Many years ago, when I was a young bride myself, my then-husband and I decided that we would decline wedding presents. Although we were of modest means, we felt strongly that our wedding was a celebration of our marriage not an opportunity to collect “stuff.” We had both suffered the loss of our mothers—my mother […]
A Very Special Anniversary Read More »
I often say that vow renewal ceremonies are among my favorite. They are both retrospective and prospective. A well-crafted vow renewal gives thanks for the years a couple has shared, while making new commitments for the future. The reasons a couple decides to do a vow renewal vary. For some, they are simply marking a
Lately, I’ve been asked to do several vow renewal ceremonies. I hope this is a trend! While nothing beats the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding, large or small, a vow renewal ceremony has a certain emotional gravity. For, as we gather together, the couple and guests are giving thanks for the past, while embracing the
Just Married (Again)! Read More »
The other day, I was lucky enough to participate in a “surprise” 20th wedding anniversary vow renewal. A thoughtful and romantic husband from Canada surprised his wife by arranging a last minute holiday to New York, to celebrate their anniversary. He found me online, and we schemed to create a sweet ceremony in Central Park. There
Family Heirlooms Enhance Rituals Read More »
Years ago, I thought there was “one way” to officiate a ceremony. A couple would host a wedding—however that might look—and the individual conducting the ceremony signed the license. Alas, especially in a place like New York, that is not the case. There are numerous permutations that are appropriate for couples having different needs. Legal
Variations on a Wedding Theme Read More »
As a Life-Cycle Celebrant, my role is not only to acknowledge life’s celebrations and rites of passage, but to provide ceremonies of healing. Weddings, civil unions, and commitment ceremonies are all important. They provide countless opportunities for underscoring the joy of shared lives and the promises of the future. Even vow renewals are happy occasions
The Return of Spring: Separation Vow Renewal Read More »
© 2021 WEDDINGS BY SARAH RITCHIE | DESIGN BY PASQUARIELLO DESIGN | MAJORITY OF PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA ARNOLD & RENEE JEAN
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