Custom Created Ceremonies
This lovely photo of Chapel Hill was taken by Hillary Argentieri
This is the most popular ceremony option and no two are ever alike. Create a ceremony that expresses your thoughts on love and relationship and your spiritual beliefs. You simply make selections for each part of the ceremony from my website, write your own, or use some favorites you have found elsewhere. I have a wide variety of options in the public and in the Reserved For Booked Couples sections of my website. I arrange the parts and write transitional language so it flows nicely.
The law states that you must have a marriage license and that the parties must state in the presence of an authorized public official or authorized member of the clergy and at least one other witness that each takes the other as his or her spouse. As far as I am concerned the rest can be whatever you want! Feel free to tell your story, personalize or to add cultural or spiritual touches.
These ceremonies are typically 15-20 minutes long and often contain the components shown below.
The Opening: The wedding ceremony opens with a welcome to all those in attendance and a brief acknowledgment of what is about to transpire. Sometimes couples choose that God, a Higher Power, Divine Energy or Spirit be called upon to bless the ceremony and the marriage. The opening can also acknowledge loved ones who have passed.
The Readings: Choose two or three selections to describe what is important to you in your relationship, convey your hopes and dreams for your marriage, provide a connection to a deceased family member, reflect your spiritual beliefs, or just talk about love. Friends and family can read the selections or I can read them all.
Minister's Words: Choose from four options about love and relationship. I could also tell your story or add another reading
The Expression of Intent: If you like, I can ask questions fulfill the requirements of the law and give you the opportunity to say "I do". There are also options that ask friends and family if they offer support and encouragement. If you are blending a family, there are options that also include questions for the children.
Vows: You can write your own vows or choose some from this site or elsewhere.
Blessing of the Hands: These non religious readings affirm the hands of your best friend, the person with whom you are building a future.
Exchanging of the Rings: I speak about the symbolism and significance of your rings. If you choose, I can also bless the rings. You declare your commitment to each other as your exchange rings.
Unity Ceremony: If you like, a unity ceremony can provide a visual representation of your union. Some examples are Unity Candle Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Rose Ceremony, Wine Ceremony, Water Ceremony, Time Capsule, Oathing Stone, Truce Bell, Dove/Butterfly Release, Honey Ceremony, Love Letter Wine Box, Unity Sandwich, Tree Planting, or Handfasting. Several additional ideas can be found in my Reserved for Booked Couples section of the website. I am open to other ideas and we can also create a unique ceremony just for you.
The Closing, Pronouncement of Marriage and the Kiss: I pronounce you married and you share your first kiss as a married couple. Some couples choose to be introduced.
Please note: The password to the Reserved Sections of the website will be provided when the wedding date is officially reserved with a deposit.