Rehearsals, Recommitment Ceremonies, Dedications,
and Counseling
Rehearsals
I love being a part of wedding rehearsals. I will gladly conduct the rehearsal, guide the bridal party in the walk-throughs, and offer suggestions to help with the flow of things. Rehearsals also give me time to get to know parents and other family and friends and perhaps most importantly, put the bride and groom at ease.
Here at a recent rehearsal, the bride, Jen and groom, Michael decided to have their rehearsal at the groom’s parent’s house. So, I met everyone there, and we found a good place in the backyard to do a couple of practice runs. Then, the next evening at the wedding venue, everything was silky smooth and an amazing time was had by all!
Recommitment Ceremony
Renewal of Vows, or recommitment ceremony.
A good way to re-ignite the spark and sparkle in a marriage is to renew your vows to each other. I suggest you do this every 5 or 10 years.
I did the wedding of Sandra and Marcos back in 2001. Then in the Spring of 2011 they came to me wanting to renew their commitment. They brought their three children: Isaiah, Nadia, and Ema.
I asked them to tell me how things were going during their 10 years of marriage. They both agreed the partnership was strong, and that marriage is hard work.
I prepared a sweet commitment renewal ceremony and on June 2, 2011, at beautiful Coronado Beach, half-way between the Hotel Del and North Island Naval Air Station, Sandra and Marcos re-committed themselves to their partnership and to each other.
There must have been 20 to 25 family and close friends there in support. I couldn’t help but think how proud and pleased the three children must have felt.
Dedication Ceremony
There is nothing more beautiful than your baby. And when the two of you create your own miracle — your child — what could be more lovely than to gather family and close friends around to celebrate and dedicate and perhaps baptize your child?
In a dedication ceremony the whole family and greater circle of close friends all can participate in welcoming the young child to the world. Each one can pledge or promise general or specific things to contribute to the child's growth and sense of belonging.
Truly it is a moving, treasured time and serves to bring everyone closer.
There is no fee for this service.
Marriage Counseling
Marriage is a partnership.
Marriage counseling is always a good thing.
Counseling helps keep couples communicating; keeping them on the "same page" as they grow their partnership.
I always tell couples that marriage is the most difficult, and yet the most wonderful job there is. I believe you must "do the work to achieve the wonder!"
A good way to begin your lifetime partnership is to allow me to guide you through a series of three one-hour sessions, before your marriage ceremony.
Session 1: I meet with just the bride.
Session 2: I meet with just the groom.
Session 3: I meet with both bride & groom to share what I see & hear.
I point out your strengths as a couple & suggest areas where the relationship needs to grow. In both of these areas I offer ideas & ways to change your behavior to make your partnership better, more loving, more joyful.
The cost for the three one-hour sessions is $150.00.
Follow-up: After 6 to 12 months of your married partnership I recommend a counseling session to see how the partnership is progressing & to offer any mid-course corrections that might be helpful.
The cost for this one hour session is $50.00.
Special Bonus:
For couples who participate in both the three-session pre-marital counseling & the one-session follow-up, I will be thrilled to GIFT you with a Renewal-of-Vows ceremony.
A Special Mention...
Minister Janice Bryant
I feel proud to have my daughter, Minister Janice Bryant, actively involved as a marriage minister mostly in Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area. She also believes in creating a personal ceremony for each couple.
You can contact her at:
e-mail: theweddingminister@msn.com
website: www.weddingministerjanice.com
phone: 949-212-9259
Thank you to the following professionals who have
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Godfather Films
Moments of Your Life Photography
Robin Wood Photography
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