IDo-weddingdreams

Wedding Rituals. Rose Ceremony. Not just for Bachelors.

2010-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a rose. Two roses are all that is necessary.

The Rose Ceremony is placed at the end of the ceremony just before being pronounced husband and wife.

In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always meant "I love you". The Rose Ceremony gives recognition to the new and most honorable title of "Husband and Wife".

Traditionally the mothers also give the roses, but others can also.

"Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book" compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant. Share your favorite reading or to order the e-book, visit MinnesotaOfficiants.com.

Become a fan on Facebook "Your Wedding Ceremony" and receive a $5.00 off coupon for the purchase of Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book

Wedding Ceremony Readings. An Excerpt.

2010-03-08T04:10:00.000-08:00

Following is an excerpt from "Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book" compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant. Share your favorite reading by sending an email to Minnesota Wedding Officiants.com.

Why Marriage?
By Mari Nichols

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, Who won't hold them against me, Who loves me when I'm unlikable, Who sees the small child in me, and Who looks for the divine potential of me...

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night With someone who thanks God for me, With someone I feel blessed to hold...

Because marriage means opportunity To grow in love in friendship...

Because marriage is a discipline To be added to a list of achievements...

Because marriages do not fail, people fail When they enter into marriage Expecting another to make them whole...

Because, knowing this, I promise myself to take full responsibility For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage Together we create our marriage...

Because with this understanding The possibilities are limitless.

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Wedding Ceremony Readings.

2010-02-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Readings presented during a wedding ceremony reflect the values and expectations of the bride and groom. Having them read by people other than the officiant offers others an opportunity to be included in the ceremony. Friends and family members are usually excited and honored to participate (and provide a variety of voices heard).

Readings occur throughout the ceremony, and are usually limited to three or less. The officiant should meet with the readers at the rehearsal or before the ceremony to review:

1.    How and when they (the reader) will be introduced
2.    Where to stand
3.    How to introduce their reading
4.    Read slower than they think necessary and
5.    Instructions on using the microphone

Become a fan on Facebook "Your Wedding Ceremony" and receive a $5.00 off coupon for the purchase of Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book

Contact Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant for availability.

Your Outdoor Wedding Ceremony.

2010-02-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

Your Outdoor Wedding Hint.
Unless the Bridal Party will be wearing sneakers, don't expect a fabric runner on grass to get anyone in heels down the aisle! Be creative with the Processional but remember, the Bride and Groom are the focus on this day.

"I try to make the day as stress-free , comfortable and relaxed as possible for my couples. I want them to have a memorable ceremony for all the RIGHT reasons!"

Jim Albani, Wedding Officiant

Couple reviews.

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Your Wedding Ceremony. Opening and Welcoming Statements.

2010-02-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

Folllowing is an excerpt of a welcome/opening statement from Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book:

"A marriage brings two individuals into a unique relationship with each other - one which grows and develops as each continues to experience him or her and others. Mature love is a union where each individual’s integrity is preserved. Such love allows us to retain our identity as individuals. In love the paradox occurs that two people become one and yet remain two..."

With these words spoken, the couple may turn to face their guests as the Officiant continues, " Look at everyone here, your witnesses, who love you and support you. In the future will come challenges and successes. Remember the love of this day."

When we are young, our love for another can be so overwhelming that we literally lose ourselves in the love. Our identity can merge with the emotion and we may seem unable to separate from the place of being together, to stand in love as our own person.

Mature love is different - not less passionate, more flexible!

Love at any age is wonderful. Love shared is your wedding day. Invite your guests within your ceremony to witness the love you have for one another and embrace the love they offer back to you.

Become a fan on Facebook "Your Wedding Ceremony" and receive a $5.00 off coupon for the purchase of Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book

Your Wedding Ceremony. Welcome and Opening Statements.

2010-02-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

Folllowing is an excerpt of a welcome/opening statement from Your Complete Wedding Ceremony E-book:

A welcome and/or opening statement may be very brief or lengthy. Ideally it is tailored to satisfy the desires of the bride and groom. Some of the elements included are to:

1.    Thank and acknowledge the importance of all attending.
2.    Deliver any special message the bride and groom desire to share.
3.    Discuss role of witnessing and support the marriage vows;
4.    Acknowledge those present in spirit but not in form (deceased relatives, etc.)
5.    Outline or preview the marriage ceremony;
6.    In some cases, offer stories featuring the bride and groom.

The welcome and opening statements are usually presented by your wedding officiant.

Dear friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the drawing together of two lives. We have come so that this man, [GROOM’S NAME], and this woman, [BRIDE’S NAME], may be united in marriage. This commitment is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, mutual respect, a sense of honor, and eternality.

[GROOM’S NAME] and [BRIDE’S NAME], as you know, no minister, no priest, no rabbi, and no public official can marry you. Only you can marry yourselves. By a mutual commitment to love each other, to work towards creating an atmosphere of care, consideration, and respect, by a willingness to face the tensions and anxieties that underlie human life, you can make your wedded life come alive.

Your love for one another and your willingness to accept each other's strong points and weaknesses with understanding and respect will help cement the foundation for a strong and lasting marriage. Learn to respect your individual outlooks. Share your thoughts, experiences and dreams with each other. Cherish the intimacy and understanding that comes with the passage of time. As you enter this union
your belief that marriage is a partnership between equal individuals with common goals, hopes, and dreams will give your lives special meaning and fulfillment.

Today, there is a vast unknown future stretching out before you. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. But it is a great tribute to your faith in each other that you are willing to face these uncertainties together. May the love with which you join hearts and hands today never fail, but grow deeper and surer with every year you spend together.

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The Opening Presentation. Positions.

2010-02-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

Before the ceremony begins, the Bride is positioned on the right and the Groom stands to the left of the Officiant. Traditionally the couple would stand with their backs to their guests and witnesses. More common now, they will face one another in profile to the Officiant and guests.

Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant, tells me that this positioning allows everyone to see how the couple respond to one another and to hear more clearly all that is spoken.

The “I Do. Your Complete Wedding Ceremony eBook” is a great tool to help you design and organize your ceremony. This helpful guide was compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant.

To preview and to order: http://www.weddingceremonybooks.com/

The Opening Presentation. Changing Traditions.

2010-02-01T08:55:00.000-08:00

When the Bride and her escort have reached the first row of the seated audience, her escort will offer her to the arm of her Groom. Traditionally the words, “Who gives this woman to marry this man?” are spoken by the officiant at this time. Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant, at the discretion of the Bridal couple more often now will ask, “Who gives this woman to marry this man? Who gives this man to marry this woman?”

The response to the traditional inquiry came from the Bride’s father or other male escort. You may hear the response now come from both parent’s and even from the guests as a whole group. “Who supports this couple in marriage?” The response with enthusiasm will be, “We do!”

There is an air of informality when all the guests respond but this does not detract from the solemnity of the ceremony. For the couple, there is an affirmation that all, family and friends, will support them in their marriage years.

The “I Do. Your Complete Wedding Ceremony eBook” is a great tool to help you design and organize your ceremony. This helpful guide was compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant.

To preview and to order: http://www.weddingceremonybooks.com/

The Processional. Spacing and Pacing.

2010-01-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

How your bridal attendants walk down the aisle may depend upon the venue. If you are getting married on a hot sandy beach in bare feet, everyone may move quickly! In a more traditional setting, the spacing of attendants and the pace at which they proceed toward the Officiant, adds to the elegance and formality of your ceremony.

When all attendants are in place next to the Officiant, all guests will then rise to honor the Bride as she begins her walk down the aisle. The Bride is most often escorted by a parent. In one recent ceremony performed by Jim Albani, the Bride’s escort was her small dog, wearing a mini backpack which held the couple’s wedding bands.

When planning your ceremony, try to allow time and pace for each element so that each of the beautiful details you have designed may be appreciated by your guests.

The “I Do. Your Complete Wedding Ceremony eBook” is a great tool to help you design and organize your ceremony. This helpful guide was compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant.

To preview and to order: http://www.weddingceremonybooks.com/

The Processional. Escorting the Bride.

2010-01-14T04:46:00.000-08:00

Traditionally a father will escort a Bride down the aisle to her Groom. 80% of Bridal escorts are male relatives - if not the father then a brother or uncle.

Many Brides are open to changing up the tradition and are now being escorted by both parents and even older children have stepped into the role.

Whatever the decision, remember that your Processional is the first step into your marriage. Fill it with those who are your biggest fans and supporters. Show your love and support for one another throughout and whenever possible allow your guests to show their support of you as well.

The “I Do. Your Complete Wedding Ceremony eBook” is a great tool to help you design and organize your ceremony. This helpful guide was compiled by Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant.

To preview and to order: http://www.weddingceremonybooks.com/

Planning Your Wedding Ceremony - The Processional

2010-01-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Procession is the introduction to your ceremony. It is the first step forward into your marriage.

When you plan your wedding ceremony you'll want to give some thought to your guests’ experience. As you walk down the aisle, you may have eyes only for each other. Your guests take in everything from the flowers to the pace at which you proceed.

Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant, stresses that you may want the first impression of your wedding - the Processional - to appear to witnesses to be "organized." What does an organized Processional look like?

Jim tells me that "military precision" mixed with warmth and emotion makes the perfect combination of presence to engage your guests. The procession is structured with timing and repetition – the pace at which the attendants walk to stopping, each, at the front row. At this place, a groomsman will pause as the bridesmaid passes in front of him to take her place at the front of the room. Only then does the groomsman take his place and the next attendants begin their walk and exchange of position.

Done in this way, every detail so meticulously designed by you is given its own opportunity for appreciation by your guests. Let the Processional take time so nothing of beauty and significance is lost.

Then too, when the Bride is presented to the Groom, he should be given time to warmly greet those who have escorted her to him. The couple then may take one another’s arm and move forward to face the Officiant.

When children are involved as ring or flower bearers, let them meet the groom and exchange hugs. Open your guests to the intimacy of this ceremony by displays of love and affection.

The “I Do. Your Complete Wedding Ceremony eBook” is a great tool to help you design and organize your ceremony.

“For $14.97 you can buy this book and save hours and hours of research.” Mark H., Groom

To preview and to order: http://www.weddingceremonybooks.com/

Love and Football. Jim Albani scores!

2010-01-06T06:04:00.001-08:00

Jim Albani, Minnesota Wedding Officiant and MN Vikings fan found himself at the game this past weekend.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/morning_news/todd_walker/dome-wedding-todd-january-3-2009

And there was. Film (video) at 11 - 10 Central.

2010-01-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, Jim officiated at a Vikings half-time wedding today. MN residents, check your Metro news channels for film (video) at 10. Happy Honeymooning!

Tune in to the Vikings game today!

2010-01-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

There might be a wedding...

Smiles and Tears

2009-12-17T06:13:00.000-08:00

Your wedding day is a day for smiles and tears. Do you remember that first surge of infatuation for your groom or bride? Do you remember how your smile felt too big but not big enough to contain the joy? On your wedding day, all of that and more will burst out of you and bounce back at you from everyone who has come to celebrate your marriage.

You will probably cry. When a smile is not enough, your joy will flow out through tears. Have a little something with you to collect those tears, then cherish them along with all of your wedding day memories.

Be wise in the design of your wedding day.

2009-12-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

I’ve heard people say that they felt they had missed their own wedding for all the obligations that drew them from the heart of the ceremony and celebration.

Too much wedding day extravagance could compromise the extraordinary moments possible for each couple, families and friends.

The wedding ceremony should show the couple as they truly are to each other while they make their commitment to building a lifetime together. How much planning, how much detail, is needed to support the entry into marriage? Design your day wisely. Step into your new life completely.

I wish for you on your day, time to hold the hand of your beloved and quiet – if even for a moment or two – to be in and enjoy your own wedding.

Everything New

2009-12-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

Some traditions tell us we must have something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue for the bride to carry or wear on her day. What if that day was 35 years ago? Isn't it time for absolutely everything to be new?

By this time the bride is old, has been borrowing for a lifetime and has had some blue moments. Bring something new and wonderful into this day - ask her to renew her vows of marriage with you.

A new year is coming. Embrace the new year together with a fresh and revived commitment to your marriage. Let it see you through another 35 years!

It's beginning to look like a Christmas wedding.

2009-12-10T05:28:00.000-08:00

Everything is white, trimmed with gold and silver. The deep red of poinsettias contrasts with the rich greens of pine boughs. Oversize ribbons adorn doorways and wreaths. Candlelight. Moonlight sparkles in reflection on everything snow covered. Elegance cascades through the hours. Count them with care and savor each one. The memories of your wedding season will bring joy forever!

Winter snowstorm for your wedding...

2009-12-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

April showers bring May flowers - in Minnesota that's a maybe. Deember weddings risk a blizzard - more likely true! Make sure to pack your wedding long johns!

Love will keep you warm in your heart and imagination, not so much in below zero temps. Yes, be beautiful and handsome and elegant and fashion forward on your day - but be all you can be indoors. Outside, wear a hat, boots, gloves or mittens.

Be safe and happy on your day of days!

The Officiant

2009-12-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

Just as you may work with a Wedding Planner to design the look of your wedding, you will want to work with an officiant to design the heart and soul of your ceremony.

When selecting an officiant for your ceremony, try to interview several individuals before making the final choice. Be sure to work with someone who will guide you in the creation of the perfect ceremony for you.

And be armed with information. Use a guide book to help you learn the various parts of the ceremony so you can add a personal touch each step of the way!

I recommend the "I Do" Wedding Ceremony e-book found at Minnesota Officiants' website.

Sunday Weddings and Celebrations

2009-12-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

I have asked people if they would want their ceremony to be held on a Sunday. Most say they wouldn't because they want their friends and family to fully celebrate the occasion. The concern here, of course, is that Monday is a work and school day which allows no recovery time!

So I wondered, do we have to be out of our minds and out of control to "fully celebrate" marriage?

Isn't the Super Bowl held on a Sunday? Can it be that wedding excitement tops the biggest football game of the year? Maybe so!

To all you sober couples out there, I recommend a Sunday ceremony. Enjoy the day with all senses awake and alive!

More on football and weddings later...

Good Wishes

2009-12-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

For all of you who were married this past week and for those of you who will be married this weekend, you are sent wishes of goodness for the happiest of marriages.

It is easy to fall in love - maybe too easy! Love can sustain over time in many forms and be felt in many different ways and intensities. Love is good. Love in love is ecstasy! Here is to ecstatic moments and deep abiding, trusting love throughout your lives together.

Good wishes to you!

A White Wedding

2009-12-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

Driving home in the dark last evening, snow flurries spiraling in the headlights, white snow dust accumulating on the finally frozen ground - that's a white wedding! I could envision a beautiful bride clad in a dazzling white parka-style coat - flowing to the ground, snow boots, fur (faux) trimmed hood and elbow-high leather (faux) gloves. Breathtaking. Behind this twilight vision passed pine and fir trees and an occasional display of holiday lights. Nice night for a white wedding!

With this ring...

2009-12-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

There are so many thoughts on the symbolism of the circle - unity, completeness, safety, eternity and strength. When you write your vows you may use the symbol to illustrate an idea of an ever-after story of togetherness. As you craft your ceremony, remember the circle with no beginning or end can represent the eternal hope of renewal.

Your wedding day offers a moment - as does every moment - to step into a circle with all points at a new beginning all the time. And so you exchange rings of unity and completeness, safety, eternity and strength - together in a brand new moment rich with all possibilities.

An Intimate Ceremony

2009-12-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

is one planned by you and attended by those you love. For couples who choose to have a small gathering, it is the intimate details - not the grand and lavish - that will set your day apart in the memories of all your witnesses.

Set the tone for living and loving together for a lifetime by creating a warm, welcoming, sincere and intimate wedding ceremony.

Great day for a Minnesota wedding!

2009-11-30T08:09:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the bridal party gifts. Crystal snowflake pendants. Snowflake and pine tree bed socks. At this time of year, think brilliant, sparkling, deep pine scents, crackling fires and fun - always.

Bride plus Groom plus Children

2009-11-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

I recently was told of a wedding ceremony that included the Groom's young son. The boy was so excited about the wedding he could not stop crying. Dad and his Bride included the boy in all aspects of the ceremony When rings were exchanged he was given a wedding band on a gold chain he could wear to symbolize his place in the new family. What a wonderful way to assure a child that some change is very, very good!

Another wedding magazine down...

2009-11-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

It's okay. There have always been tools to help you plan your wedding. There is always someone near at hand who has experience but more, passion for you and what you love and wish to express on your day. Your friends and family, even co-workers will happily throw some excitement and ideas your way!

When planning your ceremony and your vows, remember they will forever tell the story of you as a couple coming together in a binding moment of commitment.

This is the first step into your lives together. Your ceremony creates the memories that will last throughout your marriage.

Relax, take a deep breath, enjoy!

2009-11-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

I remember arguing with my first groom over wedding details that I can't remember now. I can remember the anger and frustration but not the reasons why.

You will have a lifetime in marriage and a moment when you are married to one another. Will the moment be perfect? Maybe not. Maybe you will try your best to prepare the most and in the end you will share your first celebratory kiss as a married couple and in joy begin your lives together.

Relax - turn over planning responsibilities to friends and family if it all becomes just too much.

Take a deep breath - calm yourself. Remember why you are planning this special day.

Enjoy! Take every opportunity to laugh, love and celebrate!

Who gives this woman?

2009-11-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

Presentation of the bride and groom occurs at the beginning of the ceremony following the bride’s processional. The traditional declaration is: “Who gives this woman to marry this man?” Then the bride's father or even the bride's parents would respond, "I do." or "We do."

More often we find now that all in attendance join in to claim, “We do.”

Marriage is a living, dynamic relationship of two held together by many. An old adage: “the tie that binds” can represent the ceremonial wedding of two while “a three-fold cord is not easily broken” can speak to the strength brought to the couple by the support of friends and family.

Facing the Crowd

2009-11-22T01:40:00.000-08:00

In many wedding ceremonies, traditional or otherwise, the bridal couple are facing the officiant with backs to their guests. I was once told that guests are invited to a wedding to serve the couple as the tie that binds them together in marriage.

If the couple experiences marriage stress, it is the task of the witnesses to step in and remind them that they are bound together and are supported by many. It may be important for a couple to face their community of support and join with them as they are joined together.

The greatest wedding gift a guest may bring could well be the later gift of support and encouragement.

I DO. Wedding Dreams Out of the Box.

2009-11-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

My long-time friend, Jim Albani, officiates at weddings that are traditional or spiritual or religious in tone and tells me that each wedding ceremony is unique to each couple. He has an e-book of ceremonies his couples use as guides in planning their wedding.

The book is “I Do. Your complete wedding ceremony e-book.” Your guide to creating a memorable and meaningful wedding ceremony. You can get the book at Jim’s website, minnesotaofficiants.com

I told Jim that I would like to blog about his weddings. He doesn’t like to write, I love to write and we both love stories, so here we are at the first blog and the first question is, “What do I write about?” I have a list! To kick off though I will share with you my weddings. And yes, they were unique!

I’ve heard it said that every bride dreams of her wedding day and imagines each fine detail of lace and pearl and crystal, cake and first kiss – or her personal version of all that which defines the presentation of a wedding. Having been a bride twice, and twice only I will declare, it is a fact that no dream of mine evolved the day. My inspiration each time arrived via the groom.

The first husband was – and probably still is – a thrifty sort. We married in our own home. I wore a handmade dress – simple polyester blend of red and white flowers with to-the-knee red skirt. I liked the print at the time. I drove to a neighborhood flower shop for the cheapest-by-the-dozen bunch of roses I could buy. We selected a local judge I knew to perform the civil ceremony. Neither of us was tied to a church or faith.

Our big splurge was time spent on food preparation. We were at home. We had our friends with us. We ate fabulous home-cooked food and probably drank champagne (I don’t remember!).

This wedding from the era of the early 80’s was still a bit “out of the box”; married at home – not a church; civil ceremony – not blessed by God. We did not write our vows and left the words of ritual to the judge. We did not know to care about the process. We were all about the after-party and our limited budget. We could have driven out of town twice for what we spent on the day!

An extremely casual groom inspired the second wedding ceremony for this bride. We were drawn to one another by passions for many of the same things. Highly compatible and at ease with each other we knew we would last through the years.

We were married in a pole barn at the place we first met. The day happened on a frigid Minnesota mid-February afternoon. The groom wore flannels and Carharts. The bride was wearing some sturdy warm boots, long skirt and heavy sweater.

We asked a dear friend, a Ph.D. of Divinity with no church affiliation to perform the ceremony. The groom asked friends from the Mdewakanton traditions to assist in the ritual. We asked our guests to each bring a blanket to be donated to a homeless shelter as wedding gifts.

This was a memorable marriage ceremony. We still talk about it and are moved by it even seven years later. We had no photographer and I don’t think we have saved any photos from friends but my memory is still stirred by awe at all that occurred that day. We did not write vows. We did not choose the ceremony. We wanted a marriage and cared little for the process. Can I say we are living happily ever after? Pretty much.
Everyone who shared in that ceremony shared with us that they were moved deeply not by us, but from being there in participation in a something indefinable that happened between us all on that day. Only my brother – the one living relative present – was a bit put off. “Interesting. I wouldn’t have done it that way.”

We have moved into a new century in which modern means this moment. Trend has redefined tradition. All boxes are open and the contents are strewn across the planet and beyond even thought to be inter-dimensional by some. Word on the street is, you can write your own script for everything including your marriage ceremony. It is expected, welcomed and encouraged that you present yourselves to your guests draped in your dearest dreams for all to see. Your “I Dos” mean your commitment and you choose that commitment.

Be creative. Make meaning. Be memorable. Be wonderful! Leap out of the box into the new dreams you design right now!