Ceremony & Wedding Officiant/Celebrant for Orange County & Los Angeles

WEDDING: Pasadena Officiant for Backyard Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:39:00 +0000

Officiant for Handmade DIY Backyard Wedding, originally uploaded by dj venus.

A handmade DIY wedding, anyone?

Congratulations, Ro. & Se.! (This couple was almost too good looking for me to officiate for. ;-P )

That gorgeous backdrop was designed and assembled by the now-wife, as were the blankets everyone sat upon during the ceremony. The wedding was a small affair, with about 20 people, mostly family, in attendance. Picnic lunch, eaten lazing on the ground, was followed by a seated dessert with drinks.

It was a gorgeous sight, and one i will NOT forget.
Via Flickr:
www.ceremonyceremony.com

©Sweet Monday Photography.

NEWS: Los Angeles Magazine's wedding announcements section

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Los Angeles Magazine is now accepting proposal stories from local couples. If you've recently proposed marriage, or have been proposed to, they want to learn about your story.

So far, (as of 1 May 2012) there are only NINE stories posted on the website , so don't hesitate, get up there! This is a much easier process than the New York Times wedding announcements, for sure. :)

FYI to submit your account of the proposal, you need to be registered with the magazine website. You can get more information at Los Angeles Magazine. Good luck and have fun!

IDEAS: Purple Table Settings and Accents

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:03:00 +0000

A Pasadena backyard was the remarkable setting for a wedding ceremony i officiated on Easter Sunday 2012. This beautiful table, set against the home's garage, is where the couple and their guests sat for wine and cheese / dessert!


Photo by Lindsey of Sweet Mondays Photography

VIDEO: The Love Competition

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:53:00 +0000

The Love Competition from Brent Hoff on Vimeo - Because "Love is a feeling you have for someone you have feelings about."

Thanks to Jonathan Goldstein of WireTap on CBC for turning me on to Kent and Marilyn Pelz!

INTERESTING: What is love?

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:43:00 +0000

It has been a while since we last posted a POST SECRET secret. In honour of the week after Valentine's Day, here's a lovely postcard for you:

"When you told me your deepest darkest secret, a secret that made you think your (sic) a bad person that's when you looked the most beautiful and I knew I really do love you."

MUSIC: That's All sung by Edie Adams [VIDEO]

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

lyrics to THAT'S ALL

I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone

That's all
That's all

I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night

That's all
That's all

There are those I am sure who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
[. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/michael-buble-lyrics/that_s-all-lyrics.html .]
And a love even time can't destroy

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all

Songwriters: Haymes, Bob; Brandt, Alan E.;
© WARNER-TAMERLANE PUBLISHING CORP; MIXED BAG MUSIC INC;

NEWS: "Best of Class Wedding Officiant" Recognition

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:36:00 +0000

A Non-Denominational Ceremony is Named to the 2012 Wedding Professional Hot List

2 Jan, 2012 - MomentVille.com, one of the worlds leading wedding websites, is pleased to announced that A Non-Denominational Ceremony has been selected for the 2012 Wedding Professional Hot List.

The annual Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes excellence within the wedding industry, as determined by reviews from tens of thousands of brides and grooms. A Non-Denominational Ceremony was among the best reviewed vendors in the past year.

"The Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes best of class wedding professionals." said Geoff Evason, MomentVille's CEO. "Highlighting the success of the top wedding professionals is an exciting way to spread the word and help newly engaged couples find the right professionals for their own weddings."

About A Non-Denominational Ceremony
Venus Kitagawa-Stojsic of A Non-Denominational Ceremony offers a modern, individualized approach to the ceremony tradition. Venus is an ordained, non-denominational minister with over ten years experience officiating, speaking in public and leading groups. Her unique approach personalizes each ceremony, which is custom-written and performed to reflect her clients' values, cultures and tastes from the unusual to the traditional. Venus is certified by the Celebrant Institute & Foundation. She graduated from Chapman University in Orange, CA. For more information, see www.ceremonyceremony.com .

About MomentVille
MomentVille.com offers engaged couples and wedding enthusiasts a one stop place for planning and sharing a wedding. Offering free wedding websites, wedding planning tools, a gorgeous gallery of wedding pictures a searchable list of reviewed wedding vendors, and lots of helpful and inspiring wedding content, MomentVille helps newlyweds with all aspects of their wedding. For more information contact media@momentville.com

WEDDING: Ceremony Officiant at Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:42:00 +0000

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).

VIDEO: TV Host on His Daughter's Wedding Day

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:25:00 +0000

"Wallet open, mouth shut." That's how BILL GEIST of CBS News describes his role, for the most part, as he leads us in a taped segment about being the 'Father of the Bride'.

It was broadcast today on the season premiere of CBS Sunday Morning.

IDEAS: Rainbow Cake Jell-o® Shot !??

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Rainbow Cake Jelly Shot, originally uploaded by Jelly Shot Test Kitchen.

Here's another gorgeous entry from one of my favourite Flickr sites, the JELLY SHOT TEST KITCHEN.

These are perfect for an LGBT ceremony or any event. The JSTK shows us just how beautiful gelatin can be. Too bad i'm a vegetarian! :))

WEDDING: Los Angeles Arboretum Officiant in Arcadia, CA

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 22:09:00 +0000

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: La Quinta Officiant at CTR Ranch Wedding near Indio and Palm Springs

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:44:00 +0000

Celebrant Venus sharing laughs with a fantastic couple!

Congratulations, Dar. and Al.! i had the honour and privilege of officiating (yet another)dream come true for a wedding Celebrant. A private home that sleeps 20 (but probably more) called CTR Ranch was the venue for this incredibly intimate ceremony that would beat any larger wedding in terms of love, friendship, family, celebration and partying!

Food truck Crêpes Bonaparte came out to feed the guests, as well as local hot dog business, the Riverside Hot Dog Company. Fullerton musician Brett Cain provided entertainment. Photography by Jake Ogle (not image at left). More details to follow... i promise!

NEWS: June = (the first) LGBT Heritage Month in Los Angeles!

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Thirty years ago, a newly identified cluster of symptoms and illness was first given the term 'Gay Related Immunodeficiency', or GRID, by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This first week of June 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of when these disease clusters became recognised as the first cases of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

You can listen to a fantastic account of this time in history in two parts - first with a doctor of infectious diseases, and next with a man living since the early 1980s with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): on Dick Gordon's The Story on APR.

From the mayor's website

Perhaps coincidentally, June is also officially declared as LGBT Pride Month by President Obama's White House and by communities throughout the country. On Friday, Los Angeles (finally) proclaimed June as LGBT HERITAGE MONTH.

According to the LA Times, Bill Rosendahl was the first openly gay candidate to run and be elected to the City Council in 2005. On Friday, the Councilman, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck, along with other city officials, honoured LGBT Angelenos and publicly celebrated the launch of June as LGBT Heritage Month.

The Times went on to say that the "City Council also passed several resolutions on Friday, backing state and federal legislation calling for LGBT equality, including a state bill that would add questions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity to state demographic surveys", but when i tried to authenticate or source this statement, i couldn't find any proof. (But i did find a very odd and somewhat disturbing comment thread...)

ELEMENTS: Serving Rainbow Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:09:00 +0000

Rainbows are everywhere, especially if you put them there...

More people are opting for a small wedding these days...or at least considering the possibility of having one. But what could be more beautiful than serving these colourful rainbow pancakes at your wedding weekend breakfast or brunch?

via A Non-Denominational Ceremony's TUMBLR.

Disclaimer: i am aware of the potential harm various food colourings and dyes may cause...and you should be, too. Check your ingredients and do your research! There are lots of 'natural' colouring options out there.

BTW did you know there was a fuss was made in 2010 involving a segment of Christians, their use (misuse? disuse?) of rainbow baked goods and connection (or lack thereof) to LGBT pride? Also, here is a source for non-toxic, natural food colouring, plus a recipe for the stack pictured above.

Oh, and check the lovely rainbow wedding dress, pictured at right!

ALTERNATIVES: Eco Bouquets Made of Clay, Beads and NOT Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:13:00 +0000

Today's blog is a lazy, link-laden entry, which, admit it, is what you want anyway! :)

i began researching non-flower bouquets as a true green option over the impermanent, biologically based traditional bunch of plants and flowers brides carry, pass to someone in their wedding party and sometimes throw to some lucky single (read: unmarried) person at the reception. Anyway, these bouquets are freaking gorgeous. i hope you agree!

DK DESIGNS
http://dkdesignshawaii.blogspot.com/2010/12/my-last-big-wedding-order-for-2010.html

Clay Bouquet by DK DESIGNS

SEA SHELLS IN BLOOM
http://www.seashellsinbloom.com/bouquets.html

Sea Shell Bouquet by SEA SHELLS IN BLOOM

FFFLOWERS on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/people/ffflowers?ref=ls_profile

One Kind of Ribbon Bouquet by FFFLOWERS

BURDA STYLE on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/burdastyle-how-to-make-your-love-bloom-forever-3379/

Another Ribbon Bouquet by you/BURDA STYLE

LITTLE BIRDIE SECRETS
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/08/make-fabric-flower-and-flower-tutorial.html

Fabric Flowers for Bouquet by LBS

HANDMADE BY ALI (the Bride)'s MOM
http://ruffledblog.com/a-diy-handcrafted-wedding-with-a-bouquet-made-of-ribbons-and-rickrack-by-goodnickels-photography/

Photo by GOOD NICKELS PHOTOGRAPHY

BEAD_FLORA_JEWELS on Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/people/BeadFloraJewels?ref=ls_profile

Custom-Made Bead Bouquet by BEADFLORAJEWELS

more beads
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eMfQoKC-VqE/SaYSMdEu10I/AAAAAAAAA3o/bKc2ojzatdI/s400/Martha+flower+alternatives.jpg

FLOWER COVE
http://craftcove.blogspot.com/2009/11/beaded-flower-bouquet.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vZ__bqMW0Ik/SvdMLjgIgpI/AAAAAAAAAYk/GA0Ol2J5iMs/s400/y-286+h.jpg

SUCH PRETTY THINGS
http://suchprettythings.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/02/french-beaded-flowers.html

READING: Not Poetry, Not Literature, But a Unique, Objective Definition of Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Fri, 20 May 2011 18:12:00 +0000

One of the most original and most special readings i have heard in a ceremony is something which was originally written and stated as part of a 2003 decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, holding that the Massachusetts Constitution prohibits denying same-sex couples access to the protections, benefits, and obligations of civil marriage.

Ceramic Doves from DJVenus on Flickr

The following definition of marriage was a fantastic thing to include in the ceremony text, and provides something different for those who think poetry is too corny or don't want to use the same old wedding ceremony readings:

"Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to each other nurtures love and mutual support. Without question, civil marriage enhances the welfare of the community. It is a social institution of the highest importance. Civil marriage anchors an ordered society by encouraging stable relationships over transient ones. Marriage also bestows enormous private and social advantages on those who choose to marry. Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family. It is an association that promotes a way of life, not causes; a harmony in living, not political faiths; a bilateral loyalty, not commercial or social projects.

Because it fulfills yearnings for security, safe haven, and connection that express our common humanity, civil marriage is an esteemed institution and the decision whether and whom to marry is among life’s momentous acts of self-definition. Tangible as well as intangible benefits flow from marriage. The benefits accessible only by way of a marriage license are enormous, touching nearly every aspect of life and death.

It is undoubtedly for these concrete reasons, as well as for its intimately personal significance, that civil marriage has long been termed a civil right."

- by Chief Justice Margaret H. Marshall of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, from Goodridge v. Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, 440 Mass. 309.

WEDDING: Indian Wells Wedding Officiant at Miramonte Resort

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:13:00 +0000

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)!

INTERESTING: Weddings Bring Out the Best and Worst...

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:22:00 +0000

From the 24/4/2011 edition of Post Secret.

...in people.

Have you ever heard anyone say, "Planning my wedding has made me realize that my friends suck." ??!

There's nothing like a celebration to bring out one's (true?) colours, whether they're yours, your family's, the world's or your friends!

The photo at right is yet another fantastic contribution to POST SECRET, the ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard.

CELEBRATE: Honouring ALL Those Who Married on 29 April 2011...

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 06:59:00 +0000

...never mind 'the royal wedding'!

Flickr featured a blog entry of gorgeous images from some of the many others married on 29 April 2011: Congratulations to Syahirah and Faizal, Suzie and Tamri, Walter and Tamra...

the wedding in Hirosaki park, originally uploaded by jsflickr2010.

Congratulations to these couples around York, PA:

The office of Clerk of Orphans' Court Bradley C. Jacobs issued the following marriage licenses for 4/29/2011:
Roberto Soto-Rivera and Maria Roque-Rivera, both of York.
Jesus Cortes-Diaz and Yvette Santo, both of York.
David Walker, Nanticoke, Md., and Gwyn Wallen, York.

Many couples were wed in Tulsa, OK (click on the April calendar). Pennsylvania TV station WNEP sponsored an "'Un-Royal' Backyard Wedding" promotion for lucky couple Kelly and Kyle. The Knot website, or rather, their Newport-specific microsite, had the same idea in mind.

Best wishes to everyone else married today!

HISTORY: From Where Did This Celebrant Come From !!?

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:46:00 +0000

This weekend, a very special ceremony will be taking place. And NO, i am not talking about the royal wedding! The important occasion marks the tenth class of the Celebrant Foundation and Institute (CF&I), which will be graduating this Sunday in Jersey City, New Jersey. Graduation will be held in conjunction with the Collective Wisdom Conference and Workshop, featuring many CF&I alumni. i wish i could be there!

Back in 2004, the NPR addict i am found herself listening to a story by Scott Simon, about an organisation of secular officiants called Celebrants. i was struck by the occasion the Celebrants were commemorating: downsizing! Through ceremony, Celebrants were acknowledging a very real and painful transition many people were facing at the time. i recall how moved i was by the story, and how logical it sounded to me at the time, even though my experience with ritual and ceremony in general had been, so far, quite limited to Brownies/Girl Scouts, math tournament awards, my father's and others' funerals, and various graduations...with a few weddings thrown in, including my own.

When i checked out the Celebrants' North American website, i learned how Celebrancy, which originated in Australia, was now being taught and led in the United States and Canada by a formidable group based in Montclair, New Jersey. i applied for the Weddings and Couples programme, and thus began my personal journey as a Celebrant. Today, i am extremely proud and honoured to be a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant® and a CF&I faculty member teaching the very same Weddings and Couples curriculum/course from which i came from!

So congratulations, Celebrant Class of 2011! :)

More info at the CF&I website

i so wish i could there with you this weekend!

BTW special thanks and recognition to our Tuesday night class - CAT, Cindie, Heather, Nancy, Nanette and Maryrose, who, as of Sunday, are no longer my students, [sniff] but my colleagues! WOOOOOOOOOOO!

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

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:58:00 +0000

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.

IDEAS: Paper Record Player Invitation Actually Plays Music!

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Paper Record Player from kellianderson on Vimeo.

Huge thanks to @Ropeless for this!!!

TRADITION: What is a wedding?

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:02:00 +0000

A wedding is anything you want it to be!

According to the characters from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's Kurosawa-esque-ish episode, Rashomama -

GREG: (referring to the reason for eating at a diner)
...It's a tradition.

SARAH: Ah, tradition, like becoming property exchange between your father and your husband.

NICK: That's not what a wedding is. It's a public declaration of love.

GREG: i'm with Vince Vaughn on this one. Dozens of single horny women, with access to an open bar and coupling on the mind...

WAITRESS: Weddings are a Rorschach. Everybody sees what they want to see. My first five were good!

However you see your wedding, have your ceremony, your way. For more information, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY - A modern, inclusive officiant for the ceremony tradition.

i am a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, secular minister and civil officiator in Los Angeles and Orange County. Creating and performing unique, custom-written, bespoke, one of a kind ceremonies and rituals for weddings, engagement, betrothal, commitment, vow renewal, animal or pet, rite of passage, funeral, memorial, celebration of life, baby naming or baby welcoming, new child or adoption, divorce, new job, business, downsizing, new home or any public, private or civic occasion to mark and honour a transition, anniversary, graduation, retirement, ending, change or other milestone. ALSO: reverend, jp or justice of the peace.

NEWS: You've read her... you've loved her...

noreply@blogger.com (A Non-Denominational Ceremony) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Now, let's help her.
Learn how to donate to Dana, also known as the B.A.B., to help tackle medical bills in excess of $18k, as she continues to have medical procedures done related to the autoimmune diseases, Uveitis and Granuloma Annulare.

Donate to the Broke-Ass-Bride! (And, her broke-ass-husband, too...)