Barbara Densmore - Contemporary Minister/Celebrant & Wedding Officiant

Meaningful.Memorable.Unstuffy.Truly You

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Retirement

Post image for Retirement

Although retirement is the culmination of years of effort and activity, it’s often portrayed as the last school day before glorious, unfettered summer.

For some people, it is. For most, there’s much that will be lost. Treasured friendships. A sense of identity and value. The security of a paycheque. The comfort of routine. The pride that comes with mastery of a job well done. For many, retirement is similar to historical maps, where uncharted portions were titled “here be dragons.” A world out there that is often unmapped and unmentioned.

A fitting retirement ceremony can acknowledge all of these things while:

  • Honouring a co-worker’s (or loved-one’s) past
  • Acknowledging their contributions, and
  • Imagining their future.

A retirement ceremony can be simple, touching, and fun for everyone. This is one of my favourites!

I think it’s a shame that this major life passage often goes by unrecognized, especially after years of dedicated service. I hear stories about Friday events where retiring business, school, healthcare, or government employees are gathered “en masse” on their last day so their co-workers can say good-bye…with little or no individual recognition or acknowledgement.

How appreciated must that make people feel?

I also think it’s sad that the “roast” has become a staple retirement party tool. It’s like taking pokes at someone who may already be feeling a little disoriented, and perhaps a little tender. Yet I understand that people often use this format because they don’t want “boring” or “sappy.”

There’s also a whole new business attitude out there, and that many of the “frills” that for years were normal have disappeared amidst budget cuts and time constraints.

Often, it’s up to co-workers, family and friends to organize a final farewell. Ask me how! I’d love to help make your event something folks won’t easily forget.

Barbara Densmore, Celebrant & Officiant Reviews
 
WeddingWire Barbara Densmore, Wedding Celebrant & Officiant Reviews, Best Wedding Officiants in British Columbia - 2015 Couples' Choice Award Winner
 
Weddings, Wedding Venues Barbara Densmore, Professional Celebrant & Wedding Officiant, Best Wedding Officiants in British Columbia - 2014 Couples' Choice Award Winner
Weddings, Wedding Venues Barbara Densmore, Professional Celebrant & Wedding Officiant, Best Wedding Officiants in British Columbia - 2013 Bride's Choice Award Winner




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Testimonials

Everyone was talking about it for the rest of the night — how different and heartfelt it was — even a few of the guys said it was, by far, the best wedding ceremony they’d ever been to… THE GUYS… I think that says it all. 🙂  
Wedding Photographer A
So that was without a doubt the best day of my life, and I can’t tell you how many people have commented on how great the ceremony was. Many folks told us it was the best wedding they had ever been to! The ceremony was so us, and how we look at the world.  
we managed to fit most of their passions into Eli and Megan’s very organic ceremony…no hand sanitizer..
When the ceremony finally came, we laughed and cried, felt the nerves and excitement, but above all, she helped us to stay absolutely present. We have not once said “that went by so quickly.” Instead, Barbara helped us to stay 100% in the moment, enjoying every minute.  
Kate and Luke, mindful mindful mindful
If you ask anyone that attended our wedding they would all agree that our ceremony was their favorite part! The process of writing our vows with her we will never forget. It made our ceremony one that people will not forget. It was 100% us, personal, humorous, and emotional with surprise twists that everyone loved.  
Isa and Neal, funky hippy wedding
It was a perfect balance of poignant, comical and thought-provoking. Maggie  
G's Memorial Tree Planting
“All 90 guests shed tears of laughter and joy, and walked away knowing and loving us as a couple that much more. We have been receiving nothing but extremely positive comments – stating it was the best wedding ceremony ever attended.”    
Jeff married Ashley in one of the most jubilant ceremonies ever, with a surprise blessing from their dog Lua
Having Barbara perform our ceremony was probably the single best and most important decision we made about our entire wedding process!  
Kirsten and Ian, family and friends ceremony
People enjoyed the ceremony just as much as the reception.    
Danielle and Marc’s ceremony included a modern version of a ritual from her mother’s wedding ceremony
Throughout the journey of co-creating, Barbara deeply listened, guided, and supported us to make meaningful creative choices that honoured ourselves, invited guests/witnesses, and our new home.  
J&J's House Blessing
We are unique in our own way and nothing we do is cookie cutter. We are looking for an officiant who can do things a little differently. We pride ourselves on putting in the effort that others won’t.  
Shereen and Matt, high tech, high standards

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