Sarah and Julian's wedding ceremony was anything but ordinary. Yes, it had all the tears, love and laughter, moreover, it represented their unique coupleship. Authentic presence. Their love story touched everyone and opened hearts, creating such an intimate feeling despite the fact that over 100 people attended. Sarah’s mom and Julian’s cousin gave readings, very moving. Then, after the ring exchange an epic log sawing honoring Julian’s German roots and how powerful they are! Julian said, “Have you seen the guns on Sarah?!!” Their dear friend crafted an incredible saw horse and they had special gloves and aprons too! Two groomsmen and the best man held the log as they sawed. All the guests cheered them on while ‘Home Sweet Home’ by Flatt and Scruggs played in the background.
We had six premarital sessions during which they went deeper, expressed vulnerabilities and gained new skills for their marriage. So much good work and I’m so grateful to have held space for them as they grew. On their rehearsal day after all the busy-ness I took them aside for smudging; clearing away the past, invoking all the good for their future. Grounding. Sarah and Julian, I can’t wait to hear what happens as you continue to build your lives and help others! Afterwards Julian said: I have only the best things to say about Jen Paul. My wife and I appreciate the time and attention she offered us every time we met before the wedding. Her ability to be present with each of our stories and see through to our essence really came in handy throughout all the premarital sessions we did. She was flexible in her time and allowed us to add an additional premarital session to cover some of the material. Her questionnaires are thought provoking and lead me to a deeper reflection on who I am, who my partner is, and how we’d like to live in our loving relation with one another. I never imagined that there would be so much that would come out of the premarital sessions. All I can say is, it wasn’t couples counseling, it was more like authentic self and marriage building. Jen Paul’s ceremony was a monumental moment. She has a presence in ceremony that really calls in Spirit. The construction of every word felt unique and special to how she had gotten to know us. The wedding ceremony is the most important part of getting married to me, and Jen made that place light up! I couldn’t be happier with the choice my wife and I made with Jen. I recommend going with her complete offerings and taking the leap into a greater connection with your partner. You will not regret it. And from Bride Sarah: I cannot say enough about how great Jen was officiating our wedding. Her kind and peaceful nature put us at ease and always made us feel we were in good hands. She has boundless wisdom regarding love and life. From the initial meeting, to our premarital sessions, to the rehearsal, and finally our big day, everything went smoothly and was more than I could have ever asked for. We left the experience with a new friend and someone we will continue to have a connection with throughout our lives. I highly recommend hiring Jen! Photos by Saaty Photography
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First a moment to honor the land, it is profoundly moving to stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon. To do so on your wedding day is an incredible privilege. So we pause to do so. We honor the indigenous tribes and the canyon that has been carved over millions of years by water and wind. I've been to the Grand Canyon countless times and it always touches my soul deeply. I tear up every time. I want you to experience that as well so, we gaze upon one of the seven natural wonders of the world and stand humbled.
Next, we celebrate love and your story is shared! Mary and Darren met in the midst of 2020. Despite the masks, they walked and talked, slipping and sliding in the dead of winter. Moments that made them laugh and solidified their friendship! After a few months, they began the home improvement projects and love grew. Kitchen dances, bunny nose kisses, just a couple of kids! From Kiersten White’s Novel The Chaos of Stars: I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway. And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you. After they exchanged their vows and rings, their two dear friends wrapped them in a gorgeous native blanket. The blessing of the Blanket Ceremony is that all of the words spoken during the Ceremony are woven for life and eternity into the blanket that is held by you both. When you see the blanket in your home you will remember the words that were said during your Ceremony throughout your earthly walk. Then, they kissed! Congratulations Mary and Darren, thank you for including me in your day! You are such a wonderful couple and I feel so blessed that our paths crossed. Your playfulness and joyful spirit was catching! Photos by Zach Beazer Danielle and Morgan chose to incorporate a spiritual blessing into their intimate wedding ceremony amidst the picturesque landscape. We began in the East, where the sun rises and as we gave thanks, I shook the rattle and then we rotated clockwise to give thanks to the South (midday sun), West (twilight) and North (dark night). We also lifted our hands and our gaze to Father Sky as well as Mother Earth and the beauty surrounding us. Then, I invited them to connect to their hearts as well as one another's hearts. This is after all how it all began, with the magic of their hearts and love for one another. Afterwards, I used sage and a feather to smudge them. This infused the sacred before they moved into their personalized vows.
Notice the picture frames on the rock? They were photos of their beloved dogs who were with us in spirit yet safe and sound with a pet boarder! It was a truly unique intimate gathering with three other loved ones attending. There's always an opportunity for gratitude for those present and how they've contributed to the lives of the couple. Congratulations Newlyweds, Danielle and Morgan! Photos by https://www.frankelyphotography.com/ A wedding in which the couple honored their family heritage, so unique. K & F were married at the historic Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff in Spring. They chose the Love Story package and included a handfasting in their ceremony. Their cords were copper to reflect their roots in Arizona and green for their Irish roots. The cords were adorned with symbols that were meaningful to them. It was all done so intentionally. After the final binding, these words were spoken: As your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
They met in high school and even back then, the groom loved wearing kilts. This caught her attention and eventually she fell in love with his ability to be himself regardless of anyone else's opinions. He fell in love with her fascination with the natural world and so much more. When he presented her with the ring and asked her to marry him, she said, “Of course I will you silly boy.” From James Joyce’s, Chamber Music, Bright cap and streamers, He sings in the hollow: Come follow, come follow, All you that love. Leave dreams to the dreamers That will not after, That song and laughter Do nothing move. With ribbons streaming He sings the bolder; In troop at his shoulder The wild bees hum. And the time of dreaming Dreams is over −− − As lover to lover, Sweetheart, I come. Photography by Heather Kadar Robbie and Alycia eloped in mid October at Bell Rock in Sedona. Isn't their blue amazing against the red rocks? Terrific choice if you decide to elope or get married there!
R and A met because they were co-workers, the chemistry was instantaneous. Although they worked in different cities, nothing could keep them apart. For when two souls are meant to connect: location, timing and circumstances are all irrelevant. They suddenly become a magnet for one another and despite their efforts to fight it, the Universe somehow manipulates it all in their favor. And in that moment, when they finally give in, a new love is born. Their ceremony was simple, meaningful and oh so sweet with an opening and closing prayer, 'I do's' along with a more personalized vow choice. After exchanging rings, this poem: May these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, warms all that it touches, like the moon, brightens up the night, like the eye, is a gateway to your innermost soul. And your love, like the arms that embrace you, makes everything right with the world. Eloping in Sedona is such a wonderful way to begin a marriage! There are so many incredible locations to choose from and the weather is pretty amazing too! After we signed the license, Alycia and Robbie went adventuring in the red rocks with their photo team, The Foxes. [email protected] K&J chose the Love Story Ceremony. There's was a true story telling ceremony which included the Mother's Rose ceremony for their ritual. As you look through the photos you can just feel the warmth and loving connection that occurred. Of course the backdrop was stunning with the beautiful Sedona red rocks landscape.
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AuthorJen Paul, Life Cycle Celebrant, Ordained Minister, Wedding Officiant, Life Coach, Death Doula Archives
August 2023
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