Thursday, April 26, 2012

Amendment 1 = block to an important economic driver in WNC

Amendment 1 is an economic and business issue for me.  

Not primarily, of course.  Primarily Amendment 1 is a moral and patriotic issue. It seeks to blatantly deny individual civil and human rights, especially of minority groups.



But Amendment 1 is certainly an economic issue for me.  As an professional Celebrant I am denied the business of a sizeable market of people who want to create a meaningful wedding who cannot because the person they have committed themselves to as a life partner is the same sex they are.

And to paraphrase what I heard a comic say a few months ago, there is no telling how much we could increase the GNP of this country on the weddings that would take place if gay marriage were legal nationwide!


Asheville is a wedding destination!  Not legitimizing marriage between same-sex couples is hurting an important economic driver in our region.




So I was extremely gratified to see that so far 100 black clergy in the Triad have taken a stand in opposition to Amendment 1. I'm  proud of these clergy leaders.  Unlike me, this is not a clear and simple issue for them.  But they examined the proposed amendment with discernment and an spiritual commitment to love, compassion and justice  and they chose to take a stand for those values.

In Asheville, the divide on this issue came down -- among predominantly white or Jewish congregations -- about as one would expect.


But I haven't yet seen a similar accounting of the black clergy leaders here.

I wonder if we will?

Early voting began last Friday.  There are a number of important elections to be decided as well as Amendment 1.  Please go to the polls and cast your vote AGAINST this amendment.  It's hurting everyone's business.


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Sarah and Ryan -- Elegant and Intimate


Sarah and Ryan set a beautiful example for creating an elegant and meaningful wedding ceremony while maintaining the intimacy both of them desired.







Though their only guests were their parents and they planned to fit their ceremony into Ryan's extremely busy schedule (he's a medical student at Duke), they were committed to creating a ceremony that was thoroughly beautiful and memorable.


The Library at the Crestwood Inn & Resort
The small party gathered in the Library at the Crestwood Inn and Resort in Boone, NC.   The staff had a roaring fire in the fireplace, and an inviting table set for the family dinner. 

Another table was set with delicious looking appetizers and a "just perfect" small wedding cake.  All the little touches were charmingly attended to by Terry and the staff.


Though it was raining in Boone on their wedding day, Sarah decided she was game to have the ceremony on the gazebo anyway.  Good call...the light was gorgeous and the cloudy Southern Appalachian High Country sky just made the setting feel even more intimate.  






Since Sarah and Ryan wanted to keep things simple, I helped them personalize my Sweet, Simple Ceremony.  After signing the certificate and receiving warm hugs from the bride and groom, I left them with a pretty keepsake copy of their ceremony.


Very best wishes for a life-time of happiness to you to a sweet couple, Sarah and Ryan! 








From my heart,




To Explore the Possibilities for your wedding ceremony (or any other of your life's Big Moments) in a relaxed, no-obligation phone call you can contact me here and I'll get right back to you.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Grooms -- not just a necessary bridal accessory any more!

I'm appreciating the grooms today!

It used to be a truism that one technically required a groom in order to actually get married but other than showing up at the alter in a tuxedo with a ring, he didn't really serve much purpose in a wedding.  

Not anymore. Grooms want to be more involved in their weddings than ever. 

I find that grooms often feel especially strongly about being involved in creating ceremony itself.  They want the words, rituals and music to reflect not only their beliefs and philosophy but also they want the ceremony to capture their feelings about marrying the woman who will be standing beside them.

The King of Asheville Mardi Gras was highly involved in the  creation of the Royal Wedding!
Most couples I work with receive a questionnaire from me as part of the process. The Handsome Boyfriend often finds me misty-eyed in my office reading a groom's sweet reflections on how he met his bride, what he loves most about her and his hopes for their life together.  

It's just precious.  And it makes me optimistic for the world.  

Grooms (and Brides) who want to Explore the Possibilities for their wedding ceremony in a relaxed, no-obligation phone call can contact me here and I'll get right back to you.

From my heart,