Honoring and Celebrating Life - LisaAnn's Blog

Spontaneity Opens a Wedding Ceremony with Joyful Laughter!

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 21:06:00 GMT

As a celebrant, I encourage the couples I work with to fully be themselves and to enjoy their ceremony. Catie and Pete listened very carefully to this tip when, after they processed down the aisle, immediately went directly to the KISS! They were so excited to be getting married, they were absolutely themselves! We all laughed and any nervousness disappeared into a wisp of air.

Their ceremony was an intimate one, filled with family and friends offering their intentions and blessings which were written on stones and included in a lovely water ceremony. The first reading was perfect for them as it was actually an analogy of marriage and bicycle riding..leading to much laughter. Catie's brother and sister shared a special song, and I wrote a personal and special reflection for them, which I must admit I shed a few tears through!

Throughout the ceremony, Catie, Pete, their family and their friends laughed, cried, and enjoyed themselves as they witnessed, celebrated and honored the joining of their lives in marriage.

I have loved working with them and know that we will forever remain in each others hearts! Congratulations Catie & Pete may you continue to be fully yourself and enjoy each day of your lives.

Celebrating Life and the Blessing of Aging

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:29:00 GMT

Today is a day that even though cloudy and rainy is a celebration for me...and while I don't often share such things on my blog, I am daring to publicly celebrate the entry into my 55th year!

This is indeed momentous for a) I never thought I would live this long (when you are in your teens or early twenties this feels ancient!) and b) I could not have imagined feeling more alive than in my younger years.

Yet here I am...hitting the double nickel and so excited to be "in life", healthy, in love and looking forward to continued growth and learning as I stretch myself beyond what I think possible.

Aging is what happens to us all, every minute, hour and day. While we might try to fight the outer signs of it...or resist letting anyone know we are really "that age", the fact is the alternative to aging is not something I wish to embrace! Instead I embrace this glorious process with awe and amusement as I celebrate and honor all the years I have lived, the lessons I have learned, and hope for many years to follow.

A tidbit..for those who do not know, from a mystical perspective the number 5 (a prime number) is about balance, perseverance and transformation. The doubling of this is a twofold blessing for when doubled...5+5 = 10, distilled down to the number 1, which is representative of my core essence...and given the double 5's...the transformation and balance that will emerge is sure to be profound!

So I offer the possibility that each of us can shed the resistance to aging, embracing our blessings as we celebrate and honor our lives with each entry into a new year.

A Triple Blessing

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:06:00 GMT

As a Celebrant, I have the honor of welcoming babies and children into our families and lives. A few months ago this was especially spectacular as I created and officiated at a triple baby blessing for this loving family ( I will call them the "C" family to protect their privacy).

The baby blessing ceremony was designed to welcome each of the three triplets into their parents lives, their home, and their extended families lives. Everyone was able to participate...the parents, godparents (holding the babies) grandparents and the community of family and friends that were present for the ceremony. Everyone's role in the babies lives were spoken about and honored. The ceremony concluded with a water ritual in which each baby was dedicated to their own unique path and Spirit's intention for them. Congratulations to the "C" family whose lovely children grace our lives. I have loved being part of this with you!

A Perfect Venue for a Wedding, Celebration or a Lovely Walk Through History

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:22:00 GMT

I relocated here 7 years ago, and during this time, I have lived near one of the most beautiful venues in the area. While I have created and officiated at several ceremonies at the Longfellow Wayside Inn and the Martha-Mary Chapel, I noticed a significant change was beginning to occur about two years ago. While always a hospitable venue, with a fine restaurant, what I began to feel was that the staff had become friendlier and more caring, and small improvements began to appear, allowing for a "home-away-from home" feel.

As I began to investigate (yes I am always curious!) I discovered that a new Inn-Keeper had arrived. He brought with him a passion for ideas, community and team building and this is precisely what would transform this historic site and restaurant into the premier venue it is today.

This location has the capacity to serve almost any size occasion or function, from a small meeting or workshop to baby blessings, memorial tributes, weddings, retirement parties etc.

Today, this non-profit, historic site continues to be home to a lovely restaurant that will tailor their menu to meet your dietary needs, lovely grounds with gardens, a working grist mill, carriage rides, the infamous Martha Mary Chapel, an Inn and a lovely new Carriage House Inn that has just been brought under the inn's management (for a total of 58 rooms).

What truly makes this a home-away-from-home however is the staff that goes above and beyond mere customer service. Each person I have met at the Wayside is invested in the organization, proud of it's history and considers it their own home. They are passionate about customer service and community outreach and are brimming with idea's and ways to continually exceed expectations.

As an officiant who creates custom ceremonies that honor and celebrate life, The Longfellow Wayside Inn is now a standard that I judge other venues and sites against. Thank-you to the staff and all your efforts to deliver premier services with heart and soul!

Our Changing Selves

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:55:00 GMT

In my own life and the work I do with others as a relationship coach, I am consistently reminded of the changing nature of our lives and our own personal growth. It requires a conscious effort to remain connected to our own growth and that of those with love...looking with a "beginner's mind" at who we are waking up with and going to sleep with. The most profound commitment we can make to another is that of constancy. Constancy of our presence and constancy of an open and loving heart. It is our ability to bear witness to our own and our beloved's changing self, with a compassionate presence, that allows for miracles to appear in our lives. So today, take a moment and celebrate and marvel in the newness in your beloved and yourself!

Celebrating our Heart Connections

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:48:00 GMT

In the work I do as a relationship, life coach and celebrant, I am always in awe of the potential created when we meet each other at the level of the heart. Our heart connections offer us amazing possibilities for personal growth, experiencing the world and expanding our potential to positively impact others.

We can often forget in the busy days of our lives to celebrate how a friend or loved one has changed our world. So today I offer a lovely reminder in a quote by Anais Nin:

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world of possibility not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

If we can pause today and take a moment to acknowledge, honor and celebrate this with that special someone...be it friend, lover, companion, parent or teacher, we will actively nurture our hearts and souls.

A Simple & Eloquent Ceremony Celebrates A Relationship

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 13:17:00 GMT

Jill and Matt were married at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton on a lovely sunny day in June. When we first spoke about their ceremony, we discussed incorporating their religious heritages in a way that honored their personal beliefs and values. They did not want anything elaborate but they did want something unique to them.

Over the months leading up to the wedding, we co-created a simple, eloquent and fun loving ceremony... beginning with sharing of wine and acknowledgment of the importance of their community and culminating with "the breaking of the glass". Their ceremony, which was approximately twenty minutes, honored the discovery of each other, how their lives had forever changed, and their vision for their life together. There were tears of joy, laughter and much celebration in a simple and eloquent style.

Congratulations Jill & Matt and thank-you for the honor of being such an important part of your special day!

Becoming an Artisan of Your Relationship

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:45:00 GMT

As a wedding officiant who focuses on meaningful and customized wedding ceremonies, I spend a great deal of time writing reflections for couples. This is not necessarily a quick process. Often I need to be still to uncover the words or metaphors that will capture what I sense about two people and their relationship. It is in these moments of silence that a new "phrase" or concept will emerge that I have not explored before. This happened during the last few weeks and I have been exploring it ever since! The metaphor that came through me was: "Artisan's of Relationship". This felt quite powerful, for Artisans are "workers" who have a passion for their art...whether it be writing, weaving, painting, carpentry, engineering, etc. They apprentice, study, and acquire great skill at their craft as they learn to be masters, and in the process create works that support, enhance, enrich and nourish our lives. For those of us who have become artisans of our relationships, this is our sacred journey in life...to work, study and perfect our craft. It is an ever unfolding journey that heals our lives. The next inquiry for me: How do I live as an Artisan, and in what ways do I abandon my craft? Please share your thoughts!

Laughter and Joy at a Wedding Ceremony

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:22:00 GMT

A few months ago I have the pleasure of creating and officiating at Denise & Brian's wedding ceremony at Harrington Farms in Princeton, Mass. It was an early day in April, and we were all prepared for the likelihood of an indoor wedding. As the day approached, the days became unseasonably warm and clear, leading up, which was moved outdoors, was created to be light-hearted and meaningful. It began in laughter when Denise and her parents walked the wrong way and needed to re-enter using the aisle. Any nervousness faded away in this moment as we all experienced the joy that laughter brings.

It continued with a welcoming and an acknowledgment of their family and friends and delightful readings filled with joy and reflective of Denise and Brian relationship. During my reflections, I was speaking about how much lighter and happier their lives were because of each other and a huge tree limb came crashing down behind us. The mood was such that everyone laughed, as I ad-libbed and included the event into my reflections. Denise, Brian and their family and friends began the ceremony with laughter and joyful hearts which stayed with everyone throughout the ceremony and the day. Congratulations Denise & Brian, I loved being part of this extraordinary day! (Photo courtesy of Geneve Hoffman Photography)

The Significance of A Small Kindness or Comfort Offered

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:19:00 GMT

Emily Dickinson once wrote,

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain."

As I came upon this the other day, I was reminded that in a world so troubled, the smallest kindness can make such a profound difference. Sometimes we forget that we can have an impact in a troubled world, but as Emily Dickinson so eloquently wrote, offering comfort and help to one person or living thing gives our life meaning and helps to heal the world.

Peace and Blessings and may you pass a kindness or offer comfort onto another this week.

A Personal Wedding Ceremony at the Warren Center

Mon, 24 May 2010 19:41:00 GMT

Brian & Jess were married in April at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland, MA. As their wedding officiant I was honored to work with them as we created a simple, fun and intimate ceremony that truly reflected who they were as a couple. Both Jess and Brian love to laugh, and their ceremony, while serious when appropriate, was also filled with joy and warm-hearted smiles from all. Congratulations Brian and Jess and thank-you for selecting me for such an important moment!
Photo courtesy of Steve Kimball Photography

Doing your Homework when Looking for an Officiant to Create a Custom Wedding Ceremony

Fri, 07 May 2010 22:08:00 GMT

So you are about to look for an officiant who will truly customize your ceremony. You have your list of questions you are going to ask, and a list of several possible officiants to work with. The real question is...how will you know if the person you work with will really customize your ceremony and will pay attention to the small details that ensure your ceremony runs smoothly?

While all the questions you may have written down give you answers, and you will have a "gut" feel, my recommendation as an officiant who works throughout Boston and Massachusetts and hears many many stories is...do your homework.

Ask the person you are considering using if you can speak to a few couples they have worked with. Ask those couples what they liked and what they would change about the process. Did they feel that their ceremony was unique, meaningful and special. Ask them if they had fun with their officiant in the process. If your perspective officiant is not comfortable with providing real referrals other than the testimonials on their site, this might be a red flag.

If in your initial meetings with an officiant, he/she does not discuss how they may work with other vendors...make sure you ask. A good question might be...Do you, ahead of time, provide a ceremony outline to the musician, photographer, videographer, on-site coordinator and any other professionals you may be working with. If the answer is not normally, it is a strong hint that the small details may be missed. When checking with other couples verify that this actually was done for them.

The person you select to create a unique and meaningful wedding ceremony is one of the most important decisions you will make for your wedding day...do your homework and make sure the person you find to work with is the perfect choice for you.

Remembering to Celebrate Today!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:49:00 GMT

I came across this quote this morning; I paused, closed my eyes, took a deep breath in and allowed the words to seep into my being...when I opened my eyes a few moments later, I realized I felt softer and lighter. I am not sure what it was I let go of in that moment, but ever since I have been smiling and feeling as if life is easier. In this, I am celebrating the very life, that while fragile, is also wonderful and blessed. So I share it with you and offer up the possibility to be grateful and celebrate this moment and day!

"Life is fragile, like the dew hanging delicately on the grass, crystal drops that will be carried away on the first morning breeze."
--Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche

Remembering what the Wedding is Really About

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:04:00 GMT

As a wedding officiant who creates original and meaningful wedding ceremonies, part of my process is to send out an initial draft to the couples I work. Usually this occurs about two months prior to the wedding date. How many times I have heard...I am so glad this arrived when it did, it reminded us why we were doing this and what was really important!

It is quite easy in the months and days leading up to your wedding to get caught up in the details and decisions about all sorts of things from transportation, accommodations, flowers, cakes, seating charts, and the list goes on...often pushing into the background what this day is really about.

Your wedding day is a celebration and honoring of your love and willingness to enter into a commitment with your life partner. Keeping the importance of this in the forefront of your mind will help you let go of any angst one might feel as the clock keeps ticking.

Enjoy the planning, enjoy all the little details, and if you find yourself a bit stressed, take a breath and remember...no-one will ultimately remember the color of your chair seats, or if the dresses match the napkins (in fact, many won't even notice that they do!). While these details may be important to you, what people remember most is the ceremony and the fun of sharing this special time with you.

One more hint...if you can fit it into your budget, hire a day of wedding coordinator!

Adding a bit of Lightness to our Lives

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:09:00 GMT

My good friend Deb came across this cartoon while she was on her spiritual thirst for knowledge. Deb and I are soul sisters and we are both quite serious about self discovery, healing, our spiritual paths and serving others.

We share this commitment with many people. At the heart of all of us is a desire to heal, be whole and help others. This cartoon is a terrific reminder that we can also approach life with too much seriousness, loosing track of the the capacity to bring lightness into our lives.

So I include it today with a gentle reminder to us all to "lighten-up" as life will unfold organically and naturally if we can let go of the "doing" and "needing to get somewhere" and engage in the "being".

Thanks Deb for this terrific reminder. For anyone interested in Deb's writings or work as a healer, visit her site