Long−term committed relationships are as common for gay and lesbian couples as they are for heterosexual couples. Over the years, I've performed a number of commitment ceremonies for same−sex couples. With the legalization of same−sex marriages in California, this is a new era for homosexual couples. After a long wait, they finally have the chance to plan their wedding. What an exciting time!
Go to full postPosted by of Chicken Soup CounselingJuly 1, 2008
Whether or not to invite children to your wedding can be a dilemma of unforeseen magnitude. Everyone, it seems, has an opinion and is not afraid to voice it. Loudly. Including kids in your celebration can provide relief for their parents, who would otherwise have to deal with childcare (this is especially difficult if traveling for the event). However, as a parent myself, I can say that sometimes I secretly like not having the option to bring my kids to an event. It forces me to enjoy some adults-only time, rather than spend the evening constantly reminding people that we do not throw our partially chewed food at the bride (that’s just not polite). The most important thing to keep in mind when you choose whether or not to invite kids to your wedding, as with all aspects of your day, is that the two of you must make your decision regardless of outside pressure.
Go to full postPosted by of mywedding.comJune 27, 2008
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the weather is as fickle as the proverbial finger of fate. After several glorious sunny, hot days the forecast called for the return of the fog that cools San Francisco and the cities around the Bay. I left my house in the East Bay, dressed in my summer officiant attire (a sleeveless silky dress) and headed across the bridge to Golden Gate Park. There I am, sitting in freeway traffic wondering if I'll make it on time. I gaze across the Bay and see an enormous fog bank rolling in over the city. By the time I reach the site, the temperature has dropped at least twenty degrees. I'm greeted by the happy groom in his three-piece suit, while the lovely bride looks like she just emerged from a walk in freezer.
Go to full postPosted by of Chicken Soup CounselingJune 24, 2008
"Wedding Day" − a new reality show from Mark Burnett and Dream Works Television is now casting deserving couples for dream weddings!
Go to full postPosted by of mywedding.comJune 19, 2008
It's official. Same sex marriages will be legal in California starting June 17, 2008. This is a big milestone for the community and I say "It's about time!" I've had the opportunity to photograph several commitment ceremonies and these events are extra special to me. There’s always an immense outpouring of emotional support from friends and family and it's always very moving.
Go to full postPosted by of Beth Beljon PhotographyJune 18, 2008
As any bride or grooms knows, marriage isn’t just about a union between two people. It’s also a union between two families. And even under the best of circumstances, there can be some difficulties with the merger. For example: the mother of groom thinks that the wedding should be held at her house by the lake and the mother of the bride thinks that’s maybe the stupidest idea she’s ever heard.
Go to full postPosted by of Well GroomedJune 13, 2008
We are all guilty of this mistake. Maybe not specifically in relation to our MIL, but trust me, if you haven't done it yet...oh you will!
Go to full postPosted by of TheDILRules.comJune 11, 2008
Think of your wedding ceremony as a performance. Your friends and family (otherwise known as "the audience") take their places, the musicians begin to play and, if everything goes well, all those involved in the processional walk smoothly down the aisle to the altar. The music stops and the ceremony begins.
Go to full postPosted by of Chicken Soup CounselingJune 10, 2008
You finally find the perfect site for your ceremony, and it's available on the day you've selected. As the two of you look around excited by the possibilities, you can just picture the ceremony. The chairs will go in the green meadow, the altar will be on the foot bridge that crosses the stream, all the flowers will be in bloom and the sun will be shining. Your wedding will look just like the magazine photo you have tacked to your wall.
Go to full postPosted by of Chicken Soup CounselingJune 5, 2008
This next mistake is a behavior that we must practice in all relationships. It's one of self control and patience!
Go to full postPosted by of TheDILRules.comJune 4, 2008