WEDDING: Officiant at Marmivon in Los Angeles, CA

Congratulations Jen. & Jai!  It was an honour to officiate for this fun-loving, relaxed couple at this fantastic venue:

Asian Wedding Officiant in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Herman Au

Big THANK YOU to Dana/Michael at Marmivon; Elsa, Melissa and their crew at ME Weddings & Events; Herman Au photographer (above) and Ken Shin Films videographer.

NEWS: Non-Believers Excluded from Boston Bombing Healing Memorial

Representation for Humanists and atheists was denied last week, at a government-endorsed memorial ceremony to honor lives lost in Boston. 

'Heal Our City' service in Boston. From WBUR.org. (Photo: Charles Krupa/AP)

Religion Dispatches online wrote about a Harvard University chaplain, a Humanist clergyperson near Boston, who was not included to participate in an interfaith memorial event “Healing Our City”. You can also read more from this press release from secular.org.

Today, the following was taken from an email/letter written today by Roy Speckhardt, Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (AHA):

"...When a request was made for inclusion of a humanist representative at the interfaith service attended by President Obama last week in the wake of the Boston bombings, the request was repeatedly denied. In response, the American Humanist Association has joined with other organizations in the community of reason in asking its members to submit a letter outlining their personal feelings about this. 

"Letters can be sent to BostonResponse@gmail.com. Responses will be collected and sent to those responsible for excluding representation from nontheistic groups. It’s important to remember that such exclusion occurred despite the fact that nearly 50% of the people in the Boston area describe themselves as not religious. 

"There was—we are happy to report—a secular memorial service organized by Humanist Community at Harvard this week. But this doesn’t correct the insulting nature of the government-endorsed event that purposely excluded nonreligious Americans during a time when community bonding and healing is most needed."

For more information, please see the AHA's Action Alert page, "Don't Exclude Humanists from Community Memorials".

INFO: Your Friend as Officiant - Good or Bad Idea?

An officiant who's a friend of the couple...for real!

Last week, i had the privilege of officiating the wedding of two dear friends. It is rare to have such an opportunity, and an extra special occasion when i do!

This week, you may have seen a story about musician Kelly Clarkson's decision to be wed by a friend, fellow musician Blake Shelton. The Clarkson officiant story was rampant in the social media universe.

CELIA MILTON, a friend, colleague and fellow Life-Cycle Celebrant®, posted this in reply to the article:

"Just because someone legally can officiate doesn't mean they should. Creating and performing an inspiring, meaningful, personal ceremony takes more talent than most people think. Despite the way it looks, it's not 'just 20 minutes", and the fact that someone knows you doesn't necessarily mean that they will be able to craft and deliver a significant ceremony that will start your celebration (and your marriage) in a way that is memorable and exciting for the guests.

As a trained officiant who has performed close to 700 weddings in settings as diverse as Yankee Stadium and various backyards in New Jersey, I think I speak for my colleagues when I say we get really, really tired of hearing that anyone can do this, that merely knowing the couple can assure a personal service, and that this is a great place to DIY.

Very often, it's not. The reality is that when the Champagne is gone, the high heels are under the table and the guests have gone home, the memory of a really terrific, well crafted ceremony remains (along with the license). It's not a place to skimp. And when the ceremony day is looming? That confident family member may just decide that they are too nervous to do the ceremony. And that's when they'll call me..."

Most all the couples who hire me as their Celebrant/officiant are from the Los Angeles and greater Southern California areas. This means a number of couples i have married work in show business: the music, television, gaming or film industry directly, either as talent, writers, producers, executives etc. or in the production, voiceover, post-production, design and technical fields that go into making tv, movies, games and music happen. Showbiz couples have tons of friends and know plenty of people who they have known for years who they trust will show up and can throw a party and give a toast...people who are funny, confident, outgoing and photogenic; people who won't show up under-prepared, choke under the pressure of public speaking, or succumb to camera/mic shyness.

Ari and Barry get married on Beverly Hills Nanny.

i always ask these couples, "Why are you hiring me to do your ceremony?"  Their answer is always a variation of: "Because we want someone who knows what they're doing, and someone who's done it before."

Even if you don't work in Hollywood, even if you want the simplest ceremony, hiring a professional officiant will save you potential headache and future trouble. The true pro is the person who will go through all the steps to make your wedding ceremony happen (at a minimum), fun (if you want), less complicated (cos we know this stuff already) and...legally binding (if necessary).

Most people, even do-it-yourselfers, tend to leave certain tasks to the professionals. Think about the last time you made repairs or improvements to your house or automobile: usually, there is something to be left to a contractor...think concrete pouring, roofing, or your timing belt. Those pros know about how to file for a permit...when, where and why to post signs for their trucks...and how to troubleshoot, because of their experience. And this is why i remind you: DON'T FORGET THE OFFICIANT.  Consider hiring a professional officiant, Celebrant, minister, pastor, reverend etc. to perform your wedding ceremony!

INTERESTING: Is it news that online daters research online?

Increasingly, couples who choose me to perform their wedding ceremony IRL met each other online. This is a fact that most couples are happy to tell me about, but some are reluctant to include the details about their online courtship in the text of their wedding ceremony.  NO problem!

 Following some recent public relations issues, the dating site matchDOTcom released the above infographic, which i found via mashable . Whatever it takes to find your 'one', ladies and gentlemen, do it...just be sure to be honest about your snooping if it comes down to it.

It could be a funny story to tell the kids...or at your wedding. It is your choice, so don't be bullied into or out of leaving out (or keeping) details to make it the wedding YOU want!

JAPAN: White Weddings Require White Officiants?!!?

The term 'western' equals fashionable, trendy and white...as in Caucasian. A fascinating story on PRI's The World goes on to say:

"The “white wedding” in Japan copies an archetypal Western ceremony...But perhaps the most essential part of the event is a minister who looks the part. In other words, a white person."

The wedding industry is in full effect around the world, and according to the report, "Wedding services often use white grooms in their advertising material. It’s a common scheme to sell the “white wedding” fantasy to Japanese women".  Let alone the wedding fantasy in general! Hear the full story below.

SO weird, but to me not a good weird...  Maybe i'm taking it a little too seriously, but this makes me a little embarassed to be Japanese (albeit i'm actually Japanese-American). Heck, i'm just AMERICAN!

If you simply want a modern officiant to provide the ceremony you want, race or ethnicity aside, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY for your Southern California wedding.

PHOTO: 30 Rock Wedding - Liz Lemon Marries Criss Cross

from Season 7's episode "Maazel Tov, Dummies" on NBC, originally uploaded by dj venus.

"I reject the wedding industry's phallocentric fairytale grotesquerie."

As one should!

Liz Lemon, left, in her Princess Leia wedding dress, married boyfriend Criss Cross in a civil ceremony last night. With Jack Donaghy, far left, and former boyfriend and pager king Dennis Duffy on far right.

YOU can reject the grotesquerie, too! Have the wedding ceremony YOU want. Contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony for your wedding officiant in Los Angeles, Orange County and greater Southern California.

Via Flickr.

VIDEO: Crystal Cove Wedding near Newport Beach, CA

Lovely ceremony footage begins at 2:30 mark!!! ♥♥♥

Harley & Kristia Hylton - Feature from Unscene Visuals on Vimeo.

Beautiful work shot by Ryan, ®Unscene Visuals.

TRADITION: Wine Box - Handmade for Ceremony with Family Participation

WINE BOX WEDDING TRADITION. (clockwise from top left:
wine with wedding year vintage; wine box handmade by couple; copy of wedding vows: photo;
wedding invitation [under photo]; nails and hammer.)

Recently, a couple i wed chose to include a made-by-hand wine box (or is it winebox ?) in their wedding ceremony.  Their box included a bottle of wine from 2012, the year of their marriage; a copy of marriage vows; a  picture they took together, and their wedding invitation. These items served as symbols and as a reminder of their love for one another, on this day, and leading up to it. 

The wine box was built of wood and the couple constructed and stained the wine box themselves.  Once the box was filled during the ceremony, the couple invited their parents to come forward and help them hammer the nails to seal the box shut.  The box is like a wedding time capsule, because it will not be opened until their tenth anniversary.

Other alternatives or variations of winebox contents to consider: wine from the year you first met or began dating; ticket stub from concert or event at which you first met; the first photo you took together; a souvenir or symbol from an important shared occasion (e.g. a party favour from New Year's Eve; fortune of fortune cookie from your first date; etc.)...  Or, in line with the time capsule concept: if you are having a small wedding (or not!?), ask your guests to bring an item that represents your friendship or relationship to contribute to the box.  The possibilities are many, and limited only by what you consider appropriate!

For more information, please contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony at www.ceremonyceremony.com .

CEREMONY: Bestowing the "Gypsy Robe" on Broadway

The tradition honours a cast member, blesses a production and creates an artifact, simultaneously!

WEDDING: Ceremony Officiant at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs




Ace Hotel Wedding Officiant in Palm Springs, CA
Originally uploaded by dj venus on FLICKR.

 Congratulations, Heather and Erica!

The V.O.'s, as the gorgeous couple are known, celebrated in beautiful and classy style at the infamous Ace Hotel in Palm Springs, CA.


venus with the happy couple!

 The wedding was attended by a small group of dear friends and family, and took place in the Commune area of the hotel.

The desert chic setting was made complete with a black and white colour theme accented with lemon yellow (and lemonheads and lemonade!), perfect weather and true love.  It was a dream come true!

Photography by LILY RO (not these).

WEDDING: Los Angeles Arboretum Officiant in Arcadia, CA

Congratulations, Pa. and Jn.!  This couple was married in a rose garden ceremony in front of a few dozen of their closest loved ones.

Arcadia Wedding Officiant

The wedding included a ringwarming and a ceremonial passage through archways, or gates, attended to by four sets of significant people, to mark the couple's transition from single to married life. (Please see the (horribly backlit) photo here. ---->)

It was a beautiful, and meaningful, ceremony, especially when the couple crossed the thresholds together.  Hope to have more photos soon!

VIDEO: Weddings Get an 'I Do Over' on WeTV

i am excited to announce my involvement with an episode of a new WeTV series called I Do Over! i performed the ceremony for Lindsy and Reid in the second episode of the series. Here's a teaser/trailer featuring the show's glamourous yet extremely down-to-earth host and event stylist, Diann Valentine. And please note the officiant at the 1:05 mark... ;-P

The show brings a second chance to couples who were married in less-than-ideal circumstances at their first wedding. This doesn't mean second marriages (although, i think that would be a great idea for another show!); it just means these lucky newlyweds get a 'do over' to have the wedding of their dreams. More details to come!

WEDDING: Indian Wells Wedding Officiant at Miramonte Resort

Tree Strung with Origami Cranes, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations, Ki and Ke!

The television producers were married in an outdoor ceremony on a gorgeous Palm Springs afternoon.  The couple brought family and friends out to an Indian Wells spa and resort for an informal yet elegant celebration of their marriage.

One of the most striking components of the wedding was the Japanese tradition of one thousand origami, or folded paper, cranes!

Miramonte Resort Wedding Officiant
in Indian Wells, CA,
originally uploaded by dj venus.

The pair, who work in TV production and post-production of television commercials, enlisted their friends and relatives to assist with the folding process.  Dividing up the duty of crane-folding in this way provided a chance for Ki. and Ke. to share the wedding preparation process experience, with the people closest to them.

Many thanks to Shauna, Miramonte Resort's awesome catering director, and musicians Mari & Mike (violin / guitar duo)!

READING: Different, Funny & Appropriate - Ogden Nash at Your Literary Wedding Ceremony

Tin Wedding Whistle

by Ogden Nash

Though you know it anyhow

Listen to me, darling, now,

Proving what I need not prove

How I know I love you, love.

Near and far, near and far,

I am happy where you are;

Likewise I have never larnt

How to be it where you aren’t.

Far and wide, far and wide,

I can walk with you beside;

Furthermore, I tell you what,

I sit and sulk where you are not.

Visitors remark my frown

Where you’re upstairs and I am down,

Yes, and I’m afraid I pout

When I’m indoors and you are out;

But how contentedly I view

Any room containing you.

In fact I care not where you be,

Just as long as it’s with me.

In all your absences I glimpse

Fire and flood and trolls and imps.

Is your train a minute slothful?

I goad the stationmaster wrothful.

When with friends to bridge you drive

I never know if you’re alive,

And when you linger late in shops

I long to telephone the cops.

Yet how worth the waiting for,

To see you coming through the door.

Somehow, I can be complacent

Never but with you adjacent.

Near and far, near and far,

I am happy where you are;

Likewise I have never larnt

How to be it where you aren’t.

Then grudge me not my fond endeavor,

To hold you in my sight forever;

Let none, not even you, disparage

Such a valid reason for a marriage.

Many thanks to a FANTASTIC couple, Jenn and Rhys, for turning me on to such a truly lovely reading.

WEDDING: Asian Ceremony Officiant at Rose Center in Westminster, CA

Officiant for Asian wedding ceremony in Westminster, CA, originally uploaded by dj venus.

This gorgeous couple were married at Westminster Rose Center (Crystal Rose Catering), a hidden gem tucked away amidst the many ceremony venues in central Orange County.

It was a privilege to work with event planner Michelle Groom of Mele Amore. Photos (not above) by Lovisa Han Photography.  Music/DJ by _______ .

READING: Dr. Seuss' Writing is Ideal for Wedding, Graduation etc.

A couple recently chose Oh! The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss as a perfect non-traditional reading for their wedding, as they set off on their next adventure together.

From Amazon.com

Released in 1990, Oh! The Places You'll Go! was Dr. Seuss' final published book. Its U.S. Library of Congress entry states the book contains "Advice in rhyme for proceeding in life: weathering fear, loneliness and confusion; and being in charge of your actions."  Sounds like an ideal passage to include in any ceremony to mark a transition and inspire people of any age, as they get ready for a new journey or begin a new part of one's life.  The book's text is short and simple enough to read in its entirety.

Oh! The Places You'll Go! © by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with care. About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you’re too smart to go down a not-so-good street.

And you may not find any you’ll want to go down. In that case, of course, you’ll head straight out of town. It’s opener there in the wide open air.

Out there things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen, don’t worry. Don’t stew. Just go right along. You’ll start happening too.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

You’ll be on your way up!

You’ll be seeing great sights!

You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don’t.

Because, sometimes, you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch. And your gang will fly on. You’ll be left in a Lurch.

You’ll come down from the Lurch with an unpleasant bump. And the chances are, then, that you’ll be in a Slump.

And when you’re in a Slump, you’re not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.

You will come to a place where the streets are not marked. Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked. A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin! Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to go in? How much can you lose? How much can you win?

And if you go in, should you turn left or right…or right-and-three-quarters? Or, maybe, not quite? Or go around back and sneak in from behind? Simple it’s not, I’m afraid you will find, for a mind-maker-upper to make up his mind.

You can get so confused that you’ll start in to race down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space, headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.

No! That’s not for you!

Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all. Fame! You’ll be famous as famous can be, with the whole wide world watching you win on TV.

Except when they don’t. Because, sometimes, they won’t.

I’m afraid that some times you’ll play lonely games too. Games you can’t win ‘cause you’ll play against you.

All Alone!

Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.

And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

Image above from US Postal Service.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you’ll move mountains!

So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.

So…get on your way!

(Copyright © 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel.)

Quotations and written excerpts, when read aloud, express a feeling, personality, idea or sentiment when you can't quite come up with the words on your own.  The use of readings, literature, poetry, lyrics, or even words from a favourite movie, tv show, video game or comic book is an easy and eloquent way for adults and children alike to say something during a public celebration or private occasion.  

Celebrate a wedding, marriage, anniversary, vow renewal, new member of the family, baby's birth, adoption or new pet/animal.  Acknowledge graduation, the first day of college, a child's first day of school, reassignment, retirement, divorce or deployment.  Remember someone at a funeral, memorial or interment.  Contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony for more information.

WEDDING: Officiant at Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum

Officiant for Asian Wedding in Orange County CA, originally uploaded by dj venus.

Congratulations to JY and TL, married in Yorba Linda, CA!

The fun-loving couple didn't shy away from laughs, nor tears, during their ceremony! All three groomsmen bent down and 'low-fived' with the groom three times. Then they both rose up together and saluted each other.

Then during the ceremony, the groom broke down and cried just before the vows...  :)

You CAN be married YOUR way! If you would like to inject some lightheartedness into your wedding or any other ceremony, please contact A Non-Denominational Ceremony, Orange County and Los Angeles officiant.

VIDEO: Vow Renewal from Curb Your Enthusiasm

"I promise to love you for all eternity." That's all he had to say...!

Thanks to TotallyWeddings.com for the link!

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.