What makes you so different?-Part two

What makes you so different from any other officiant?”  

Earlier in the week I shared that I get this question all the time and it is time to explain a little more. I also shared that one thing that makes me different from other officiants is my ceremony structure. But there are many other aspects of my practice that make me different. Here is part two!

2. Rituals

Before becoming a Celebrant, when I heard the word “ritual” I automatically thought of a religious experience. In doing some research it seems that this is the definition of the word almost everywhere so it is no wonder I would think religion right away! As a Celebrant, I look at ritual as a way to celebrate and honor different aspects of what it means to become a married couple.

In the past the unity candle was a ritual often seen at weddings. If you are not familiar with this ritual, both members of the couple have a taper candle that is lit. Together they light a larger candle while a blessing is said. It is a very beautiful ceremony but seems to be less and less frequently used in weddings. I suspect this is due to the high wind we tend to get in Colorado during the early Summer months.

A variation of the unity candle ritual is the sand ceremony. This is the same idea except with the use of sand. Both members of the couple have a container of sand, each a different color. Together they pour their sand into a larger container mixing the two colors together while a blessing is said. Again, a great unity ritual and with no issues caused by wind (unless you get sand in your mouth in the process)!

These rituals are not bad to use at all of course. Both are beautiful and meaningful. But what happens if you want something a little different? What happens if you want to have a beer ceremony on your wedding  day to celebrate your unity and your love of craft beer? What happens if you and your partner are Harry Potter nerds and want to make an Unbreakable Vow instead? Or maybe you are like me and need a highly logical Vulcan blessing! That is where I come in. As a Celebrant I work with my clients to build rituals around who they are as people. This means that we can get as creative (or not so creative) as you would like!

I also work with interfaith and multicultural couples. These couples are looking for a ceremony that includes elements from both of their religious or cultural backgrounds. Once I get to know my clients I work these elements in smoothly and meaningfully.

Your wedding ceremony and the rituals included should be focused on who you are as individuals and as a couple. The time I spend getting to know my clients helps me create these rituals that leave all in attendance with a memorable experience!