tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68777265040369068302024-03-13T03:36:46.260-04:00Jester of the Peace, Officiant Reverend Barbara Ann MichaelsCreative Weddings for Artful Couples Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-21524957188297395262023-02-14T08:30:00.000-05:002023-04-14T15:22:46.657-04:00Are You and Your Wedding Elegant, Sweet, or Playful... or All of the Above? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixXSTW0SuqU/WHUGqSe-t7I/AAAAAAAAFGo/NLVbnacPQm4Iy6dreymFZbaCXEAibWLBQCEw/s1600/knot%2Bbest%2Bof%2Bweddings%2Bimage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ixXSTW0SuqU/WHUGqSe-t7I/AAAAAAAAFGo/NLVbnacPQm4Iy6dreymFZbaCXEAibWLBQCEw/s200/knot%2Bbest%2Bof%2Bweddings%2Bimage.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6amXXPISVg/WeixvHszrQI/AAAAAAAAFkU/OYvr5IGkT3EF3AghC4zg4_8x-4TZlvzuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-19%2Bat%2B10.02.28%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="56" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N6amXXPISVg/WeixvHszrQI/AAAAAAAAFkU/OYvr5IGkT3EF3AghC4zg4_8x-4TZlvzuQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-10-19%2Bat%2B10.02.28%2BAM.png" style="text-align: center;" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Your wedding is an artful expression of who you are, both as a couple and as individuals in love. The promises you make in your ceremony are the foundation of your marriage ~ your home. I'm your Interfaith Officiant and your friend in this process. I delight in your special love story and value your visions for your future. With warmth, attention, and professionalism, I bring my love to your love. Together, we create a ceremony that honors the truth and treasure of your unique union. We use a process that is uplifting and relaxing. You'll incorporate elements as they feel true to you: traditions you hold dear, contemporary elements, including possibly inventing your own, roles for family and friends, music, and more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Melanie and Damon</span>
married on the famous dance studio floor at the Alvin Ailey American
Dance Theater, with the city backdrop twinkling behind them through
floor to ceiling windows...
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Desiree' and Carolee</span></b></i> married in an indoors sports and game center, celebrating their love of games with a kid-friendly wedding. Their love story was a trivia game with guests winning prizes. Their 3 year old son played a whistle blowing little referee... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_XttRYeg-Y/TZad8Me5ycI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/n0LoVE83XdU/s1600/JohnMazlishPhoto2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590829644895603138" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M_XttRYeg-Y/TZad8Me5ycI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/n0LoVE83XdU/s320/JohnMazlishPhoto2.jpg" style="height: 281px; width: 188px;" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Lively Love</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Photo by John Mazlish</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #ff6600; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Kevin and Anoosh</span> married barefoot on the grass and included their artist friends singing and playing instruments. They also drank wine from a single glass...
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #993300; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Todd and Shirley</span> </span>married in celebratory disco outfits, set against the pristine white snow of Central Park, and enchanted by the Park's Roller Disco Skaters. Elvis presided...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">Ian and Sean</span></b></i> married in Central Park, and shared a spontaneous first dance with a folk band performing nearby. A hundred New Yorkers and tourists sang along, and then danced with them...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">Josh and Liz</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">,</span></i></b> photographers who met in a photo studio, snapped two cute and sweet Polaroid pictures of each other during their ceremony just before they took their vows...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: medium;">Joel and Herman</span></i></b> were married by Glinda the Good Witch of the North form the Wizard of Oz, a figure of unconditional love to them, and a nod to their rich enjoyment of Old Hollywood...</span><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_AhuGcYPSE/WeiyGqNTvSI/AAAAAAAAFkY/bQtrGgy5HF0pMO1rjdTOlupTvFvREnMjwCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2Bof%2BHearts%2BUpside%2BDown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Diana and Lacey</span></i> </b>married in front of Tiffany's jewelers on Fifth Avenue in the early morning. The film Breakfast at Tiffany's was a favorite, and part of their first date. Their ceremony adapted favorite lines. Then they went to breakfast...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Stephanie and Lee</span></i></b>, both foodies, fed each other one bite of delicious food they had created for each other in secret, presented to each other in a beautiful box on a beautiful spoon...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Miguel and Sarah</span> married in a helicopter, soaring in love with gorgeous views of Manhattan on a sunny day...
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_AhuGcYPSE/WeiyGqNTvSI/AAAAAAAAFkY/bQtrGgy5HF0pMO1rjdTOlupTvFvREnMjwCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2Bof%2BHearts%2BUpside%2BDown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="99" data-original-width="56" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_AhuGcYPSE/WeiyGqNTvSI/AAAAAAAAFkY/bQtrGgy5HF0pMO1rjdTOlupTvFvREnMjwCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2Bof%2BHearts%2BUpside%2BDown.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #993399; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cornelious and Alexis</span> married on the <span style="font-style: italic;">Four Weddings</span> reality TV show on <span style="font-style: italic;">The Learning Channel</span>. Their sweet and chic ceremony stole the hearts of viewers nationwide, and their family and friends right there...
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now it's your turn, what's your wonderful wedding wish</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">?</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM7GGRsj5fM/Weiy1-PjUzI/AAAAAAAAFkg/AQi4yyQT1EopLXQQTvzDRttNBCuFTZlpwCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2Bof%2BHearts%2BCenter%2BHeart.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="105" data-original-width="80" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bM7GGRsj5fM/Weiy1-PjUzI/AAAAAAAAFkg/AQi4yyQT1EopLXQQTvzDRttNBCuFTZlpwCLcBGAs/s1600/B%2Bof%2BHearts%2BCenter%2BHeart.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ANNIVERSARY PARTY</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: bold;">After you're married, you're invited! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WCEipJuqho/UVCv_bnMi7I/AAAAAAAACnY/mXvIaTNfdq0/s1600/Jester+Of+The+Peace+Annual+Anniversary+Party+-+Christopher+Lane+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WCEipJuqho/UVCv_bnMi7I/AAAAAAAACnY/mXvIaTNfdq0/s400/Jester+Of+The+Peace+Annual+Anniversary+Party+-+Christopher+Lane+Photo.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>CouplesCakes, Party Heart, Gary and Danny and Barbara</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Photo: Christopher Lane</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">From time to time, I host an Anniversary Party for everyone who ever has gotten married with me. Most couples who choose me as a wedding officiant would also choose me as a friend. I feel the same way about you! We get to know each other in a special way, as we share your hearts with joy and attention, with fun, and artful love. I want to see you two again on your love's journey!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some fly in from other states for the Anniversary Party, and I have international couples enthused to return and celebrate, too. International couples also meet up with me when they are in town on holidays.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Most everyone who marries with me has two qualities in common: earnestness and playfulness. Imagine the party room... everyone cares about everyone else's good time with good fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">See you at the next one... and Happy Anniversary to you two!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-25997755421466931752022-02-14T17:37:00.000-05:002022-11-05T13:35:00.865-04:00Wonderful Wedding Photos - Jester of the Peace, NYC Officiant<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRzBC7KpBgk/ULvNthUE4oI/AAAAAAAACjI/VjfOGpYlh_s/w426-h640/Sean+and+Ian+Married+-+with+Big+Heads+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sean and Ian</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UUR2GuidNXc/ULvP1KcG-mI/AAAAAAAACk0/1bZSPRRMSRs/w640-h426/Larry+and+Melinda+dance+-+Joe+Sanfilippo+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" width="640" /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Larry and Melinda (Met in Middle School!)</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Joe Sanfilippo</span></i><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aMnfQAOWLs/ULvN9PsA1hI/AAAAAAAACjY/Nusansm8KyA/s1600/Penni+and+Linda+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+October+2012.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0aMnfQAOWLs/ULvN9PsA1hI/AAAAAAAACjY/Nusansm8KyA/w640-h426/Penni+and+Linda+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+October+2012.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Linda and Penni</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZmuxZO2Hgs/ULvOw9Bj70I/AAAAAAAACkU/E51ELN6T_Ak/s1600/img_2422.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XZmuxZO2Hgs/ULvOw9Bj70I/AAAAAAAACkU/E51ELN6T_Ak/w640-h426/img_2422.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Danielle and Joe</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovCUjFUIxqM/ULvN-s4lk1I/AAAAAAAACjg/b4rZwxTnwjY/s1600/Greg+and+Parker+Wedding+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ovCUjFUIxqM/ULvN-s4lk1I/AAAAAAAACjg/b4rZwxTnwjY/w424-h640/Greg+and+Parker+Wedding+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" width="424" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greg and Parker</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZLdsjRP95s/ULvPKFhEH3I/AAAAAAAACks/UqKQ2U_NXBs/s1600/Deb+and+Stephanie+Wedding+Dance+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZLdsjRP95s/ULvPKFhEH3I/AAAAAAAACks/UqKQ2U_NXBs/w426-h640/Deb+and+Stephanie+Wedding+Dance+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.JPG" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deb and Stephanie<br /></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8rdsLkyWe0/ULvMMZ3SPdI/AAAAAAAACio/EwaWVUyMoV4/s1600/Jester%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPeace%2B-%2BDanny%2Band%2BGary%2Brope%2Bceremony.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8rdsLkyWe0/ULvMMZ3SPdI/AAAAAAAACio/EwaWVUyMoV4/w640-h426/Jester%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPeace%2B-%2BDanny%2Band%2BGary%2Brope%2Bceremony.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Danny and Gary Tie the Knot after 20 Years</span></td></tr></tbody></table><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZwoVri4yCg/ULvOogELScI/AAAAAAAACj4/Q95-ECg7nAE/s1600/Kandy+and+Barbara.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZwoVri4yCg/ULvOogELScI/AAAAAAAACj4/Q95-ECg7nAE/w480-h640/Kandy+and+Barbara.JPG" width="480" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Kevin + Andy = Kandy</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGXkp5lI87Y/ULvOqRrM5RI/AAAAAAAACkE/LGcLq6LTqtI/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGXkp5lI87Y/ULvOqRrM5RI/AAAAAAAACkE/LGcLq6LTqtI/w640-h480/IMG_1304.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Karli and Ross</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBQT79dUzaw/ULvO5YSGX-I/AAAAAAAACkc/vdPe-4MeyCc/s1600/Lori+Missy+-+May+4+12+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Mazlish.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NBQT79dUzaw/ULvO5YSGX-I/AAAAAAAACkc/vdPe-4MeyCc/w424-h640/Lori+Missy+-+May+4+12+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Mazlish.jpg" width="424" /></span></a><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: small; text-align: center;">Lori and Missy</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">John Mazlish photo</span></i><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></table></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="color: #0000ee; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtFtUNE7Efc/ULvavqS8UAI/AAAAAAAAClE/FyNA_34Zzd8/s1600/Olivier+and+Isabell+-+April+2012+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Melanie+Einzig+photo.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtFtUNE7Efc/ULvavqS8UAI/AAAAAAAAClE/FyNA_34Zzd8/w640-h426/Olivier+and+Isabell+-+April+2012+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Melanie+Einzig+photo.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></u></span></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">Isabell and Oliver</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: small;">Helicopter Wedding</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Melanie Einzig</span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #0000ee; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><u><br /></u></span></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPheGjE13dw/TtVFbiAtGfI/AAAAAAAACGM/Yx399NXkG3I/s1600/Amanda+Luke+Heli.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cPheGjE13dw/TtVFbiAtGfI/AAAAAAAACGM/Yx399NXkG3I/w606-h640/Amanda+Luke+Heli.jpg" width="606" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Amanda and Luke's Anniversary Ride</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToNGirte6yI/TtVEASykxpI/AAAAAAAACFs/6FgS1wpGUnY/s1600/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Heather+Walters+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ToNGirte6yI/TtVEASykxpI/AAAAAAAACFs/6FgS1wpGUnY/w640-h456/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Heather+Walters+3.jpg" width="640" /> </span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Sharene and Lori</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Heather Walters photo</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuZbi11Bovk/TtVJzfbUwII/AAAAAAAACGU/lRkFEKhcTl0/s1600/deirdre_walter-0498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TuZbi11Bovk/TtVJzfbUwII/AAAAAAAACGU/lRkFEKhcTl0/w426-h640/deirdre_walter-0498.jpg" width="426" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Deirdre and Walter</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Erik Ekroth photo</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_qoGrgV198/TtVEHvfbKbI/AAAAAAAACF8/7_GMhD76sig/s1600/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Jester+Of+The+Peace1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_qoGrgV198/TtVEHvfbKbI/AAAAAAAACF8/7_GMhD76sig/w426-h640/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Jester+Of+The+Peace1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Tiffany and Katrina</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W55d7x2EYgI/TtVJ30OkBiI/AAAAAAAACGc/usWcXm89inM/s1600/glass_hester_0047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W55d7x2EYgI/TtVJ30OkBiI/AAAAAAAACGc/usWcXm89inM/w640-h426/glass_hester_0047.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Anne and Ron</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hz4NvSP_-8/TtVDdQyVx_I/AAAAAAAACFU/GlYrEytV0n8/s1600/JOP+-+Yes+Yes+sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Hz4NvSP_-8/TtVDdQyVx_I/AAAAAAAACFU/GlYrEytV0n8/w480-h640/JOP+-+Yes+Yes+sign.jpg" width="480" /> </span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Barbara on Marriage Equality Night</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHgS0snI3Q/TtVEDrJmAjI/AAAAAAAACF0/SLR9pX1X6AA/s1600/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Herbert+Ethan+Wedding.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHgS0snI3Q/TtVEDrJmAjI/AAAAAAAACF0/SLR9pX1X6AA/w640-h424/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Herbert+Ethan+Wedding.jpg" width="640" /> </a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Ethan and Herbert</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG0pWoT8OoU/TtVEVC4nlnI/AAAAAAAACGE/sMHd3scf1s8/s1600/Jester+of+the+Peace+Kiss+Kiss+-+MadeOnFilm+Roman+Francisco.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG0pWoT8OoU/TtVEVC4nlnI/AAAAAAAACGE/sMHd3scf1s8/w640-h424/Jester+of+the+Peace+Kiss+Kiss+-+MadeOnFilm+Roman+Francisco.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Jazell and Deb</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkjZu3s6o5A/TtVDTxzQxII/AAAAAAAACFM/1nW1RbrEFTo/s1600/Caroline+%2526+Olivier+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkjZu3s6o5A/TtVDTxzQxII/AAAAAAAACFM/1nW1RbrEFTo/w480-h640/Caroline+%2526+Olivier+2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Caroline and Olivier in Times Square</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IssJ2AdjobQ/TtVDF8UISFI/AAAAAAAACE8/_fc-hgS5TR8/s1600/Ben+Louise+2011+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IssJ2AdjobQ/TtVDF8UISFI/AAAAAAAACE8/_fc-hgS5TR8/w640-h480/Ben+Louise+2011+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> Ben and Louise in Central Park</span><br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"></blockquote><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myXAcG7zrTg/ULvMNVlrYnI/AAAAAAAACjA/vx9JMCrsmcE/s1600/Ginger%2Band%2BSarah%2B-%2BOctober%2B2012.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-14755095907651082782021-01-20T14:00:00.024-05:002021-02-01T02:43:39.829-05:00How Creative Couples Get Married Video<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='673' height='522' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtTvm1bMTgCeX-0Cmtt18xryMqyfNfsQsMdy4DnlyYKxcKv1brUZvm9L-OLavVmZ6Da53aP6lNEYbVolyRIg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-63878955927819612302020-12-15T11:30:00.001-05:002021-02-01T02:43:11.622-05:00The First to Say I Do<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Some of my very first wedding couples... what an honor and a pleasure to celebrate you... </i></div></i><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JV17S5660do/TZoDxVaREoI/AAAAAAAAB0g/WxGJgGxvgBk/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-A1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591786033429680770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JV17S5660do/TZoDxVaREoI/AAAAAAAAB0g/WxGJgGxvgBk/s320/JesterOfThePeace-A1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 238px; width: 320px;" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Cheryl and Wesley. Love born in England, wed in New York </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n64PcNwlqU/TgYJNZS0PsI/AAAAAAAAB44/-oN971ZsTKg/s1600/Gudrun%2B%2526%2BAxel%2BWedding%2B-%2BLg%2BPhotos10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622191310551400130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3n64PcNwlqU/TgYJNZS0PsI/AAAAAAAAB44/-oN971ZsTKg/w640-h480/Gudrun%2B%2526%2BAxel%2BWedding%2B-%2BLg%2BPhotos10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Axel and Gudrun in Central Park</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBAjBuyLbYc/TgYJNFGvzHI/AAAAAAAAB4w/cv00vmILkuM/s1600/bam%2Belvis%2B1%2B1%2B11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622191305132067954" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oBAjBuyLbYc/TgYJNFGvzHI/AAAAAAAAB4w/cv00vmILkuM/w640-h480/bam%2Belvis%2B1%2B1%2B11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">NY Daily News Photo</span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Todd and Shirley's Disco Vow Renewal, Officiated by Elvis (that's really me!), and featuring the Central Park Disco Roller Skaters</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGjeGajBTb0/TgYJMjbWSmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/NU7SdmEoDp4/s1600/Beach%2BWedding%2BJester%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPeace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622191296091671138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGjeGajBTb0/TgYJMjbWSmI/AAAAAAAAB4o/NU7SdmEoDp4/w640-h480/Beach%2BWedding%2BJester%2Bof%2Bthe%2BPeace.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Mu and Jennifer at Rockaway Beach</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA6mcDmveRY/TgYJNV4nLTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/eEuoiYZrL-Y/s1600/Melanie.Damon-JesterOfThePeace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622191309636185394" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uA6mcDmveRY/TgYJNV4nLTI/AAAAAAAAB5A/eEuoiYZrL-Y/s320/Melanie.Damon-JesterOfThePeace.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Damon and Melanie at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpKWdXU0lg/TgYJMs5uYqI/AAAAAAAAB4g/sXyA9WdAQO4/s1600/Amanda%2Band%2BLuke%2BJester%2BOf%2Bthe%2BPeace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622191298634998434" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPpKWdXU0lg/TgYJMs5uYqI/AAAAAAAAB4g/sXyA9WdAQO4/s320/Amanda%2Band%2BLuke%2BJester%2BOf%2Bthe%2BPeace.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Amanda and Luke at Shadow Lawn, in High Falls</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0qxH7qxFn8/TZoL07f-M7I/AAAAAAAAB1g/lig2Rotlgl0/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-B4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591794891286786994" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s0qxH7qxFn8/TZoL07f-M7I/AAAAAAAAB1g/lig2Rotlgl0/s320/JesterOfThePeace-B4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 218px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Adam and Erin</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLKIZYTu85g/TZoL1JrC6iI/AAAAAAAAB1o/r_OZv8fQ53c/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-B5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591794895091329570" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eLKIZYTu85g/TZoL1JrC6iI/AAAAAAAAB1o/r_OZv8fQ53c/s320/JesterOfThePeace-B5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Adam and Erin's first dance </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ud7p7QrJCU/TZoL0K_iwrI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/_uiyDriCYgA/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-B2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="414" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591794878265868978" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ud7p7QrJCU/TZoL0K_iwrI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/_uiyDriCYgA/w552-h414/JesterOfThePeace-B2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 240px; width: 320px;" width="552" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Mark and Emily at Carl Schurz Park</span><span> </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgDeiQE_ZuY/TZoL0GB5_4I/AAAAAAAAB1I/JG17lWVGLCI/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-B1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591794876933603202" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UgDeiQE_ZuY/TZoL0GB5_4I/AAAAAAAAB1I/JG17lWVGLCI/s320/JesterOfThePeace-B1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 267px; width: 320px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gulsah and Selcuk enjoying it all</span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j4WAvxLQWs/TZoDxg_wWkI/AAAAAAAAB0o/XwUvQhRyrqU/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-A2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591786036539710018" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j4WAvxLQWs/TZoDxg_wWkI/AAAAAAAAB0o/XwUvQhRyrqU/s320/JesterOfThePeace-A2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 268px;" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Michael and Donna at the Empire State Building</span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5 Year Vow Renewal </span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unz_geGh014/TZoDx-owfAI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ZqSUaSsmiJ4/s1600/JesterOfThePeace-A3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591786044496313346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unz_geGh014/TZoDx-owfAI/AAAAAAAAB0w/ZqSUaSsmiJ4/w480-h640/JesterOfThePeace-A3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 320px; width: 240px;" width="480" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Andrew and Mickelle in Central Park</span> </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></blockquote><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRzBC7KpBgk/ULvNthUE4oI/AAAAAAAACjI/VjfOGpYlh_s/s1600/Sean+and+Ian+Married+-+with+Big+Heads+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-50526151655842874362019-04-20T10:03:00.000-04:002022-11-05T13:37:52.691-04:0010 Reasons Brides and Grooms Love Each Other<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWzkwFIAvNk/T33PLr1hb1I/AAAAAAAACTc/JHXe-lO3V9U/s1600/Jester+of+the+Peace+Chapel+201109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XWzkwFIAvNk/T33PLr1hb1I/AAAAAAAACTc/JHXe-lO3V9U/s320/Jester+of+the+Peace+Chapel+201109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All the beautiful things my couples say to each other </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">become a part of me.</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo from the Jester of the Peace Chapel at chashama</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brides and Grooms are in love. We're all run to their weddings to see it, celebrate it, and take it home with us in the form of gems of memory. Here are 10 great reasons why some of my grooms and brides, and brides and brides, and grooms and grooms love each other... quotes from their weddings that still make my heart and mind smile.</span><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: inherit;">Robert loves George</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="color: #222222;">I adore his
passion. His ability to make me laugh....at myself mostly. His fantastic
ability to love me with no judgements (ok a few). But I love just being next to
him knowing how much I love him and his loving me back."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Joe loves Danielle</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">"Living in a
one bedroom Queens apartment for five years, it’s difficult to surprise each
other. Especially when we are both so terrible at keeping secrets from the
other. She finds ways." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Carolee loves Desiree</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"She puts up with my crazy ideas and still loves me afterward. Just who I am ~ she never asks me to be something I am not. She is my best friend
through crisis, and my playmate for adventures."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Victoria loves Justin</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"He takes me as I am.<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> I love all of who he is, too. He is loving, caring, honest, creative, understanding, patient,
smart, funny, and a better cook than I am." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Joel loves Herman </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"In love, we have overcome
poppy fields, flying monkeys, wicked witches, and false wizards."</span><br />
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Scott loves Anne-Sophie </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I can talk to her about anything on my heart and mind. I love that we can spend the whole day together and still have lots to talk about and time for each other."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gail loves Susan </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I feel loved by her when she simply comes home to me every day."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Susan loves Gail </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"When she holds me, all my stresses and the noise of life seem to disappear into her love. She is my “Mighty Paladin,” a healer in the World of Warcraft, and my guide in this
world."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Andrew loves Jennifer</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"She helps me see what’s really important ~ simply sharing love. So, I feels extra loved when
falling asleep at night, realizing I have no room in the bed because she is always on my side with me."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jennifer loves Andrew </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">"With him on my team, I know I'm not going to be that kid stuck with the partner who won't hold up his
weight at the science fair… you see, part of me is still the nerd I was
when I first started dreaming of prince charming. He always maks me feel
like the most special woman in the world. I am proud to be standing
by his side, sharing the same dreams."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b>And you? </b>Why do you love who you love?<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-51407791947677333422018-10-28T10:00:00.000-04:002022-11-05T13:39:22.908-04:00Marriage Secret: Little Things are the Big Things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLa08DoqeG8/T5WhuIAbfvI/AAAAAAAACWk/maBnhCNG9Fk/s1600/hearthands.GabrielaGonza%CC%81lez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLa08DoqeG8/T5WhuIAbfvI/AAAAAAAACWk/maBnhCNG9Fk/s320/hearthands.GabrielaGonza%CC%81lez.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Love is always Hand Made...</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by Gabriela Gonza</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In most every wedding ceremony, I include the idea that it is the little things you do each day that add up to the one big thing that is your happy marriage. When I asked Deb and Stephanie when they feel loved by each other, both of them unbeknownst to the other, made a long list! This is especially sweet for two reasons. (1) Their first date was to see the movie <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/">The Bucket List</a></i> (about making and accomplishing a wish list), and (2) One Thanksgiving, Stephanie had made a list of the qualities she was looking in a partner... when Deb showed up in her life a year later to the day, she realized Deb fit every one. Enjoy this sweet and sincere combined list of 36 "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMj1ihn-ey8">little things that mean a lot.</a>"<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she hugs and kisses me Good Night and Good Morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
2.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she brings me coffee to bed in the morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
3.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she rubs my back and shoulders.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
4.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
we read a book together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
5.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she cares for our animals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
6.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she cuts fruit and prepares breakfast for work for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<i><b><span style="color: purple;">7.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she thinks of me and sends me text messages.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
8.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she tells me she misses me.</div>
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<b>9.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she can’t wait to see me.</b></div>
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10.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she prepares
the coffee maker for me at night.</div>
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<b>11.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When we laugh
until we cry.</b></div>
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12.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When we spend
quality time together.</div>
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13.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When we plan our
adventures together.</div>
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14.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she tunes
into my mood changes instantly.</div>
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15.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she greets me
with love, a smile, a hug, and a kiss every time I come home.</div>
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<b>16.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When we dance
together…</b></div>
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17. When <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">she
looks at me with such openness and vulnerability</span></div>
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<b>18.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she
kisses me tenderly and how her lips linger at times to stay touching mine<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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19.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she hugs me </div>
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20.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she runs her fingers through my hair<o:p></o:p></div>
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21.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
her eyes light up and she smiles when seeing me<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>22.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she
wakes up early and spends time with me<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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23.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When she
is dedicated to creating time for us to connect<o:p></o:p></div>
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24.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
it is a priority to snuggle before sleep and when we wake up</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: purple;">25.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she randomly texts me with sweet messages </span></i></b></div>
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26.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she calls me and sees how I am doing or just to tell me that she was thinking
of me.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">27. When
she cooks for me</span></div>
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<b>28.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she holds my hand in private and in public</b></div>
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29.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she makes me tea</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"></span>30. When
she walks by me and touches me</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"></span>31. When
she shows interest in my work and asks me about my day and listens</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
32.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she helps me with projects because she wants to</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
33.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she gets excited about spending time with me</div>
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34.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>When
she is making love to me</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">35. When she tells me she loves me.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">36. When she tells me she loves me. </span></b></i></div>
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What's one little thing you have done today to share your love with a lover, family member, or friend?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-36904294331442317332017-10-19T16:33:00.000-04:002022-11-05T13:42:14.636-04:00Relationship Communication: I Speak You...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9WTFZj6yIg/UlMZjD9mYwI/AAAAAAAAC2A/3U1br9eX_3c/s1600/Deb+and+Stephanie+Wedding+Dance+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9WTFZj6yIg/UlMZjD9mYwI/AAAAAAAAC2A/3U1br9eX_3c/s400/Deb+and+Stephanie+Wedding+Dance+-+Jester+of+the+Peace.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deb and Stephanie & Dancers<br />
Their First Dance<br />
Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">I'm a big dancer... swing, salsa, blues. To be a good partner dancer, I have to listen with my whole body and respond in the moment. Communicating in relationships, especially those longer than one three minute song, is the same. To get to know my sweetheart, family, co-worker, mother, best friend, mail carrier, coffee barista, masseuse, I </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">pick up on their rhythm, inflection, way, and m.o..</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"> Their special combination is their personality. I can even imitate them, to all our delight. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I have heard that up to 80% of all communication is non-verbal - hence the instant popularity of emoticons to convey physical signs in texts and emails.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br />I have to learn to talk the other person's verbal language, too. We think we all speak English (French, Taiwanese, Gibberish, Etc.), yet we really each have our own language. There are really billions of languages on </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">this planet. Whomever I love (which, let's face it, is everyone), I have to learn their language, and get fluent in it. I can't ever be like an unfriendly xenophobic tourist and say to someone with my words or actions, "I don't speak You." If I love you, I learn to speak You. And You learn to speak Me. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM-kNOQTPaU/UlMXyVA2NsI/AAAAAAAAC1s/A7484rBOIN4/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM-kNOQTPaU/UlMXyVA2NsI/AAAAAAAAC1s/A7484rBOIN4/s400/IMG_0642.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Speaking and Listening from the Heart<br />
Stephanie and Deb in Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Speaking You includes comprehending their body language, words, feelings, and intentions. If each person is their own country, we are really all world travelers. Look how many places we have been, and all we have learned about the native customs of each person's place!</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Listening is physical, emotional, and intellectual. Which do you find you start from? How can you bring balance to your listening style by embracing all three?</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_UFIAhfQQw/UlMZX2TwGKI/AAAAAAAAC14/5-8xqZbU3m4/s1600/Fatima+&+Karim_030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_UFIAhfQQw/UlMZX2TwGKI/AAAAAAAAC14/5-8xqZbU3m4/s320/Fatima+&+Karim_030.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karim and Fatima<br />
Ceremony Rehearsal<br />
Central Park<br />
Photo: <a href="http://chrismonroephoto.com/">Chris Monroe</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-36842944179216443462016-01-04T19:00:00.000-05:002016-01-22T13:23:39.544-05:00Jester of the Peace the Movie - TrailerThe trailer for Jester of the Peace the movie is live! Produced and edited by Australian filmmaker <a href="http://www.carlosmarquezperez.com/">Carlos Marquez Perez</a>. The feature length film follows my life as an artist celebrating costume and adventure weddings, advocating for marriage equality, and generally working at the nexus of love and art! Look for the movie release in another year or so! For now... enjoy the trailer, and if you're one of my wedding couples and would like to be interviewed in the film, pipe up with pleasure!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='250' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwhRmpIkjodyif1SoENFhY0o6vAoi6eaG0SS3WszhNZBREGtEhllu63-AQvtPmVtO1oUD7JB87Z0t9uTypG-g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Don't see the video? Watch it <a href="http://vimeo.com/45183983">here</a> on Vimeo!
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-85765798853195100672015-01-14T22:53:00.001-05:002021-02-01T02:20:21.180-05:00Love Letter Lounge - Pop-Up Gallery for Valentines - Jan 20 to Feb 9, 2015<b><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">LOVE LETTER LOUNGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsySbUWRudw/YBerdl5X6wI/AAAAAAAAIYc/--1nolvlx-UdytEDqmX2reuzzMtb3VPCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Michaels%2B-%2BLove%2BLetter%2BLounge%2B-%2BChashama%2BWinter%2B201553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsySbUWRudw/YBerdl5X6wI/AAAAAAAAIYc/--1nolvlx-UdytEDqmX2reuzzMtb3VPCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Michaels%2B-%2BLove%2BLetter%2BLounge%2B-%2BChashama%2BWinter%2B201553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></span></b><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">Jester of the Peace</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold;">Barbara Ann Michaels</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br style="background-color: white;" />
<span style="background-color: white;">chashama 266</span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">266 West 37th Street, </span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">New York, NY</span><br />
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Jan. 20 - Feb. 9<br style="background-color: white;" />
<span style="background-color: white;">Mon.-Sat. Noon-6p & </span></span><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Sun. 11a-12:30p</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">& by Appointment</span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><br style="background-color: white;" />
<span style="background-color: white;">Love Letter Lounge is a participatory performance installation about Love. Gallery guests can write love letters of joy or loss to flames present, past, and future, or letters to beloved family and friends and colleagues - just in time to post for Valentine's Day. There will be a bowl at the door for guests to leave love letters for strangers. Each day, guests can practice habits of healthy love as part of the daily Lasting Love Practicum, with themes changing every few days. While In the gallery, Ms. Michaels will write her book on what she has learned about love as an award winning legal wedding officiant in New York City for the last five years, as well as from her own eccentric path of love. She offers legal weddings and symbolic ceremonies of devotion throughout the exhibition. Legal weddings require a valid New York City wedding license.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>LOVE LETTERS</b></span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Bring your happy-in-love heart, your eager-to-love heart, your almost-healed heart, or your still-bitter one. Ms. Michaels offers all you need to create a letter to your love: real, imagined, or gone. Pen your affection to a romantic connection, to a dear friend, a family member, even a co-worker you want to appreciate. Or, leave a love letter for a stranger who needs one, in the basket by the door. A shredder will be on hand for hurt/hate mail, if you need to free yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>LASTING LOVE PRACTICUM</b></span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Each day, Ms. Michaels also will engage visitors in practicing a quality of healthy love via her Lasting Love Practicum. For example, on relationship communication, Be Seen or Be Heard lets guests choose to either be listened to and reflected for five minutes, or receive compliments for five minutes, directly from Ms. Michaels.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>SHE’S WRITING A BOOK IN THE GALLERY</b></span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">While in residence at chashama’s gallery, Ms. Michaels will write her book on what she has learned about love as an award winning New York City wedding officiant over the last five years. She’ll include stories and excerpts from her gay and straight ceremonies, which currently number about 300, and wisdom and wit from her own eccentric path of love so far. Her book is her Love Letter to all our hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>WEDDING CEREMONIES - LEGAL OR SYMBOLIC</b></span></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Pledge your devotion to any person, practice, object, place, or way of being in an improvisational ceremony guided by Ms. Michaels. If you wish to legally marry your partner at Love Letter Lounge, bring a legal wedding license!</span><br />
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<b>ABOUT BARBARA ANN MICHAELS</b></span><br />
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">As a theater clown and performance artist, Barbara Ann Michaels has performed at the New York Clown Theatre Festival, Susan Eley Fine Art, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, The Boston Museum of Science, Figment Festival and in many parades and festivals. Ms. Michaels also is an award winning wedding officiant in New York City. She recently was inducted into The Knot Hall of Fame, for winning in their Best of Weddings category for four years in a row. She is the subject of a documentary film in progress by filmmaker Carlos Marquez Perez, about how a theater clown naturally makes a good wedding officiant. She’ll be delighted to see you.</span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white;">photo: courtesy of Barbara Ann Michaels</em><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-23057473016694750092014-11-03T15:23:00.000-05:002022-11-05T13:53:57.780-04:00Ceremonies: Your Love's Language<div style="text-align: left;">
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Babe...<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">photo by Jade Gordon</span></div>
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Couples have a language unto themselves for showing affection ~ sassy nicknames,<span style="color: rgb(204 , 0 , 0); font-weight: bold;"> patterns of love</span>, inside jokes. A couple’s lingo may start with a funny slip-of-the-tongue or an abbreviation. Soon, they may have built an entire <span style="color: rgb(204 , 0 , 0); font-weight: bold;">love lexicon</span>. I recently enjoyed marrying such a couple. Their word? <i>Voshe.</i><br />
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Sweetie...<br />
<span style="font-size: 78%;">photo by Steve Knight</span></div>
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<i>Voshe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is their shortening of the word devotion, a mutually inspiring facet of their relationship. All new words arise from a vital need in the speaker to express their feeling or idea as a new truth. For this close pair, naming and sharing </span><i>voshe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> unifies them as a couple and as journeyers in Spirit. They feel such a breadth of understanding, joy in action, and delicious evolution in their lives from their </span><i>voshe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> together, that they </span><i>had</i> to invent a new word for it.<br />
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I was so touched by the clarity and strength of their <i>voshe</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, that we chose </span><i>voshe</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> as the theme of their ceremony. <span style="color: rgb(204 , 0 , 0); font-weight: bold;">Speaking your special love language together in your ceremony can be a dear way to feel your familiar intimacy during your wedding</span><span style="color: rgb(204 , 0 , 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0 , 0 , 0);">, and can inspire your friends and family with the wisdom and wit of your love. </span></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-27715624542970336702014-10-23T09:30:00.000-04:002016-10-28T10:51:43.846-04:00In the News<br />
Cheers, my non-traditional vows are published in <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Knot-Guide-Wedding-Traditions-Revised/dp/0770433790" target="_blank">The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Traditions</a></span>.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_YseJp1eBs/UYkq_isNnlI/AAAAAAAACs4/J017LMlFoms/s1600/the_new_york_times_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_YseJp1eBs/UYkq_isNnlI/AAAAAAAACs4/J017LMlFoms/s200/the_new_york_times_logo.jpg" width="230" /></a><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">The New York Times</span></b> featured me in a full article about Amber and Marc's inspiring and brave love story. Here's our <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2013/05/05/fashion/weddings/05VOWS2_SPAN.html">joyful photo</a>, and their <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/05/fashion/weddings/amber-latner-marc-schleifer-vows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">tale of truth and treasure</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>The NYT</b></span> also <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/07/nyregion/figment-nyc-at-governors-island-native-games.html?_r=0">chose Jester of the Peace as a must-see</a> as part of the 2013 <a href="http://figmentproject.org/">Figment</a> Festival, a celebration of participatory art, where event goers could 'marry' any person, place, thing, or dream of their heart.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaEvllb7yI4/UYkrgabDwQI/AAAAAAAACtA/wFhAn1sdvYI/s1600/time_out_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uaEvllb7yI4/UYkrgabDwQI/AAAAAAAACtA/wFhAn1sdvYI/s200/time_out_logo.jpg" width="120" /></a><b><span style="color: #990000;">Time Out New York</span></b> featured me as one of <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/sex-dating/five-unique-marriage-officiants">Five Unique Marriage Officiants</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxaikBoA84E/UnfQLPBSkUI/AAAAAAAAC50/N9ElDvYd6AE/s1600/cnn-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxaikBoA84E/UnfQLPBSkUI/AAAAAAAAC50/N9ElDvYd6AE/s200/cnn-logo.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><b>CNN</b></span> quoted me in an article about <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/living/matrimony-etiquette-to-toss/index.html">non-traditional wedding elements</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtOKIlU4BhA/T_pf6y9qSBI/AAAAAAAACeE/eU38i5rXJ7Y/s1600/new_york_magazine_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PtOKIlU4BhA/T_pf6y9qSBI/AAAAAAAACeE/eU38i5rXJ7Y/s200/new_york_magazine_logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;">New York Magazine</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> featured me in the Fashion spread online from the LGBT Pride March, in my polka dotted Jester of the Peace outfit. </span><a href="http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2012/06/stylish-moments-from-new-yorks-gay-pride-parade.html#photo=28x00031" style="background-color: white;">I'm slide #28!</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">The Huffington Post </span>featured a video of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/17/lady-gaga-fans-find-love-_n_3454490.html">Sharon and Eli's rainbow theme wedding</a> in their Gay Voices section. The short documentary is a collaboration of Jester of the Peace and <a href="http://hooplaha.com/">HoopLaHa</a>, a site devoted to sharing good news through inspiring videos and events.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">HuffPo </span></b>also featured me in an interfaith article about Tiffany and Katrina's wedding that respectfully and joyfully <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christelyn-karazin/jump-the-broom-and-say-mazel-tov_b_1560996.html">celebrated wedding traditions from several faiths</a> in a dear wish for worldwide Marriage Equality. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnx9uAB8Xsk/TgYpalY69rI/AAAAAAAAB5c/yduAV3mU7ec/s1600/tlclogo.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622226721508619954" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnx9uAB8Xsk/TgYpalY69rI/AAAAAAAAB5c/yduAV3mU7ec/s1600/tlclogo.jpg" /></a><br />
Alexis and Cornelious married on <span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">The Learning Channel</span><span style="color: #6600cc;"> </span>on the Four Weddings reality TV show, officiated by Barbara.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mi3iSgwh0SA/TgYpaxBq3FI/AAAAAAAAB5k/F45fa0r3gK0/s1600/NYDailyNews-logo.png"><img alt="" border="0" height="32" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622226724632321106" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mi3iSgwh0SA/TgYpaxBq3FI/AAAAAAAAB5k/F45fa0r3gK0/s400/NYDailyNews-logo.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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Todd and Shirley's Disco vow renewal was featured with a photo in the <span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">New York Daily News</span>. Barbara presided as Elvis.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeyGLehqHGA/TikKGRGhATI/AAAAAAAAB7k/CSJ96n4zqO0/s1600/fire_island_news.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632043911789740338" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeyGLehqHGA/TikKGRGhATI/AAAAAAAAB7k/CSJ96n4zqO0/s320/fire_island_news.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 51px; width: 173px;" /></a><br />
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My costume for <a href="http://www.fireislandnews.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1001:brookhaven-islip-town-clerks-prepare-for-marriage-equality&catid=3:newsflash&Itemid=1">spontaneous "weddings" in celebration of New York Marriage Equality</a> on the Fourth of July was featured online by the <span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">Fire Island News</span>.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-8674010056936544062014-03-01T11:00:00.000-05:002022-11-05T13:46:33.995-04:00A Valentine for Men - Manentine's Day, March 14<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manentine's Day!</td></tr>
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Are you in love with a man? March 14th, celebrate the man who flutters and grounds your heart with his own holiday: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://officialmanentinesday.com/" target="_blank">Manentine's Day</a>! I interviewed the founder of Manentine's Day, Jenna, who started celebrating this holiday of manly love on her own years ago to honor her wonderful partner Sky. (Yes, they're engaged!) She wanted to show him as big a love as he was showing her on Valentine's Day. Turns out, Manentine's has both international precedent and growing appeal. The world loves men!<br />
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<b>The 10 Rules of Manentine's Day</b></div>
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<b>Barbara:</b> Jenna, do you feel men and women love differently, as an inspiration for two holidays?<br />
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<b>Jenna:</b> Yes, men often feel an obligation to show their love by spending money on women with gifts or expensive restaurants. Women tend to show their love by creating something ~ a poem, a photo book, baking a pie or planning fun activities. This is clear on Valentine's Day, where in the US a man splurges on his woman and plans things that will make her happy. Often, it's a day of fun loving surprises for women, but rarely so for the men. That's why Manentine's Day was created! Here's a day where women or partners can reciprocate their love and thankfulness towards their men with a special day for him ~ one month after Valentine's Day when he celebrated his for love you.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuOBbpucF3c/T0-64jQkEFI/AAAAAAAACNU/XTM-juGpl9w/s1600/I+heart+men+from+all+iphone+wallpapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BuOBbpucF3c/T0-64jQkEFI/AAAAAAAACNU/XTM-juGpl9w/s200/I+heart+men+from+all+iphone+wallpapers.jpg" width="133" /></a>
<b>Barbara</b>: How far into the world are you getting enthused Manentine's celebrants and have any surprised you?<br />
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<b>Jenna</b>: Manentine's Day actually already existed in other cultures. In many Asian cultures, Valentine's Day is for to women offer gifts to men to show their love. Then on March 14th, they celebrate White Day, where men offer gifts to women. In the US, it's the opposite, we celebrate the woman first on Valentine's Day, and then the man on Manentine's Day. This holiday is growing in the US, Africa, and Eastern Europe so far since the holiday officially was announced. I think no matter the culture, there is always a desire for couples to feel equal or balanced in their relationship. People really like the idea of two separate days to celebrate each person in the relationship, each having the spot light of love and appreciation for that day to make them feel special.<br />
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<b>Barbara</b>: Any folks holding to one holiday for equal love?<br />
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<b>Jenna</b>: We've heard some critics say both people in the relationship are celebrated/praised on Valentine's Day ~ why need another holiday? There are even those that don't like Valentine's Day being so commercialized ~ a couple should randomly celebrate their love without a day to remind them. While that all sounds nice, and in a perfect world that may be true, the reality is much different. Manentine's Day is a great solution to reality. Women have been writing to us how much they are looking forward to planning for and celebrating their man on March 14th. It's also a great incentive for men to try even harder on Valentine's Day, hoping they'll earn a special Manentine's Day for them.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36cUj1tllKg/T0-7z8gBftI/AAAAAAAACNc/857D91jVlU8/s1600/I+love+gay+men+from+toppun+site.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-36cUj1tllKg/T0-7z8gBftI/AAAAAAAACNc/857D91jVlU8/s1600/I+love+gay+men+from+toppun+site.gif" /></a><b>Barbara</b>: How can gay men celebrate Manentine's Day?<br />
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<b>Jenna</b>: Manentine's Day can be celebrated by gay couples, by choosing to celebrate one person on Valentine's Day and the other person on Manentine's Day. Two holidays give all couples a way to celebrate their love for their significant other with a special day just for them. Manentine's Day is all about equality and reciprocating love. With just Valentine's Day, it can be hard to plan surprises for each other on the same day. It's better to take time to plan a special day around what your sweetheart likes, and make them feel like a king or queen. You'll be able to return the favor on Manentine's Day!<br />
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And don't forget Manentine's Day can be celebrated by single men with their bros too.<br />
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<b>Barbara</b>: Do you see yourself starting other holidays to bring people closer together? Is celebration one of your super-powers?<br />
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<b>Jenna:</b> I've been celebrating Manentine's Day in my personal relationship for many years, and after sharing the idea with a few others, I was encouraged to make a central resource to help others celebrate it as well. As far as other holidays, I don't think so. However, I do think Valentine's Day could use an upgrade, so stay tuned.<br />
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<i>For more information about Manentine's Day, visit <a href="http://officialmanentinesday.com/" target="_blank">http://officialmanentinesday.<wbr></wbr>com/</a>.</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-77227559927349277802014-02-03T10:51:00.000-05:002022-11-05T13:48:32.411-04:00Wedding Vows - The Sound and Meaning of Words<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Science of Love<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Found on the blog of <a href="http://jun1013.wordpress.com/2008/02/13/dose-of-love-quotes/" target="_blank">Oscar Dela Hopia</a></span></td></tr>
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What do your wedding vows sound like? Which are the syllables that make the music of your promises?<br />
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In my <a href="http://www.onespiritinterfaith.org/" target="_blank">Interfaith Minister studies</a>, Islam stands out as a faith devoted to spiritual words and texts. The sounds of the words have great value, as well as the meanings. From the <a href="http://muslimvoicesfestival.org/about/festival" target="_blank">Muslim Voices Festival </a>website:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">"According to Kristina Nelson, author of </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Art of Reciting the Qur’an</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">, “the significance of the revelation is carried as much by the sound as by its semantic information. In other words, the Qur’an is not <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=the+quran&hl=en&prmd=imvnsb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=ygMsT8LoKcqWtwfPm_z8Dw&ved=0CGsQsAQ&biw=1080&bih=588" target="_blank">the Qur’an</a> unless it is heard.” (Nelson 1985: xiv)"</span><br />
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I'm inspired to take this beautiful concept to wedding vows. The promises you make to each other in your wedding ceremony carry deep meaning and uplifting joy between you. You reveal your love and devotion for one another through the specific words of your vows. Each word has a meaning and a sound. Listening to your partner's sounds of love is a certain music to your heart and mind. Your music of devotion also plays to your listening family and friends. The sounds of your words echo in everyone's heart.<br />
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As you're creating your vows, take time to sound out the words. Enjoy the music of your promise together with your partner. This close listening is fun, and requires you both to really slow down and take in what you'll be saying. If you're already married, revisit your vows as music on your anniversary. Listen to the rhythm, note the syllable sounds. How do you feel when you truly listen to the sounds of your vows? You may feel sacred, meditative, amused, and more!<br />
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If you love music, consider putting your vows to music, making a song you can sing together and to yourself. Sing your song of promise in light times and as a reminder during challenges. When we first are taught things, like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er_dDJDAPU0" target="_blank">the alphabet</a>, we learn a song. Music helps us remember.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-5240964118120127242013-07-14T13:51:00.000-04:002022-11-05T13:52:57.106-04:00Something to Laugh About!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SWsJ6YM4B1I/SnZSSHOpg1I/AAAAAAAABb4/A607WhpXwYg/s1600-h/loveyo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365566477190136658" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SWsJ6YM4B1I/SnZSSHOpg1I/AAAAAAAABb4/A607WhpXwYg/s200/loveyo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 200px;" /></a>In every show in every theater, every night, something goes 'wrong' and the audience rarely knows. <span style="color: rgb(51 , 51 , 255); font-weight: bold;">Something unexpected</span> will happen at your wedding. When it does, smile, knowing that in years to come it <span style="color: rgb(51 , 51 , 255); font-weight: bold;">will bring you laughs</span> ~ especially if you bring your good, easy, acceptance today. That's the energy that strengthens your marriage, anyway. <span style="color: rgb(51 , 51 , 255); font-weight: bold;">Focus on your love, not the 'script.'</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">(You have permission!)<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-85941904617775596122013-06-13T11:32:00.000-04:002022-11-05T13:51:36.060-04:00Refreshing Summer Wedding TipsHere's a short-as-a-<a href="http://www.dollycouture.com/">summer-skirt</a> list of tips I've gleaned for staying cool and relaxed at your Summer Wedding. Enjoy!
<ol><li>Eat breakfast, especially if your wedding is outdoors. Fruit makes a great light snack later, too.
</li><li>Drink water, ditto for outdoor celebrations on warmer days.
</li><li>Smile at yourself in the mirror. Then, think of your beloved and smile again. All you really have to do today is be in love ~ and you've got that covered. Everything else is icing (literally.)</li><li>Delegate anything else you can: "Please carry this statue of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_at_first_sight">cupid</a>, arrange that row of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndYxBQXhNjI">dominoes</a> that spells out our names, call him/her about this/that," etc. Helping you on your wedding day makes other people feel special. </li><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">If you feel stressed or nervous, tell someone "I love you."</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>You'll feel drawn into connection and comfort. </li><li>Likewise, pause for one deep breath of quiet love with your honey, whether on the phone or in person. </li></ol>Sweet cheers for your love!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-47588946708087470602013-02-21T10:40:00.001-05:002022-11-05T14:06:30.254-04:00The #1 Reason Couples Get Married<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEktrk10DVQ/T0PTQ1vbRII/AAAAAAAACLg/q2ZhVNcqkWw/s1600/Amanda+and+Luke.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yEktrk10DVQ/T0PTQ1vbRII/AAAAAAAACLg/q2ZhVNcqkWw/w320-h222/Amanda+and+Luke.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda and Luke</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have officiated more than 100 weddings! I first began marrying beloveds to one another in 2005 when two friends of mine asked me to officiate their weddings in the same summer. Out of the blue... and into the old, new, borrowed, and blue! Since then, I've learned a lot about love, some of which has surprised me. Here's my #1 discovery about lasting love:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Couples don't get married when they feel fireworks all the time, and greet every day with excitement and big energy together. That's that "sweep you off your feet" myth that many of us in Western cultures learn as kids. The Prince will come and make me feel like a Princess and dazzle my senses!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13eGOtIaxc/T0PUOVEMtjI/AAAAAAAACLo/5b-nixeOjGY/s1600/Ed+and+Maria+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C13eGOtIaxc/T0PUOVEMtjI/AAAAAAAACLo/5b-nixeOjGY/w320-h240/Ed+and+Maria+Jester+of+the+Peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria and Ed</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, when your Prince or Princess does come, they do in fact, dazzle your senses. Yet that's not all they do, and that's not what's most important. It's actually the opposite. The #1 reason couples get married is this: you can finally relax together.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On almost every wedding questionnaire I receive back from my wonderful couples, and it's close to the 3 digits now, I hear "I can really be myself" with him or her; this "helps me feel loved" and "helps me grow."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you can be you ~ feel known, let it all hang out, and be loved and valued for all of who you are (and who you are becoming!), you're home. This is not the same as perfect bliss where no one ever gets upset or lets their dark side get the better of them. It's more beautifully human than the pretty surface of "Happily Ever After." (I can feel the Prince and the horse stopping to look at me and listen.)</div>
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This #1 Reason couples get married ~ feeling mutual freedom and support to be truly yourselves together ~ is what creates that special atmosphere of deep acceptance and appreciation that helps make your journey of life's ups and downs compassionate, growthful, and joyful. This is true love.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7dhVfiXdto/T0PVVFDnBFI/AAAAAAAACMI/PN84MRUWY9I/s1600/georgejoe2-jesterofthepeace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7dhVfiXdto/T0PVVFDnBFI/AAAAAAAACMI/PN84MRUWY9I/w320-h240/georgejoe2-jesterofthepeace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George and Joe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">If young people (teenagers!) knew that they were actually looking for someone who likes them for who they really are and with whom they can relax... well! Some very different choices might be made in the fervent dating pool. Rather than going for the person who might "make you feel" cool, sexy, smart, naughty, and loving <i>by association</i>, go for the person around whom you naturally feel yourself being your realest you. Cool, sexy, smart, naughty, and loving are natural byproducts of this freedom you give yourself, which can be supported by your partnership. No one else can give them to you by osmosis, proximity, or kisses to your sleeping lips in the forest. Your miracle is your authenticity. (Gorgeous!)</div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0c-EC9h0A/T0PVnMVHOWI/AAAAAAAACMY/Bnq9dj4KC7s/s1600/RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFilm-28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0c-EC9h0A/T0PVnMVHOWI/AAAAAAAACMY/Bnq9dj4KC7s/w320-h213/RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFilm-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Jazelle and Deb</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco</span></div>
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, go out there, kids of all ages, and grown folks, too ~ whether you are new to the block or have been around and around the block. Love your way home to your honey by choosing alliances and situations where you love yourself ~ across your life. Your lasting love ultimately is a celebration of who you both really are, how being together simply makes you both more so for the better of the world, and the third bliss that arises from your honesty.</div>
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To your truth and joy! To your lasting love! To your marriage!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-29048217946655922192013-01-01T15:19:00.000-05:002022-11-05T14:07:57.342-04:00Ceremonies: Blending Tradition & Invention<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SWsJ6YM4B1I/Sn4GqBYds2I/AAAAAAAABdQ/JhHemlxHHjc/s1600-h/heartberries.HannahChapman.body.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367735124867527522" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SWsJ6YM4B1I/Sn4GqBYds2I/AAAAAAAABdQ/JhHemlxHHjc/s200/heartberries.HannahChapman.body.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0pt 20pt 15px 0px;" /></a>In our deliciously modern times, you can choose to blend tradition and invention in your ceremony to express who you are together. Here's a short fun list to get you started. <span style="color: rgb(102 , 0 , 204); font-weight: bold;">However you mix it...your special blend will taste great!</span><br />
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<tr><td valign="top" width="180"><span style="color: rgb(51 , 0 , 51); font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Tradition</span><br />
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Light one candle together<br />
Drink wine from one glass<br />
Break one glass<br />
Read a poem or scripture<br />
Ribbon your wrists together<br />
Pray together<br />
Procession with a loved song<br />
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<br /></td><td valign="top"><span style="color: rgb(204 , 0 , 0); font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Invention</span><br />
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Touch your foreheads together<br />
Pass your rings for blessing<br />
Guests hug in unison<br />
Write your own vows<br />
Read surprise letters to each other<br />
Draw an image together at the altar<br />
Wedding party singing to you<br />
Dance to a live song<br />
Process or Recess while singing</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-67551873112594015872012-10-30T16:10:00.000-04:002016-01-22T13:23:39.597-05:00Hurricane Sandy Midnight Wedding 2012 ~ Glenn and Bonnie<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG22c3pI-dA/UKLBidFlpDI/AAAAAAAACgo/g8-AIwiz26U/s1600/hearts+storm+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG22c3pI-dA/UKLBidFlpDI/AAAAAAAACgo/g8-AIwiz26U/s1600/hearts+storm+cloud.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by Hydropics.com</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's 11:30pm on Sunday, the night before Hurricane Sandy, 2012. I am at my friend Bianca's apartment in Manhattan's East Village, near where I live. Our friend Joel is with us, too. We are playing a dice game called RLC that I got in a goodie bag at Dan and Dennis's wedding two days before ~ out on Long Island. Long Island will be hit hard by Hurricane Sandy on Monday and Tuesday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My phone rings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's Glenn. Am I available to perform a wedding for him on Monday before the hurricane starts, since I am so nearby on the Upper West Side where he lives? My business address is on the Upper West Side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Glenn says he and Bonnie got married in 2004, on October 29th. When Bonnie first met Glenn in a meeting, she knew immediately that she would marry him, and told a co-worker so. Yet, Glenn was with someone else at the time. Years later, Glenn's friend suggests to him to look Bonnie up. He does. She's right. They get married. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, if they are already married, why do they need to get married again, and in a Hurricane?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In order to marry couples in New York City, an officiant needs to be registered in New York City itself. You go down to the Marriage Bureau and sign your name with a pen into this gigantic old book. It practically has butterflies and magic and dust swirling out of it. Their officiant from 2004 was legal in New York, yet not in New York City. They found out years later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, married yet unmarried Bonnie and Glenn are really ready to (re)tie the knot. They planned to go to the Marriage Bureau on Monday, October 29, 2012, for their anniversary. And to make their legal wedding date and their first wedding date the same. <b>Hurricane Sandy is coming. The Marriage Bureau will be closed. </b>Can I marry them on Monday?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The MTA trains and busses are already shut down. I am in the East Village. They are on the Upper West Side. The storm is only going to grow, yet hasn't started yet. The wind is gentle in the trees, so far. The air feels a little heavy and little soft</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Glenn, ok, Glenn, I say, if you and Bonnie come here to Bianca's apartment right now, you can get married on October 29th. At 12:01am. She and Joel can witness your wedding! (Couples need at least one legal witness to wed.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>OK, says Glenn, I'll get her out of bed. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's 12:20 am. Bianca is winning at RLC, even though she doesn't want to because someone said if you win you won't find a husband. Her doorbell rings. Glenn and Bonnie clomp up the stairs, a little hesitant, a little purposeful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Glenn said on the phone they just want someone to sign their paperwork. No romantic ceremony. Mmm, hmmm. No one ever really means that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Upper West Side to the East Village is a long wedding aisle! They took a cab. Bianca says take off your shoes. They weren't expecting that. They do it. She offers them seats. She offers them drinks. Bonnie says, well, I would have a tequila. Bianca has a tequila. The evening softens again before the drink lands on the table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonnie tells us now that she knew Glenn was her husband at first sight. They talk about their first wedding, how beautiful it was. Her tequila tastes good. We are all relaxing and laughing. <b>Bonnie's eyes are sparkling from reminiscing. Mine are too because we are having a love adventure. Bianca is taking video on her phone, and I don't notice.</b> Joel checks his phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Glenn and Bianca's wedding ceremony is short, sweet and real. I ask them if they want to marry each other. I ask Bonnie what she wants to say to Glenn today on their wedding day ~ in 2004. <b>We decide it is still 2004</b> in the timeless East Village kitchen of Bianca from Italy. I ask Bonnie first because I know intuitively that she has love to share. So does Glenn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonnie appreciates all they have been through together, supporting each other through health and ups and downs. How they razz each other. How they made and are keeping a promise with the God of their understanding. It's Glenn's turn and he is moved. <b>He says I love you and the moment is held between them. </b>Caught on iPhone. Remembered by heart. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Oh, they forgot the flowers, Bonnie says to Glenn, in a soft yet wishing way. Bianca gives Bonnie a flower made of recycled materials. It's odd to her and perfect for this wedding, which is also proudly recycled from 2004 time, into a brand new kismet.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonnie and Glenn, you are now officially married by the power vested in me. I'm so glad that power is vested in me, and that I am willing and eager to show up for love whenever and wherever. <b>They walk out into the married hurricane night</b>, before the rain falls so much. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The shortest time I have been asked to show up for a wedding has now shrunk from 5 hours to less than 1! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you next?</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-64902626889846037432012-09-16T19:09:00.000-04:002016-01-22T13:23:39.591-05:00Jester of the Peace at the New York Clown Theatre Festival 9/18!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFWQ-118Xjo/UFet85WD9jI/AAAAAAAACfY/JB8jzt7IAoE/s1600/Clane+(2+of+12).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFWQ-118Xjo/UFet85WD9jI/AAAAAAAACfY/JB8jzt7IAoE/s400/Clane+(2+of+12).jpg" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jester of the Peace is here for YOUR LOVE at the<br />New York Clown Theatre Festival 9/18/12!</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by Christopher Lane</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple; line-height: 14px;"><i><b>Read this <a href="http://www.nyclowntheaterfestivalninalevine.blogspot.com/2012/09/jester-of-peace.html">review of the September 18th show</a> by </b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; line-height: 14px;"><i><b>clown blogger Nina Levine! </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Dearly besotted </i></span>. . . come get “married” or even legally married at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/293300703234/?ref=ts">New York Clown Theatre Festival</a> by the Jester of the Peace! </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;">Declare your truer love with a person or group of people, for a physical object of your affection, your life vision or ideal, a pet, or even a place your adore in an evening of love and laughter. Bring him/her/it/them/you to our “wedding night” party. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;">Barbara Ann Michaels is a real-life New York wedding officiant and an art-life clown and performance artist. Enjoy spontaneous street art–style ceremonies that instantly evoke real emotion and enthusiasm. Be understood. Inspire others with your love. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Art is Love. Love is Art. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><b><i>JESTER OF THE PEACE: Devotions of Love</i></b></span><i><br style="line-height: 14px;" /></i><span style="line-height: 14px;">Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">8pm at </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #741b47; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://bricktheater.com/" target="_blank">The Brick Theater</a></span><br />
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(Questions and Ideas? Email me here or call <a href="tel:646-648-0128" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+16466480128">646-648-0128</a>)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/511287018888601/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">FACEBOOK EVENT</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/45183983" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">JESTER OF THE PEACE MOVIE TRAILER</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; line-height: 14px;">~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">REVIEWS</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><i>Read this <a href="http://www.nyclowntheaterfestivalninalevine.blogspot.com/2012/09/jester-of-peace.html">blog post about the show</a> by clown blogger Nina Levine! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Regardless of the level of [wedding] formality, Michaels is willing to [do and] wear just about anything to make the event more personal for the couple.”—Time Out New York</i><br /><br /><i>“She was able to take our crazy ideas and materialize them into a ceremony that kept our guests on the edge of their seats some times laughing and sometimes crying with tears of joy.”—Carolee and Desiree, married 2011 by Jester of the Peace, Barbara Ann Michaels </i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-73318160976326375422012-07-27T17:46:00.000-04:002016-01-22T13:23:39.603-05:00Danny and Gary Tie the Knot after 20 Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_WbVE_kpn0/UBxAmpnSS1I/AAAAAAAACfA/iUBzzcDB1L0/s1600/Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Danny+and+Gary+rope+ceremony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V_WbVE_kpn0/UBxAmpnSS1I/AAAAAAAACfA/iUBzzcDB1L0/s400/Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Danny+and+Gary+rope+ceremony.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Danny and Gary "tie the knot" after 20 years together. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Daniel Scaringi and Gary Hocevar married in Central Park on July 27, 2012 ~ 20 years to the day that they met in a school administration office, after Gary's superintendent told him that his new Assistant Principal Danny was a special person and would be a "perfect match" for him. How right he was! They also married right across the street from the New York hospital where Danny was born. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Being nautical by nature, they shared a rope tying ceremony to symbolize that they are strong as rope as individuals and unbreakable as a couple. Gary and Danny had worn wedding bands on their right hands for many years, after a private commitment ceremony they held at home in Florida. Now, as part of their legal wedding vows, they "made it right" by moving each other's wedding band to the left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Truth, trust, generosity and fun characterize Danny and Gary as a couple. They wrote and performed this scene as part of their wedding vows. Enjoy... they do! </span><br />
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<b>Danny</b>: “Gary” <br />
<b>Gary</b>: “Danny” <br />
<b>Danny & Gary</b>: “WOW” <br />
<b>Gary</b>: “Danny can you believe we are here in New York City where you were born right across the street to pledge our vows of marriage?” <br />
<b>Danny:</b> “No, pinch me Gary, I never thought this day would come, but it is finally here.” <br />
<b>Gary: </b>“Now Danny, we don’t have to decide each time how to introduce each other…partner, lover, significant other, but rather this is Danny he is my spouse….” <br />
<b>Danny: </b> “Yes Gary that has an appropriate and authentic sound and meaning. Hi, this is Gary my spouse or Hi, I’m Gary’s spouse!” <br />
<b>Gary:</b> “I am so happy today, Danny, and I know that Lucia and Alan, my parents would be here today, and in some very special way I know their spirits are standing with us.” <br />
<b>Danny: "</b>Yes, and Dad, Chelo, Uncle Tony my God Father and Evelyn my older sister would have been here too yet in spirit they are with us all.” <br />
<b>Gary</b>: “Let’s remember them and keep them alive by always talking about them and the wonders of their lives. Lucia said to always live life to the fullest and smile.” <br />
<b>Gary:</b> “So Danny,” <br />
<b>Danny: </b>“Yes, Gary?” <br />
<b>Gary: </b> “Are you absolutely sure you want to be with me for the next 40 years or so? It won’t be pretty!” <br />
<b>Danny:</b> “It’s not pretty now but yes, I do. And how about you? Are you absolutely sure you want to be with me for the next 40 years or so? It won’t be pretty either!” <br />
<b>Gary:</b> “Absolutely, pretty or not, you're mine and I will always be yours!” <br />
<b>Danny & Gary:</b> “Okay it’s a deal. I love you so much.”<br />
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<i>(Danny and Gary shake hands and hug….but no kiss until Barbara tells us...)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRR0G-_184/UBxAlNRUYQI/AAAAAAAACe4/xOw7nxB9NHA/s1600/Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Danny+and+Gary+Hug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPRR0G-_184/UBxAlNRUYQI/AAAAAAAACe4/xOw7nxB9NHA/s320/Jester+of+the+Peace+-+Danny+and+Gary+Hug.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Nuptial Hug</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-52066300294138505672012-06-12T12:48:00.000-04:002016-01-22T14:09:51.407-05:00Loving Day - 45th Anniversary of Interracial Marriage Law<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJoSFmgxTKA/Srgwx5drfHI/AAAAAAAABjI/QQGJS3V5mIU/s1600/ArtfulLove.Cheryl+%2526+Wesley+Walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJoSFmgxTKA/Srgwx5drfHI/AAAAAAAABjI/QQGJS3V5mIU/s320/ArtfulLove.Cheryl+%2526+Wesley+Walker.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl and Wesley</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Loving</span> <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Day</span> is so aptly named. The bravery of </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Mildred Jeter and Richard <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Loving</span> to stand for their interracial marriage, in this case as a black woman <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">loving</span> with a white man, is heroic and natural at once. The power of their lasting <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> through nine years of court cases overturned marriage discrimination laws in sixteen states </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">on June 12, 1967, including in their home state of Virginia. Today, <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> is calling us again as a nation. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">In just these last weeks in Spring 2012, same-sex marriage court cases on Proposition 8 and the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"> Defense of Marriage Act have turned towards the U.S. Supreme Court, and President Obama championed LGBT marriage. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Lesbian couple </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">are standing in <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> against Prop 8, which repealed their same-sex marriage rights in their home state of California, where they are raising their children. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">These revolutionary public journeys of private <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span>, decades apart, are miraculous, and also come as no surprise. </span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0c-EC9h0A/T0PVnMVHOWI/AAAAAAAACMY/Bnq9dj4KC7s/s1600/RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFilm-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lz0c-EC9h0A/T0PVnMVHOWI/AAAAAAAACMY/Bnq9dj4KC7s/s320/RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFilm-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Jazelle and Deb</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">People don't fall in <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> to change the world at large. <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Love</span> is personal. Yet, <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> lives in community and thrives with the support of community.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">When saying yes to <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">loving</span> someone means saying no to parts of society, friends and co-workers, and sometimes members of your own family, couples grow a certain strength. You don't choose who you <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span>. You choose what to do with the <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> you feel. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">When couples claim the right of their hearts to <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> truthfully and publicly, come what may, what can come is social change. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">This is how a sweet kiss evolves into a political action.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHgS0snI3Q/TtVEDrJmAjI/AAAAAAAACF0/SLR9pX1X6AA/s1600/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Herbert+Ethan+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8WHgS0snI3Q/TtVEDrJmAjI/AAAAAAAACF0/SLR9pX1X6AA/s320/Barbara+Ann+Michaels+-+Herbert+Ethan+Wedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ethan and Herbert</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">As a wedding officiant celebrating very personalized weddings, I get to know my brides and my grooms. I am honored to share the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">love</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"> stories of many interracial, intercultural, and interfaith couples. I have married lesbian, gay, and straight couples who are Chinese and French, American and Dutch, South American Latino and Southern American White, White and African American, Christian and Atheist, Jewish and New Age, Korean and Latina, and more and more. I have married </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">people</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;"> who are </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">in <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px;">. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px;">The definition of <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> I see up close between my marrying couples is equality, and a commitment to living together to preserve that equality and balance as they grow and change as partners and as individuals <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">day</span> by <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">day</span> over the years. </span><span style="color: #111111; line-height: 20px;">It is a gift to me and to all their friends and families present to witness them undefended before each other, <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">loving</span> from the inside out, gifts and quirks and all. Their <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> brings them comfort, joy and fun, and also great strength to meet life's surprises.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 20px;">I often hear that couples feel an unprecedented <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span> with each other, "I never knew it could be like this." Ideas only become cliche through repetition because they're true. Unprecedented <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span>... in which you can be yourself now and become more yourself in the future is worth fighting for. The energy to fight is also unprecedented. Today, on <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Loving</span> <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Day</span>, we celebrate all couples who say yes to <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">love</span>, whether in court or in the neighborhood. Hold hands today. Kiss your lover in public. Make today your <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Loving</span> <span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Day</span> and help set other lovers free. </span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-13246211932857852312012-05-07T09:00:00.000-04:002016-01-22T14:09:26.421-05:00Lori and Missy's New York City Wedding - May 4, 2012<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Knw6PYOI7eM/T6fzvphBHlI/AAAAAAAACa0/lGYlZfV3l_4/s1600/Lori+and+Missy+-+May+4,+2012+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+John+Mazlish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Knw6PYOI7eM/T6fzvphBHlI/AAAAAAAACa0/lGYlZfV3l_4/s400/Lori+and+Missy+-+May+4,+2012+-+Jester+of+the+Peace+-+John+Mazlish.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori and Missy<br />
May 4, 2012<br />
Central Park, New York City</td></tr>
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And... their gorgeous, funny, sincere, sassy, slideshow of their elopement from photographer John Mazlish!<br />
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<a href="http://www.johnmazlishweddings.com/Slideshows/LoriMissyWedding/"> http://www.johnmazlishweddings.com/Slideshows/LoriMissyWedding/</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-54286720879078115892012-02-28T11:42:00.002-05:002016-01-22T14:08:44.735-05:00Oscar Speech for Your Wedding<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATjswDSW1Wc/T00D4ZB2i5I/AAAAAAAACM4/frKTQvNngbA/s1600/stuff.co.nz-dujardin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATjswDSW1Wc/T00D4ZB2i5I/AAAAAAAACM4/frKTQvNngbA/s400/stuff.co.nz-dujardin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jean Dujardin winning Best Actor 2012 for The Artist<br />
(Great tux for a wedding!)<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo by www.stuff.co.nz</span></td></tr>
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At first, amid all the wedding choices and organizing, your wedding can feel like your lifetime creative achievement, with your marriage as your <a href="http://www.oscar.com/" target="_blank">Oscar </a>~ even though it's the other way around! After the honeymoon, when the photos come back, and life returns to a new normal, your wedding can feel like an award on your shelf ~ for the profound creative accomplishment of your heart that is your growing marriage.<br />
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Your <a href="http://www.newyorkweddingring.com/" target="_blank">wedding rings</a> are really your Oscar, whether they are gold, silver, platinum, titanium, or brass. They stand there proudly on your finger, reminding you of the collaborative artistry of your love. Collaboration is the key.<br />
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Watching the Oscar's recently, I listened closely to the speeches. Film artists, actors, and actresses thank their colleagues, their families, and each other. The dresses and tuxes set the elegant scene ~ and remind me of a wedding. No one wins an Oscar alone. Every golden prize has a community behind it, seen and unseen.<br />
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Celebrating her 2012 Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," <a href="http://www.popsugar.com/Meryl-Streep-2012-Oscar-Speech-Video-21935659" target="_blank">Meryl Streep</a> thanked her husband first to make sure he was honored with everyone's attention. She said everything she really values came to her through him:<br />
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The <a href="http://artfullove.blogspot.com/2011/05/best-best-man-speech-outline.html" target="_blank">wedding speeches</a> at your reception remind me of Oscar speeches. "I'd like to thank my family, and the friends who encouraged me in love, without whom I would not be here today... (and our caterer and our officiant...<i>wink!)</i>. At life's milestones you can realize more clearly how much you are loved. Sometimes your sources of support are so obvious and sometimes they're surprising.<br />
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Take a moment now to think about the people in your life so far who help you love well ~ the adults and the kids. The ones who help you get clarity with their uber-honesty. The ones who hold you through confusion. The ones who advocate for your strongest self. The ones who delight in your sense of humor. Who listens to you really well and understands you? Who helps you evolve? These people are your <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Motion_Picture_Arts_and_Sciences#External_links" target="_blank">Academy</a>. Be glad they're voting for you with their hearts and their time. In your way, thank them for helping you win your Oscar in love. Celebrate your community!<br />
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PS: I'm so delighted that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2003082265/" target="_blank">The Artist</a> won best picture as the clown and performer in me LOVED it!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-12875374038924961812012-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:002016-01-22T14:04:18.105-05:00Prop 8 Declared Unconstitutional in 9th Circuit Court! Another Step for Marriage Equality.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdw1S0zJhE/TzLELjY_3gI/AAAAAAAACLI/Q6wt17nT5Qw/s1600/Barbara+Ann+Michaels++-+RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFIlm-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iXdw1S0zJhE/TzLELjY_3gI/AAAAAAAACLI/Q6wt17nT5Qw/s400/Barbara+Ann+Michaels++-+RomanFrancisco-MadeOnFIlm-18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Road to Equal Marriage<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco</i></span></td></tr>
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Yesterday, California's Prop 8 was declared unconstitutional in the Federal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. (Yay!) California had and lost Marriage Equality. This recent decision declares that revoking human rights is unconstitutional.<br />
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In New York, I celebrate the legal weddings of a lot of lesbian and gay couples from all over the world. I believe in equal marriage absolutely. Love is limitless, and restricted in practice only by circumstance.<br />
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Here's a good article on yesterday's <a href="http://nclrights.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/ninth-circuit-decision-keeps-the-focus-on-california/" target="_blank">Prop 8 Decision</a> by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.<br />
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<i>Marriage is the name that society gives to the relationship that matters most between two adults. A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but to the couple desiring to enter into a committed lifelong relationship, a marriage by the name of ‘registered domestic partnership’ does not.</i><br />
- U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals<br />
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<i style="text-align: left;">There is no remedy for love but to love more.</i><br />
- Henry David Thoreau<br />
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<i>Standing for love makes more love, standing on love makes less.</i><br />
- Barbara Ann Michaels<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6877726504036906830.post-80829849994337738292012-02-06T11:00:00.000-05:002016-01-22T14:03:54.118-05:00Super Bowl Love ~ Rooting for Both Teams at Your Wedding<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRQFQY1nvkA/TzAUWxKRn4I/AAAAAAAACKo/iZCnwWLxQdA/s1600/MonaShieldPayne.wedding15_t653.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRQFQY1nvkA/TzAUWxKRn4I/AAAAAAAACKo/iZCnwWLxQdA/s400/MonaShieldPayne.wedding15_t653.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Bowl Wedding<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Mona Shield Payne<br />of the<a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/" target="_blank"> Las Vegas Sun</a></span></td></tr>
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I watched <a href="http://www.superbowl.com/" target="_blank">The Super Bowl </a>last night. The <a href="http://www.patriots.com/" target="_blank">New England Patriots </a>(a <span id="goog_662159243"></span><span id="goog_662159244"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>former home turf of mine) vs. the <a href="http://www.giants.com/" target="_blank">New York Giants</a> (current home turf.) I was rooting for everybody. Doubly so, because one of my good friends was in a game pool where everyone had drawn numbers. She had "0" and "9." If the last digits of the score at the end of each quarter matched those numbers, she would win a money prize. In the first quarter, we won with the Giants, when the score was 9-0! In the second quarter, we won with the Patriots when the score was 9-10! She treated us all to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/02/super-bowl-food-commercials_n_1250046.html" target="_blank">Super Bowl take-out dinner </a>with her winnings. How joyful to win with both teams and root for both teams!<br />
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At your wedding, you also are rooting for both teams, both of you and both of your families. Sometimes you and your partner want different things. Or, your families may want different things from what you want, or from each other. Interfaith and inter-cultural weddings, for example, sometimes see such conflicts. How can you help everyone to realize that <a href="http://www.partygamespond.com/tag/noncompetitive/" target="_blank">you're all winners already </a>and that your wedding is not a competition? By being true to yourselves, and being kind about it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECJ-Ki1SiGU/TzATli6O9RI/AAAAAAAACKg/BJabso8rFcQ/s1600/052_danascott_megperotti-yellow-flower-fields-wedding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECJ-Ki1SiGU/TzATli6O9RI/AAAAAAAACKg/BJabso8rFcQ/s400/052_danascott_megperotti-yellow-flower-fields-wedding.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love's Yellow Brick Road<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="http://megperotti.com/" target="_blank">Meg Perotti</a></span></td></tr>
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Your wedding is an opportunity to give and receive. If you partner really wants to walk down an aisle and you feel shy or skeptical of aisles, be a team player. Wait for your partner with a smile at the top of the aisle while he or she enjoys <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kav0FEhtLug" target="_blank">a grand entrance</a>. If your partner wants a sea of flowers and your wedding budget allows for a pond, talk about what makes beauty to her or him. Is it the color, the style, the quantity? By listening to each other, you win, because you can then emphasize that one most important quality. If it's the color yellow, not the fact that they are rare hybrids from abroad, find a less expensive, local yellow flower and dazzle your partner's senses with it! </div>
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Cultural and spiritual differences can feel more loaded because families sometimes feel passionate about passing along their heritage. Yet, there are great ways to make the family fans on each side cheer. For religious <a href="http://www.interfaithresources.com/bumper-stickers-window-decals.html" target="_blank">unity</a>, one of my favorite ways is to choose a reading from a spiritual text and empower someone strong-of-faith from the family to read it. The family member feels honored to uphold the faith. Further, if you don't want religious language yet still want to honor your family, choose a sacred reading that doesn't mention a higher power ~ there are good ones simply about love!<br />
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Go Team Earth!<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from <a href="http://weddingbee.com/">WeddingBee.com</a></span></td></tr>
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Lastly, remember to be on your own team. Focus on your joy and the way you want to express love. Turn often to your cheerleaders, supportive friends and family, and your cheerleading captain: your sweetie. If someone throws a flag on your field, make your call from your own heart. The more sincere you are in your joy, the more people around you respect your choices, especially the unusual ones. This goes for every area of our lives from a wedding, to work, to friendships.<br />
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Love makes us all winners!</div>
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