ELEMENTS: Purple and Yellow Los Angeles Lakers Colors Inspire Wedding or Party Décor

You can incorporate a sports or other theme into the text of your wedding ceremony...just ask and we can make it happen!  www.ceremonyceremony.com

Whether you call yourself a fanboy / fangirl, obsessive, geek or otherwise, you can take your love of something to the next level, and express it in your ceremony!  If you love gaming, chess, Jeopardy and/or surfing for example, or if you both share an interest in books, a sports team or MMA/UFC fighter, you can make your celebration all your own. 

Consider how deep or actively involved you want your theme to be.  Do you want the overlying scheme to be incorporated into every aspect of the day?  Or, do you prefer a more indirect approach?

Above, photographer CAROLINE TRAN shared images from a 40th birthday party in early 2010 with a Los Angeles Lakers theme and colour scheme. The event was designed by THE SPECIAL DAY.  And, OneWed ran a variation of the birthday party photos for weddings.

LGBT: Proposition 8 Courtroom on TV: CSPAN 12/6/2010 - Don't Forget!

Proceedings from the Proposition 8 appeal will be broadcast live on Monday, 6 December 2010 at 10am Pacific Time, according to SF GATE and the LA TIMES.  It will be the first trial of any federal court in California to be broadcast on television or on the internet.

Set your television, TiVO or watch the trial online!  It's scheduled to be broadcast on CSPAN.

BTW here's a handy overview, courtesy of DALLAS VOICE ; it's a viewer's guide to the Prop. 8 arguments.

OPINION: Officiants, Photographers and Other Vendors Need to Communicate!

My brother sent me an email the other day:

Hi~! 

How goes?

So the last couple weddings I went to, this happened (pics attached)...This is my view of the ceremony...  "WedB" is the kiss...  Does this happen a lot?

Thanks,
~  K

The email made me think about the dozens of postings i have seen online and on Twitter, written by photogs who all passive-aggressively exclaim something similar to: "Hey, minister/reverend/officiant/clergyperson!  You should've gotten out of the way when the couple kissed at the end of the ceremony!" [BTW WedB is this one --->  ]

Was a shot ruined because the officiant was standing in between a kissing couple?  Possibly.  Undoubtedly, however, the guests attending a ceremony will be disappointed if their view is blocked by a less-thoughtful photog, videog, or anyone, really... 

And so, dear Event Professional, on behalf of most confident, experienced and well-adjusted officiants, I encourage you to approach whoever is leading the ceremony you are working or documenting, and discuss where you would like for us to stand at which point in the ceremony...because we want you to capture the ceremony as much as you want to!  And tell us where you plan to be, as well. 

Yes, this officiant WILL move out of the way for photographers... [but only if the photographer returns the kindness.  :)  Just kidding.]  Let's work together to create and record unforgettable, positive memories for our clients!  Thank you very much.

A Non-Denominational Ceremony: Modern Officiant & Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® in Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Palm Springs, Ojai, Ventura, Catalina Island, Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead and greater Southern California for your wedding, funeral/memorial/celebration of life, pet/animal, new child or baby, business, divorce, retirement, transition, ribbon cutting, deployment, rite of passage or any public or private occasion or event.

INTERESTING: Resentment & Wedding Complainers on Post Secret

This one was called "Wedding Revenge".

from POST SECRET week of 21 Nov. 2010

INTERESTING: Another Way to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? [via Post Secret]

Here's another appropriate POST SECRET submission from the week of 11/21/2010 (please continue reading after the image):

Later, someone in the Post Secret community shared the following:

-----Email-----
I had the very same calendar collecting dust in the corner.  It's now been folded into hundreds of paper cranes that were hung from the ceiling at my wedding.

POST SECRET is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

Want an Invite to The Aisle NY's Wedding-Focused Flash Sale Website?

Get ready, to-be-weds and the just engaged!  The latest private member-only online sale website is THE AISLE NEW YORK (TANY).  Gilt, ideeli, Groupon and similar sites, which post various bargains, deals and items for a limited-time only are all the rage these days...but TANY is the only one centered on the wedding market.

Invitation from The Aisle New York, the web's only
wedding-based flash sale site...  :)

A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY has a handful of The Aisle New York 's invitations to join, in case you're curious to learn what it's all about.  Please leave contact information in the comments of this blog, or email celebrantvenus [AT] gmail [DOT] com directly!  First come, first served, and you're under no obligation to our officiant services (although, we'd love to ask you about your ceremony plans!).  For more information, please read on.

Lovely art from The Aisle NY's homepage.

According to a press release issued on eWEDNEWS.com, the website's founders consist of David Yassky (former Fashion Editor and Stylist at Women’s Wear Daily and W Magazine, where he covering the bridal industry in-depth); corporate attorney Shara Levy; Deborah Moses (of Moses Media and previously Elegant Bride Magazine's Editor- in-Chief and Creative Director) and Mark Ingram (owner and founder of New York City’s Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier).  Pre-registration for TANY began in August 2010.

The press release went on to say:

"Most featured merchandise including wedding dresses and gowns, veils and headpieces, designer and fine jewelry, lingerie, shoes, and evening bags are promotionally priced, passing along significant consumer savings.  The site also offers select new collections and designer initiatives at regular prices. Merchandise ranges from one-of-a kind runway pieces, coveted designer archives, new custom-made orders, and exclusive designer capsule initiatives.  The platform’s editorial section [vks - read: online magazine!], Inside The Aisle, features dynamic content for everything wedding, from aspirational fashion imagery, to ecommerce shopping guidance, and tips and pointers from industry experts. And to spread the love even further, The Aisle New York donates a portion of proceeds from every gown sold to the charity of the designers’ choice."

 Of course, please visit our website if you need an officiant (also known as a minister, reverend or clergy) for your Southern California ceremony!

LGBT: Sheila Alexander-Reed Performed Skype Wedding in D.C.

Has anyone, not just an LGBT couple, been married via Skype in the U.S. before?

You may have heard about the Skype-officiated wedding ceremony of Mark Reed and Dante Walkup.  While the couple and their loved ones were in Texas, the officiant was in Washington, D.C. where all people, whether in same sex or breeder relationships, may legally be married.

The officiant SHEILA ALEXANDER-REID (also named "Shiela Reid-Alexander" in the wedding video) runs a lesbian-owned wedding officiant business with Deborah Thomas called MARRY ME IN D.C. 

"After serving the LGBT community for over 15 years, and working so hard for Marriage Equality in the District of Columbia, it only seems fitting that I would continue to serve my community through Marry Me in DC." 

Thank you, Sheila.  You are an inspiration to all of us! 

BTW see this article about Alexander-Reid which was printed in 2007 in the Metro Weekly, Washington, D.C.'s gay and lesbian news magazine. 

Own Your Equality and Use Technology - And as i continue to follow the developments of this story, i will try to research the legal aspects of the wedding ceremony and explore its ramifications.  Please stay tuned.

And CONGRATULATIONS, MARK AND DANTE!

READING: Eloquent Excerpts from 'The Little Prince'

Are you considering using a short quote or literary passage in your ceremony? 

from The Little Prince
by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.”


“Perhaps love is the process of (someone) leading you gently back to yourself…Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.”

When you can't find just the right excerpt or passage, need help writing your ceremony, or want assistance from a professional officiant / minister / reverend and certified Life-Cycle Celebrant, contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY for your civil union, commitment, engagement/betrothal, anniversary, vow renewal or wedding ceremony in Los Angeles, Orange County & Southern California.

Operation: Secret Wedding!

Congratulations to this Washington state couple, married in a wedding ceremony at a Southern California Amusement Park, also known as the "Most Joyful Area on This Planet".

Discreet Los Angeles Wedding Officiant, originally uploaded to FLICKR.

The day they chose in November 2010 happened to be their 15-year anniversary to the day!  The couple brought just two other people to witness the special morning event. Best of all, the bride and groom each wrote their own wedding vows and read them to each other off their own Blackberry.

Mission impossible?  NO, because you CAN have your wedding your way!  If you are seeking a discreet Orange County officiator or Los Angeles Wedding Officiant to make your non-traditional ceremony vision come true, even at Disneyland, underwater, or any place of your choosing, please contact www.ceremonyceremony.com .

DISCLAIMER: The above wedding was planned solely by the couple, and i complied as their officiant.  Please note, some private and public properties do not encourage, nor allow, impromptu weddings and other gatherings to occur on their premises.

WEDDING: Officiant for Newport Beach Wedding at Private Home

Tony & Charlotte.  photo by Kat Monk

Officiant for Newport Beach Wedding at Private Home Ceremony, originally uploaded by dj venus.

In Southern California, nearly any day is a good day for a beach wedding. But in July, what better place to assemble your closest friends and family, than at a beach house rental?

Whether you desire a multicultural, intimate, simple, tourist, destination, not religious or secular wedding, you CAN have the wedding ceremony YOU want! And, at the location of YOUR choice. For more info: Try a Modern Officiant for the Ceremony Tradition.

Many thanks to KAT MONK for her photography. She's an artist! You can reach her at www.katmonk.com.

ELEMENTS: Rainbow Roses are incredible natural, multi-colored flowers.

Rainbow Rose, originally uploaded by INTVGene.

i would LOVE to have these flowers at any ceremony, but i immediately thought about how perfect they would be for a same-sex / LGBT wedding!!!  Florists, take note...

Rainbow roses, also known as 'happy roses', who also create/sell rainbow mums, were developed and perfected in the world's flower mecca of Holland by inventor PETER VAN DE WERKEN.  You can order them from HAPPY ROSES and RAINBOW ROSE COMPANY.  The average price is about $90 for a half dozen, minus overnight shipping!!??

Wonder how they're made?  They start as cream-coloured roses, and differing accounts state they are introduced to different coloured dyes either via injection or via water.  See the video below!

If the above video doesn't work, go directly to the REUTERS link.

To cite the sources for the above: see Snopes.com, NY Daily News and the UK's Daily Mail...and apparently, there are imitation Happy Roses/Rainbow Roses, according to the Flowers Insolita blog.  i tried to find other links but couldn't...  but they're reportedly less expensive and not as vivid.  But beware, i also found ads for "rainbow roses" where you get a vase of several different single-coloured roses!

Huge thanks to Shawna Yamamoto Event Design's blog for turning me on to this gorgeous flower!!  i'm totally obsessed.

WEDDING: Officiant for Hollywood Writers' Ceremony at the Elegant Ebell of Los Angeles

CONGRATULATIONS, Christine and Eric!

Officiating the 23 October 2010 wedding of Christine Boylan, writer and story editor of TNT's Leverage television show and Eric Heisserer, screenwriter of 2010's A Nightmare on Elm Street and 2011's the Thing at the EBELL OF LOS ANGELES was truly an honour and a very special experience!

Via email, i collaborated with Eric and Christine to create a wedding ceremony fit for (and out of the minds and hands of) two writers. In the processional, the bride walked down a staircase alone, and proceeded unaccompanied until the groom walked up to meet her halfway down the aisle.Together, they completed the journey to the altar together, to "signal their conscious choice to walk together in their lives". The ceremony included a community vow, where the officiant asks the friends, family and other loved ones in the audience to affirm their love and support for the two people about to be married:

Eric requested we not ask if anyone present objects to his marrying Christine, since there was no room in the budget for trained snipers.  Instead, I would like to invite you, the cherished guests, to give your support to this union.

As they go forth in their life together, Eric and Christine will need each of you to embrace them, help them and lift them, as they experience all the joys and challenges that lie before them.  And so, as their community, do you pledge your support and caring to Christine and Eric?

COMMUNITY: Yes, we do!

i have never performed, nor attended, a wedding filled with more applause!  Gotta love Hollywood people.  ;-P  And, as they stood together beneath their 'chuppah-cabana',  a Khalil Gibran passage, On Marriage, was read by a cherished friend.

Please see the happy couple's New York Times wedding announcement (if link does not work, please see pdf on our website). 

Event coordination and planning by Michelle Buckley herself, of MINT JULEP SOCIAL EVENTS.  Ceremony music by string trio from Essence Entertainment.  Cocktail hour jazz ensemble: _______  Reception big band: the Fabulous Esquires.  Photography by MAX WANGER (not above).  About the location:  The Ebell, originally founded by women in 1864 as an educational and philanthropic organisation, is a historic venue on Lucerne Ave. at Wilshire Bl.  Be sure to see this gorgeous facility with rich wood interiors and details straight out of glamourous old Hollywood's yesteryear and vintage Los Angeles.

INTERESTING: Marriage proposal on Wikipedia?

i'm actually quite surprised this hadn't been done until now.  It's about time!

Here is the Wikipedia proposal...

 

and the  Wikipedia acceptance!

WEDDING: 10/10/10 Officiant for International Couple

The Vietnamese bride /Dutch groom held a traditional Vietnamese wedding in the bride's home in Fountain Valley.

Officiant for International Wedding: Vietnamese/Dutch, originally uploaded by dj venus.

You can be married in a wedding within your own culture and traditions! If you simply need a qualified person to take care of the legal ceremony for you in California, please contact venus, ordained officiant and certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® at A Non-Denominational Ceremony.

WEDDING: Officiant at Park Avenue Restaurant in Stanton, CA

Congratulations, Michele and John! 

Married on 25 Sept. 2010. It was my honour to officiate the ceremony while Chef David Slay, his right-hand man Mansour, and Park Avenue Restaurant's fine staff kept a crowd of about 150 friends and family members very happy as they celebrated the marriage of the Orange County-based couple. 

Many guests expressed how much they enjoyed the ceremony!  :0)  The couple collaborated with us to create a warm ceremony focusing on how their love stood out by being the exception to all their previous 'relationship rules'.  The wedding featured two short readings from LE PETIT PRINCE (The Little Prince).

The ceremony took place on the private lawn area of the restaurant.  The PARK AVE. website calls it an oasis, and it absolutely IS.  We were there from the late afternoon; the lawn, restaurant garden and the lawn-adjacent private dining room provided an ideal, secluded setting for the wedding reception, well past 9pm in the evening.  The weirdest part was how easy it was to forget we were actually on Beach Boulevard, just south of Katella Avenue.  The crowd's mix included some fun vintage motorcycle and car enthusiasts: many were friends of the groom, who's a mechanic and restorer of vintage Indians and similar bikes.  And i have a new passion for mashed potato bars; the texture of the mash with the taste and feel of a seaweed type of ingredient, called green caviar was simply amazing.

And awesome photographer month continues!  RONI RAMOS and JENNY SERSION , who were hired via the groom's friend Curt (apologies for the seemingly irrelevant details, but i'm trying to keep the connections straight in my head) were very friendly, enthusiastic and down-to-earth.  For those looking for a photo team who are pretty much up for anything, Roni and Jenny are for you!  [Please note, they did not take above photo; i will post their work as soon as i am able...]

DESTINATION WEDDING: Officiant at Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA

Photo by CORBIN KELL.

Beverly Hills Wedding Officiant at Beverly Hills Hotel, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations, Phil and Mel! After travelling together throughout the United States, all the way from Australia, this couple arrived to be wed in Southern California.

Short and simple ceremonies are so lovely...especially when they're created to reflect a particular couple, their love, and their relationship! Take a lush lawn, add a mild afternoon, plus a leading Los Angeles photographer with an affinity for documenting elopements (thank you, Corbin Kell!) and a couple who repeatedly cried "I love you!" to each other...that's an equation for officiant heaven. :)

WEDDING: Officiant for Multicultural Ceremony in Monterey Park, CA

It was a lovely outdoor wedding at Luminarias Restaurant in Monterey Park, with a large wedding party; the groom had known these friends since elementary school!?!  The couple asked to acknowledge a deceased best friend in the ceremony text.  The best man cried many tears throughout the ceremony.  Awesome!

Congratulations, Lupe and Ke!   Not only was this Laotian - Mexican couple a dream to work with (and beautiful to look at, see below), they had hired some of the best vendors i have had the privilege of working with. 

i felt i had to mention: Frank the photographer was approachable and down-to-earth, while still being professional and extremely attentive to the goings-on...plus, he is obviously an artist, but has a sense of humour.  Believe it or not, not all photogs possess these qualities.

Photography by FRANK GIRON PHOTOGRAPHY.

WEDDING: Pomona, CA Officiant at Coco Palm Restaurant

Coco Palms Restaurant: Pomona, CA Officiant ,
originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations, Mike and Tricia!  This wonderful couple's ceremony included a quote from Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, since they are both avid sports and football fans:

"Change is part of this business, it's going to happen. Sometimes it's going to be more unpleasant than others, but it's the nature of what we do."

Tricia and Mike's families are of Mexican and Samoan background.  Please note the leis above, a wedding tradition from the Samoan culture.  Best of all, the GROOM began crying from the moment his lovely bride joined him for the ceremony!

Their wedding took place on the smaller restaurant terrace outside the 'Bolero Room' (side note: there were literally three other events taking place on this day).  Steffany and Carson, the husband and wife photographer team at NOTHING BUT MIRACLES, provided photography services [Please note, photo above is not their work; i will post as soon as they are made available].  Both were very kind and approachable, and you could sense the positive dynamic between these two artists who also happened to be married!

RITUAL: Handfasting at Two Harbors on Catalina Island

Handfasting at Two Harbors on Catalina Island, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Did you know handfasting was the origin of the term 'tie the knot'?

This private ceremony, sometimes referred to as an elopement, involved just the couple, and took place on a weekday. They graciously brought me to Two Harbors with them (and their kitten!?!), where we had a beautiful wedding on the rocky coast of the beach.  It was SO lovely to see the happy couple congratulated by the locals and the tourists, as they strolled through town....

For more information, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY for your small, destination, home, backyard, private or beach wedding. Available for your civil, secular, not religious, spiritual, alternative, non-traditional, simple, affordable and/or last-minute ceremony!

Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach Wedding Officiant

Aquarium of the Pacific: Long Beach Wedding Officiant, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations E & E !

This couple from back east held their multicultural, secular Brazilian / Vietnamese wedding ceremony on 21 August 2010.

When i asked the bride if the ceremony was long/short enough, i was excited to hear her say, "It was PERFECT!"

For more information, please email A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY at www.ceremonyceremony.com .

INTERESTING: What is the wedding ceremony of your dreams??!

Whatever it is, just be sure to do it your way. 

Star Wars Geek's Wedding Daydream. 
Another cool postcard courtesy of POST SECRET.

Whether you want your ceremony to be simple, fast, musical, unusual, non-traditional, spiritual, secular or not religious, be married YOUR way!  For more information, please contact venus, Southern California officiant, ordained minister and certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® at A Non-Denominational Ceremony.  Also available for funeral/memorial service, new baby/adoption, home blessing, job or retirement, divorce, animal or pet or any public or private event.

NEWS: LGBT Couples Must Wait a Few More Months to Marry in CA

The Ninth Circuit STAYS Judge Walker’s ruling; Appeal Scheduled Dec. 6th
#1: Same-sex couples will have to wait until at least December, to be married in California.  The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted the stay.
#2: The Court desires a quick resolution and they understand the importance of the case.  Therefore, Prop. 8 supporters’ opening brief is due in just a month and the hearing will happen on December 6th.
#3: The Court specifically orders Prop 8 proponents to show why this case should not be dismissed for lack of standing.



The decision, issued by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, overrides Judge Vaughn Walker's order to allow county clerks to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Wednesday.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who handles emergency motions in the West for the high court, may be consulted if Prop. 8 supporters successfully appeal.

Per Prop. 8 Trial Tracker

More info at REUTERS.

NEWS: Same Sex Marriage in California to Resume on Wednesday 18 Aug. 2010!!!

On August 18, 2010 at 5 PM PDT, defendants and all persons under their control or supervision shall cease to apply or enforce Proposition 8.

As stated on page three, line 10 of the final stay order issued today:

"As official proponents under California law, proponents organized the successful campaign for Proposition 8. Doc #708 at 58-59 (FF 13, 15). Nevertheless, California does not grant proponents the authority or the responsibility to enforce Proposition 8. "

 See a pdf of the entire final stay order as written by the Honorable Vaughn Walker, US District Chief Judge. You can also keep up to date with PROP 8 TRIAL TRACKER.

In other news, please see this powerful, logical argument in an interview on Fox News with Ted Olson, the former US Solicitor General:

Long Beach Wedding Officiant at Jellyfish Cove

Congratulations Patty and Tim!  Married on 7 Aug. 2010, this couple chose to have their wedding ceremony right above Jellyfish Cove in Long Beach. 

Although the jellyfish weren't in full effect, the sun and the water were, providing a beautiful backdrop for the couple and their small group of guests, which consisted of their children and one close friend.

Also in full effect was the Long Beach Sprint Nationals powerboat race, which was taking place several neighbourhoods over at the Long Beach Marine Stadium. Luckily, the couple had a GREAT sense of humour, and didn't mind the sound of powerboat engines roaring away in the background!  :)

Temecula Wedding Officiant at Ponte Winery in Temecula, CA

Congratulations, Mar. and Bri.!  These two attorneys from the East Coast were wed in front of Ponte Winery's vineyard in Temecula.

Photo by Joel Austell.

As they were planning to write the ceremony text themselves, the couple needed an officiant who was willing to read just a few passages, since most of the ceremony was to be performed by friends, loved ones and the couple themselves.  As more of a host or master of ceremonies (as well as a professional qualified to solemnise the marriage), my job was to introduce the various sections of the ceremony, as we transitioned from speaker to speaker. 

You may have found this wedding unusual, but the ceremony not only reflected the couple, and the significant people in their lives, but it accomplished what ceremony, tradition and ritual were originally designed to do.  It actively involved those who were undergoing the transition and experiencing this new passage in their lives.  And, friends and family were given an opportunity to be included in the ceremony as participants, rather than merely as spectators!

ART: Beautiful paper sculptures from artist Jen Stark

via JEN STARK via Boomaloom

GEEK: Mini Slide Projector Built Into Wedding Ring ?!!

What happens when a glass artist gets engaged, and collaborates with a jewelry designer on a one-of-a-kind wedding ring?

You get this: a beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind symbol of love!  The idea was inspired by peephole trinkets from the 19th century called stanhopes (think of those small backlit projector things you held up to your eye, when you used to go to Magic Mountain and they would take your photo at the entrance to the park).  The artist is Luke Jerram, and he collaborated with jewelry maker Bijendra Tamrakar.

NEWS: CA Same-Sex Marriage Still Not Allowed Until Stay for Pending Appeal Takes Effect

Regarding same-sex marriage, the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) of Los Angeles stated:

"...the RR/CC will comply with the orders of the court, and as such are unable to expand our services to same sex couples until entry of the final judgment."

What to do, now that Proposition 8 was overturned by the U.S. District Court?  Unfortunately, nothing, for  now.  A press release stating as such was issued by the City of Los Angeles on 4 August 2010, followed by a copy of the actual Order Granting the Stay.  Further info from the L.A. Times is here.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder's office has not issued any statement as of noon 6 August 2010.

POETRY: "The Life That I Have" by Leo Marks

The Life That I Have 

by Leo Marks

The life that I have

Is all that I have

And the life that I have

Is yours

The love that I have

Of the life that I have

Is yours and yours and yours.

A sleep I shall have

A rest I shall have

Yet death will be but a pause

For the peace of my years

In the long green grass

Will be yours and yours and yours.

Leo Marks was an English cryptographer, screenwriter and playwright. The poem The Life That I Have was written in memory of his girlfriend Ruth, who died in a plane crash in Canada. It was composed on Christmas Eve in 1943.

And yes, this was a reading from Chelsea Clinton's wedding ceremony!  i liked it because it was not a typical passage (at least, not as typical as many other wedding readings...), and it really is lovely.

ALTERNATIVES: To Exchange Rings, or NOT to Exchange Rings?

Tattooed 'rings' may be the best option for you, especially if you want to avoid the cost, convention, maintenance and/or discomfourt of wearing a wedding ring.

On left: from TATTOOED BRIDE blog, via Allebach Photography
On right: from MANOLO BRIDES via Leigh Miller Photography

Many people are led to believe (incorrectly, at least in California) that one must exchange rings as part of the marriage ceremony.  Not everyone likes to wear jewelry, even if it is your wedding ring. Do you work around electricity?  A metal ring may not be a good idea.  And what is a more permanent symbol of your love, than a tattoo?  You can't lose it, since you won't need to take it off to paint your house.  You also won't be able to take it off or throw it after an argument with your other half...  ;-|  

The act of tattooing rings to indicate betrothal or marriage is a fairly modern trend, but has gained popularity in recent times, especially in the UK and Europe. Ancient Egyptians would tattoo wrists and fingers to ward off illness and bad luck. Slaves' hands were sometimes tattooed to indicate ownership. Ancient Egyptian women have been found with tattoos on their bodies to promote fertility (from Ancient Egypt: Personal Ornaments website).

At a cost of about $100, tattooed wedding rings are an economical way to go, but may require some touch-up work down the line, especially as they fade and evolve with time.  The palm side of the hand is quite sensitive, pain-wise, and tattoos also tend to fade and blur faster on the palm side.

Check out these other tattoo wedding bands!

From WPIC website

 From TATTOOAHOLIC.com

If you seek a non-traditional wedding officiant, for your Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, Ojai, Catalina Island, Ventura, Big Bear or greater Southern California ceremony, please contact venus, certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® for more information.

NEWS: Wedding Wishes Can Come True for More Couples

Couples with life circumstances other than terminal illness will now be eligible to apply, WISH UPON A WEDDING announced yesterday.

Wish Upon a Wedding is now accepting applications from couples where at least one individual has terminal diagnosis of less than FIVE years to live, as well as:

    * Couples faced with situations that have caused serious emotional, physical or financial stress (approved on case by case basis)

    * Married couples seeking vow renewals, who have faced serious life-altering circumstances including but not limited to terminal illness (approved on a case by case basis)

INTERESTING: How to Save Money on Your Wedding, from Post Secret

In time for the weekend, and with you budget-minded to-be-weds in mind, i present another secret from the POST SECRET blog!

!

Original image stored here.

If you do not require a religious wedding ceremony, being married in a church,  please contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony at www.ceremonyceremony.com .  You CAN have the wedding you want!

NEWS: Become a Sponsor - Wish Upon a Wedding's Blissful Wishes Ball and Gala

BID YOUR WISH FOR WEDDED BLISS
On October 1, 2010, Wish Upon a Wedding will begin auctioning off hundreds of products and services, in 46 cities throughout the country, to help couples create the perfect wedding or event, all at incredible prices! All proceeds raised will help grant wedding wishes for terminally ill individuals.

Click on DONATE AN ITEM HERE  to submit an item for consideration. If approved, your donation will be featured in our nationwide online & live auctions, which will be open for bidding during October and November. By donating an item or service, you'll be helping to make wedding wishes come true for terminally ill individuals, and you'll receive great exposure for your business in return. You'll get a mention on the Wish Upon a Wedding site that can link back to your own web page, as well as a spot to advertise your logo and photos from your company! It's a great way to PAY IT FORWARD, and gain business in return.

The auctions will be open for bidding during October and November, in conjunction with the Blissful Wishes Ball.  The Blissful Wishes Ball is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and will be taking place in several large cities during November of 2010. Many of the items which will be available AT the actual GALAS are also available to be previewed right here on our Auction site!

Please visit WUAW's website for details and information on how to purchase Gala tickets, which go on sale August 15, 2010.  The following locations will be hosting a Blissful Wishes Ball, all of which are open to the public: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, The Carolinas, Denver, Portland, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Orlando.  Additional locations may be announced soon.
Most donated items are tax-deductible, however we recommend that you speak to an accountant for clarification. Wish Upon a Wedding is operating as a nonprofit organization, incorporated in CA. We are recognized as a 501 c 3 organization, as the IRS received our 1023 application in February of 2010, and it is currently being reviewed.

TRADITIONS: Family Unity Ritual

Family Unity Ritual: Handstamps, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Here's a fun way to include children into your wedding ceremony: handstamping!

The bride wanted to create a memorable, and permanent, way to symbolise the new family. The couple's five year-old daughter joined them at the table, where there was a canvas and an ink pad. The bride and groom inked their daughter's hand, and their own hands, and pressed them to the canvas at the same time. After cleaning their hands with water and hand sanitizer (**Keep cleaning products close so you can maintain the flow of the ceremony!**), they gifted their daughter with a ring.

Anyone can participate! Stamping is just one way of including the family, larger community and/or beloved animals into your wedding ceremony.

POETRY: "Separation" by W. S. Merwin, United States' Poet Laureate #17

Separation  by W. S. Merwin

Your absence has gone through me
Like thread through a needle.
Everything I do is stitched with its color.

What a beautiful poem!  i heard a short interview with the poet from his home on Maui on NPR.  The Library of Congress named Mr. Merwin as Poet Laureate on Thursday.  See the NY Times article here.

VIDEO: Thank you to Gilbert Baker, the gay Betsy Ross!

Have you ever wondered where the rainbow flag came from? This tv segment tells the story about the man and the circumstances behind what truly became a symbol representing the beauty and diversity of the LGBT community!

IN THE LIFE is one of my favourite television shows.  It's a fantastic show of documentary stories from the gay experience, which airs about once a month on public television.  Follow them on the Twitt'r here.

INTERESTING: Post Secret Wedding Postcards Express Dark Themes

Original image stored here.

Here are two more poignant entries from the POST SECRET website, coinciding with this year's Father's Day theme.  Don't forget, each week's postcards are available to view for one week only...

Original image stored here.

See all of this blog's previous Post Secret postcards!

 

NEWS: Obama & Biden's Call for Congress to Repeal Defense of Marriage Act

"They are openly terrific!"

Watch Obama's remarks for LGBT Pride: "Because I believe that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same rights and responsiblities afforded to any married couple, I have called for Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act."

WEDDING: Malibou Lake Mountain Club Officiant in Agoura Hills, CA

Malibou Lake Officiant in Agoura Hills, CA, originally uploaded by dj venus.

This ceremony actually had a maypole dance at the end!

At the start of the ceremony, there were TWO aisles for the wedding party and couple to walk down, both sides simultaneously.

"T and J chose to enter together at the same time to honour the joining of their families, and, to symbolise their choice to enter into marriage willingly as partners and as equals, without being skewed by gender or role."

This wedding was SO beautiful, i cried.  Photography (not pictured) was by a friend of the groom.  Many thanks to Meredith of MALIBOU LAKE MOUNTAIN CLUB and dj ____  for their service and expertise!

Please see these other maypole photos:

NEWS: California's Proposition 8 Closing Arguments - transcripts, tweets, briefs and more!

Today's Proposition 8 closing arguments from the California Supreme Court in Sacramento have been closed to cameras, but on the internet, there's a lot of information updating on a regular basis.

The AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR EQUAL RIGHTS has a live ongoing transcript of today's Prop. 8 final arguments.  The organization will be posting an official, court-approved transcript later today.

As you may expect, there are live tweets from the courtroom:  @AmerEqualRights and @NCLRights .

The State of California's website has a throrough record of all Proposition 8 related legal documents, petitions, briefs and orders. 

Here's a peek at some HOMEWORK QUESTIONS the court provided the plaintiff and defendant to prepare for closing arguments.  According to the document itself,

"The court provides the following questions to the parties in advance of closing arguments. What follows is by no means an exhaustive list of questions, but is intended simply to assist the parties in focusing their closing arguments."

KQED's Scott Shafer has been on NPR, reporting about the end of testimony and the start of closing arguments.
KQED's Prop. 8 blogs may be found here.

Please share your live news!

WEDDING: St. Regis Officiant, Ensuite in Dana Point CA!

Monarch Bay Wedding Officiant in Dana Point, CA, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations to Jenny and Sean, married 5 June 2010.

The couple's ceremony took place in their own suite at the St. Regis Monarch Bay resort, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Karma, the couple's Maltese/Shih Tzu, was handsomely dressed, and attended the wedding [please see photo, in the groom's arms!]. On the human side, only immediate family members were present, who had travelled from as near as Southern California and far as Washington D.C. and New York.

WEDDING: Officiant in Newport Beach, CA

Congratulations, ToHa and Cha., married on 23 May 2010!  The couple rented a beachfront property on Seashore Drive for their special ceremony with the things that mean the most in life: good food, good friends and family.

Newport Beach Wedding Ceremony Officiant, originally uploaded by dj venus. (NOTE: i had already changed into regular clothes, post-ceremony, as it was very breezy on the beach!)

"Growing up in Orange County, To. recalls the many summers he spent here in Newport, and it will always be an especially significant place to him. Being at the beach reminds To. and Cha. of a time when things were easy and carefree. They both have fond memories of being at the beach as kids with their friends, long before the stress of jobs and responsibility set in.

"Cha. and To. say they feel closest when they are together as a family, with loved ones, spending time together without the distractions of every day life. They have brought you here to the beautiful California coast, because it is a place where they both can feel peaceful and relaxed. What better place than the beach to start a new life together?"

The couple made family vows to their daughter, as well as exchanging vows of marriage to each other. Along with their three-year old, they then poured sand from three containers to symbolise their forever unified family!

ELEMENTS: Laughs are GOOD! - Using Humor in Your Ceremony

CONGRATULATIONS: Ste. and Jar.!  Married at Tustin Hills Racquet Club in Santa Ana, CA on 16 May 2010.  They first met at a stand-up comedy show...and since they love to laugh, why shouldn't they add a few laughs to one of the most important days of their life together? 

Photo by AARON HUNIU PHOTOGRAPHY.  Uploaded from Flickr by dj venus.










One way you can make an occasion your very own is to project your personality/ies through each element of the wedding: from the colours, the venue, the menu and especially the ceremony.  The following excerpts are actual examples taken from the ceremony:

"Seven months ago, S.J., Ste. and Jar.'s son, was born.  Ever since, he has been their dear little monkey..."

"...may you both enjoy a long life of happiness together, with S...and may you always be like a family of deer crossing a prairie in the sunshine."

You don't have to settle for the usual, less-than-memorable ceremony.  Humour does not detract from the seriousness of the commitment being made, nor does it make light of the person or persons being honoured.  Your ceremony can, and should be, FUN, if you want it to be!  For more information, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY.

PROPOSITION 8: Dramatic Readings of Celebrities Re-Enacting the Prop. 8 Trial

Yes, that's Marisa Tomei and friends, reenacting Kristen Perry's Prop. 8 trial testimony, at Plummer Park in West Hollywood.

WEDDING: Officiant at Lindley-Scott House in Azusa, CA

Azusa Wedding Officiant at Lindley-Scott House, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations, Nikki and Chris! Married on 30 April 2010...

A historic home in Azusa, CA was the setting for this self-professed science fiction and fantasy loving, book and reading addicted couple!

Many thanks to Leo of the Lindley-Scott House for his professionalism and help in pulling off a lovely outdoor wedding ceremony!

INFO: Southern California Beach Weddings & Other Ceremonies - Things to Consider

Southern California is home to a beautiful coastline, and the beach is (potentially) an economical place to be married.  But, before you assemble your guests at your beach wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

- Photo by Kiel of Foto Cielo

• Does your beach of choice allow small or large groups to gather? - Are gatherings allowed without a permit?  It may be a good idea to have official authorization from the city/state, so you can 'lay claim' to the ceremony site. Speaking of which...
• Are you ok with the public stopping by to watch? - Even with a permit, beaches in California are public, so be ready for some passers-by to stop and looky-loo upon your beautiful ceremony!  If you are looking for an isolated and private affair, it may be best to rent a home on the beach or with its own private slice of the coastline.
• Does your beach allow amplified sound? - Most beaches will not allow music but may allow a mic with public address system.  Don't forget how loud the waves can get!  Speaking of...
• What time does the tide come in? - If you plan to be up near the waves / water, this is an especially important consideration.
• What are you allowed to bring, and not bring, onto the sand? - This includes chairs, umbrellas, decorations, flowers, candles, torches (the fire kind, not the flashlight kind!), food, drink, glass etc.
• Is there any overhead activity scheduled? - This sounds funny, but you never know who may be performing military exercises in the area, or taking a helicopter tour, or hiring a skywriter...at the time your ceremony is scheduled.

Whether you choose Malibu, Catalina Island / Avalon / Two Harbors, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, Ventura or Dana Point, there are many beach wedding locations to choose from.  For more information, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY for your beach wedding officiant needs! We are professional, experienced, qualified and affordable, serving any Southern California location.

VIDEO: The Importance of Grief and Mourning in Children

Children may experience the death of a parent or family member differently than adults, but they experience it nonetheless.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

From CBS Sunday Morning the week of 11 April 2010.

FUNNY: Liz Lemon offers kind words to Grizz about his wedding (and choosing a best man)

LIZ LEMON: [To Grizz, who is having a difficult time choosing either Tracy Jordan or Dot Com as best man for his wedding]

Don't even have a best man!  Your wedding day is about you and your bride.  So who cares what anyone else thinks?  Love isn't judgmental.  Love is patient.  Love is...weird, and sometimes gross.  Love is elusive, and you found it, so treasure it.  And maybe, don't leave it alone with Dot Com.

GRIZZ: [Completely straightfaced, without emotion]

That was beautiful.  Look at me, crying like a baby.

-from 'Argus' the peacock episode, 30 Rock on NBC.  First broadcast 29 April 2010.

INTERESTING: Another Post Secret photo

Have Your Ceremony Your Way.  You Won't Regret It!

The above photo was taken from the POST SECRET website.

WEDDING: Ceremony Officiant at Hotel Figueroa in Downtown Los Angeles, CA

CONGRATULATIONS: Giselle and Franck!

This couple's nuptials were celebrated at the historic Hotel Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles.  G & F chose to include a reading from On Relationship by J. Krishnamurti as a part of their non-religious, multicultural ceremony.



The Hotel Figueroa special events director, Juno, possesses an ideal combination of detail-orientated organization and unobtrusive oversight.  Thanks to DJ SAM for his skills and accessible personality.  Photography by PATRICK CHAI.

IDEAS: BEYOND 20 (Stripper-Free) Bachelor Party Ideas

Believe it or not, some guys are NOT into strip bars and they are still good, smart, decent, real men!!!

This is a pretty good article which tries to avoid the whole "getting a bunch of guys together ≠ automatic debauchery or d-bag festival" thing. 

Although, i am a little disappointed they don't talk about LAN parties or video games.  But, whatever...that's ok.  At least, they're not insisting the bachelour party must contain nudity on the behalf of anyone other than the men participating...

i love websites like THE PLUNGE, THE MAN REGISTRY and STAGGERED.  'Tis about time wedding sites and magazines were designed for men!!?

NEWS: The Burden (and Obligations!) of Paying for Weddings has Shifted!

The norms of 'tradition' are changing and the trends of the DIY or do-it-yourself ethic prevail in many modern celebrations and ceremonies.  This new tendency for the couple to call the shots is an indicator of another way a couple may continue to insist on their wedding ceremony (and reception), their way.

According to an article written by Abby Ellin in the New York Times on 2 April 2010:

"When it comes to paying for a wedding while remaining financially afloat, today’s rule is all hands on deck...

"The Association of Bridal Consultants, an organization of 4,000 wedding planners, offered evidence that the trend has accelerated since the beginning of this century.  David M. Wood III, its president, estimated that only about 10 percent of weddings are now wholly paid for by the bride’s parents, down from the 20 percent figure that the association reported from a 2003 survey.Mr. Wood also estimated that 33 percent of weddings are now financed by the bride and bridegroom alone, up from 27 percent in the earlier survey."

The above was taken from Ellin's article called The Burden of Paying for Wedding Bells Shifts from her Field Notes column.

If the kids are putting up most of the $ toward the wedding, parents may have to let go of their wishes, so a son or daughter may have the wedding of their own dreams.  Sorry, mom and dad...you can no longer say things such as "You have to do it our way, since we're paying for it..." !  

And what a relief that is.  :)

ELEMENTS: Star Wars Cookies as Geek Wedding Favours?

My Favorite Lil Star Wars Guy, originally uploaded by SweetSugarBelle (super busy times ten!!!).

Sweetsugarbelle created these lovely baked goods, featuring her/his "Favourite Lil Star Wars Guy".

See more impressive, beautiful and just plain freaky cookie at at the SWEET ADVENTURES OF SUGARBELLE blog!

Small and Meaningful Weddings in Southern California ARE Possible...

...But don't forget the offficiant!  Whether having a service that is spiritual or not religious is important to you, or you are planning a ceremony at the park, at the beach, at a concert, amusement park, home or in your backyard...be sure to reflect YOUR personality, beliefs and lifestyle.

Contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY and see how an experienced, affordable officiant and certified Celebrant can help you to plan a small meaningful wedding, today. 

Photo by Carolee Beckham

If you are:

•  Planning a DIY (do-it-yourself) or a no-frills wedding  AND/OR
•  Eloping with just the two of you present AND/OR
•  Seeking an intimate ceremony with only a few friends and/or family AND/OR
•  On a budget

 It IS possible to be married your way! 
Your geek, DIY, indie, tech, offbeat, alternative, second marriage, Asian, African American, multicultural, interfaith, lgbt, same sex, secular, non-religious, theme, romantic, informal wedding needs a professional wedding officiant/ minister / reverend / clergy / Celebrant!  Available for your ceremony in Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, Ventura, Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino, Inland Empire and greater Southern California.