wedding officiants – Talking Wed

It’s A Nice Day For A Cat Wedding.

August 8, 2017October 3, 2017by Connie Jones-Steward

Why should dogs get all the wedding love? That’s probably the question on the minds of brides and grooms to whom cats and kittens give all the feels.

In celebration of International Cat Day, this post is dedicated to those cuddly fur babies who made the Internet famous.

I’ll bet that even hardcore dog people will find these photos pretty gosh darn cute.

For more puuuurfect ideas on including your feline friend on your wedding day, go to Bridal Musings.

All images remain copyright of their respective owners.

Destination Weddings, Real Weddings

Leanne and John’s Summer Solstice Wedding

August 6, 2017October 3, 2017by Connie Jones-Steward

When Leanne and John of Asheville, North Carolina met they each recognized their twin flame in the other. They began dating at Halloween and were engaged before the following Christmas.

Leanne is a native California girl so they chose Giracci Vineyards and Farms of Silverado, CA as the venue for their destination wedding. Joanne Tutweiler of Queen Tut Events planned the intimate wedding that was officiated by Reverend Connie Jones-Steward.

The summer solstice themed ceremony took place amid the vineyards magnificent Oak trees and included a blessing from the four directions, a wine sharing, handfasting and jumping the broom.

Venue: Giracci Vineyards and Farms
Planner: Queen Tut Events
Officiant Rev. Connie Jones-Steward

Reception Ideas, Wedding Inspirations

5 Ideas For A Beer Lover’s Themed Wedding

August 4, 2017October 3, 2017by Connie Jones-Steward

August 4th, 2017 is International Beer Day, In honor of the occasion I thought it only right to offer a post about how to incorporate beer into your wedding in some way that doesn’t conjure up images of an intoxicated groom wearing his best wife-beater T-shirt as he burps his way through his vows.

Here is a short list of ideas to set the tone of a wedding fit for the classy beer lover.

Upcycle and decorate beer bottles to serve as vases or centerpieces for your reception. Check out my Pinterest board for ideas http://tinyurl.com/y99no86g
Host your bachelor or bachelorette party at a tap bar or microbrewery. Call your favorite watering hole, and ask about the possibilities. Also check with local restaurants and caterer to see if they will offer a guided beer tasting.
Use wheat, barley and/or hops in your floral arrangements. This could include your bridal bouquet, your centerpieces or in the groom’s boutonniere. These options lend themselves especially well to autumn themed weddings.
Give bottles of beer bearing custom printed labels as favors. Imagine the appreciation of your beer loving guests at getting a personalized brewsky instead an imprinted napkin.
Instead of an open bar, have servers to pass glasses of great craft beers during the social hour. It’s a great way to add a touch of class and elegance without stretching the already tight reception budget,

Mexican Wedding Traditions, Wedding Traditions

The Wedding Lasso or Lazzo

July 31, 2017October 25, 2017by Connie Jones-Steward

The wedding lasso or lazzo is a symbol common to bridal couples who are of Mexi Mexican wedding traditions, Los Angeles Wedding Officiants can, Filipino or Spanish heritage. It is thought by some to have originated with Mexican cowboys; Still others believe it originated as part of Aztec culture.

Though commonly associated with Catholic weddings, today many couples who are nether Catholic nor Hispanic are choosing to include this beautiful ritual, that symbolizes the unity of the couple and the infinity of their marriage, as part of their wedding ceremony. Such couples sometimes use a non-denominational version of the lasso instead of the traditional version that resembles a rosary.

Uncategorized

Michael & Yasmine: Married Beneath The Full Moon

May 7, 2011May 8, 2011by Connie Jones-Steward1 Comment

Most people probably spent April 16, 2011 stressing over the last-minute details of their 2010 tax returns however Michael and Yasmine chose this date to celebrate their love in an intimate wedding ceremony hosted at a private home in Brentwood, CA.

As the full moon rose in the east, the sun settled into the hills of Brentwood and the Pacific ocean glistened in the distant background the two exchanged vows in a couples-centered, non-religious ceremony that reflected their love for each other and their committment to create a new life together. Among the witnesses were a mother hawk and her hatchlings who watched from their nearby nest.

Afterwords, my husband and I joined the couple and their guests for a fantastic evening of mixing, mingling, great music and delicious food.

Planning Advice, Wedding Tips

Friends don’t let friends officiate

March 10, 2011August 5, 2017by Connie Jones-Steward1 Comment

Ok so maybe my title is a bit of an overstatement, after all my friend officiated my wedding but she was also a trained celebrant and respected leader in our faith community. Specifically, I’m talking about the DIY trend of having your friend or relative ordained or deputized for the sole purpose of performing your wedding. It could work. It worked when Joey officiated Phoebe’s wedding on the TV show Friends. On the other hand it might be a mistake. Do you want to take that chance with your wedding?

The wedding ceremony is an intense one filled with high expectations and equally high emotions. All eyes will be on the couple AND the officiant. Your friend or relative might be the most confident person you know but will they be able to withstand the attention? Even strong public speakers have been known to choke up when they realize that they are doing more than just reading a script; they are in fact solemnizing a spiritual, legal and life-changing union.

I may be biased but I highly suggest that, if your wedding ceremony is important to you, you seek the services of an officiant who is not only ordained but also trained and experienced in the arts of ritual and ceremony.

Holidays

How to handle stress & conflict during the holidays

November 9, 2010December 6, 2018by Connie Jones-Steward2 Comments

The holiday season is upon us and though the greeting card companies proclaim this as the season of “peace on Earth and goodwill to men” this is usually one of the most stressful times of the year. This year’s holiday season promises to be more stressful than most as financial and economic uncertanties add to a heightened sense of frustration and vulnerability within families and between neighbors. Here are a few steps that one can take when dealing with neighbors, coworkers and others that seem to be behaving in irrational and purposely irritating ways.

Be a friendly driver. During the holiday season we become more inclined to such rude behaviors as competing for parking spaces and cutting other drivers off on the freeway. Foregoing these urges will leave you feeling less frustrated and could save your life.
If someone does cut in front of you on the freeway or jack you for a parking space, just let it go. Find another parking space or be content to arrive a few seconds later at your destination.
Be mindful of your neighbors during your celebrations and be responsible for the actions of your guests. Ask that they not block your neighbor’s parking areas or leave their trash behind on the street. Also consider not hosting loud and rowdy celebrations that last into the wee hours.
Shop early to avoid the holiday crush of last minute shoppers
Resist the temptation to fight over the last unit of that “must have toy” or other hot gift. Chances are that it will be on sale after the holidays anyway.
Remeber that these are tough times and don’t be offended if your coworkers can’t or don’t want to buy the holiday items being sold by your child’s school.
Likewise don’t feel like a Scrooge if you can’t afford the items that your coworker is selling or to participate in the office celebrations.
Be patient with store clerks, transportation workers and restuarant servers. Chances are they are working long hours with little sleep in order to make sure that YOU have a cheerful holiday season
Finally take a moment to slow down and remember what the holiday season truly represents; a time to pause and reflect on your spiritual connections to Divinity, nature and your loved ones.

Have a Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwanzaa and Happy Chanuka.