On Friday, I performed Rebecca and Gareth's ceremony at the Elysian, which is between Glendale and downtown L.A. Rebecca is English and Gareth is a New Zealander, and for the past couple of years, he's lived in Los Angeles, so they've had a long distance relationship for a while now. What struck me about them is that for two people who've been living thousands of miles away from each other on a semi-regular basis, they are very grounded in who they are as a couple. They asked me to create a new ritual, an "English" tea ceremony. Rebecca collects vintage and original tea sets, so we set up one on a table directly behind me. After they exchanged rings, they poured tea for each other, while I read what I had written for them:
"Gareth and Rebecca have also created a new ritual of their own – An English tea ceremony- to symbolize their commitment to each other and their new life from this day forward. Rebecca, Gareth, a pot of tea is one constant that you will share together for the rest of your lives – when you wake, before you sleep, in good times, and in bad. Whatever the day brings, you will begin and end it by facing the world as one, strong in your love for each other. "
Rebecca and Gareth invited me to the reception, as well, and it was beautiful. Rebecca collected vintage vases and pieces and had them filled with flowers. It was a very relaxed vibe and a wonderful night!
Wedding Planner: Carly Rae Weddings – http://carlyraedesign.com/
On Saturday, I officiated Kristi and Chris's wedding at Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Palos Verdes. It's right on the ocean, the weather was perfect. And we saw whales! Kristi and Chris live in New York, but wanted to have a "destination" wedding in Los Angeles. This was one of the rare occasions when I didn't get to meet them or Skype with them beforehand, but I was able to create a ceremony for them that reflected what was most important to them about their relationship (they'd been together for 11 years) and included their families. Both sets of parents came up to do readings, which varied from Pablo Neruda to the Velveteen Rabbit!
Allie Shane from Pop the Champagne created a wonderful event for them. Tangerines as escort cards. Small vase and flower pieces over a blue chevron table runners. market lights strung across the railings. Perfect for a beautiful night
Wedding Planner: Allie Shane, Pop the Champagne Events – http://popthechampagneevents.com/
