Darshan Alexander Photography.
Fully Engaged
If you are one of the couples that tends to connect with me, you both put a lot of stock into your friends, family, and of course, your relationship.
Your tribe…the people around you…are the kind of folks who would turn up for your ceremony, even if it was 2 hours long and in Swahili (but it won’t be…my Swahili is uber-limited…ok, it’s non-existent, actually..:) But you “get ” what I mean…the people who are coming are as dedicated to you as you are to them.
Just as they are showing up for you, you want to show up for them. To share yourselves, your joy, your promises and give everyone a good solid glimpse into why they are all here (hint: chances are, it’s not the table runners..:)
Neville Black Photography
Of course, your ceremony is as much for you as it is for them. Whether you’ve been together for 15 months, or 15 years, you want to be able to bring yourselves fully to the ceremony. That may mean including your family and friends, your children (2- or 4-legged). Bringing in what means most to you. Stepping into the profound. Blending mixed faiths (even esoteric combinations like Catholic/Wiccan.) Honouring your heritage & traditions…spiritual, religious, cultural. Inviting people into your story. Sharing the absolute joy.
Kim Kalyn Photography
Faganello Productions
But more than that, you want to actually be present, to experience the awe of one of the most authentic and personal moments in your lives. To lodge it in your hearts.
So that years from now, you’ll be able to say: “I still remember my wedding ceremony.” And the people who love you most will be able to say: “yes, I remember it, too.”
“We felt SO taken care of, listened to, and just loved collaborating with Barbara to create this beautiful special ceremony. It was so personal, so “us”, and all of our guests were raving to us about how it was the most beautiful ceremony they had ever been to, how special it was to be a part of the day, and how unique! It was absolutely the highlight of our day, and Barbara made sure we were in the moment during the ceremony – so we’ll never forget the experience. Me neither, Julian & Jacob. Wholehearted love image by Funkytown Photography
“Thank you Barbara, you made our day so magical and memorable and special. I’ve never felt love and energy like I did during our ceremony. The air felt heavy and weighted with emotion and love. We believe you created and held the space for that.” N&S
We normally work together over a period of months to create a ceremony that fits you like a glove. Here’s how.
“I thought it might be easiest to sum up Barbara’s contribution to our wedding day with some direct quotes/ comments I received from friends and family after the ceremony – many of whom still had tears in their eyes or were still openly crying, in turn making me cry more. You get the picture – it was a mess, but a good one!
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– “That was absolutely, hands-down, THE most beautiful ceremony I have ever witnessed” (these words were said many times over by many different people)
– “That was positively magical. The love and the emotion in the room were palpable.”
– “The ceremony was my favourite part of the wedding. The officiant’s words, your words, the space – everything felt so heartfelt and magical.”
– “I never cry at weddings and I sobbed the whole time throughout your ceremony!”
– “I can’t believe how funny, emotional, personal, and how YOU that ceremony was!”
– “WHO is that officiant woman?! She was amazing – like part comedian, part yoga instructor and part spiritual guru or something!” S&N
“We absolutely loved the ceremony.. the whole day was absolutely magical and you set the tone PERFECTLY!! We have heard so many glowing reviews of the ceremony and the magic… even from some wedding cynics.” K&N
Are you having an intimate ceremony with 20 people or less? Check out my Wee Weddings.
Do you have kids? (even adult ones?) Are you marrying later or after loss? Check out Weddings with History.
Contemporary Minister/Celebrant and Wedding Officiant, Vancouver Island. Including Victoria, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay, Comox Valley and Campbell River. Tofino and Ucluelet as available.