This morning, I officiated the sweetest “hybrid” wedding in northern Manhattan. By hybrid, I mean there were a few very important guests at the ceremony, but many, many more (from around the globe!) joining us via zoom. Everything about the wedding was perfection. The bride and groom, both artists, had decorated the roof of the …
Before I became a Celebrant, I enjoyed Central Park, but really kept to the area near my home—mid park in the 70’s and 80’s. I had no idea the wonders of the Park above 96th Street! When one reaches the northern most parts of the great park, wonders abound. I recently officiated a Simply Eloped …
One of the goals I embrace as a wedding officiant and celebrate in New York is creating personalized ceremonies, in weddings large and small. Regardless of Covid-related restrictions on guests lists and what not, we can work together to create a ceremony that will truly be beyond your greatest expectation. For some couples, creating that …
Many couples are curious, but reluctant, to write personal vows. Let me say that these unique promises never disappoint! Below are 10 suggestions to brides and grooms who are considering writing personal vows for their big day. In no particular order, here we go! These are your vows—speak from the heart. You don’t need to …
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of marrying a young New York couple at the Cop Cot Gazebo in Central Park. Under pandemic requirements, they gathered about 15 family members to witness their personalized vows on a perfect autumn afternoon. I was touched to see a traditional ring bearer’s pillow with a photograph locket sewn on. …
Particularly in a place like New York, with its limitless tapestry of people from all corners of the world, it is likely that there will be some folks who may have trouble with an English-only wedding ceremony. There is nothing worse than attending a ceremony where one feels “out of place,” but there are a …
As a Celebrant I believe that the vow portion of the ceremony is the apex—the highest emotional—portion of the ritual (except for the declaration of marriage, of course!). As such, compared to others, I tend to elongate that portion of the script. Generally, the vows begin with the “Declaration of Intent,” the legal part of …
A consistent trend in contemporary weddings is to make note of those who cannot be with the couple, to celebrate. It is especially important to do so during these days of the pandemic when travel is difficult and so many people remain very concerned about contracting the virus. Today I did a sweet ceremony in …
A couple of days ago, I noticed that it was “National Love Note” day. I was immediately drawn to this book, gifted to me early in my Celebrancy career, with Love from the last two millennia. Tucked into this book, I’ve always kept a few pieces of mail between my paternal grandmother and grandfather, who …
Earlier today, I was speaking with a bride who said that she and her fiancé were drawn to Buddhism, but she didn’t know how that might be reflected in the ceremony. My mind started racing! I offered her a host of ideas including the Buddhist-Inspired Vows and Homily shown below. Such a beautiful way to …
© 2021 WEDDINGS BY SARAH RITCHIE | DESIGN BY PASQUARIELLO DESIGN | MAJORITY OF PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANA ARNOLD & RENEE JEAN
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