20Mar

Ceremonies by Bethel Officiates an Intimate Wedding at The Marine Room

By, March 20, 2013

Last June, I received an inquiry from Heather and Micah regarding their intimate wedding at The Marine Room in La Jolla. They were looking for an officiant, and had been referred to me by their wedding planner, Andrea of A Diamond Celebration.

We met soon after to talk about what they wanted and didn’t want from their ceremony, and then we walked though my process and how I work. Heather and Micah shared their desire to remain traditional, and also to have each part of the ceremony be unique to them  —  exactly the way it should be!

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Heather and Micah expressed that they wanted a shorter ceremony, without a focus on religion, so we talked about a variety of components to customize their ceremony.  They wanted the feel of their day to be elegant but beachy, intimate, and family-oriented. Perfect for a celebration at The Marine Room.

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Heather and Micah viewed their wedding day as making the family they have already created together (with two daughters) official, while being surrounded by friends and family. We felt it was important for the ceremony to focus on who they are together, and how their shared commitment was strengthening the family.

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Heather wanted to find a way to incorporate her sister and the rest of the wedding party, as well as their five year old daughter. They also wanted to honor their parents, so we included a family blessing, asking three questions of support.

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We included a traditional handfasting, and had six of the wedding party come up with specific color ribbons to bind the couple, and explain the meaning behind the colors.

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Heather and Micah asked two special people to come up for readings of “An Ocean of Love” by Lovelyn Layon, and then they had me read “The Art of Marriage” by Wilferd Arlan Peterson. They included a hands blessing, where they each took turns appreciating the gift that the other person is to them.

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For vows, Heather and Micah decided to read “My Love” by Linda Lee Elrod to each other. They ended with a promise that they wrote together, and repeated to each other.

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During the ring exchange, Heather and Micah each took the opportunity to say, “I will wear it with love, always.”  Exchanging rings, to wear for the rest of your lives, is such an important moment in the ceremony.

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Even the simplest parts of the ceremony, we found ways to make it totally theirs. We asked the more modern questions “Who supports this woman as she joins this man in marriage?” of her father; we introduced the kiss with, “You may now celebrate your marriage with a kiss,” and we ended the ceremony with, “It is my unique honor to introduce to you all, seven years and two kids later, FINALLY!” :)

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Throughout the ceremony, I included stories about their relationship, using the homework assignment they did for me. This enabled everyone there to know more about who they are together, and to celebrate this relationship the way it deserved to be celebrated. There was plenty of laughter and choking up, as we shared their words – exactly as planned!

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It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony, surrounded by loved ones — and what a view behind us!  I feel so lucky to have been the one asked to marry Heather and Micah! I wish the happy couple a lifetime of love, joy and support!

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Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
Photographer: True Photography
Coordinator: A Diamond Celebration
Venue: The Marine Room
Invitation: A Vibrant Wedding
Florist: Allen’s Flowers
Disc Jockey: Beck’s Entertainment
Wedding Dress: Bridal and Veil
Videographer: Cloudbreak Films
Bakery: Eccentric International Chef
Makeup: Lovestruck Makeup Artistry
Hair Stylist: Lovestruck Makeup Artistry

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