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.

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!
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).
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.
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.
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!
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. 
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!
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.
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