I want to create a tasteful, meaningful and personal ceremony for your wedding. To accomplish that, it’s ideal if we can discuss your wishes and preferences for your wedding ceremony. But if you live outside of the southern Wisconsin area, we can conduct our introductory meeting via email and phone. I would simply email my introductory documents to you and we would set up some phone time to talk through all of the details. I’ll also have lots of questions for you, many of which you likely won’t have answers for just yet. That is perfectly fine. Our introductory meeting gives us an opportunity to examine all the details involved in your ceremony.
I am happy to create any kind of ceremony you may want – from traditional to alternative, large to small, simple to elaborate. I specialize in ceremonies for people who do not necessarily consider themselves to be active members of a conventional religion, but, nonetheless, seek a wedding that reflects the spirit of their beliefs and their relationship. We can combine wedding traditions from different cultures or create something that is just for you. Based on your tastes and preferences, I can offer you some suggestions of additional rites that you may want to include to make your ceremony resonate for you.
Here are a few examples of additional rites to consider:
- You might be interested in using a Hand fasting as part of a traditional ceremony.
- We might include a rite, such as “The Ceremony of the Roses,” to honor your parents.
- We can include a ceremony to involve children and step-children as a new family comes together.
- It’s often touching to take time to pay reverence to special friends or relatives who may have passed on, but are very much in your heart on the day of your wedding.
- We can create a Unity Ceremony that is unique and reflects your passions in life.
Your Rehearsal Options
Another big step on the way to your wedding day is the rehearsal. A rehearsal tends to calm everyone down and give everyone a sense of what to expect on the Big Day. You may choose to forego a rehearsal. We can get by just fine without one, especially if your wedding party is small, or your ceremony is casual and brief.
If you do choose to have a rehearsal, it’s best to have it at the site of your wedding. It’s best to have it one or two days before your wedding and at the same time of day as your wedding. That’s best. But what’s best isn’t always practical or even possible. So please know that we can always schedule a rehearsal for a more convenient place, date, or time.
It’s your wedding. We will always do what works best for you.
Take a Deep Breath. Relax! Let Reverend Joan Conduct Your Wedding
Your wedding day arrives. Cotton ball clouds dot a deep blue sky. Joyful songs float on a fresh breeze. You’re starting a new chapter in your life.
As much as any of us might wish for a peaceful, serene wedding day, there always seems to be confusion, questions and last-minute details. The caterer wants to know where they can get electricity. Your aunt hasn’t arrived yet. And how did those kids get grass stains on their knees already? Well, one part of your wedding day that you can trust to be organized and under control is your wedding ceremony. I guarantee it.
I take care of everything having to do with your wedding ceremony.
- I arrive early to make sure everything is set up as it should be.
- If we are using a sound system, I check to ensure it is all set.
- I get everyone lined up in the right places, at the right times.
- I coordinate musical cues with the musician.
- I carry extra copies of everyone’s readings.
- I even carry spare tissues in my pocket for those happy tears.
And, when the time comes, here’s what will happen:
I smile at you. You take a deep, relaxing breath. You look to your fiancée. All the busy-ness, all the distractions, all the questions fade away. It becomes quiet. You look to me. All is in order, just as we planned. You smile back at me and I begin your wedding ceremony. Just as you envisioned. Just as you dreamed.
And Then You Are Married
After the ceremony, all I need from the two of you (congratulations!) is a quick signature from you and your two adult witnesses. I’ll take care of filing your Marriage License with the proper county office. It’s time for you to celebrate with your loved ones. (For more information about obtaining your marriage license, please see Q & A page.)
But, before you go, I’ll have a couple things for you:
- Your keepsake Marriage Certificate, and
- A keepsake copy of your wedding ceremony.
Your personal wedding ceremony. The ceremony that represents the two of you and the promise of your future life together. I hope you cherish these documents. Please know that I cherish serving as your spiritual coach, collaborator and confidante. You are giving me a great honor by allowing me to be your partner in designing your soulful wedding ceremony.
YouTube Video Clips
- Welcome (41 secs)
- Opening Remarks (53 secs)
- Statement to Guests (49 secs)
- Lydia and Mike’s vows (2 min 11 secs)
- Lydia and Mike’s ring exchange (1 min 7 secs)
- Unity Candle Introduction (1 min 16 secs)