Buddhist and Christian Interfaith Ceremony

Gillian and Tham shared a beautiful ceremony created to honor their own beliefs and traditions. The ceremony took place at the Vinoy in St. Petersburg in the courtyard. The ceremony began with the traditional ringing of the bells to center us, and begin the meditation. The couple honored their deceased relatives with the lighting of a candle and burning of incense, and shared a moment of silence to ask for their blessings upon their union.

The vows Gillian and Tham spoke were beautiful and heartfelt and there was not a dry eye in the area. The rose petals were strewn at their feet and their hands were blessed with the scented holy oils.

Congratulations and thank you for allowing me the honor of officiating your wedding!

Celtic Wedding at the Bilmar Beach Resort, Florida

It was such a pleasure and honor to officiate the Celtic Wedding of Laurie and Frank this weekend!  It all began with beautiful celtic music being played to greet the guests. The vows that they spoke were the traditional celtic vows, and then followed up with their own personal words to each other. As they stated their vows, they each held an oathing stone. One of the stones was an actual piece of the Blarney Stone, and another round stone from the brides family farm in Ireland. Oathing stones are very sacred in the ritual, as the ancients took their vows on sacred stones where spiritual devotions and ancient rituals took place. Stones are part of the earth, and hold the memories of Irish ancestors. To make a binding oath on or near a sacred stone, is to make a powerful and lasting vow, as if your vows are "cast in stone".  Laurie and Frank exchanged wedding rings with the celtic knots circling them.

The handfasting ritual is a celtic ritual that began in the middle ages, demonstrating that the couple is now bound together and are tying the knot.  Laurie and Frank chose a fabric that is the Muirhead Plaid representing his Scottish heritage.

The Loving Cup, called a Quaich, was ordered special for this occasion.  By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic couple to toast each other with a ceremonial cup. This cup is called the Quaich and is a two handled bowl often with an inlaid celtic design.  As with this quaich, it is inlaid with Celtic knotwork that is unending represnting the permanence of the marriage. Laurie and Frank toasted to their love of the past, present and future and their happiness at finding their Anam Cara - soul friend.  The cup is then passed down from generation to generation, ensuring happiness and good fortune for all who drink from it.

Frank and Laurie also blended their families together with a sand ritual, using sand from Sand Key, their favorite beach.

After the wedding the wedding party was introducted in to an irish jig, which they all enjoyed.  Congratulations Laurie and Frank!  I was very honored to celebrate your heritage and mine as well!  Laurie and Frank.... Slante'

Thomasena and Frank at the Don CeSar

What a pleasure it was to unite Thomasena and Frank for their very special wedding day. The sun was shining and their was a slight breeze as Thomasena entered with her dad to meet Frank, the love of her life.

Thomasena looked stunning in her gown,
and I have never seen a happier groom! The couple
shared special vows they had chosen for each other,
and in memory of her grandpa that had passed,
Thomasena wore her grandpa's wedding ring.
It was an honor to be there with them and their family. Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime full of happiness!!

Marriage Prep Course for Florida Couples of Tampa Bay Area

SIGN UP NOW!!!!

It's time to sign up to take the Pre-Marital Marriage Prep Course that I will be offering! Couples get the chance to take the course to learn about each other and how to manage their lives together along with the opportunity to get a discount on their marriage license!!!

Date: Sunday, March 28th
Time: 2:30 - 5:00 pm
Location: Pinellas Park, FL
Cost: If registered by March 14th the fee is $20 per couple, if registering at the door $25.00 per couple.
I am planning for this course to be FUN as well as informative!

Additionally, If I am secured as your wedding officiant, there is NO FEE for this course, it is my gift to you!

Email me at LovingUnity@gmail.com to register

Mello Vibes has the sound of Caribbean Steel Drum listen now!

One of the beautiful things about having a beach wedding is the opportunity to use Caribbean Steel Drum music to set the tone!  I have been involved with several weddings with the sound of Mellow Vibes and guests and wedding party alike love it!  It just fits the setting so well!  Here's your chance to listen to Mello Vibes to experience it for yourself.

The Sound of the Caribbean Steel Drum makes for a relaxing day lounging on the beach while sipping Pina Coladas. The Steel drums are accompanied by some vocals along with guitar solos to add more variety to the album for a reggae/island/jazz fusion. You can have the sounds of steel drums all year round without hiring the steel drummer. Take a listen and feel free to purchase a copy today!!!

Download a sample of Mello Vibes Debut Album or individual songs at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/MelloVibes Or check out client reviews at: http://www.gigmasters.com/clientfeedback.asp?rowid=22604  http://www.mellovibes.com http://www.myspace.com/mellovibesentertainment
http://cdinsight.com/news.php?readmore=837
Contact Mello Vibes TODAY!  813.732.8826

Guest Blog with Photographer Bryan Glynn of BG Pictures Photography

Today I had the chance to sit down with Bryan Glynn of BG Pictures Photography. What a pleasure!  Not only is Bryan a great photographer, but he was a very activie Volunteer for the Brides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser this week, so he gives back to the community!   Thanks!  Bryan has been a photographer for 10 years.  He is originally from Michigan and has been in Florida 11 years. BG Pictures Photography specializes in Weddings, Portraits, and Commercial Photography. When asked about the most challenging part of his job he told me, he just enjoys photographing the couples so much, he wants to spend the whole day capturing the essence of their love and happiness!    Bryan said that couples today want a fresh modern style with a classic twist!  Here are a few tips from Bryan as you shop for a photographer for your special day.

* Most important, make sure the photographer is actually in a licensed business.
*Are they a full time professional photographer or is it a hobby?????
* Ask to see a recent example of albums.
*Look at all the recent work on their website to see if the style of the photography matches your vision.
*Budget more for photography than you think you will need.
*Photography should be at the top of your list as it is one of the items that will last your lifetime.
*Check references, check references, check references.
*Ask to see a copy of their contract.

Not only is Bryan a fantastic photographer, but he TEACHES photography, and keeps current on all the latest trends and equipment available to be able to provide the highest quality results to the client.

Check out his work! 

Contact:  Bryan Glynn
Web:  bgpictures.com
Phone: 727-946-1000

Email:  bryan@bgpictures.com

Bryan, thanks!  It was a pleasure to see you at the Brides Against Breast Cancer event this week!  Thanks for also being a great volunteer!!!!!!!!!!

Brides Against Breast Cancer- Tampa- Tv Appearance

An unusual call of duty for a Wedding minister, but the cause is so worth it, that how could I refuse the request for my help. Once again, Loving Unity's own, Rev. Virginia Bishop is modeling gowns for a cause. What cause you ask, Brides Against Breast Cancer.. Making Memories Foundation is bringing the annual sale of Gowns called Brides Against Breast Cancer to Tampa this weekend...



Check out the link below of the Tv segment that aired today and see if you catch me in a fabulous gown for the cause.

http://www.studio10.tv/day/monday/segment.aspx/126042/Brides_Against_Breast_Cancer


For more details abour Brides Against Breast Cancer visit: http://www.bridesagainstbreastcancer.org/

Brides Against Breast Cancer- What can you Do?

Stress on your Wedding Day? Let me provide Reiki Stress Relief!

I want to chat with you about stress management and how to cope with your marriage stress.  In particular, your wedding day stress.  Stress is really the state of mind most likely to ruin your special day, and your event.  As a Reiki practitioner, I want to tell you how Reiki is the ultimate "Stress Management Tool" amd how I can channel Reiki Healing Energy to quiet your mind, and body, and relax you. I can relax your body to have a clear mind, being held with stillness and silence, and help you with the healing energy that will give your whole "Self" the opportunity for being restored and refreshed.

On the months leading up to the Wedding Day, if you would like, you can arrange for your guests, and your wedding party, and in particular the Bride and Groom, to have a Reiki Treatment before the big day.  You will truy be amazed at hw stress free everyone can be.  You will be able to cope with the stress that the big day creates, and you will be happy with the results!  This reduction in stress will help you to cope with whatever curves life throws you!

Stress is actually a rising cause of sickness from work, which replaces bad backs as the main cause for people's illness and loss of time from work.

I believe that anything that reduces stress is worth the trial.  It would be recommended that Brides and Grooms have a Reiki session approximately two weeks prior to the wedding and then have the Reiki Practicioner come to your home  the morning of the wedding and provide Reiki to the Bride and Mother of the Bride.  In addition, the bridesmaids could benefit as well.  It will definitely make a big difference in the way that the day will go.  The stress is relieved to a great extent to everyone's relief.

Physicians are fully aware of the presence of stress - they are vulnerable to it themselves!  Stress is how you perceive the demands and pressures that life presents, and how you are able to draw on your inner resources to cope.  What you find unable to cope with today, you will take everying in stride with Reiki.

Reiki is NOT a religion, although it does have some guiding priciples.

1.  Just for today, do not worry.
2.  Just for today, do not anger.
3.  Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
4.  Earn your living honestly.
5.  Show gratitude for every living thing.

The point of these principles is that the life force relies on the views and judgements that we practice and make known.  In other words, if we think positively, and try to feel only good feelings, such as caring and closeness, and dedicate our lives to disipline and preserverance (to the best of our ability)  the life energy is profuse and the stress diminishes to that which we can copy with.

As a Reiki practitioner, I would be honored to work with my couples and their families to produce for them the most stress free and enjoyable environment for their wedding as possible.  Appointments are available. Please phone me to discuss your options.

Namaste'

Looking for a great Bridal Show?

The Third Annual Davis Islands Garden Club Bridal Showcase will be taking place on Sunday, February 28th from Noon to 4:00pm at the Davis Islands Garden Club, 81 Columbia Drive in Tampa.  This is your opportunity to come and meet the Tampa Bay Areas wedding vendors and enjoy the bridal fashion show, live music, signature cocktails and canapes.  This is one show not to be missed!!!!  The show is presented by Table 6 Productions.  Last year I officiated at many of the weddings held at the Davis Islands Garden Club, it is a fabulous venue and one that I enjoy greatly!  Admission is $5 so come by and say hello!!!