Catherine and Jim: a world away

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Cath Jim handfast Blog postJim e-mailed me from a war zone, where he was in the middle of a posting.  He had a leave coming up, had never been to North America.  His partner would fly in from another part of the world to meet him, and he hoped, after 13 years and 2 children together, to “make an honest woman out of her.”

If you have read how I work, you know that I like to co-create with my couples.  Though Jim was behind a fortress-like firewall, and Catherine’s computer had committed hara kiri, we still managed to pull together a ceremony that would honour his wicked sense of humour, her desire for something romantic with a prayer, and bring their daughters symbolically to be at the ceremony.

cath Jim bell blog postBecause it was off-season and a weekday, both the photographer and I were able to meet with them the day before to scout out locations and set up the plan.  Felt good, because given our restrictions, we hadn’t “met” in some way before…which is a rarity for me.

The ceremony itself was sweet and real, profound at times, at others a little irreverent.  Like the old feller (said with love) who interrupted the ceremony to offer congrats and show off his new scarf, the chorus of ducks nearby, and the cyclist who waited on the bridge for the kiss, ringing his bell with gusto.

Ah yes, everyone loves a wedding.  And even when you travel half-way around the world to elope, you still get guests…:)

 

** It was an absolute delight to work with Courtney from Courtney Clarke Photography!

“Barbara is the person you want to conduct your ceremony if you want something different, unique and fun. A straight talking woman with a great sense of humour who is very flexible whilst charging around Beacon Hill Park at dusk trying to find the right spot to hold the wedding. All this the night before. Highly recommend Barbara to anyone.”   Thanks, Jim…:)

 

 

 

 

Handfasting 101

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Elysse Anna Photography

Handfasting, for many people, popped onto the radar thanks to the 1995 movie Braveheart.  In actual fact, it is perhaps one of the oldest wedding traditions.  In Europe, until the mid 1700’s, few unions were sanctified in a church or synagogue. Rather, they were celebrated by a simple hand fasting ceremony, which often marked the betrothal or engagement period (“a year and a day”).  Sometimes handfasting was used again to finally bind together a couple as husband and wife.

handfasting wrap with Tartan in garden at Hatley Castle

Today, there are a variety of ways to add handfasting into a wedding ceremony:

  • A traditional ritual using a single cord, scarf, or piece of fabric
  • Or use different cords, colours or keepsakes that are meaningful.
  • Tie yourselves together.
  • Or have your special people take an active role in the ritual.

son handfasts his mom and new dad together with measuring tape

2020 Update

Wow, it’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 10 years since I wrote this post!  And so many handfastings since then!  We’ve used climbing rope, measuring tape, handmade cords, bicycle inner tube, and yes, even a set of (real) handcuffs.  We even used a bride’s veil in a group handfasting when we ran out of cord…:)

Handfasting intimate wedding ceremony

Image by Jon-Mark Photography

Lots of ways to do this, all of them chock full of love. And a way to get married that everyone will remember. Forever. I promise you that..:)

KGood Photography

 

 

L&J are handfasted together by all the guests in Sooke BCTulle and Tweed Photography

Contact me about your Handfasting Ceremony

 

Modern Metaphysical Minister/Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicu,m, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Campbell River.