Happy Memories!

Why do I thoroughly enjoy what I do? One reason is that from time to time I hear from couples I stood with on their wedding day. Maybe they just bought their first home or added a puppy/kitten to their family, welcomed their first child or they are celebrating an anniversary. This morning I received this photo and a note from Erin declaring how happy she and Brad are on their first wedding anniversary. They are an awesome couple. After the ceremony Brad approached me and asked, "Leora did I cry too much?" With a serious look and tone, I responded, "not really, maybe 90 seconds but that's not a new record." He was pleased and then I said, "I'm kidding, you could never cry tears of joy for too long." Brad has a great smile and dimples and at that moment his face lit-up!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! What a great day. After snow blanketed the DC metropolitan area Thursday February 13 closing local and federal governments and schools, the sun was absolutely brilliant today. The temperature reached 52 and the snow became slush. I officiated a wedding today at Seasons 52 located at Tysons Corner Mall. The staff was professional and supportive as the couple announced that yes they had reservations, but they planned to marry first. We stood by the gas fireplace surrounded by the the groom's sister and brother-in-law. The bride shared that she and her groom had a relaxing morning before readying themselves for their wedding day. Separately I always ask the bride and groom what they most admire about their partner. Dennis shared he admired Gay's strength; and she admires his determination. I worked these qualities into the ceremony and stressed that with emotional and intellectual strength; and determination, they could surmount whatever life threw at them as they navigate their way through marriage. After I pronounced the couple husband and wife, the staff applauded as did passersby. Major kudos to Seasons 52! They presented the couple with signature wine glasses, a $100 gift card to the restaurant and a framed photo taken during the ceremony.

I'm Published!

In January 2013, an invitation from Maggie Daniels and Carrie Loveless, authors of Wedding Planning Management Consultancy for Diverse Clients, sought input from members of the wedding industry for their second edition of their tome. I submitted an article based on an actual interfaith and intercultural wedding I had the honor of co-celebrating with a Hindu Priest. And my article was accepted and published in the second edition that was recently released! Often times I officiate this type of ceremony alone, but working with another celebrant required dialogue with him, the couple, their families and other vendors involved in the couple's celebration to ensure an established timeline was realistic. If you have a chance, get this book (I'm on pages 223-224), it's an invaluable treasure that will help you if you are planning your wedding, assisting someone planning their wedding or if you think you might be interested in joining this exciting, challenging and rewarding profession! Thanks Maggie and Carrie for this exceptional opportunity; and for sharing the book cover.