Church of Ancient Ways Blog

Ladies & Gentlemen I am proud to announce that Church of Ancient Ways has ordained a new Interfaith Rabbi.

Welcome Sara Shonfeld!

Raised in Israel Hebrew is Sara's first language. She sings beautifully, is comfortable with Yiddish and knows some Arabic. She is also ready to serve your needs!

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First I would like to thank everyone who entered to win my services last Wednesday at the Bridal Extravaganza.

Next I would like to congratulate......

Erica Markowitz & Lou Everling!!!!!

7/10/10 at the Inn at New Hyde Park,

You have won me!

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It's Bridal Extravaganza time again!

As many of you know LIW events are the ONLY events at which you have the opportunity to win my services. Last years winners were both very popular LIW Brides, Dazies1011 & FuTuRe MrS MaZz .

Congratulations Ladies, Both weddings were amazing!

I am offering my full range of service, with all the customization and fine tuning that makes people laugh with one breath and cry with the next.

You say you have already booked me???
Of course you're eligible!

Have you been thinking of going to city hall to just have your license signed?
Bring it down to the Extravaganza and I will sign it for free!

What's better than an LIW event? Only your wedding day!

Looking forward to seeing you on September 23rd!

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Last night was Sara and Craig's wedding at the DeSeversky Center on the campus of NYIT in Old Westbury. One of the most amazing mansions on Long Island, this venue is popular with those who love opulent but have no interest in stuffy.

Without giving away too many details, other than everything was spectacular! I thought that some of you dancers might like to see this.

Excerpt from “A Gift From The Sea”
by Ann Morrow Lindbergh

“A good relationship has a pattern like dance. The partners do not need to hold on tightly, because they move confidently in the same pattern, intricate, but swift and free. There is no place here for the possessive clutch, the clinging arm, the heavy hand. Because they know they are partners, moving to the same rhythm, creating a pattern together, and being invisibly nourished by it. The joy of such a pattern is not only the joy of creation, or the joy of participation, it is also the joy of living in the moment. One cannot dance well unless one is completely in time with the music, not leaning back to the last step, or pressing forward to the next one, but poised directly on the present step as it comes. But how does one learn this technique of the dance? Why is it so difficult? What makes us hesitate and stumble? It is fear, I think, that makes one cling nostalgically to the last moment, or clutch greedily toward the next. Fear can only be exorcised by its opposite... love. When the heart is flooded with love there is no room in it for fear, for doubt, for hesitation. And it is this lack of fear that makes for the dance. The partners only know that they love, and are moving to its music.”

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Petal cones, couples love them!

One of my Beautiful and Brilliant Brides had the great idea of giving all her guests the roses still on the stem. After all why disassemble, and put into something to hold them when they are naturally all together?

There is beauty in the simplicity of it!

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As many of you know Long Island has many ghost stories. Have you ever heard the one where the daughter of one of Long Island's many notable families was married to an Italian Officer ? It was 1934 and undoubtedly the greatest day of their lives. So great in fact that newlyweds taking their photos where the lovers stood all those years ago, awakens them from their sleep to bask in the glow of of love, both new and old... and maybe even steal a kiss before saying good night!

http://www.plantingfields.org/ghost/index.html

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I had the honor of attending the American Association of Wedding Officiants National Conference in Philadelphia this week. Of course there was the usual talk of marketing, and sharing the "How did you become an officiant?" stories. One of my favorite conversations was with Rev. Dr. Sheila Gay Gross of New Jersey

http://www.sheilagay.com/

Sheila spoke of an ancient Egyptian belief that we are all responsible to partake in, and to give joy to others.

To celebrate life, live joyously and share this. has no better example than the wedding day. May we all live long, know and know many joys!

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There are many locations that do not require a permit. Most areas of Central Park for example if you have less than 20 guests.

The thing to remember is that if you have a permit and there is someone in the space you plan on using, you can remove them. If you do not have a permit... you can't. If they have a permit and you don't, they remove you.

Even the simple act of requesting a permit will let you know if there is another event scheduled for your location.

Sometimes this doesn't matter, especially in places where there are equally beautiful spots all over the place. However if it's raining locations with shelter, such as the Ladies Pavilion, start looking like a gas line in the 1970's with brides instead of Lincolns all backed up. Some of my couples have gotten 2 permits - one rain - one shine, just in case.

Just some more food for thought!

Happy Planning!

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I get a call today from a wonderful Bride who moved here from Germany to marry her beloved. Funny how things work because German was next on the list for my readings of many languages section.

She now has an officiant, and I now have a fabulous German page.

http://www.churchofancientways.org/translatedpoetry.html

Maja works as fast as I do LOL!

If you're looking for a reading or quick quote in German this may be the page for you.

Happy Planning!

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The traditional gift for the first anniversary is paper. This sounds easy right? Tickets a show or the Caribbean are awesome if it's in the budget,. Cash or in a card on the other hand while handy, is not very romantic, especially for such an auspicious occasion.

So what else is there to do?

There is a box that some couples make with 2 glasses, a bottle of wine, and letters that they write to one another in the days before their wedding. These letters reflect the couples hopes and excitement, their gratitude and inner most thoughts as they are about to make their promises of forever.

This is also a good option for couples who do not want to do their own vows but do want to share their thoughts and feelings with one another.

Personally, I don't know if I could stand the anticipation! But what a wonderful first anniversary it will be as you read those letters.

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