welcoming ceremonies

Looking Back at 2021

 in Ceremony / Weddings / Welcoming Ceremony  tagged weddings / welcoming ceremonies by

Looking back at 2021 brings memories of the return to mostly “normal” ceremonies. Memories of rainy outdoor ceremonies and lots of miles put on the car. Memories of happy couples and happy babies. It has been a good year as I officiated 47 ceremonies with one left on the schedule for the coming weeks.

A couple of smaller ceremonies were delayed this year due to COVID outbreaks, but most went off as planned. The return to “normal” is not complete yet as variants and unvaccinated people continue to make scheduling and holding ceremonies a challenge. Holding outdoor ceremonies – always preferred by most of the clients I deal with – helped limit concern of virus spread.

Looking back at 2021 ceremonies, though, it’s clear that the weather was not very cooperative. Three weddings I performed were damp or wet events when the couples chose to continue with outdoor plans despite the weather. One couple did opt to move their ceremony indoors which allowed everyone to be more comfortable… and dry. The weather this year reinforced the need to have a valid bad weather backup plan for any ceremony planned for Minnesota. Equally important, however, is the willingness of the couple to shift to their indoor space when inclement weather strikes.

This year included lots of out of town ceremonies. I’m not sure why that happened, but it certainly impacted the time spent of rehearsals and ceremonies, and the miles put on my car. I did get a couple of overnight hotel stays which helped a bit. So far, all my booked ceremonies for 2022 are here in Rochester, so this year seems to have been an anomaly.

As with every year, the overwhelming impression left looking back at 2021 is one of happy, smiling faces. From the proud parents to the ecstatic brides and grooms, from the tired but proud new parents of a little one to the grandmas celebrating the new generation of their family. All my reasons for offering ceremony services were reinforced once again this year. As I wind down the year, I’m already working with couples planning 2022 ceremonies. And so the cycle begins again.

Fully vaccinated – Resuming All Celebrant Services

 in Ceremony / COVID-19 / Memorial services / Uncategorized / Weddings / Welcoming Ceremony  tagged ceremony services / COVID-19 / custom ceremony / memorial services / wedding ceremonies / welcoming ceremonies by

Fully vaccinated – two of the most encouraging and freeing words in the world these days. I completed the COVID-19 vaccination series on April 1st, and am considered fully vaccinated as of the day this blog posts. Therefore, I am resuming all celebrant services.

Being fully vaccinated allows me to move more freely in the world. As more Minnesotans get vaccinated, it will be safer for all of us. I’m encouraged by the rate of vaccinations happening in the Rochester area and throughout the state. The governor has eased restrictions on gatherings, and my phone and email are busy again.

Custom Weddings

Clients are planning ceremonies for later this year and for next year, and I’m happy to book a full range of ceremony services for August 2021 and later. So if you’re looking for a simple Certificate Signing or Vow Exchange in Rochester I can help. If you want a custom ceremony in Rochester or throughout southeastern Minnesota, please take a look through this website, and contact me. I’d love to learn more about what you want in your wedding ceremony, a welcoming ceremony for your new baby, or a special memorial service to honor a loved one. I can offer options and suggestions based on the more than 400 ceremonies I’ve officiated over the past 11 years.

Custom memorial services

I’m still offering no cost, no obligation initial consultations via video at this time. Until more of the population is able to access vaccines and become fully vaccinated that’s the safest way for us to connect. As the weather warms we can arrange to meet in person outside, too.

Family puzzle for Child Welcoming ceremony.

As ceremony planning starts to pick up, and we look forward to gathering with loved ones to celebrate the important moments in life, please know that I am here to support you, to work with you to craft the ceremony you want, and to authentically celebrate your milestone moment!