WEDDING: Outdoor Ceremony at Temescal Canyon Park in Santa Monica, CA

CONGRATULATIONS: Karen and Brian!

This wonderful couple was surrounded by their family and friends in a lovely outdoor setting. They were a wonderful example of love prevailing over all, despite long distances and foreign countries.

In addition to a sand ceremony, the wedding included an Irish blessing, different from the 'typical Irish blessing':

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined forever in love.

The ceremony concluded with the breaking of the glass.

The bride is a photographer herself, but in this case photographer Yukiko of Mission Viejo and her assistant Megumi documented the event. Hopefully, i will have images to show later! Many thanks also to Cleon at Allan Video Productions for filming the ceremony, and _________ for providing the lovely flowers...

8th of August 2008

First, i would like to point out how i do not usually double-book dates, because i like to do my best to have all my energy and focus for one couple. However, when i meet a couple that give off a great vibe and feeling, i try to do whatever i can to fulfill their need for a special ceremony.

So, because of the significance of 8/8/08, i agreed to perform ceremonies for three wonderful couples!

CONGRATULATIONS: Par. and Mar.!
Their ceremony was held at the LAKE SHRINE at the Self-Realization Temple in Malibu, just a little ways from the beach off of Sunset Blvd. and PCH. There were lots of people walking around on this beautiful morning. There were swans, ducks and koi in the lake, watching on as we paid tribute all the world's religions. We made a prayer in front of Gandhi's memorial, peeked in at the Meditation Room, and had the bulk of the ceremony taking place in the Sunken Garden.

CONGRATULATIONS: Gee and Rich!
Held at the fabulous Yorba Linda home of a friend, this wedding was truly special. With just a couple dozen close friends, it was a fabulous party and celebration. i had known this couple for about a year, since their 7/7/07 ceremony did not work out at first, but 8/8/08 proved to be the charm for this lovely, Chinese themed ceremony. There was lots of red, dragons, and noisemakers to wish the couple a happy life together.

CONGRATULATIONS: John and Tutu!
This special couple found me at the last minute, and asked me to perform their ring exchange ceremony. We met in the evening at DOUGLAS PARK in Santa Monica. It was a wonderful way to finish off an incredible day. i think they will be together for many, many years to come.