• Other Services

    HANDFASTING CEREMONY

     

    *HANDFASTING is an ancient Celtic wedding ritual in which the couples’ hands are tied together with a ceremonial ribbon or cloth (if you saw the movie BRAVEHEART you might remember the scene where they were married in the forest. The priest wrapped their hands in a strip of cloth, his family’s tartan). It’s often done in modern times with a beautiful ribbon the couple chooses. It’s then tied in a bow with an opening loose enough so that the hands can come out freely, or simply draped across the hands. The couple saves the ribbon or cloth as a keepsake.. Here are some words that can be said with handfasting:

    “Keith and Roberta, as your hands are bound together now,
    so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.
    Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
    Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light,
    and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.”

    BABY NAMING CEREMONY

     

    Some families look for a secular alternative to Baptisms and Christenings. Families who are either non-religious or religious but interested in including friends and relatives from multi-cultural backgrounds in a non-religious ceremony can hold a Baby Naming Ceremony. This is an increasingly popular event where parents can publicly welcome their child and their hopes and intentions for the child. Compared to a Baptism or Christening, a naming ceremony is more festive and can be held on any day of the week, at any time.

    Like Baptisms or Christenings, you can have a Naming Ceremony at your house or at a neighborhood park. Things to think about when choosing your venue are any requirements for ceremonial centerpieces, number of chairs and tables.

    Ceremony

     Typically, someone close to the family is chosen to be the leader of the ceremony or the celebrant. This person functions as the host and keeps the ceremony moving on schedule, while performing and participating in any naming ceremonies. Supporting adults that function as Godparents to the child play a role in the ceremony. They usually hold the baby and make promises to support and take an interest in the child’s future. Like traditional Godparents, you should select close friends or relatives whom you want to play an influential role in your child’s life. Promises to the child are made by the family, supporting adults and all the attendees. They can be repeated as statements led by the celebrant or the celebrant can pose ceremonial questions to the guests.

    Naming

     There is usually a symbolic act during the ceremony that serves as the central moment of naming for the child. The symbolic act can be when all the guests welcome the child in unison, or the celebrant faces the guests and declares the naming and the crowd applauds, or the parents and siblings can hold the child in turn and make promises to the child. Specific phrases include: “We welcome Josh Ali Jackson to the world” or “This child is named Josh Ali Jackson and may we look after him as friends and family.”

    Readings

    It is also a good idea to include readings, which can be a mix of religious and non-religious readings. Popular hymns and favorite poems are common for such an occasion. Selected Bible passages may also be appropriate here. Feel free to select from content that you feel is important to your family.

    COMITTMENT CEREMONY

     

    Commitment ceremonies mean many different things to different people. A commitment ceremony can look just like a wedding, complete with church, wedding gown, and hundreds of guests — but no marriage license. Or, it can be the most alternative event imaginable: a ritual to bless your relationship, or just a big party to celebrate your love. A huge bash with all your friends and relatives in attendance, an intimate exchange between you and your partner(s), or a family rite of passage to strengthen the bonds between parents and children in a new unmarried stepfamily – call it a commitment ceremony, a wedding, a ceremony of union, or anything else you like! But call me and I’ll make it happen!

     

    WEDDINGS FOR THE INCARCERATED

     

    I know this isn’t your dream wedding, but I’m here to help you make it the best it can be. That’s right, I do perform weddings for the Incarcerated. Yes, there’s a few hoops you have to jump thru but they aren’t difficult. For instructions please give me a call or drop me an email.