It is no mystery to anyone that knows me why I love the work that I do.  Whether the occasions are happy or sad I am always so blessed to work with people who truly want to honor and celebrate their lives. 

This is true of Mike & Helen, who contacted me to discuss a renewal of vows for their 20th anniversary.   For them, it was important that they honored the years of growing with each other, their children and their unwavering commitment to work on their relationship with compassion, a zest for life, humor and grace.   As we began to co-create their ceremony, we explored many possibilities, looked at the rituals that their family had created, the spiritual concepts they lived by, their values and how these translated into their daily lives. All of which was incorporated into a unique renewal ceremony.


Held at the Emerson Inn in Rockport,  their celebration began by collecting rocks and seashells in the morning.  These were carried to the ceremony site and used to complete the circle, behind were I stood.  
The ceremony opened with a welcoming,  a blessing and a personal reflection about Mike and Helen's connection and relationship. 

We rededicated and blessed their wedding bands and began the Celtic ritual of handfasting (above), the binding together of hands, symbolic of the binding together of their hearts, minds and souls.

As a couple it was important for Mike & Helen to acknowledge the special gifts and talents that each of their children contributed to the family and the ways they all support each other.  As this was done, we incorporated a sweet family ritual in which each person had written a personal note, sealed it in a small vial and attached it to a balloon.  These balloons were then released and allowed to soar up and away across the ocean...and they did just that!

I am so grateful that Helen and Mike found me and I am happy to call them part of my life now!  Congratulations Helen & Mike and may the next 20 years be as rich and vibrant as the past 20!
Love to all,
LisaAnn
 

Elizabeth and Jason approached their wedding with great care and a desire to have their ceremony reflective of their commitment to live in a loving and conscious partnership.  After meeting together and deciding we were a good fit,  I facilitated their creation of a marriage/partnership vision.  This session allowed them to define the words and concepts that would be the foundation for the vows they spoke, the ceremony we created together and their life moving forward.

While ceremonies can be serious, they can also be warm, welcoming, laughter filled and elegant.  These characteristics are not mutually exclusive as was quite apparent for those family and friends that were present at Elizabeth and Jason's big day.

Their marriage vision, while not directly read, was woven throughout the themes of the ceremony in the words I used and the readings that were selected.  These included a light-hearted reading as well as a more serious one.  During my reflections, we paused as they read to one another a sampling of the sticky notes and cards they wrote to each other.

The MIT Chapel was a lovely and sacred space for their ceremony and the vows they spoke to one another.  I have so loved being a part of their lives and look forward to watching them grow each day!  Congratulations Elizabeth & Jason, I have been blessed to have worked with you!



 

My husband and I are taking some time this lovely fall season for a bit of R&R.  As with most of our private alone time, we decompress, take long walks, bike rides and spend much time in philosophical dialogue.  This morning as we were on the deck watching the wind blow through the grass and drinking our coffee, we spoke about the power of language and how it creates a personal reality different from any other individual. 

The simple fact is, nothing exists until we cognitively acknowledge it.  This usually takes the form of naming it, finding words to put to the sensations we know as our "feelings" and creating our reality (some people call this their "truth").   This becomes an interesting perspective for me especially as I apply it to relationships (my favorite inquiry topic!).

I have learned words and language from my culture, family of origin, spiritual leanings, learning style, etc.  As I relate to others, my reality and theirs, are informed by the various influences and ways we ascribe meaning to language and words.  This either brings us into alignment or potentially leads to conflict.  It is when I understand this that the opportunity for enrichment growth, connection and intimacy dramatically increases. 

In the personal work my husband and I engage in, we have found that some of our most disparate positions are actually quite similar.  We simply were speaking a different language, with each word carrying it's own nuance!   A recent example of this occurred as we began exploring his upcoming retirement.  Over several weeks I noticed that he was becoming a bit more panicked about my expectations.   Somehow in the words and tone I used, his reality was..."she is going to try and control everything I do!"  When finally he came back at me, using his personal style to establish clear boundaries...I became upset that he didn't see the opportunity I saw.  From this I quickly created the reality that and he didn't want to spend additional time with me and because of me was dreaded retiring...yes and I did become a bit despondent.  Never one to directly speak about my disappointments (a skill I am learning), I simply withdrew and became more and more distant...driving him to think I didn't want to be with him.   Not a pleasant place for either of us to be!  Clearly we had conflict, hurt feelings and a different view of our hopes and dreams...or maybe not. 

As we both began to took a step back, each trying to put ourselves in the others shoes, we were able to see how a word or phrase triggered a different reality for us.  Using a form of intentional dialogue, we discovered that underneath the words we used was our desire to be loved and wanted as we maintained our autonomy.    Both of us are indeed excited by the possibilities of spending more time together as we enter a new phase of our life. 

The next time you are feeling hurt or misunderstood, take a breathe and a step back and try to see what he/she might be hearing.  A simple word that is clear to you might be creating an entirely different reality for the other person. 

Corona and Denny were married a few weeks ago at Gibbet Hill.  They worked very closely with me to make sure that every word spoken and every aspect of the ceremony reflected who they are as individuals, as a couple, and the ceremony honored the uniqueness of their relationship. 

Even though they both live in New York, and our only opportunity to meet was months prior to their big day, and at their rehearsal, we were able to create a ceremony which told their story with humor, grace and a sweetness that began their married life together.

I so enjoyed helping them create the perfect ceremony!  Congratulations Corona & Denny and may your life continue to be abundant and joyful!



"I just wanted to thank you for the amazing job you've done with the ceremony. We have had countless compliments on how beautiful and perfect the ceremony was.  We were extremely happy with how our ceremony and our wedding turned out, so thank you for adding to our special day. We wish you the best and please take care!"  Corona

Ah...it appears I have taken quite a long pause in writing my blog.  How quickly time moves!  Well I am now back again ready to share fun wedding stories, inspirational thoughts and my personal journey!  I start with a note of gratitude.  The picture in this blog is part of a series that my dear friend Steve Kimball of Kimball Photography took as I was looking to update some of my marketing material.  Steve is someone I refer quite a few people too but I never considered just how much fun he was to work with. 

I am not one to have my picture taken.  Believe it or not I am a bit shy and yes, critical of how I look in pictures.  From the moment I arrived at Steve's studio, he had me laughing and part of the creative process.  No stress and no worries that I would look awful.  He even applied a light powder on my nose so I didn't shine! 

The photo's he took are definitely a true reflection of my spirit and essence, without much "posing".  So thank you Steve for doing such a wonderful job you are truly a blessing in my life!    If interested in seeing Steve's work, please visit his website at Steve Kimball Photography.

I will be back shortly with a wedding story! 

Peace and Blessings,
 LisaAnn

As a celebrant, I encourage the couples I work with to fully be themselves and to enjoy their ceremony.  Catie and Pete listened very carefully to this tip when, after they processed down the aisle, immediately went directly to the KISS!  They were so excited to be getting married, they were absolutely themselves!  We all laughed and any nervousness disappeared into a wisp of air. 

Their ceremony was an intimate one, filled with family and friends offering their intentions and blessings which were written on stones and included in a lovely water ceremony.  The first reading was perfect for them as it was actually an analogy of marriage and bicycle riding..leading to much laughter.  Catie's brother and sister shared a special song, and I wrote a personal and special reflection for them, which I must admit I shed a few tears through! 

Throughout the ceremony, Catie, Pete, their family and their friends laughed, cried, and enjoyed themselves as they witnessed, celebrated and honored the joining of their lives in marriage. 

I have loved working with them and know that we will forever remain in each others hearts!  Congratulations Catie & Pete may you continue to be fully yourself and enjoy each day of your lives.

Today is a day that even though cloudy and rainy is a celebration for me...and while I don't often share such things on my blog,  I am daring to publicly celebrate the entry into my 55th year! 

This is indeed momentous for  a) I never thought I would live this long (when you are in your teens or early twenties this feels ancient!)  and b) I could not have imagined feeling more alive than in my younger years. 

Yet here I am...hitting the double nickel and so excited to be "in life", healthy, in love and looking forward to continued growth and learning as I stretch myself beyond what I think possible. 

Aging is what happens to us all, every minute, hour and day.  While we might try to fight the outer signs of it...or resist letting anyone know we are really "that age", the fact is the alternative to aging is not something I wish to embrace!   Instead I embrace this glorious process with awe and amusement as I celebrate and honor all the years I have lived, the lessons I have learned, and hope for many years to follow.

A tidbit..for those who do not know, from a mystical perspective the number 5 (a prime number) is about balance, perseverance and transformation.  The doubling of this is a twofold blessing for when doubled...5+5 = 10, distilled down to the number 1, which is representative of my core essence...and given the double 5's...the transformation and balance that will emerge is sure to be profound! 

So I offer the possibility that each of us can shed the resistance to aging, embracing our blessings as we celebrate and honor our lives with each entry into a new year.

As a Celebrant, I have the honor of welcoming babies and children into our families and lives.  A few months ago this was especially spectacular as I created and officiated at a triple baby blessing for this loving family ( I will call them the "C" family to protect their privacy).

The baby blessing ceremony was designed to welcome each of the three triplets into their parents lives, their home, and their extended families lives.  Everyone was able to participate...the parents, godparents (holding the babies) grandparents and the community of family and friends that were present for the ceremony.  Everyone's role in the babies lives were spoken about and honored.   The ceremony concluded with a water ritual in which each baby was dedicated to their own unique path and Spirit's intention for them.  Congratulations to the "C" family whose lovely children grace our lives.  I have loved being part of this with you!

I relocated here 7 years ago, and during this time, I have lived near one of the most beautiful venues in the area.   While I have created and officiated at several ceremonies at the Longfellow Wayside Inn and the Martha-Mary Chapel, I noticed a significant change was beginning to occur about two years ago.  While always a hospitable venue, with a fine restaurant, what I began to feel was that the staff had become friendlier and more caring, and small improvements began to appear, allowing for a "home-away-from home" feel. 

As I began to investigate (yes I am always curious!)  I discovered that a new Inn-Keeper had arrived.  He brought with him a passion for ideas, community and team building and this is precisely what would transform this historic site and restaurant into the premier venue it is today. 

This location has the capacity to serve almost any size occasion or function, from a small meeting or workshop to baby blessings, memorial tributes, weddings, retirement parties etc. 

Today, this non-profit, historic site continues to be home to a lovely restaurant that will tailor their menu to meet your dietary needs, lovely grounds with gardens, a working grist mill, carriage rides, the infamous Martha Mary Chapel, an Inn and a lovely new Carriage House Inn that has just been brought under the inn's management (for a total of 58 rooms).

What truly makes this a home-away-from-home however is the staff that goes above and beyond mere customer service.  Each person I have met at the Wayside is invested in the organization, proud of it's history and considers it their own home.  They are passionate about customer service and community outreach and are brimming with idea's and ways to continually exceed expectations.

As an officiant who creates custom ceremonies that honor and celebrate life, The Longfellow Wayside Inn is now a standard that I judge other venues and sites against.  Thank-you to the staff and all your efforts to deliver premier services with heart and soul!

In my own life and the work I do with others as a relationship coach,  I am consistently reminded of the changing nature of our lives and our own personal growth.  It requires a conscious effort to remain connected to our own growth and that of those with love...looking with a "beginner's mind" at who we are waking up with and going to sleep with.    The most profound commitment we can make to another is that of constancy.  Constancy of our presence and constancy of an open and loving heart.  It is our ability to bear witness to our own and our beloved's changing self, with a compassionate presence, that allows for miracles to appear in our lives.  So today, take a moment and celebrate and marvel in the newness in your beloved and yourself!