
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.
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. 

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.
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.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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!