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Michele and Walter

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 11:17:49 +0000

I recently had the privilege of marrying Michele and Walter at the Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, NJ on a clear, but very hot and steamy summer day (it’s July and in NJ, so what else do you expect for the weather). Luckily, the ceremony was held indoors but overlooking the beautiful NJ shore, so we had the best of both worlds.

The bride and groom are both teachers and met at a teacher’s workshop. To honor both their religions, we included a unity candle lighting as well as the breaking of the glass for the Jewish tradition. We also had the traditional vows, exchange of rings, as well as a remembrance ceremony for their loved ones. They choose the following vows:

I, , take you, , to be my wife/husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully, through sickness and health. Whatever may come our way, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so too I give you my life to keep.

Michele and Walter, it was such a pleasure working with you to create your ceremony. Thank you for letting me be a part of your celebration.

Danielle and Joseph’s Wedding

admin — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 01:04:28 +0000

I recently had the honor of performing a marriage for a beautiful couple. I tied the knot for Danielle and Joseph at the Silas Condict Park in Kinnelon, NJ. It was a beautiful day, although a bit on the steamy side, but that’s summer. We were right near a lake and in the Irish tradition, all the guests were given tiny stones to throw in the water at the ceremony’s conclusion. I explained it like this:
Before we proceed, I’d like to tell you about the stones you were each given as you came in. In many parts of Ireland weddings were often performed at the side of a lake or other body of water. In celebration, pebbles found on the water’s edge were often tossed into the water at the conclusion of the ceremony, to wish the couple well. The spreading circle each stone created represented the couple’s growing love. The intermingling waves demonstrated the effect this union would have on their friends and families. The transient nature of these ripples reminding us to be present in each moment together we are fortunate enough to share. At the ceremony’s conclusion please join our couple in this tradition and wish them happiness in their new life together.

We started with their love story, then went into the traditional statement of intent, vows, and ring exchange. And I concluded by reciting the following Irish Blessing:
May the flowers always line your path
And sunrise light your day,
May songbirds serenade you,
Every step along the way,
May a rainbow run beside you,
In a sky that’s always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart,
Each day your whole life through.
It was such a happy time for all. Congrats to my newest bride and groom and may you have many happy years together.

Wedding of Pamela and Arafat

admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:19:53 +0000

I had the honor of marrying Pamela and Arafat on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in May at the Brook Branch Park in Newark, NJ. It was a simple and informal affair but quite beautiful and filled with love.

Some close friends attended, the sun was shining, and a gentle breeze filled the air. After a short introduction, the couple said their vows and exchanged rings.

All told, it was a wonderful ceremony for two people in love. Pamela and Arafat, I wish you many many years of happiness together.

Unique Ideas for Your Wedding Ceremony

admin — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:55:38 +0000

Remember, this is your wedding and what will set your ceremony apart from all others is incorporating your own personal beliefs and values. So it’s your time and privilege to be as creative, romantic, or sentimental as you wish. Here are some of the ideas and suggestions I sometimes give to my clients.
1. After the bride comes down the aisle, but just before taking her place beside the groom, she could pause and present both her mother and her soon-to-be mother-in-law with special trinket such as a rose or a lace handkerchief embroidered with the wedding date and initials of the bride and groom
2. Include special rituals and moments in your ceremony. For instance, consider a blessing of the parents or other dear family members, drinking of the wine/breaking the glass, a great moment of humor, offering a family medallion to children or having your beloved pooch be your “best dog.”
3. Include children or mention them if you are blending two families. Have your child(ren) sign the wedding certificate along with your witnesses.
4. Mention a family member who has passed and honor their memory.
5. Have all parents stand to be recognized at the time the Bride is presented to the groom.
6. Consider facing your guests instead of each other.
7. Have a close family member or friend read a poem during the ceremony.
8. There’s nothing more romantic than being married by candlelight!

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!!

Valentine’s Day Renewal of Vows

admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 17:39:53 +0000

There’s no better day to re-affirm a couple’s love and commitment than on Valentine’s Day!
This past February 14th, I had the pleasure of performing a renewal of vows ceremony for a loving and lovely couple who had been married for about twelve years. Joanne and Andy along with their two young children live in Guernsey (an island off the coast of Great Britain). They flew across the continents to celebrant their happily married life. Well, it was actually a surprise for Joanne that Andy had planned. She didn’t know about the ceremony until right before it happened.
The event was held at The Robert Restaurant (part of the Museum of Art and Design) in New York. It was a beautiful location – glass enclosed windows which overlooked Columbus Circle. It had recently snowed and the view was breathtaking (although I’m sure glad winter is over and that my tulips have started sprouting).
I normally meet with couples before performing the ceremony, but due to the distance, I didn’t actually meet them until a few minutes before. But, I had corresponded with Andy over the internet and from his responses to my questionnaire, I felt well prepared that I could deliver a personal and touching ceremony. Since it was an intimate affair with only Andy, Joanne, and their two children, I wanted to involve the whole family as much as possible. So I did a family sand ceremony and brought little bells for the kids to ring at the end of the ceremony. I explained it to their son and daughter like this “I’m going to ask you to ring these bells to honor your parents love for each other and for you. The ringing of the bells will signify that much continued health and happiness is wished for all of you as a family.”
The ceremony went off without a hitch and all were quite happy. Congratulations, Joanne and Andy and may you have many many more years of happiness.

So What Exactly is a Celebrant

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:47:19 +0000

Celebrancy got its roots in Australia many many years ago. But in the US, it’s a fairly new movement; and due to its infancy, many people do not fully understand the wonderful services that a celebrant offers. Whenever I first speak to a new couple, I always explain to them how, as a Celebrant, I differ from wedding officiants. So what exactly is a Celebrant, and how do I differ from other wedding officiants??
First I’ve received specialized training in the theory and building blocks of good ceremony, as well as in ceremony writing and performance. Think of me as a “ceremony specialist”, with my training having been specifically focused on weddings.
It’s all about customization, customization, customization!!! Unlike wedding officiants who often “fill in the blanks” with “one-size-fit- all” ceremonies, my services offer personalization through interviewing, and sending an in-depth questionnaire to each couple. I listen closely to my clients’ personal stories, cultural, religious, family or ethnic traditions, and goals and beliefs. If necessary, I may follow up – with my clients’ permission – by interviewing other family members or friends. I make suggestions on readings, organization, poetry and music based on what I have learned about my couples. I then use this information to craft a ceremony – in collaboration with my client – that reflects exactly who they are and what they envision for their ceremony. My clients “own” the ceremony and, although I may bring their particular writing style and personality to its development and performance, every word of the ceremony will be approved by my client. I strive to be accurate with facts and pronunciations and I do not ad lib

I also provide unlimited consultation with my clients and am always accessible by phone and email. I research and brainstorm until my client is completely satisfied with the “plan.”

Rehearsal anyone?? As a Celebrant, I rehearse and encourage rehearsals. I don’t merely show up at a ceremony and read. It’s been my experience that the rehearsal provides each couple with a chance to prepare for a smooth ceremony and to calm nerves.

CUE SHEETS!!! While I’m not an event planner, I quite often take on some ceremony coordinating functions – such as creating a much-appreciated cue sheet for musicians, writing out processional instructions for a wedding, touching base with venue staff, photographers or videographers to highlight any special aspects of the ceremony or to troubleshoot any ceremony issues.

PROFESSIONALISM!!! Forgive me if I sound like I’m tooting my own horn, but I do consider myself to be a professional of the highest calliber. Why, you may ask?? I’m timely, I know the details of ceremony set-up, and I can handle last minute changes with style and grace. I perform the ceremony with warmth and sincerity while retaining a strong presence. I offer support, thanks and congratulations as appropriate and I’m available to honorees, family members and other participants, such as readers, to answer questions.

And last, but not least, I provide special extras such as creating a keepsake ceremony for my clients as a gift. I also offer the use of my own PA system for the ceremony because if I can’t be heard, then nothing else really matters.

Someone (very wise, I believe) once said that a great Celebrant is a bargain at $700, but a bad one is too expensive at $10. So what “bang do you get for your buck” by using a professional Celebrant?? A life time of wonderful memories. How’s that for an investment in your future??

Winter Weddings

admin — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:00:42 +0000

Winter is typically a slower season for weddings, especially in this Northeast area where snowstorms could definitely put a damper on “getting to the venue on time.”

However, for those adventurous to weather any possible storm, winter can actually be a beautiful season to get married and there are many possibilities to create a warm and romantic ambiance inside while it’s frosty outside. While snowflakes and pinecones are the typical winter wedding motifs, if you think outside the box, there are many other possibilities

Let’s start with colors. White and silver with crystal accents will most certainly add a touch of elegance to any ceremony. You can line the aisle with white glowing candles that sit in crystal candlesticks, have a white velvet aisle runner trimmed with blue satin ribbons or tiny white satin roses, or you can decorate the alter with a crystal curtain backdrop for a beautiful setting .

For flowers, white hydrangeas or orchids make for a lovely winter bloom. And for some extra pizzaz, you can add a bit of sparkle to your bouquet by wrapping the stems in silver ribbon embellished with crystal.

For those brides not wearing a veil, consider sparkly silver hair ornaments with crystal. If you’re having a flower girl walk down the aisle, why not have her toss tiny cut out snowflakes rather than the typical flowers.

If you’re creative, the possibilities are endless to create a winter wonderland themed wedding ceremony.

Simple but Beautiful Wedding “Venues”

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:13:23 +0000

I usually agree with the saying “the simpler, the nicer.” For those brides and grooms planning on an extremely small guest list and looking for a different location that the traditional wedding halls, here are some places you might want to check out in your local community (or not so local community).
For indoors, investigate the possibility of museum during off hours. Libraries quite often have private rooms that are quiet where a quickie ceremony can be performed. And then, there’s nothing wrong with getting married over dinner at a nice quiet, intimate restaurant. Observation decks in big building usually have an indoor space with great views.
For outdoor locations, public parks, college greenhouses or conservatories are all lovely when the weather is warm and the foliage is in full bloom. Skating rinks (either indoors or outdoors) can also be a great place for a ceremony.
Whatever the location, don’t loose sight of why you’re getting married. Long years after your wedding, it will be your love that forever unites you. So if you want a short ceremony without all the bells and whistles, be as creative as you want in picking the ceremony location that’s right for you.

An Affair to Remember

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:15:24 +0000

Last weekend, I officiated at a wedding ceremony for such a nice couple. I was particularly excited about this one because the bride was from Australia – that’s where the Celebrancy movement all began. So when I initially met them, I didn’t have to go over in detail (as I usually do) what a Celebrant is. Being a native of Australia, the bride (as well as her family, who flew across the continent to attend) was quite familiar with the concept of a Celebrancy.

It was a chilly and drizzly evening, but inside it was all warmth and glow. The affair was held at the Reeves Reed Arboretum in Summit, NJ .The ambiance was my personal favorite – intimate, simple, but very elegant. The ceremony was held in a small cozy room with about 30 close friends and family. The couple wanted a simple ceremony – the usual vows, ring exchange, and 2 readings, but no rituals. Their love story, as all love stories goes, was particularly beautiful and touching.

The ceremony, started at 6PM on a Friday night. I had to drive south on the Garden State Parkway and knew that Friday night traffic would not be good. In normal times, it would have taken me about 45 driving minutes. So I left at 4:00PM to arrive at 5:30 (I thought that would be plenty of time). Turns out, the traffic was bumper to bumper and crawling all the way. I didn’t arrive at 5:30, but just got there at 5:55!! Boy, was I stressed out that I’d be late. But it went off without a hitch and everyone enjoyed. Even though it was close family and friends, the guests did learn many things about the bride and groom through my love story.
Congratulations, Rebecca and Tom. You’re a truly lovely couple and I wish you many many years of marital bliss.

How to Apply for a Wedding/civil Union License

admin — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Obtaining your Marriage/Civil Union License in New Jersey is a relatively easy process. I always go over in detail how to go about this when I meet with couples for the first time; although it’s easy, it can reduce any anxiety you may have over where to go, what to bring, you get the idea; and for those of you I haven’t met – you can click on the link on my website – www.baribraun.com under my resource tab “NJ Marriage License Information”. But for those of you who don’t fall into either category, here’s some general information to get you going:
Where to apply for a marriage or civil union license –
Go to the registrar in the NJ municipality in which either of you resides (for a list of registrars, click on the link on my website under the resource tab : “NJ List of Local Registrars.”) If neither of you is a resident of NJ, then go to the County Clerk’s office where the ceremony will be performed.

When you should apply-
There is a 72 hour waiting period from the time when the application is filed with the Local Registrar to when the license is issued. Once the license is issued, it is only valid for 30 days, so you must go sometime within 30 days prior to your wedding date.

Who Should go
The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued so the two of you should go together along with one witness who must be at least 18 years old.

What to Bring when you apply-
Each applicant must bring valid ID that gives the name, age, date of birth, and proof of residency. It should be an ID issued by a government agency such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, military id, etc. Also, bring your social security card or social security number.

If you have been married before, you must show a certified copy of divorce, death, or annulment.

You also need to bring the name and mailing address of the person performing the marriage

Finally, you’ll need to fill in your parent’s names, mothers’ maiden names, and places of their birth.

And , of course, the Obvious –
Don’t forget to bring your license on your wedding day. Your officiant and two witnesses (over 18 years of age) must sign the license. The Bride and Groom do not sign the license. Your officiant will then file it with the municipality in which the ceremony was performed. I suggest waiting at least two weeks after the wedding, at which time you can order certified copies of the marriage or civil union from the local Registrar where the ceremony took place or from the State Bureau of Vial Statistics and Registration.