Not a New York Wedding...

Okay, it was on the West Coast, and I'm jealous. The wedding of Nikki Rice and David Malki sounds so cool and so fun that I wish I could have been there! They are both multi talented artists who work in film as well as many other media, not the least of which was creating their own unique celebration.



Although the did have their serious and romantic moments...



comfort and funkiness was definitely a factor. I love the dyed to match chucks. Move over stilettos and laceups.....




But maybe my fave is the cake!



All the best to yous twos! Long live love, talent and humor!

Ringers!

When I saw Carrie Weston's jewelry, I couldn't resist posting some pix. Her quirky and fun designs would just make the most amazing wedding rings!

My personal favorite is her "sandwich" ring (but check out her hamburger ring too...)




And then there are the "diamond" rings (and pendants and earrings) which she designer for her brother.


Her work is fun and unusual and there are many, many designs that would just rock as wedding bands. If I get married again, I'm having the sandwich!

Not just plain vanilla

I read about Lisa Krisner George in the New York Times, in a wonderful article about women who have created alternative career paths. As soon as I finished reading, I picked up the phone and called her. We had a cool conversation and I went to see her delightful pink and chartreuse studio, Vanilla Pink in Bloomfield NJ. It is there that she creates the most amazing, individual dresses for special occasions. Her outlook on what she creates is very similar to the way I view my New York wedding ceremonies; (smooth, eh?)

"Your bridal wear should tell a story; it should speak of who you are and how you came to this day. It should be as unique as the person it is designed for, and should say more about what is beautiful to you than what happens to be in fashion. It is the dress you have always imagined yourself wearing—not a dress that wears you.

Our designs, first and foremost, reflect these beliefs. Every dress we make marries a love of design with time-honored techniques—to reflect both the beauty of the fabric you have chosen, and your own personal tastes."

You will love speaking with Lisa, and her dresses will seize your heart.But call her now because she is getting busy!

Music, Music, Music

When you start to think about music to surround your wedding ceremony, think out of the box! Sure, you can use the Pachabel Canon in D, which is lovely; but how about something that is more personal, more individual,like you are! I wrote about Tricia, and her heart stopping walk down the aisle. I had a bride arrive to Bobbie Mcferrin's version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow"; I had another walk in with a selection from "Riverdance" flowing behind her. Lovely Tovah and her father walked down the aisle to "Edelweisse", from "The Sound of Music". She almost took me down; by the time she got to the ceremony space, all the bridesmaids, the groom, and me were sobbing.





When I got married, a billion years ago before unity candles were invented, I chose the theme from the wonderful movie, "Out of Africa", written by John Barry. The music was evocative; slow enough to walk to (this is a BIG consideration!), and short enough to be appropriate.



To me, the real meaning of the movie (which does bear another view!) was two people who found each other, against all odds and coexisted in an edgy, not perfect way. They were completely soul mates although life was messy for them. It spoke of the real challenge and joy of partnership.

So go look! Maybe the into music to Pee Wee's playhouse suits you! Maybe a beautiful Gershwin tune, "Embraceable You", or "Some Enchanted Evening", from South Pacific

Think about the music that you love, and that music will enhance your ceremony more than any words can do.

Engaging photos

And I wish I'd thought this one up! One of my clients took her wedding party (including her trusty new jersey wedding officiant!) to the Jersey Shore to take a barefoot group photo for her engagement announcement. It was very casual, very relaxed, and gave the wedding party a chance to meet, greet and plot! As I wrote her wedding ceremony, I wove into it the story of their engagement photo party. It was very sweet, and it gave the guests a little more insight into this wonderful couple. We also incorporated a sand ceremony after their vows, using sand we brought back!

This type of "before" photo could be a great wedding invite too! Including the "back story" of a wedding can make everyone feel like a part of the path to the marriage, and give everyone even more to talk about on the "day"!

Our sweet picture is from a blog called Weekend Kindness.

water, water everywhere!!!

My fantastic New Jersey couple this weekend have a running theme in their relationship; water! They met in a thunderstorm, betting each other who could last longer sitting outside and getting wet! (It was a tie...) They said that thunderstorms always remind them of the night they met, so it made perfect sense to have a water ritual as part of their ceremony.

As guests enter the wedding ceremony site, they will encounter a small table with a beautiful bowl of water and tumbled river rocks. There is a small card on an easel that quotes part of a John O'Donohue poem about the blessing of water, and a suggestion that they dip their fingers into the vessel and make their wishes for the couple.
As part of the ceremony, before the ring exchange, I will pour the water, and in essence the hopes and dreams of their friends and family, over their hands. (We'll have a towel handy!)

This is the reading that will accompany the "pouring";

Marriage is a promise between two people, but it is a promise that exists with the support of a community. As you entered our ceremony space, you all infused this water with your wishes, hopes and dreams for this couple! I invite you to think of those wishes again as they start their journey together, immersed and renewed by the imaginings of the people who mean the most to them.

May you be comforted, nourished and inspired with every thunderstorm, with every river and ocean, with every drop of dew you experience. May you never forget the rainy night that you met and may you be reminded, again and again of this glorious day; a day that marks a twist in the river that is life!
With the pure intention of all those present, may this water bless your hands and hearts.

I think it will add meaning to their wedding ceremony, not only as a visual opportunity for their photographer to have something besides me talking and everyone else listening, but it will truly personalize their ceremony in an unusual and memorable way.

This beautiful bowl is from www.chopa.com. It is a Tibetan singing bowl, relatively rare in the United States, although in China, these bronze bowls date back to the 5th century B.C. Traditionally, they are filled with water and when the brass handles are rubbed, the bowl will sing! Legend has it that the higher the water splashes to your face, the longer your longevity is on earth!

I'm going to try and NOT splash my bride and groom, but the fond wishes of their guests will bless their union. Do I have the best job on the planet or what??

As you start to think about your New Jersey wedding ceremony, or your wedding ceremony anywhere else, think about elements of your own history that would provide a meaningful and individual ritual. It will make your wedding ceremony truly something to remember.

If you're in California, and you're trying to create a real "outta the box" wedding, you're in luck, Rebel Belles Weddings can swoop in and save the day! Their irreverent and down to earth attitude is a breath of fresh air and they will do exactly what you need; manage your vendors on the day, find you great professionals and venues, and give you the best ideas. They are real specialists in theme weddings, so if you're thinking a football party, a Star Wars adventure or a medieval fest, they're your go to planners. Give them a hoot!