediate family knows. So I looked online for a
Wedding Keepsake Certificate and really couldn't find any which included
witnesses signing, until I looked at the website of an organization of which
I am a member and found just the right certificate!
Hope the rain stops by next Friday! We have a Friday wedding, Friday
rehearsal and Saturday wedding - all outside.
secret; the others the immediate family knows. So I looked online for a
Wedding Keepsake Certificate and really couldn't find any which included
witnesses signing, until I looked at the website of an organization of which
I am a member and found just the right certificate!
Hope the rain stops by next Friday! We have a Friday wedding, Friday
rehearsal and Saturday wedding - all outside.
Our family wedding was very successful! We all incorporated numerous
Russian customs - During the reception the bride and groom bit into a
large loaf of bread - whichever bit the bigger piece was announced as
the "boss" of the couple. The groom definitely had a larger mouth
than the bride in this particular couple. Oh well. Another Russian
tradition we executed was for everyone to yell out the word
"Gor'ko" (bitter) so the bride and groom kissed a long time. During
the ceremony we spoke about Russian wedding rings. They wear them on
the opposite hand. Wearing them our style in Russia means that the
person is divorced or widowed.
Curious! The bride was dressed like a fairytale bride - so
exquisite, so lovely.
Russian customs - During the reception the bride and groom bit into a
large loaf of bread - whichever bit the bigger piece was announced as
the "boss" of the couple. The groom definitely had a larger mouth
than the bride in this particular couple. Oh well. Another Russian
tradition we executed was for everyone to yell out the word
"Gor'ko" (bitter) so the bride and groom kissed a long time. During
the ceremony we spoke about Russian wedding rings. They wear them on
the opposite hand. Wearing them our style in Russia means that the
person is divorced or widowed.
Curious! The bride was dressed like a fairytale bride - so
exquisite, so lovely.
we attended fourth day of Folklife Seattle - went to some dance classes:
persian, kathak, then listened to lots of music - Iranian, French, jazz,
contemporary folk.....and the sun came out in the afternoon! immediately
people were sunning, sweating, the throngs came out....
in the evening we had a small pre-wedding family gathering at Voltera, an
Italian restaurant in Ballard....excellent food and fun to see
everyone....crossing fingers re: weather for tomorrow, especially in the
evening!
persian, kathak, then listened to lots of music - Iranian, French, jazz,
contemporary folk.....and the sun came out in the afternoon! immediately
people were sunning, sweating, the throngs came out....
in the evening we had a small pre-wedding family gathering at Voltera, an
Italian restaurant in Ballard....excellent food and fun to see
everyone....crossing fingers re: weather for tomorrow, especially in the
evening!
We are up in Seattle, preparing for my nephew's wedding. Our
nephew's bride arrived from Russia a few months ago and is intently
studying English in an immersion program. Met today with the couple
at Ray's, on the water. Given the Seattle weather, they have a
covered area right on the water and an uncovered area right next to
it. Last year this same weekend was warm and sunny. It's a Seattle
Folklife Festival weekend. This feels more like real Seattle
weather. After settling some details with the coordinator we went
over to a coffee shop to chat. We did a mini-rehearsal in the open
area right where we were sitting - then a group arrived and set up
informal chairs for a meeting in the same spot. A versatile place!
More later!
nephew's bride arrived from Russia a few months ago and is intently
studying English in an immersion program. Met today with the couple
at Ray's, on the water. Given the Seattle weather, they have a
covered area right on the water and an uncovered area right next to
it. Last year this same weekend was warm and sunny. It's a Seattle
Folklife Festival weekend. This feels more like real Seattle
weather. After settling some details with the coordinator we went
over to a coffee shop to chat. We did a mini-rehearsal in the open
area right where we were sitting - then a group arrived and set up
informal chairs for a meeting in the same spot. A versatile place!
More later!
We met with a young couple this evening who are marrying in June.
The fellow has decided to take his name as his middle name and to
take his bride's last name.
Very interesting! Anyone else know of a couple where the man has
taken his wife's last name rather than vice versa? Maybe these folks
are trendsetters!
The fellow has decided to take his name as his middle name and to
take his bride's last name.
Very interesting! Anyone else know of a couple where the man has
taken his wife's last name rather than vice versa? Maybe these folks
are trendsetters!
To Russia with Love: Last night I spoke with my nephew and his
fiance, recently arrived from Russia. Swan Lake music for her
entrance, interesting tidbits about wedding rings in the U.S. and
Russia. Did you know that Russians wear their marriage bands on the
opposite hand? So, if you are traveling in Russia and want them to
know you are married, switch the hand your ring is on! Our style
indicates to them that a person is divorced or widowed! Just a quick
travel tip!
fiance, recently arrived from Russia. Swan Lake music for her
entrance, interesting tidbits about wedding rings in the U.S. and
Russia. Did you know that Russians wear their marriage bands on the
opposite hand? So, if you are traveling in Russia and want them to
know you are married, switch the hand your ring is on! Our style
indicates to them that a person is divorced or widowed! Just a quick
travel tip!
Two weddings this past week. One very small and sweet in Beaverton and the second a backyard "Shotgun" staged wedding in Vancouver, WA - the groom was coaxed on the deck by his buddies with a lasso and (empty) shotguns! Very fun, music and all. Best food was a traditional collard greens dish. And inquiries keep coming!
Alela & Tom: Feb. 20th, 2010: elegant at-home wedding - first of the season!
Hi Joanie & Yehudah,
Everything worked out perfectly for our wedding day! We couldn't be happier!
Thank you both so much for making it so special, and of course, official.....it was a perfect (and very emotional ceremony!!)
For now, we are honeymooning at home, but we're talking about hawaii - we'll see!
I hope this finds you well - we are looking forward to the photos from Cheryl & congratulations on having her as your new daughter in law!
Best,
Alela & Tom
2010 Bride's Choice Awards from WeddingWire!
Portland, Oregon – January 19, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Your Personal Ceremony has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Officiants!
The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.
Your Personal Ceremony is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.
“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”
We are happy to announce that Your Personal Ceremony is among the very best Wedding Officiants within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at:http://www.weddingwire.com
The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.
Your Personal Ceremony is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.
“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”
We are happy to announce that Your Personal Ceremony is among the very best Wedding Officiants within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at:http://www.weddingwire.com
Your Personal Ceremony now has a Facebook page!
Your Personal Ceremony now has a Facebook page! You can become a fan by following the link!
Rooftop Wedding and Armory Extravaganza
Picture a plain rooftop transformed with billowing white material, golden-painted chairs and many people dressed in East Indian garb. The wedding was elegant, funny and very touching. Funny in that at the groom's entrance, his sister was instructed to secure his shoes when he took them off and keep them from the bride's family after the bride's mother annointed his third eye with kumkum and blessed him with a small sacred fire. Todd's sister Eliza was valiant and succeeded in securing the shoes - and put them on her own feet!
So when Eliza came up to read the poem by ee cummings, i carry you in my heart, she was uncontrollably laughing. She was wearing Todd's shoes and he was standing in light blue socks! The poem is one of my favorites and she did finally read it quite well.
The touching parts were: all four parents came up to the altar and all placed their hands on top of each other over Todd and Priya's. Her brother, who was orchestrating all the Hindu ritual, poured a small amount of water on top of all the hands. The water signified that the couple's love would overcome all obstacles. And, near the end of the ceremony, the couple walked over to each of their grandparents in the front row to receive their blessings.
And as Todd read their mutual vows, Priya welled with tears.
They chose to incorporate a sand and stone piece into the ceremony. Everyone present, having traveled from all over the country and from several foreign places, brought small stones from those places that they placed in an elegant, small vase as they entered the ceremonial space. Priya and Todd poured sand into this vase during the ceremony - sand from Ojai, Todd's childhood home, and Mombai, India - Priya's family's homeland. They now have a keepsake vessel to take home with them to Santa Fe.
The second floor of the Museum of Contemporary Craft was transformed by Artemis Caterers into a very elegant post-wedding cocktail hour - dimmed lights, several stations with tasty kinds of pesto, cheese, oysters, wines, fruits - large square glass containers filled with smooth white glass pebbles -
Pedicabs to the Armory.....
The second floor of the armory set up with tables named for all the streets Priya and Todd have lived on - remarkably delicious dinner - downstairs, the entryway transformed into a dance floor with a fabulous danceband -
Many of the women changed from their saris to easier dancing clothes.....
This was a "destination wedding" all planned from afar. They all stayed at Hotel Lucia. The group was just so warm, gracious, talented, thoughtful, genuine and so fun. I will post pictures here when they become available!
So when Eliza came up to read the poem by ee cummings, i carry you in my heart, she was uncontrollably laughing. She was wearing Todd's shoes and he was standing in light blue socks! The poem is one of my favorites and she did finally read it quite well.
The touching parts were: all four parents came up to the altar and all placed their hands on top of each other over Todd and Priya's. Her brother, who was orchestrating all the Hindu ritual, poured a small amount of water on top of all the hands. The water signified that the couple's love would overcome all obstacles. And, near the end of the ceremony, the couple walked over to each of their grandparents in the front row to receive their blessings.
And as Todd read their mutual vows, Priya welled with tears.
They chose to incorporate a sand and stone piece into the ceremony. Everyone present, having traveled from all over the country and from several foreign places, brought small stones from those places that they placed in an elegant, small vase as they entered the ceremonial space. Priya and Todd poured sand into this vase during the ceremony - sand from Ojai, Todd's childhood home, and Mombai, India - Priya's family's homeland. They now have a keepsake vessel to take home with them to Santa Fe.
The second floor of the Museum of Contemporary Craft was transformed by Artemis Caterers into a very elegant post-wedding cocktail hour - dimmed lights, several stations with tasty kinds of pesto, cheese, oysters, wines, fruits - large square glass containers filled with smooth white glass pebbles -
Pedicabs to the Armory.....
The second floor of the armory set up with tables named for all the streets Priya and Todd have lived on - remarkably delicious dinner - downstairs, the entryway transformed into a dance floor with a fabulous danceband -
Many of the women changed from their saris to easier dancing clothes.....
This was a "destination wedding" all planned from afar. They all stayed at Hotel Lucia. The group was just so warm, gracious, talented, thoughtful, genuine and so fun. I will post pictures here when they become available!
Hindu-Non-denominational Combo
Yesterday was Todd and Priya's rehearsal. They currently live in Santa Fe, New Mexico but met in Portland. They found me on-line and called to see if I was a suitable officiant for their wedding. They wanted to blend her Hindu background with his rich family traditions. Since I had co-officiated with a local Hindu priest a few years ago Priya felt comfortable with my taking on their ceremony. Her brother would help with all the Hindu pieces - all the rituals including the lighting of a small fire around which the couple would walk. We communicated back and forth for several months and today was the first time we met - at their rehearsal.
What a great group of people! Both families were amazingly warm and cordial. One of her aunts invited me to visit them in Calgary, Canada! The rehearsal itself took care of some last minute details and was sweet and swift as it started raining at the very end. A lovely after-rehearsal party followed, including everybody who had come from out-of-town, which was just about everybody. I did talk to one of Priya's friends who still lived in Portland. Todd's Dad sang a song he had written for the occasion, accompagnied on the guitar by his other son. Eliza, Pria's new sister-in-law, introduced a getting-acquainted game: she handed everyone a card with someone else's name on it and one had to go around looking for the person. It really did break the ice and more people were talking to people they didn't know up until that time. Very noisy, fun, social environment. I don't think I have been to a wedding party with such cordial, loving people. Even the groom's father kissed me when I told him what a great song he had written!
At 9 p.m. the women went up to the ninth floor for a Henna party - with champagne, chocolate-dunked strawberries and sweets. The men retired to the bar for male bonding time. The Henna party was a gas! Four Portland Henna artists drew elaborate designs on feet, hands, palms, arms. At 10 p.m. the bride's Mom arrived with saris for women to try on, but by that time I was leaving.
This morning, the day of the wedding, I looked through all my Indian garb and took out two saris I received as gifts probably 33 years ago. The blue one with a rich floral design fits me better than the fancier one with gold trim, so, in the end, I decided to wear it. Yehudah and I followed the instruction booklet and managed to garb me in this elegant sari and I am now sitting here typing while wearing it. It takes some getting used to - not to feel stiff and awkward in all the fabric, especially the piece draped on my left arm. But it could become a habit!
Off to the wedding - on the rooftop of the Museum of Contemporary Crafts!
Elopement
Yesterday a woman called to ask if I was available to do a wedding today, Tuesday. Yehudah had married her daughter and son-in-law several years ago and she had remembered him fondly. She was looking for Yehudah to perform the wedding, but, as he is busy working at other jobs this week I told her that I was available. We planned a time to meet yesterday afternoon with both her and her fiance. In one and a half hours we basically planned their personalized wedding ceremony. That evening I worked on writing up a ceremony for them, looking on-line for symbolic connections about chocolate and a particular Jewish phrase, "Ani l' dodi v'dodi li". I will include here the piece I wrote about this as it excited me that they were choosing to get married in this particular time period. The woman is Jewish and the fellow comes from a Catholic background, but considers himself a universalist.
Well, he arrived this morning in his Prius to pick me up to go to their home. Her two daughters and one friend were their witnesses. She had set the table with lovely red crystal wine glasses, a large red box with chocolate and rings - the rings in a lovely, small box with Taj Mahal on the cover, champagne, other family heirlooms. It was just a lovely wedding!
So - if you are reading this and are considering an elopement - we are available!
Here is the piece I adapted from material I found on-line:
................, you have chosen to honor .............’s Jewish heritage in your choice of ring vows. Curiously, you are marrying in the early days of the Hebrew month of Elul and the Hebrew letters of the word [Elul] can be read as an acronym for the phrase “Ani l'dodi v'dodi li, which is from the Song of Songs. The Beloved, the tradition teaches, is one way of understanding Divinity; the acronym reminds us that Elul is a time to keep Adonai and love foremost in our minds. Each inbreath can be thought of as “ani l'dodi” and each outbreath as “v'dodi li” -- each breath a conversation with the Beloved, an assertion of that relationship which underlies everything we do. You are each other’s beloved and, as well, you are both in relationship to that which is greater than yourselves.
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
entry by Joanie Levine
Well, he arrived this morning in his Prius to pick me up to go to their home. Her two daughters and one friend were their witnesses. She had set the table with lovely red crystal wine glasses, a large red box with chocolate and rings - the rings in a lovely, small box with Taj Mahal on the cover, champagne, other family heirlooms. It was just a lovely wedding!
So - if you are reading this and are considering an elopement - we are available!
Here is the piece I adapted from material I found on-line:
................, you have chosen to honor .............’s Jewish heritage in your choice of ring vows. Curiously, you are marrying in the early days of the Hebrew month of Elul and the Hebrew letters of the word [Elul] can be read as an acronym for the phrase “Ani l'dodi v'dodi li, which is from the Song of Songs. The Beloved, the tradition teaches, is one way of understanding Divinity; the acronym reminds us that Elul is a time to keep Adonai and love foremost in our minds. Each inbreath can be thought of as “ani l'dodi” and each outbreath as “v'dodi li” -- each breath a conversation with the Beloved, an assertion of that relationship which underlies everything we do. You are each other’s beloved and, as well, you are both in relationship to that which is greater than yourselves.
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
entry by Joanie Levine
Summer Weddings, 2009
July 24th through 26th was a big wedding weekend for us! I officiated at three very different, unique weddings - the first, an early afternoon Native American wedding at a private home, the second a large lavender field wedding on Sauvie Island at the Blue Heron Herbery and the third again at a private home, very chic, tatoo-adorned crowd. Each one was special, highly personalized and went without a hitch - except if you call waiting for Grandma to arrive a tiny hitch in the last ceremony.
It was truly an honor to officiate at the Native American wedding. Drumming friends of the couple brought a large native drum and gifted them with two eagle feathers. We honored the directions, the elements of water, earth, air and fire - and the couple received blessings through the playing of the sacred drum.
The second wedding was highly personalized and humorous in parts because of the material. Large lavender beds adorned either side of the ceremonial area. Several sweet children threw petals before the wedding party entered. Lots of readings and the entire party of about 180 people all vowed to help and honor the relationship. They all blessed a rock or pebble and placed them in a very large glass vessel, into which the couple poured sand from places far away that were meaningful in their lives. And what a great party and food!
The third wedding of the weekend - and, by the way, this was the hottest weekend Portland has seen - was styled in black, white, with a touch of red. The couple's friends were mostly all tatooed - large tatooes across chests, down backs, small tatooes on faces, hands, ankles ....... people standing at tables, sitting at other round tables.....very yummy finger-licking food, great DJ - a touch of Jewish ritual - blessing over the wine, breaking the glass - and mostly a personally-honed ceremony, tear-jerking vows....the groom weepy as he read the sweetest, most heartfelt poem to his beloved.....here's a picture of the couple sharing wine....
We are now preparing for several weddings for the weekend of August 28th. Weddings seem to be clumped together this year.
I love officiating at weddings. I actually love the entire process of putting a ceremony together. It is such an honor to participate with a couple at such a special time of their lives.
Steven & Autumn's story on yahoo personals!
Check out Steven and Autumn's stories of how they met on yahoo personals (we married them so they shared this publication with us!):
http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/successstories/1631/online-dating-story-we-were-a-100-match
http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/successstories/1631/online-dating-story-we-were-a-100-match
Thank You Note from Beth & Seth
Dearest Joan & Yehudah:
A very warm thank you to both of you for performing our ceremony and for sharing with us in celebration of our marriage! We are both feeling truly blessed to have crossed paths and found two people who share in our spiritual sentiments. Your ceremony for us was perfect - something we will both cherish and fall bacvk on during trying times. Our liv4es together began in a grounded and spiritually connected way - whicvh has provided aq sense of support and love both internal and external. For this we are forever grateful.
We both look forward to crossing paths again sometime. All our best to you both.
Warmly,
Beth & Seth
A very warm thank you to both of you for performing our ceremony and for sharing with us in celebration of our marriage! We are both feeling truly blessed to have crossed paths and found two people who share in our spiritual sentiments. Your ceremony for us was perfect - something we will both cherish and fall bacvk on during trying times. Our liv4es together began in a grounded and spiritually connected way - whicvh has provided aq sense of support and love both internal and external. For this we are forever grateful.
We both look forward to crossing paths again sometime. All our best to you both.
Warmly,
Beth & Seth
Thank You Note from Jason & Claudia
Joanie,
Thanks for your calm presence at our wedding. We appreciate it and enjoyed the way you held space and officiated for us.
Take care,
Jason and Claudia
Thanks for your calm presence at our wedding. We appreciate it and enjoyed the way you held space and officiated for us.
Take care,
Jason and Claudia
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