 |
THE IMPORTANCE OF CEREMONYCeremonies are moments that anchor us in our individual or collective reality and give our lives shape, meaning and structure. In the past religious institutions were primarily responsible for creating that structure by ensuring that the more significant moments in our lives were celebrated through a range of well developed ceremonies and rituals. In our modern lives many special moments, sometimes even life defining ones, receive little attention or are neglected altogether and the result can be a feeling that important milestones have been lost in the business of our lives, and even the feeling that we are meandering through life without apparent direction, purpose or meaning. |
We need ceremonies to draw attention to the individual and their achievements, and to recognise the individual as part of a unique community that is family and friends, no matter how large or how small that community may be. There is a special energy when a community gathers together in celebration, and a ceremony reminds everybody present that the individual, their achievements, and their connection to the community gathered around them is important. A ceremony is a moment to stop, to reflect and to celebrate life. |
|
TYPES OF CEREMONIES
You have a right to the kind of ceremony that is meaningful to you, no matter what your background or beliefs, and with support and guidance from me you can develop a personally meaningful ceremony to mark any important phase or milestone in the life-journey of you or your family. You may choose a completely civil ceremony or you might decide that it should recognise your spiritual or religious beliefs, or that it should include traditions from your cultural heritage. The ceremony design is limited only by your imagination.
I specialise in the following ceremonies:
NAMING OR SECULAR CHRISTENING
Having a child is one of life’s most defining moments. This form of ceremony celebrates the safe arrival of a child and gives you the opportunity to recognise and appoint important people who will participate in your child’s development. It can also recognise that the name you have chosen is of particular importance. This beautiful ceremony deepens our relationships with family and friends and recognises the importance of family and friends in the child’s life.
WEDDINGS
We are all familiar with wedding ceremonies. Wedding ceremonies are different from other forms of ceremony because they actually involve a change in legal status, and there are elements to the ceremony that are legally required.
RENEWAL OF VOWSThe renewal of vows ceremony is also commonly known as a Reaffirmation ceremony.
For a variety of reasons including a landmark anniversary, a period of separation, a family tragedy or just because our original day was not we had hoped for, we may decide to celebrate or recommit to our relationship by renewing our vows. There are no legal requirements for this type of ceremony, and they are often filled with a particular warmth and beauty. |
 |
COMMITTMENT CEREMONIES
A commitment ceremony is usually similar in format to a wedding ceremony and although it is not legally binding it can be binding in every other way. It is a public affirmation by the couple that they are for each other. Generally a commitment ceremony is used by couples that are the same gender. Every commitment ceremony is unique and the content should reflect the couple involved.
BLESSING OF A HOME OR BUSINESS
A blessing ceremony is often performed for a new home or business, because no matter where we live or work we need to feel that our environment reflects peace, warmth, security and prosperity.