With the holidays done, it is that time of year bookings for the wedding season starts to really filling up. Last year, many of you put your weddings on hold as the world slowed down to manage life differently. It was wonderful to still to officiate some beautiful couples in smaller more private weddings or simple ones with Zoom connections so friends and family could attend virtually. I am glad I could support those couples from other states and locally. The photos below are of some of these couples.

This year with life shifting again, I looked over the calendar and have space for those of you wishing to book. Packages are being created for simple in town weddings to full deeply personal affairs that require travel and rehearsals. The appointments will be on a first come basis and I am happy to support you.

I look forward to hearing from you and hear about what your vision is for your special day. Be happy. Live. Laugh. Love!

It is so much fun supporting couples getting married. This year the venues have been incredible! Here are a few to explore.

At the Ocean’s Edge

When the bride told me the address and such for this wedding I did not realize it’s exact location. The gray house the the right in the photo at the corner of the yard next to the ocean. The lighthouse is the Eastern Point Lighthouse in Gloucester, MA. Stunning views. I had to speak loudly and protect my microphone a bit so as not to compete with Ole Posiedon’s kisses with the land!

Eastern Point Lighthouse, Gloucester MA

View from the Yard

Nadia, Michael, & boys

At the Farm

Another fun venue I have been to before is the Smith Barn and the Felton Senior and Junior Houses at Brooksby Farm in Peabody MA. The venues is managed by the Peabody Historical Society and Museum. Weddings are held in the back yard of the houses in a sweet courtyard area. Receptions are held in the Smith Barn across the Street.

Looking out to the orchards.

Dancing and Food in the Smith Barn

Nicholas & Michaela

Boston Public Library

One final venue was at the Boston Public Library in downtown Boston. I had never been to the library even though I am an online member. The courtyard is in the center of the library. The couple worked with a wedding planner for about a year and a half. A huge shout out to Ashley Elaine Events for a well coordinated event. I look forward to seeing the professional photos taken.

Jenna and Connor

Finishing prep in the courtyard.

Chamber Music Group

Gardens in the courtyard.

Many more places to explore the rest of the summer into the fall. All different and all lots of fun for guests and the couples alike.

Efrain and Flora’s Wedding – Photo © Lauren Termini Photography

We all get so busy with life that we sometimes forget to keep up with things like our websites and posts! Last year was a lovely array of ceremonies. I officiated weddings in a castle, on beaches, historic homes, and backyards. Each time I just fell in love with the support couples welcomed in creating the scripts for their special day.

Some fun things I am now participating in…. I joined the International Association of Professional Wedding Officiants. This is a great group of officiants from around the world. They have been an incredible source of inspiration and information.

I have reviews on WeddingWire.com. . So check the new reviews out on the Reviews area of the website.

Dates for this year are booking in! I promise to keep this blog area more up to date! I love sharing about the couples I work with and all of the many styles of weddings there are.

If you are getting married in the Boston, Waltham, Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, or general area, give me a call asap! I look forward to hearing from you!

Ceremonies and Passages is pleased to share about their membership in the International Association of Professional Wedding Officiants.

The organization’s is “a professional membership organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of the wedding officiant profession worldwide.  With a strong focus on professional standards, industry outreach, and education, the IAPWO operates as a leading voice for professional wedding officiants both inside and outside the wedding and events industry.”

IAPWO  offers continued training and development to better serve officiants in supporting the couples they work with.

Ceremonies and Passages is also now a member of the North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB). The NBCVB promotes the towns and cities north of the Boston region as a destination for corporate and personal affairs and travel. Established by legislation as one of the state’s 16 regional tourism councils, NBCVB is the official liaison between the North of Boston region and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. The NBCVB has been in existence since 1955.

The NBCVB also supports couples who are planning weddings with resources such as venues and services. Couples needing information can go to the website to research or call for a copy of their destination planner.

Here’s to celebrating new connections.

Best of 2016 Award for Ceremonies & Passages

Wow! What a wonderful surprise! This morning I received an email that the services of Ceremonies and Passages received a Best of 2016 Award from Thumbtack.

I want to thank all of the wonderful couples I have had the honor and privilege to marry over the past couple of years. You are some of the kindest and loving people I have met and I wish you all the best in your visions for the future together.

For those planning their wedding this year, give me a call. There are weekend dates still available for the 2016 wedding season.

Live. Laugh. Play. Love.

Edited 10/14/2020: As of 2020 we have disassociated with Thumbtack/

There is a growing trend with photographers asking couples to invite their guests to not shoot photos during the ceremony. Some even give discounts for it. Many couples are beginning to ask for an announcement to be made before the service starts about this.

In the past and in many religious traditions, photographing a wedding during the ceremony was and sometimes still is seen as inappropriate. Today with smart phone technology I really feel for couples. Imagine going through the most important day in your life, turning around and looking up after a kiss to a sea of cell phones and time cameras pointed at you instead of beautiful faces of your family and friends. It is unsettling.

Viewing life through “the box” is not the same as being present with a couple during this sacred time. It is also difficult to walk down the aisle with multiple flashes going off and your life being broadcast all over social media before the time to “seal it with a kiss” happens.

I suggest you speak with your photographer and ask them if they have a preference. It certainly makes their job easier and you stand a better chance of someone’s flash not going off at the same time as the professionals and ruining an important moment. Your photographer will be grateful you brought the subject up!

Then, let your officiant know so they can make a gentle announcement on your behalf before the wedding service starts!