Tradewinds Real Wedding Gina and Bill

Gina and Bill and their beautiful children were united on the beach at the Tradewinds. The weather was outstanding, and the couple were very relaxed and happy. It was an honor to officiate their wedding.

The children all took part in the ceremony and the blended sand ritual that was very beautiful with all of the colors of the rainbow.

The bridesmaids dresses were a gorgeous royal blue, with their floral bouquets to match.

It was a fabulous day for Gina and Bill and their family. Congratulations!!

Sunken Gardens St. Petersburg Wedding Stacia and Gabriel

WOW! You cannot even imagine how wonderful it is to work with a couple who had a clear vision of their wedding and in particular their ceremony.

Stacia and Gabriel met almost 8 years ago in a store in the book section. The section of interest to both of them was of Japanese annimation. They are both extremely interested in the japanese culture and they are fond of the anama animated characters. It wasn't long after that through their mutual enjoyment of all things japanesse, that they became a couple and fell in love. Gabe told me that Stacia was the "yin to his yan", and Stacia told me that she couldn't imagine not having Gabe as her "partner in crime" forever.

They chose the magnificent Sunken Garden, sent out their save the date cards which featured artwork of a japanese animated couple and the word Love in Japanese, and then, the customized wedding invitations. From there, the wedding was created for and with them to feature japanese flowers, words, and rituals to further enhance their common interest. To create their vision!

Their wedding will be one of the featured weddings when I speak at the Association of Bridal Consultants international conference in Baltimore in November.

Professionals involved with this wedding:

Location and Planner: Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg 727-551-3100

Officiant: Rev. Virginia Bishop, Loving Unity, 727 532-6186 http://www.lovingunity.com/
Caterer: Affordable Catering of Tampa Florida, 813-962-1525 http://www.affordablecatering.net/
Cake: A Piece of Cake of Tampa, 813-884-4049 http://www.cakestampa.com/

Florals Cheral Floral Studio 813-926-4556 http://www.cheralfloral.com/

Music: DJ Andy Cyman, Breezin Entertainment http://www.breezin.com/

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'

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

Sandpearl Resort - Congratulations Jaclyn and Daryl!!

Jaclyn and Daryl had a spectacular wedding at the Sandpearl in Clearwater, Florida. One of the awesome ideas that this couple implemented was that they had 5 Maids of Honor and 5 Best Men! They told me that they just couldn't select any one particular person so they decided to give them ALL the honorary title! How creative! The flowers were stunning and the men all had starfish on their lapels making it a real beachside wedding theme. The wedding was held with Rev. Pauline officiating, and the couple were beaming with their love for each other. Congratulations Jaclyn and Daryl!

Custom Ceremony & Vows Written Just For You!

Times are changing, and due to economic strains, couples are seeking ways to save money as they plan their wedding ceremonies. Several couples have told me that they wanted to ask a close friend or relative to officiate their wedding, but they didn't know where to begin.

If you would like someone to officiate your wedding, and they are approved by the state of Florida, then by all means, allow me to work with you. I will be honored to custom write a ceremony for you and vows that will reflect your own style and wishes. Then you will receive the custom ceremony and the person of your choice can officiate for you.

The fee for me to craft your ceremony and vows would be $100.00 and you would receive it within two weeks of our discussion. Please call me at 207 590-6339 if you would like to begin the process or email me at lovingunity@gmail.com.

Nature Inspired Weddings!

Recently I shared with you photos and a write up about a Valentines Day Wedding at the Islands Bamboo Gardens in Pinellas Park. That very same day, I had the opportunity to witness the vow exchange and marriage of Katie and Tony.



They chose the Sunken Gardens, which they described as peaceful, and a reminder of the beauty of God's magnificent creation. I wanted to share with you photos by Jenny Brockwell of Katie and Tony's wedding. She provided some very creative shots to just give us a preview. The Oak Pavillion is an awe inspiring location for any wedding or intimate gathering. Enjoy the photo's and have a look at the work of Jenny at her websites www.jennybphotography.com and also her pet photography at www.happytailsphotos.com Jenny can also be reached at 813-205-1214.