Sage Creative article by Rev. Sandy Shipley, Choosing Your Wedding Officiant

Sandy Shipley
Sage Creative TM

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11507-B SW Pacific Highway
Tigard, OR 97223

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503.579.8125

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503.579.6505

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WEDDINGS | COMMITMENT CEREMONIES | RENEWAL OF VOWS
CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING OFFICIANT | WEDDING GALLERY | ABOUT SANDY

“ . . .wanted to tell you how much we appreciated the time and effort you put into getting to know us and writing a ceremony that was beautiful and elegant.” Rebecca & Mark

Do You, Don't You; Will You, Won't You? Choosing Your Wedding Officiant
by Rev. Sandy Shipley

It amazes me that a couple would marry in a ceremony they hadn’t help create or even read beforehand. Vows are powerful and set the intention for your married life. Therefore, your choice of officiant to write the ceremony is vital.

Is that person not only willing but able to accurately convey your ideas about marriage and reflect your emotions about the wedding? As your spokesperson, will the officiant’s words speak meaningfully to you, your partner, your gathered families and friends? Will your beliefs about marriage, your values, hopes and dreams be addressed? What is the feeling you want to set on your special day: an intimate conversation, sacred ritual, gathering of clans, formal social event, even a theatrical performance or festival?

Planning the wedding is like marriage itself – the opportunity of discovery and growth. Use this collaboration to create something that reflects your relationship, your individual talents and a place to practice negotiating. I usually conclude a consultation with the couple by reminding them, “The first test of marriage is planning the wedding!”

Some officiants will not deviate from their standard ceremony. I specialize in personalizing the ceremony with your information and sample pieces from which you choose. I am creative, flexible and mindful of what you want. A seasoned and confident officiant, I will guide and counsel you along the way. I create ways to include children or pets, acknowledge parents or a deceased relative. I provide additional elements such as The Unity Candle, Rose Exchange or Sand Ceremony and optional rituals that honor ethnic and cultural traditions such as Celtic Handfasting.

As an experienced officiant, I work well with your wedding coordinator. If you don’t use a coordinator, I can assist with the logistics and direct the rehearsal.

With the Internet, officiants have become accustomed to comparative shoppers. Things to consider when you interview an officiant:

Do you feel comfortable with this person? Can you express your desires, any objections, ask seemingly silly questions, have it your way? Trust your intuition. Note your first impression, yet give the person time to present their ideas and themself.

Do you like the sound of their voice? This will be the voice that instructs, inspires and delights the gathering and leads you in repeating your vows.

Do you like their appearance? Ask what they will wear so that it complements the wedding party. Remember, this person will be in your wedding pictures!

Do you feel a connection allowing you to trust this person to have a “sense” of you and your unique relationship?

Does this person instill confidence by being organized and efficient?

Does the person exude the enthusiasm and authority to write your ceremony?

Marriage is crossing the threshold from solitary person to the joys and responsibilities of sharing your life with another. I can provide meaningful, moving reflections that will elevate your wedding ceremony from ordinary, generic and rigid to unique, personal and unforgettable.

“The guests all reported being moved by the service . . . It suited us exactly. You are such a big part in our fond memories of the day.” Teresa & Bob

Call 503.579.8125 now to set up a wedding consultation with Sandy!

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