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Posts Tagged ‘Destination wedding’

Not so fast

Posted in Beach Weddings, Ceremony and Reception Locations, Outdoor Weddings, Uncategorized, Wedding Ceremony, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »

I’m meeting with an engaged couple and they are telling me what is important to them about their wedding ceremony.

“We just want it to be short and simple.”

When you say “short and simple,” what do you really mean?

If you want to get it over with, you can easily pop down to the county clerk and make it happen today. Here’s all the info for a San Diego wedding: https://arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov/Pages/marriage-licenses.aspx

Short and simple.

Maybe what you really mean is that you don’t want to be bored, or to bore your guests. Maybe you don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable with flowery language or emotional vows. Or that the wedding ceremony seems like such a big unknown and it’s a little nerve-wracking to go exploring.

Or maybe what you really want is to be authentic. An opportunity to experience this momentous occasion in a way that feels natural and true to you.
I can help you with that.

An emphatic "I Do!". Photo by Cassidy Hall

An emphatic “I Do!”. Photo by Cassidy Hall

Because it’s not about how long the ceremony is. It’s about connecting to the experience. As a nondenominational minister and officiant of sacred ceremonies, I can help you find ways – through readings, rituals, and expressing your personal story – for your family and friends to connect, too.

When it’s authentic–truly you–every moment of your wedding ceremony will feel good and exciting and inspiring.

When it’s authentic, you will create a memory that is so vivid you will be able to describe it in detail for the rest of your lives: when your kids ask you about your wedding; when you celebrate your 50th anniversary.

Authentic is unforgettable. Photo by Cassidy Hall

Authentic is unforgettable. Photo by Cassidy Hall

 

 

Short and simple is ok. Authentic is unforgettable.

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Toes in the sand

Posted in Beach Weddings, Ceremony and Reception Locations, Goddess Bride Spotlight, Outdoor Weddings, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 27, 2015| Leave a Comment »

This LA couple traveled down to San Diego to say ‘I Do’ in front of the iconic Hotel Del Coronado. On a beautiful breezy summer day, these two thought of everything to make their guests feel included and welcome, even supplying just the right footwear for the beach wedding ceremony.

Wedding Coordinator extraordinaire Susie Mintie had it all in hand and everything went smoothly thanks to her expert guidance.

Beautiful florals created by Organic Elements. Creative, stylish, and warm photos courtesy Derek Chad http://www.derekchad.com

To one of the most generous, kind and downright happiest couples I’ve had the pleasure to marry, Congratulations Mike & Kyle!

long view

The iconic Hotel Del makes a beautiful backdrop for this beach wedding ceremony. Photo by Derek Chad

sign

A fun way to welcome your guests to the wedding ceremony. Photo by Derek Chad

flipflops

A great gift for your wedding guests – keep their dancing shoes clean! Photo by Derek Chad

Toes in the sand. Photo by Derek Chad

Toes in the sand. Photo by Derek Chad

I love this metal frame huppah with its clean and classic lines. Photo by Derek Chad

I love this metal frame huppah with its clean and classic lines. Photo by Derek Chad

Having a laugh. Photo by Derek Chad

Having a laugh. Photo by Derek Chad

Invite your guests to offer a silent wish or blessing for your marriage, with a ring warming! This small velvet pouch is the perfect way to send your rings through the crowd, safe and sound. Photo by Derek Chad

Invite your guests to offer a silent wish or blessing for your marriage, with a ring warming! This small velvet pouch is the perfect way to send your rings through the crowd, safe and sound. Photo by Derek Chad

A sophisticated, simple vessel for the blending of the sands, unity ceremony. Photo by Derek Chad

A sophisticated, simple vessel for the blending of the sands, unity ceremony. Photo by Derek Chad

This will make a beautiful souvenir and decor in their home. Photo by Derek Chad

This will make a beautiful souvenir and decor in their home. Photo by Derek Chad

Mr. and Mr.! Photo by Derek Chad

Mr. and Mr.! Photo by Derek Chad

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Artful Unity Ceremony Adaptation

Posted in Beach Weddings, Ceremony and Reception Locations, Wedding Ceremony, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2015| Leave a Comment »

[Beautiful photos by Susan Bond Photography]

This is a clever and multi-use idea for a unity ceremony!

This destination couple wanted to include a unity ceremony in their wedding, but wanted to avoid having to pack any accoutrement for the trip home.

Two bouquets. Photo by Susan Bond Photography

Two bouquets.
Photo by Susan Bond Photography

Their bouquets did double-duty for the unity! A beautiful, natural, and efficient option,
to incorporate their bouquets.

“You have each walked down the aisle with your own bouquet of flowers. Each representing your individual
lives to this point.”

Tying the bouquets. Photo by Susan Bond Photography

Tying the bouquets. Photo by Susan Bond Photography

 

 

 

“In tying your bouquets together, you symbolize undertaking to unite as a couple, and share all that the future may bring.” 

Unity bouquets. Photo by Susan Bond Photography

Unity bouquet.
Photo by Susan Bond Photography

 

 

 

 

 

Incredible ocean views, courtesy the Marine Room. Photo by Susan Bond Photography

Incredible ocean views, courtesy the Marine Room.
Photo by Susan Bond Photography

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Desert Wedding Getaway

Posted in Ceremony and Reception Locations, Themes, tagged , , , , , , , , on November 20, 2009| Leave a Comment »

My recent visit to Borrego Ranch Resort brought not only incredible pampering and relaxation, but enthusiasm and excitement for a property that yields a bounty of options for a unique and magical wedding celebration.

After a 2-hour drive from San Diego through beautiful countryside, winding roads, and a few small towns, I arrived at Borrego Ranch Resort & Spa and was greeted at reception as if I were family.

Borrego Ranch Resort provides such a warm environment that you almost feel like you are a special guest in someone’s home. The staff is professional and laid-back; addressing your every need with the familiar authority of a gracious hostess. During dinner on the patio there was a slight chill but not enough to warrant lighting up a heater, which can sometimes be obtrusive. Instead the restaurant manager retrieved a pashmina and draped it around my shoulders. Nice touch.

And with so many activities available – rock climbing, golf, spa, croquet, guest speakers, writing and cooking classes, movie nights – even though I was out in the middle of the desert I never felt bored; simply open to possibilities. The environment caters to living in the moment.

A unique feature of BRR is their own rock labyrinth on the property. A rock labyrinth creates a well-defined path that leads to the center and back again. The center represents illumination, a place where people find insights to their problems and concerns. Sort of a walking meditation.

How do you approach a labyrinth in the desert? With a clear intention and an open heart. This is also the best approach to planning your wedding at a paradise getaway.

Such an intimate property is a natural for a wedding weekend. The best option is a resort buyout; easily achieved with a standard size wedding. Imagine full run of the resort with your friends and family!

And then the possibilities for cocktail hours, intimate gatherings, fun activities and of course your ceremony and celebration open up to take advantage of the beautiful resort and landscaping.

I prefer to call it a wedding ‘getaway’ rather than a ‘destination’ wedding, which can sometimes feel loaded with quite a bit more logistics. But with careful planning and experts at hand, it will feel as easy breezy as any weekend retreat.

Ask me about Weddings at Borrego Ranch Resort!

*Check back for more resources and suggestions for a Desert Wedding Getaway

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