From the moment I spoke with J&K, I knew what they shared was authentic; for, when I asked him to describe their relationship in two words, he said, "quantum entanglement".  This became the theme for their ceremony as all of us experienced a deep connection through the entanglement of their love.  They chose to wed at Arcosanti, an architectural wonder which overlooks a canyon and is located 70 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona.  The flower girls were adorable, the wedding party was dazzling and the bride and groom: passionately in love.  The ceremony included a mother's rose ceremony in which the bride and groom offered a rose in gratitude to their mother's, a tender moment.  K&J's wedding day took place in Spring and the winds were intense!  The element of air is associated with the direction of the East which is connected to the rising sun and new beginnings -  what a Blessing!  The wind, however, did not interfere with the talented Galaxie Andrew's photographing skills.  There were so many brilliant shots, I had to include snap shots from the ceremony all the way to the reception. Links to Arcosanti and Galaxie Andrews are accessible on the slideshow. Such a magical wedding day at Arcosanti for J&K and it was an incredible joy to be  part of co-creating an amazing ceremony! If you are planning a wedding at Arcosanti, I would be honored to co-create your ceremony!

It was a perfect day in October for K & A's wedding.  They were wed at Indian Garden's Park in scenic Oak Creek Canyon.  K & A chose the love story ceremony and their ceremony was both moving and humorous!  If you think a ceremony is boring or not very interesting - think again!  The telling of your love story is memorable!  If you are getting married in Northern Arizona contact me to learn more about co-creating an amazing ceremony with you and yours.
Read the bride's review:
We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. - John F. Kennedy. Kyle and I got married in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona and had the honor of being united in love by Jennifer Paul from Life Passages. Not only did Jennifer take the time to get to know us before the ceremony but she truly understood our vision, recognized our do’s and don’ts and made our ‘Love Story’ come to life. Jen gave us suggestions along the way, including a Stone Ceremony, which we were able to incorporate into the ceremony. We now have a beautifully unique display of love in our home to remind us of the commitment we made to one another and shared with our closest family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts we cannot thank Jennifer enough for sharing the loveliness of her soul and words with us on our day of marriage. Any couple looking for the perfect wedding officiant would be truly blessed to have Jennifer Paul.
Learn more about their amazing venue at this link
http://www.indiangardenspark.com/​

This is a ritual that can replace the Unity Sand Ceremony or the Unity Candle Ceremony.  It's a beautiful, artistic expression.  Each person and/or child has a vase full of glass crystals.  After the ring exchange, your crystals are combined in a larger glass vase.  The combined crystals are then mailed back to the artist who will create your glass art sculpture.  Once you receive your glass art, you will have it to display in your home for years to come.  Here's the link ​for the website https://www.unityinglass.com/

Photos courtesy of Ryan Williams.

Many years ago, I learned the phrase - "he/she fell off the wagon".  I learned that it related to alcohol. If someone was sober for some amount of time and then decided to have a drink, they "fell off the wagon".  The other day, I had the phrase "I fell off the Spiritual Wagon" come to me.  It seemed to completely fit the way I felt and can be summarized into this explanation: I behaved in an unloving way,  I shut down my emotions, I withdrew from my heart.  Generated from being over tired, avoiding grief, avoiding the cries of my soul (whether it has to do with my own stuff or the stuff in the world around me). If I let grief build up, then it ultimately results in me becoming an emotional train wreck and look out if you get in my way as I can behave in a very ugly, unkind way. Also, I may start to feel ill or experience different aches and pains in my body.  My body is a great communicator to get me back on track, the track of my heart.  I'm grateful that this evolution has become shorter as I have developed more of a relationship with myself.  Sometimes, I can see it coming and it's like - oh yeah!  I forgot to love myself, this is what it always, yes, ALWAYS boils down to.  I'm hurting because I've been overworking and I'm overtired, I haven't spent enough time having fun, I haven't reached out and asked for love, I haven't spoke the truth about how I'm feeling about things going on in my personal world or the world around me.  In my early years of self exploration if I lost my way, it would look like me abusing substances, being overly sexual, overspending or overeating, and/or raging at anyone and everyone who got in my way.  Then I would feel horrible and I would furthermore get out a 2x4, use it against myself, telling myself how awful I am.  Today, after years of meditation, self reflection and surrounding myself with healthy role models, reading and studying how others live a happy fulfilling life and re-programming my mind with loving song and mantras, I can more easily recognize when the darkness takes over.  It generally looks like me trying to control someone in my life - typically my husband or son (God help them!) as they are the closest to me, it may even disintegrate into me yelling at my dogs.  Inwardly, I have a crying inner child and when I get quiet, I can hear her.  Then my work is to sit and cry and nurture myself with an open heart.  I ask for help from Source - God - Angels - Spiritual Warriors and then I sit.  And I ask, what are you sad about dear one?  Usually it's because I feel lonely, unloved and unwanted. It becomes all about self empathy. Then, memories will come through, grief over my ever changing impermanent life. One such recent grief has been that of my 18 year old son becoming an adult and making his way out of the nest.  This change has generated deep sorrow, feelings of loss and it encourages me to further research other losses that I have had.  I've also noticed that whatever age he is at gives me an opportunity to look at my life at that age and ask, how might my life had been different?  Heavy? Yes.  Necessary for me to become whole?  Yes.  It's part of my spiritual evolution. There may also be grief over the intense changing times we are living, the violence and hatred such as the radical extremism that seems to be prevalent in our society today or intolerance.   Then I become whole again and centered in my heart.  I then can see the world through my heart, return to joyful memories, gratitude and experiences of my life that are inherently good.  The next step becomes to offer light and grace to others who cross my path. Of course, I ask for forgiveness from my family or anyone else I may have harmed in the process of getting to a more open heart. The chant that comes to mind for this process is: I will be gentle with myself, I will love myself, I am a child of the Universe, being born each moment. 
What's your process? What signs do you see that you've fallen off the Spiritual Wagon?

As a ceremonialist, I have found that it means different things to different people.  The question I have distilled it down to is: how do you find peace in the world?  Some people find peace through artwork such as music, dance, sculpting or painting, others by being in nature or star gazing, many by practicing yoga or meditating, more through religion or studying teachers who have long since passed, and some by simply spending time with their family or beloved.  For other individuals, peace may be found by giving back: taking action through love or service. Recently, I heard a very interesting perspective on this, this individual defined spirituality as a relationship with their soul verses a relationship with the self.  He said the relationship with self was ego based and the relationship with the soul was spiritually based. It reminded me of a quote by the mystic poet Rumi, "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.”   So, how do you define spirituality?
Photo by Heather Kadar

If you have a fondness for nature, gardening, trees and the outdoors, a tree planting ceremony may be weaved into your wedding day.  This happens during the wedding ceremony.  A table has a potted tree and the couple adds soil and water.  Music may be played in the background while the couple participates in the tree planting ceremony.  Some words may be spoken relating the strength of your relationship to the strong roots of the tree.  

I have found that I do best when I do what the wise one's say -  Invite your grief to tea.  It has much to teach us.  There are so many things I grieve -  the shift in my primary relationship, the aging of my children, the aging of my own body, the uncertain times we live in, even the change and growth of myself - "oh I used to be this person and now, I am this person, how interesting."  It is all part of life and all part of the continuous loss of experiencing living.  Does this mean I wallow? No, I do not. Well, maybe, sometimes - this often depends on my hormonal state - ha! ha! Ultimately, though, it means I simply honor that this is part of my experience of being a human being, what a glorious gift.  Not all beings can feel emotion to the depths of which we humans can.  Therefore, it is a gift.  Difficult?  Absolutely!  Enriching?  Without question!  For I find that as I grieve, the gifts that come from it are humility, compassion, grace and gratitude. It is important though to not seek these outcomes as one grieves, although, it's a natural consequence, like, hey!  what's my pay off?  I find that empathy towards myself as I am grieving, such as "yeah, honey, this is hard" or "oh, you are such a good mom and you have given it your all" or "it is so hard to watch my brother or sister suffer" or simply,  "I love you".  These words of self compassion bring comfort to me.  Also, if I call on my guides, angels or higher being for guidance, I find that they are there to comfort me as well.   It is one of the mysteries of life - grief - and it takes so many beautiful forms.  Have you invited your grief to tea recently?  What did it tell you?  
​Many blessings on your journey dear one, Jen Paul of Life Passages.

As a child, I was always told, "You're so sensitive!" and this was not meant as a compliment - heh heh!  Today, I've learned to embrace my sensitivity and capitalize on it.  I recognize my sensitivity as a gift.  For instance, when I walk into a room, I can "read" the energy of it.  If people are excited, angry, sad, confused or whatever emotion might be happening, I can feel it and feel it on a very deep level - to the core of my being! I can then project love into that situation and that can create a feeling of satisfaction within me.  I also find that I have an ability to bring people together and create a feeling of cohesion or togetherness rather than separateness. Of course, this depends on my ability to be "tuned in".  If I am not in balance, then I will generally absorb whatever feeling is going on. And then, I become ill. Being sensitive, to me, means feeling deeply; easily capable of picking up on other's emotions; easily capable of absorbing other's emotions; and having the ability to ask the universe to transform those feelings.  When I check in with myself, I often recognize that another's emotions are rattling around in my bones and psyche.  This has also been called, being "empathic".  For many years, I poo-pooed the word "empathic" and thought, oh, that's just a cop out to not feel one's own feelings.  It's just another way to not take responsibility for one's feelings, a way of saying, "I'm carrying your feelings!  If you would just take responsibility for your own stuff, I wouldn't feel this way!"  Of course, that is coming from a victim stance.  I've discovered that as I have made peace with being a "sensitive soul", I have also made peace with being an "empath". I do experience other people's feelings at a deep level.  However, now, I can often identify those feelings as being separate from my own and then I can ask the universe to transform them into another realm so as to relieve the stress of those emotions.  This is part of my purpose!  Of course, I find that it is easier to do this with strangers or acquaintances than it is with members of my own household because I have my own set of desires and needs that I project onto my loved ones. In other words, I have expectations about their behavior.  The more I can let go of my expectations and take care of my own needs, therefore, coming into the relationship filled up, the more I accept them. Learning to witness my loved ones pain without taking it on is a skill that I continue to hone.  In order to continue to develop this ability as an "empath", I find the following practices to be key in my normal life routine:  cleansing my body with sage or eucalyptus spray, chanting, daily meditation, walks in the woods, healthy eating and connecting with like minded people.  This is the food for my "sensitive soul".
I would love to hear from you and learn about your experience as an "empath" or "sensitive soul"!  I am so glad that you are a light in this world and I am happy to join you on your quest!  In service and gratitude, Jen Paul

Love is the magic that brought Jay and Dena together.  They were wed on a warm summer day -  August 15, 2016 at Horseshoe Bend.  As we walked up the path, I held a golf umbrella in an attempt to shade the bride and keep her cool.   When we arrived at the overlook we had some concerns about finding the right spot as there were swarms of sightseers. However, we quickly found the perfect platform overlooking the magnificent Colorado river.  It was easy to find two witnesses who were honored to join us.  One of the witnesses was a woman whose daughter had passed away and her daughter's name was the same as the bride, Dena.  It was a beautiful moment for all of us to have that soul connection. The mother felt the presence of her daughter and found healing in that experience.  What a blessing!  
​I turned my attention to Jay and Dena and we took a moment to center ourselves on that sacred ground.  The ceremony included lyrics from the Led Zeppelin tune "Thank You"... 'If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you, when mountains crumble to the sea, there will still be you and me.'  Our hearts were wide open as Jay and Dena sealed their vows with a kiss!
Of her Horseshoe Bend, Grand Canyon Ceremony, Dena said... 
Jen was absolutely amazing. From our first conversation prior to booking, I felt incredibly comfortable. We were getting married in a place we had never been before so I was understandably nervous. Jen was so helpful with suggestions to make the day go smoothly. She wrote an incredibly beautiful ceremony which brought tears to my eyes before I heard it at our actual ceremony. She is incredibly down to earth and made us feel so special, like she had known us for years. I cannot say enough nice things and I would recommend Jen Paul of Life Passages 1000x over!

A historic moment at Riordan Mansion occurred on January 7, 2017 at 10 a.m. when the first indoor wedding took place! Since the weather is not suitable for an outdoor wedding at this time of year in Flagstaff, the Riordan Mansion was ideal for Kayce & Michael's wedding.  They stood in front of the fireplace (as pictured) and exchanged their vows.  Afterwards, they went outside with all of their guests and took some amazing photos amidst the Ponderosa Pines and the historic grounds of the Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff, Arizona.  The weather was chilly yet they were warmed by the sun and the joy of being newlyweds!
If you are planning a wedding at Riordan Mansion, contact Jen Paul of Life Passages.
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It was a beautiful forest wedding amidst the Ponderosa Pines on October 21, 2016 at Little America Hotel.  The weather was perfect - around 70 degrees.  The ceremony created a genuine connection of intimacy between the beautiful couple and their cherished family and friends.  Tears were shed, laughter was heard and rose petals were tossed as the bride and groom exited.  Truly an amazing and wondrous wedding day for Natalie and Zach!
If you are planning a wedding at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff Arizona contact Jen Paul of Life Passages for ceremony options.

Photos by Karlee K Photography at http://www.karleekphotography.com/

On December 30, 2016, I had the pleasure of marrying A&A at Thornager's.  It was an amazing "surprise" wedding that was planned since most of their relatives were visiting for the holidays. Isn't that brilliant?! Approximately 60 people were in attendance.  The guests had been informed that it was an engagement party.  I had to maintain a low profile and my cover was that I was a co-worker of the groom's.  After all of the guests arrived, the groom's brother rang a cow bell to get everyone's attention and made the announcement that there was a surprise for them! The bride and groom along with the maid of honor and best man made a grand entrance near the bar at Thornager's.  They looked incredible and everyone was pleasantly surprised. It was deeply moving. Many tears of joy were shed.  A&A were wed in front of the Christmas tree and I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.  The photo seen here was taken by Saaty Photography. Afterwards, stunning images were taken that captured the bride on a Renaissance chair and the groom at her side while surrounded by snow and Ponderosa Pines on the property at Thornager's.  
The food at Thornager's was amazing and the friendly staff gave impeccable service.  If you are considering getting married in Flagstaff, I would be delighted to marry you and your fiance at Thornager's on Kiltie Lane.  

In today's world, many couples consider themselves "spiritual" not "religious".  As you consider your wedding ceremony, you may or may not want to include prayer.  Traditional ministers and officiants have standard scripts they use to marry couples which may include prayers that may or may not be comfortable for you and your fiance.  
My approach is to get to know you and your fiance and your beliefs, values and traditions.  Together we create a ceremony that opens your hearts and makes your spirits soar!  Spiritual components may include mystical readings from Rumi, Kahlil Gibran, Thich Nhat Hanh just to name a few; Native American rituals; Earth based rituals; Pagan rituals; creating an altar representative of your love and beliefs; Buddhist, Hindu or Toltec rituals or rituals from other Eastern traditions.  These sacred rituals connect us in one-ness as we acknowledge Namaste:  My soul recognizes your soul.  I honor the love, light, beauty, truth and kindness within you, because it also resides within me.  In sharing these things, there is no distance and no difference between us.  We are the same, we are one.
​I look forward to hearing more about your Spiritual beliefs and co-creating a beautiful and meaningful ceremony for your wedding day.  Namaste, Jen Paul of Life Passages

A Crone Ceremony is a rite of passage ceremony for a woman who has either reached the age of 50 or gone through menopause.  This ceremony encourages a woman to embrace the aging process and celebrate her wisdom.  Reaching the status of Crone is a major milestone!
Jen Paul of LIfe Passages in Flagstaff, Arizona is a Celebrant who is skilled at creating a Crone Ceremony.  
Here's how it works!  The first meeting can be done via skype, face time, phone or in person if you are in the Flagstaff area.  We meet and co-create a vision for your ceremony.   Part of the vision involves honoring the cycles of life you have experienced from childhood through adulthood.  Jen listens empathically and takes notes about your life.  You also may have a writing assignment to complete. Once the pieces are put together, your ceremony is created.  Typically, the four directions are used in honoring the stages of your life.   Additionally, you may choose to be "crowned" as Crone or receive a wisdom staff or some other symbolic item. The creation process may involve several meetings.  We set a date for your ceremony.  The ceremony may include members of your community and/or family or it may be done by yourself.  It's really up to you and your comfort level.   If you choose a public gathering, you may have a private ceremony which includes smudging and cleansing your feet before the public gathering.  The ceremony can last up to 1 hour it just depends on the rituals that are included. Furthermore, if you choose a public gathering, your guests may bring gifts which celebrate your passage into the Crone years.  In addition, often times there is a reception afterwards.  As a Crone, you are invited to share your vision with the community and give a gift to your guests that represent your new role.
Concerned that you are too old for your Crone Ceremony - well past 50 or menopause?   You aren't! It's never too late to celebrate your passage into a wise woman.
I look forward to hearing all about this stage in your life!  

Pre-Marital sessions are very valuable and can enhance communication and intimacy before stepping over the threshold into marriage.  It is important to create a firm foundation in your relationship and pre-marital sessions encourage you both to do so.   It is also a discovery process in which you learn about the uniqueness of the individual you are about to marry.  Jen Paul of Life Passages offers pre-marital sessions.  My approach is that of a mentor as I have been married since 1994.  I offer my compassion, guidance, personal knowledge and a sense of humor as we approach the pre-marital sessions.
Here's how it works! Typically there are four to five sessions in total.  You and your fiance will receive four questionnaires that include the following topics: dreams and interests, friend and family relationships, communication, five love languages, money, vocation, children, health, spirituality and sexuality.   After you complete a questionnaire, Jen reads it and provides feedback and mediation during the session.  The session can take place via skype, face time, a phone call or in-person if you reside in the Flagstaff area.  
Pre-marital sessions are offered on a sliding fee scale of $50-75/hour
Often times Jen will also discover beautiful characteristics about your relationship during the pre-marital sessions which are then woven into your wedding ceremony.  
If you are considering pre-marital sessions, I suggest: don't go to the altar without them!