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Other Ceremonies

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Historically, a lifetime celebrated many rites of passage. Mostly long-gone in this modern age. But if traditional baptisms, being roasted, playing toilet paper games or dancing in the forest under a full moon aren’t your cup of tea, perhaps come back (or forward) to the world of meaningful rites of passage. You can still drink prosecco and eat cupcakes. Because what’s a celebration without them?

“Any action that speaks to the soul and to the deep imagination, whether or not it also has practical effects, is ritual.” Thomas Moore, The Education of the heart

 

Baby namings, blessings, adoptions, motherhood

Even you are the traditional Easter/Christmas kind of church-goers, a traditional baptism may feel a little odd, because it symbolizes your child’s entry into the world…and the church. If you’re not intending to raise your child in the chuch, then what?

Well, you can still welcome them into the world, your world, and the world that will surround them as they grow. And there are any number of ways to make it meaningful for everyone.

We built and filled a time capsule for Jo’s first birthday.  To be opened when she is 16. It’s her most prized possession.  Every year on her birthday, she asks to hold it.

On a similar note, instead of a baby shower, a group of powerful women created this promise box for their newest family member, yet, unborn.

They brought history, stories, letters, promises, and symbols to welcome her into a line of strong women.

**

Tara was soooo not a baby shower person. So her mom pulled together 12 wise women to help prepare her for motherhood and to cross over the threshold with her. Her own intentional support team.  Read more here.

Divorce

A few years ago, I was asked to contribute to a book about divorce parties. The only thing I could tell the author was that long ago and far away, I baked many heartbreak cakes, which usually saw a plastic groom faceplanted in the icing.  The accompanying parties felt contrived. Divorce is not necessarily something to be celebrated. It’s something to be travelled through. And often healed from. It’s a journey, not an event.

I helped one of the most intentional couples I know do an un-wedding ceremony, where they entered together, unmarried each other, and exited separately. Their friends told them it was the most mature way they had seen a relationship end.

In most cases, one person is hurt more, and the healing takes time. Whether it’s a sustenance ritual, a final coming-out-I-am-ready-to-move-into-my-next-life, a way of expressing gratitude to those who have surrounded you, or a symbolic way to let go of emotional ties, the actions you take can be affirming and powerful (and you can still eat cake.)

Transitions

Often moves, whether through life, work, home or love don’t go smoothly. That’s because every beginning begins with an ending. And then there’s a space in-between where you have left, but not yet arrived.  This is a place of real growth, or wisdom, and yet it’s human nature to want to race through it. And sometimes, you can’t. Because all of you is not travelling at the same speed.

Rituals can help. Whether it’s packing up a beloved home in preparation for a nursing facility, holding a mock funeral for a department that’s being downsized, managing illness, giving up the business title for no title, reinventing yourself. They can give you the touchstone to hold as you move forward.

JL had a treehouse in her backyard. A survivor of sexual abuse, her husband built it for her as her safe place. And it was sacred. When they sold the house, she thought she could leave it, but as closing date loomed, she needed something. We figured out how to transform her private spot into a gift for the next owners, and created a ceremony that she and her husband used to make it happen.

LJ had a long-standing working relationship with a colleague who had become a pivotal part of her life. For over 30 years. When her partner retired, they determined that a simple farewell lunch or dinner wasn’t enough. So they wove a story of their relationship together using strands of fabric from pivotal times. Then they cut the cord, each taking away part of the story as a memento.

Modern Metaphysical Minister/Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Campbell River. Tofino and Ucluelet as available.

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Barbara Densmore Celebrant
Barbara Densmore Celebrant
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Ashley McCrae
Ashley McCrae
2023-09-01
Barbara was hands-down a phenomenal officiant of our wedding!! Don’t be intimidated by the “homework” she gives you because she will turn your answers into the most beautiful, personal, and oh-so-special ceremony. We absolutely loved what she put together for us and we received so many compliments from guests (and our parents!) afterward that it was the BEST wedding ceremony they’ve EVER been to! She is one of the first things we mention when people ask about our wedding and we cannot thank her enough for helping to create such a memorable day!! Barbara deserves all the stars and then some, we could not recommend her enough!
Cody Walsh
Cody Walsh
2023-08-13
This lovely woman was exactly the low-stress and emotionally fluent genius needed to coordinate, manage, and finally officiate our incredibly special day. I truly cannot recommend higher ! Thank you so much Barbara for all you did to get to know us, our story, and our families. We love you!
Julie Levasseur
Julie Levasseur
2023-08-12
Barbara is so much more than an officiant. Her seasoned, thorough and thoughtful approach helped us create a ceremony experience that was equal parts personal and FUN! From our initial consult, to day-of, as well as following-up after our wedding, we can’t thank Barbara enough for her care and attention. She’s simply the best!
Sachin Khona (Creative)
Sachin Khona (Creative)
2023-08-04
I had the pleasure of working with Barbara at a wedding yesterday and she was an absolute delight to work with. We literally met 5 minutes before the ceremony and she ran the elopement so smoothly and beautifully, taking into consideration the stories of the couple and even included in some First Nations Rituals and Jewish traditions for Susan and Inka. As a photographer, hiring an officiant is such an important decision to make as they really create and bring the energy to a ceremony. You won't go wrong picking Barbara! 10/10 I look forward to documenting another wedding with you soon Barbara! Big hugs, Sachin
Anthony Price
Anthony Price
2023-08-03
JUST AMAZING! It's really hard to describe just how amazing Barbara is at what she does. She walked my now wife and I through ever step of the process. The creation of our ceremony, the vows and everything came together perfectly. Barbara is a master at making any special event so personal and unique to who you are. Thank-you so much Barbra!! Love Ant & Meg
Michelle R
Michelle R
2023-07-17
Barbara officiated our wedding at the Vow Cabin. The ceremony was everything I always dreamed of. Funny and heartwarming. Barbara is truly brilliant and so so good at what she does. The ceremony was so personal and unique to us. I felt so relaxed during the ceremony and I really appreciate that she reminded us to be present and really take in the moment. I really appreciate the care that Barbara put into writing our ceremony. Truly the best.
Athena Mills
Athena Mills
2023-07-13
Our wedding ceremony with Barbara was excellent. It was intimate and personal, but also light hearted and funny in a way that celebrated our love without taking away from the gravity of the commitment we were making to each-other. Barbara also included our friends and family in all the right moments to create some wonderful lasting memories. It was a really special day and Barbara played a huge role in it, I cannot recommend her enough!
stephen wynnyk
stephen wynnyk
2023-06-27
Barbara was a spectacular celebrant for our wedding. She works with you to create a wonderful, authentic ceremony. Barb had tons of unique quirks she suggested, which made our ceremony unique. She also had a sterling reputation with our vendors, so our ceremony was perfectly coordinated with our photographer (Tulle & Tweed Photography) and videographers (Paper Heart Films). Barb's words brought us and our guests to tears! You can feel her presence with every word. I cannot recommend her enough.
Cameron Freshwater
Cameron Freshwater
2023-06-10
Barbara is an amazingly thoughtful, patient and professional officiant. She made what could have been an extremely stressful situation an absolute breeze. She helped us design a ceremony that matched our personalities perfectly and truly made our day special.
amanda P
amanda P
2023-01-31
Barbara was a delight to work with. From the very beginning she was personable, easy to talk to and supportive. She turned our ideas into a magical wedding ceremony for us that exceeded our expectations. It was a whimsical night for us.
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