Weddings
Yes, I have a passion for creating ceremonies for most of life's journeys, yet I so enjoy helping couples create a wedding ceremony that represents their unique expression of their love and commitment. My specialty is helping you get clear on your intentions that you wish to carry forth through your ceremony and in creating "sacred space" to bless your union whether your event is indoors or outside. I am a registered ordained wedding officiant in the State of Kansas and can be licensed for specific wedding in other states given enough notice. My desire is to help you create a wedding ceremony that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple (no matter what your lifestyle choices are) sharing your love, hopes and joys with your family, friends and community. I will guide you through the process of crafting the right words and choosing symbols, rituals, blessings and even music that will enrich your wedding experience and celebrate your treasured moment. My customized wedding ceremonies can help you honor any of your cultural and religious backgrounds you wish to bring together such as spiritual, interfaith, christian, pagan, and buddhist teachings. On the day of your wedding, I will also help you to stay centered and calm to experience all the joys of your special day. Note: Since some couples today are looking for simple loving ceremony with no religious affiliations, but more than a civil ceremony, I do offer a few pre-scipted ceremonies for couples on a small budget.
It would be my privilege to plan and officiate your event. I will gladly meet with you at no cost or obligation to you, so you can find out if I am the right officiant for your ceremony. If you would like to set-up a meeting, please call me at 617.416.0157 or email me with your wedding date so I may check my availability. Also please download the wedding questionnaire and fill out and either email it to me or bring to our first meeting.
It would be my privilege to plan and officiate your event. I will gladly meet with you at no cost or obligation to you, so you can find out if I am the right officiant for your ceremony. If you would like to set-up a meeting, please call me at 617.416.0157 or email me with your wedding date so I may check my availability. Also please download the wedding questionnaire and fill out and either email it to me or bring to our first meeting.
wedding_questionnaire.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Testimonial
“The decision to ask Rev. Annika to oversee our celebration resulted in a focused, loving ceremony that blew away either of our expectations. The professionalism, and (to us, more importantly) the personal gentleness with which she guided us through the ceremonial structuring allowed us one less enormous thing to worry about. We will forever have a positive, centered energy at the
core of all memories of our wedding day, thanks in large part to her guidance. I'd recommend Rev. Annika to all looking to celebrate
any occasion in a deep meaningful way.”
- Jon and Danielle Paddol Beverly, MA
core of all memories of our wedding day, thanks in large part to her guidance. I'd recommend Rev. Annika to all looking to celebrate
any occasion in a deep meaningful way.”
- Jon and Danielle Paddol Beverly, MA
Planning Your Ceremony
Types of Ceremonies
Many couples today do not have a religious affiliation so they have more choices to consider for their ceremonies depending whether they want to incorporate some religious traditions from their family background or create a unique interfaith service if the couple has different religious backgrounds. Many of our now married couples choose ceremonies that are more spiritual, not pertaining to any one religion or a secular service that focuses more on the theme of love and connection. Rev. Annika is happy to help you create a ceremony that represents your beliefs and lifestyle choices.
Rev. Annika is also ready to assist couples who are already married and would like to have a ceremony to renew their vows.
Elements of the Ceremony
There are many elements that can be included in a wedding ceremony, yet there are only two parts that are needed to make the ceremony legal which are the couple's stated intentions to marry and the officiant's pronouncement of the marriage (and of course a signed marriage license). Below is a summary of the order of service for many traditional ceremonies.
Many couples today do not have a religious affiliation so they have more choices to consider for their ceremonies depending whether they want to incorporate some religious traditions from their family background or create a unique interfaith service if the couple has different religious backgrounds. Many of our now married couples choose ceremonies that are more spiritual, not pertaining to any one religion or a secular service that focuses more on the theme of love and connection. Rev. Annika is happy to help you create a ceremony that represents your beliefs and lifestyle choices.
Rev. Annika is also ready to assist couples who are already married and would like to have a ceremony to renew their vows.
Elements of the Ceremony
There are many elements that can be included in a wedding ceremony, yet there are only two parts that are needed to make the ceremony legal which are the couple's stated intentions to marry and the officiant's pronouncement of the marriage (and of course a signed marriage license). Below is a summary of the order of service for many traditional ceremonies.
General Wedding Ceremony Outline
Prelude: Music
Processional: Music and entrance of family, groom, bridal party and bride. How everyone enters. There is symbolism here on the bride leaving her past behind and entering into marriage with her husband. There are many new ways to do this. Positioning at the alter/platform.
The Convocation: An introduction/welcome usually done by celebrant but sometimes couple will do part of this to welcome their guests. Welcome guests and set the tone of what this wedding is about and what the guests will witness or be asked to participate in (statement of intention). Also may include a remembrance piece for family members not present or who have past on. Parents sometime participate in this part.
The Invocation: A prayer/poem/song to create sacred space or acknowledge the presence of the divine or love usually done by celebrant or singer/musician.
The Readings: Prayers, poems, songs, old love letters, scripture usually read by friends, family and celebrant that reflect on your views of love, marriage and commitment.
The Address: Like a sermon if the couple wishes to send a message to their guests about what kind of commitment they are making. I tend to have the couple do this with symbolism or make this part of the introduction in shorter ceremonies.
The Consecration: To make sacred the words you just heard, a blessing for the bride and groom. This is a bridge from the messages to the more intimate part of the ceremony and focusing on the couple. ( I have also done this as a blessing after the vows and included blessings by the guests.)
The Expression of Intent: Making public your desire to wed (a legal requirement). The "I do's." ( Can be combined with vows)
The Vows: Usually the most memorable part of the wedding. Making your love tangible, how it brought you together and how it will sustain you. Your heartfelt promises. A couple can choose to say these quietly to each other too.
The Blessing and Exchange of Rings: Explaining what the rings mean (material symbol of your bond) and what you take away from the ceremony as a everyday reminder of what you pledge as you exchange rings.
Unity Ceremony/Symbols: Candles, Water, Grains, Flowers (can come after vows or after kiss) Instrumental music or song work well with this.
The Pronouncement of Marriage and the Kiss: Public prouncement which is needed to make the ceremony legal. Usually a special moment. Can be done simple acknowledge the couple sanctifies their marriage and announce them married or with legal (by the authority invested in me by the Commonwealth) and/or spiritual ( by the love and grace of Spirit/God that is within me). And of course the kiss seals the promise!
The Benediction: A joyous end to the ceremony with a blessing or positive message to send the couple out into the world.
Presentation: Introduction of bride and groom as newly married (clapping) How would you liked to be introduced:
The Recessional: Music and Bride & Groom leaving ceremony space along with bridal party and family to go to receiving line, photos, reception, ect.
Please feel free to download the wedding ceremony outline here:
Prelude: Music
Processional: Music and entrance of family, groom, bridal party and bride. How everyone enters. There is symbolism here on the bride leaving her past behind and entering into marriage with her husband. There are many new ways to do this. Positioning at the alter/platform.
The Convocation: An introduction/welcome usually done by celebrant but sometimes couple will do part of this to welcome their guests. Welcome guests and set the tone of what this wedding is about and what the guests will witness or be asked to participate in (statement of intention). Also may include a remembrance piece for family members not present or who have past on. Parents sometime participate in this part.
The Invocation: A prayer/poem/song to create sacred space or acknowledge the presence of the divine or love usually done by celebrant or singer/musician.
The Readings: Prayers, poems, songs, old love letters, scripture usually read by friends, family and celebrant that reflect on your views of love, marriage and commitment.
The Address: Like a sermon if the couple wishes to send a message to their guests about what kind of commitment they are making. I tend to have the couple do this with symbolism or make this part of the introduction in shorter ceremonies.
The Consecration: To make sacred the words you just heard, a blessing for the bride and groom. This is a bridge from the messages to the more intimate part of the ceremony and focusing on the couple. ( I have also done this as a blessing after the vows and included blessings by the guests.)
The Expression of Intent: Making public your desire to wed (a legal requirement). The "I do's." ( Can be combined with vows)
The Vows: Usually the most memorable part of the wedding. Making your love tangible, how it brought you together and how it will sustain you. Your heartfelt promises. A couple can choose to say these quietly to each other too.
The Blessing and Exchange of Rings: Explaining what the rings mean (material symbol of your bond) and what you take away from the ceremony as a everyday reminder of what you pledge as you exchange rings.
Unity Ceremony/Symbols: Candles, Water, Grains, Flowers (can come after vows or after kiss) Instrumental music or song work well with this.
The Pronouncement of Marriage and the Kiss: Public prouncement which is needed to make the ceremony legal. Usually a special moment. Can be done simple acknowledge the couple sanctifies their marriage and announce them married or with legal (by the authority invested in me by the Commonwealth) and/or spiritual ( by the love and grace of Spirit/God that is within me). And of course the kiss seals the promise!
The Benediction: A joyous end to the ceremony with a blessing or positive message to send the couple out into the world.
Presentation: Introduction of bride and groom as newly married (clapping) How would you liked to be introduced:
The Recessional: Music and Bride & Groom leaving ceremony space along with bridal party and family to go to receiving line, photos, reception, ect.
Please feel free to download the wedding ceremony outline here:
_wedding_ceremony_outline.doc | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Heart and Soul Weddings & Events
is a division of Heartlight Peace Ministries
[email protected] 617.416.0157
Copyright © 2013 HeartandSoulEvents.weebly.com. All rights reserved
is a division of Heartlight Peace Ministries
[email protected] 617.416.0157
Copyright © 2013 HeartandSoulEvents.weebly.com. All rights reserved