Seven Blessings

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Matt and Jenn were a Celebrant’s dream couple:  smart, interesting, and perfectly suited for each other.  They were keen on having a very special, creative ceremony that told their delightful meeting and courtship and their abiding love for each other.  Every part of the ceremony shined, from the hand crafted button holes the bride made for her guests to her wedding gown, fashioned from her own mother’s dress.  So creative was this couple that they made their own wedding bands!

So as we thought about interesting ways to draw their beloved guests into the wedding, we included a ring warming during the ceremony, a vow of community support, and a special blessing at the end of the service.  The blessing was a contemporary version of the traditional Jewish Blessings.  While many of these variations exist, this one was “outward focused” addressing themes of the environment, arts and culture and social justice.  It spoke to me and the couple, who are intent not only to enjoy their abundant private lives together, but share their love with others and make the world a better place.   Seven guests participated in the quite moving final bit of the ceremony.  I think I speak for everyone when I say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Blessing for the Earth, Environment, and Nature
Nature and the environment provide sustenance for our bodies and spirit.  Land, air, water, all living creatures and plants bring us great joy.  Our appreciation of nature reveals an essence of ourselves.

Blessing for the Diversity of Humankind
The recognition of differences, in each other as well as the recognition of the things we have in common, helps us to appreciate the diversity and commonality we find in all of humankind.  We are challenged to respect each other for those differences.  We learn tolerance through our relationship and the understanding of difference makes our lives richer

Blessing for Peace and Freedom for All People
We are fortunate to live our lives in peace and freedom, and we wish for a world free from suffering and oppression.  May the actions we take in our lives contribute to the making of a better world.

Blessed is the Joy of Art and Music
We are blessed with art and music.  They add joy and fulfillment to our lives.  Through the making of art we become in touch with ourselves, through the sharing of art we are brought closer to each other and to our fellow human beings.

Blessing for Family and Friends
We are grateful for the love and support of family and friends:  love that is expressed in laughter and through tears, and support that is founded on trust and respect.  We wish good health, long life, and much happiness for all those we love.

Blessing for the Couple
Bless our couple in their life and home together.

Blessing of the Wine
Blessed are you (God), creator of the fruit of the vine.

Welcome

Whether your wedding is an impromptu affair or has been months, or even years, in the making, I want to help you fashion a ceremony that reflects your history, philosophy, creativity, personality, and style – as individuals and as a couple.

Let’s craft a wonderful, meaning-filled ceremony that expresses the most significant aspect of your lives…one that recognizes the profound commitment you are making, as well as the sheer joy of the occasion.