Barbara Ann Michaels, Wedding Officiant Jester of the Peace

Congratulations & Welcome!

2012-02-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

"Barbara helped us explore the how's and the why's of our love
and turn it into a ceremony that was exactly what we wanted."
~ Kelly and Craig, married July 2009

Lively Love
photo by John Mazlish

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 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.

Melanie and Damon 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...

Desiree' and Carolee 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...

Kevin and Anoosh married barefoot on the grass and included their artist friends singing and playing instruments. They also drank wine from a single glass...

Todd and Shirley 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...

Jennifer and Christina married on a hillside at a country retreat, and enjoyed dramatic readings of poetry by their actor friends...

Joel and Herman 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...

Christina and David married in their house that was partly under construction, as a blessing to their new home in body and spirit. They rang a pot lid when they were officially wed...

Diana and Lacey 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...

Miguel and Sarah married in a helicopter, soaring in love with gorgeous views of Manhattan on a sunny day...

Cornelious and Alexis married on the Four Weddings reality TV show on The Learning Channel. Their sweet and chic ceremony stole the hearts of viewers nationwide, and their family and friends right there...

And you... what's your wonderful wish?

Visit me on The Knot

The #1 Reason Couples Get Married

2012-02-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

Laurent and Susan

I'm nearing my 100th couple to marry! 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:

Amanda and Luke

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!

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.

Maria and Ed

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."

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.)

George and Joe

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.

Jazelle and Deb

photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco

Andrew and Mickelle

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 by association, 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!)

Axel and Gudrun

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.

Warren and Robyn
photo by Diana Diroy

To your truth and joy! To your lasting love! To your marriage!

Prop 8 Declared Unconstitutional in 9th Circuit Court! Another Step for Marriage Equality.

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

The Road to Equal Marriage
photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco

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.

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.

Here's a good article on yesterday's Prop 8 Decision by the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

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.
- U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
- Henry David Thoreau

Standing for love makes more love, standing on love makes less.
- Barbara Ann Michaels

Super Bowl Love ~ Rooting for Both Teams at Your Wedding

2012-02-06T11:00:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl Wedding
Photo by Mona Shield Payne
of the Las Vegas Sun

I watched The Super Bowl last night. The New England Patriots (a former home turf of mine) vs. the New York Giants (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 Super Bowl take-out dinner with her winnings. How joyful to win with both teams and root for both teams!

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 you're all winners already and that your wedding is not a competition? By being true to yourselves, and being kind about it.

Love's Yellow Brick Road
Photo by Meg Perotti

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 grand entrance. 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!

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 unity, 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!

Go Team Earth!
Image from WeddingBee.com

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.

Love makes us all winners!

Wedding Vows - The Sound and Meaning of Words

2012-02-03T10:51:00.001-05:00

Science of Love
Found on the blog of Oscar Dela Hopia

What do your wedding vows sound like? Which are the syllables that make the music of your promises?

In my Interfaith Minister studies, 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 Muslim Voices Festival website:

"According to Kristina Nelson, author of The Art of Reciting the Qur’an, “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 the Qur’an unless it is heard.” (Nelson 1985: xiv)"

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.

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!

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 the alphabet, we learn a song. Music helps us remember.

How Love and Marriage are like the Tiny Dangerous Fun Variety Show

2012-02-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

I am in a monthly variety show (I do the sound in a cute low-tech way) called Tiny Dangerous Fun. It takes place in the basement of the Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop in Brooklyn. The ceiling is low, the stage is smaller than you think, and the audience is warm and welcoming. Performers try things out for the first time. They take risks: juggling big things, dancing with knives, brave new story telling, burlesque, a silly string fight (there's still some on the ceiling). It's a safe space, and the wilder the better. I'm in charge of instigating 11 second spontaneous dance parties. No one knows when they are coming, not even the hosts. (Go! Dance now in your living room or office ~ no one or everyone is watching! 11 seconds!)

Is your wedding Tiny Dangerous and Fun? Are you eloping? Are there family issues that are complicating your wedding wishes? Do you want to forgo tradition and your conservative roots? Or embrace tradition and not your modern-hippie-arty-avant-garde roots?

Let's look...

Little Kisses. Big Hearts.
photo by Crystal Leigh Shearin

Tiny: A tiny wedding gives you another intimacy. You have opportunities to do sweet rituals, like pass your rings around to your guests, with each giving a wish for you out loud. (Or silently ~ I always say both are equal.) A tiny wedding has freedom of location. Get married in an antique train car, in a helicopter, in an ornate elevator, in a gorgeous flower show or shop. A tiny wedding can let you spend bigger money on your honeymoon, on a far-out or up-scale reception, or simply on travel costs if you're on a budget. You can always choose to have a big party later; a trend I see more and more. You also can choose to have all the privacy you want, and keep the moment as sacred just between you two (and me ;).

Dangerous: Are you confidently marrying someone that others raise eyebrows over, perhaps outside your community, faith or country. Does your choice of partner surprise even you and fulfill you at once? I work with a lot of interfaith, same-sex, and international couples. So, while I see a lot of joyful boundary crossing among my wedding clients, I know that these leaps also can be loaded and brave. Jester of the Peace is a devoted safe-haven for your love.

Or, is dangerous just in your own mind? A few of my lesbian couples were wary to kiss in front of their conservative relatives. Rest assured, I say. All weddings have kissing. Anyone coming to your wedding expects kissing. Kissing also affirms marriage equality in the eyes of all your guests ~ so lock your lips and stand for love. They always kiss, and usually get asked to kiss again for pictures!

Richard and Vicky's Halloween Wedding 2011

Fun!: Well, I could go on and on... weddings are fun. Even super-serious weddings are fun. I find that ceremonies which reflect a range of emotions we feel in relationship ~ dear, funny, surprising, deep, cute, accountable, sappy, serious ~ feel especially true. Live your love together in your ceremony via sharing the feelings of partnership. Honor your similarities and differences and how you balance each other, make each other laugh, make each other roll your eyes. And, fyi, those quirks are your hallmarks and are some of what your partner misses when you are not around. Who will make the yogurt in the container perfectly flat on top for me? Where is that quiet clicking of the electric piano keys (thanks to headphones) at 6am that gently wakes me? Who will need me to read the map... again? Celebrating your quirks in your wedding is beautiful.

Love and marriage are a journey, and even more, they are akin to aTiny Dangerous Fun ride. Your marriage will evolve you in ways you don't expect. I had one loving couple marry, nearly divorce within a year, then both experience deep, profound awakenings about how they want to live in the world and with each other. We renewed their vows; they felt the promises anew. We invented rituals to honor the new qualities now at the center of their union. They are overjoyed. Yet, the groom felt bad at first that it had taken him so many years to "wake up." I congratulated him from my been-around-the-block heart. I said, "It only took a year for your marriage to give you a gift of your truer self... you're a lucky man." Now, kiss your wife or husband, and just be glad.

Tiny Dangerous Fun takes place the last Tuesday of every month at 8pm. See you there!

Elvis Wedding ~ Las Vegas in New York City Style

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

He Loves Her Tender and True

I just had my first destination wedding in Las Vegas, in the Valley of Fire desert. Beautiful red rocks soaring above a flat plain of grasses. Our bride Angel asked me to wear Elvis glasses when I walked down the aisle to the altar. Elvis... when I first started to do costume and adventure weddings over a year ago, which join my devotion as a wedding officiant with my craft as a performing artist and clown, I said "Elvis is in Vegas. This is New York." and "I am not the Vegas of New York."

And lo! The first costume wedding I was asked to do, by Todd and Shirley on Dec. 31, 2010 ~ part of their world record attempt for vow renewals ~ was Elvis! It didn't start that way. They had wanted a Beatles theme, upscale John and Yoko. Shirley envisioned daisies in the snow. It was a New Year's Eve vow renewal, wedding number 20 for them in seven years of their mission to reach over 100 ceremonies. Yet when Shirley got to our costume shop, Creative Costume (my theme weddings partner) she didn't feel happy in her 60's get up. What to do? I had been imagining a sitar on a red carpet in the white snow, and all of us seated, surrounded by bright daisies. The Costumers showed their Creativity, bringing disco outfits that Shirley loved. Yet, who will officiate? The Costumers brought out Elvis. Shirley cooed in delight.

Oh, My Darling, I Love You... And I Always Will.

I now have the great honor of proclaiming that my father and I have both impersonated Elvis. How many daddy-daughter pairs can say that? Dad entertained his office as Elvis at his retirement party. I joined skaters from the Central Park Disco Skaters Association, and guitarist James Dalton Baker to present a truly custom wedding ceremony. I wrote a wedding quoting dozens of recording artists from the Elvis and Disco eras and told Todd and Shirley's love story. We had dance breaks featuring our skaters, including skate-style break dancing by Energy in the Middle (aka Harry). We even had a sing-a-long.

Hand Jive

When Todd and Shirley took their vows, all the glitz seemed to bow as their pure love shone brightly. Strangers watched and cheered ~ that always happens with outdoor weddings in New York City. The New York Daily News and Fox 5 TV came. We were all happy. (We're still happy.) And Todd even made it back to their nearby hotel in his platform shoes.

I felt like I gave all my gifts that day. Being playful, creative and serious at once; helping Shirley and Todd design a magical experience; bringing great artists together to collaborate on a fun and solid show; performing; and at the center, honoring love and passion - that of Todd and Shirley, that of music, that of nature, that of groovy self-expression.

If anyone asks you to do something zany today, know they probably have a sincere and sound reason. Say yes. Here's to you, Dad.

All Together Now (Oh, that's the Beatles)

photos by John Mazlish Weddings

Wedding Women in Business ~ Feminism and Fluff

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

I went to a wedding show yesterday, The Wedding Party, a high-end event put on by The Wedding Library, in collaboration with Martha Stewart Weddings. I met Martha Stewart. She was having tater tots from one of the funky catering trucks in the courtyard with her grand-daughter. As normal a grandma moment as ever was.

I reflected on how the wedding industry can feel like a nexus of feminism and fluff. There are so many super-savvy women in business here. We are blogging, organizing multitudes of vendors, negotiating, trend-setting. There are men in the wedding industry. I respect and recommend some passionate and professional male photographers, officiants, dj's, venue owners and more. Yet, when I go to wedding business development events, it's largely a sea of entrepreneurial women. Women ready to help you feel like a princess or prince ~ if that's what you want. Women determined to thrive in their own businesses, local or national. Women wanting to make a mark with their creativity.

At bridal events, the wedding ceremony can feel sidelined, though hosts near-always remind the gathered brides, grooms, and families that the ceremony is "the reason for it all." I say "fluff" above because it's fun to coo over a fashionable shade of lavender ties (lovely!), a giant heart made of chicklets (zow!), or a cake in a real birdcage bedecked with images of birds (loved it!). Details matter in the wedding world; detail means devotion. The stuff of weddings is vast... because identity is vast, and the trend is to be unique. It's joyful to reach far into your creativity on your special day. Brides and grooms may not realize how much choice they also have in a modern wedding ceremony ~ a place to showcase your uniqueness, too.

I leave wedding events like this inspired by the ideas-made-businesses. I also leave full of cupcakes, wine (local), cheese (grilled), and yesterday, a tiny taste of McCclelland's single malt scotch. The women (and men!) in these rooms all decided, "I'm going to run with it." And the wedding industry makes space for each voice, each vision. Mine is Jester of the Peace.

Here's to 2012... what are you going to run with?

The Statue of Liberty as a Wedding Officiant

2012-01-24T08:39:00.000-05:00

A New York City Wedding Officiant's Love Letter... with a bow to the Statue of Liberty!

“Give me your loving, your passionate,Your snuggled masses yearning to breathe together. The flirty yesses of your teeming boys and girls. Send these, the home-in-hearts, paths-crossed, to me: I lift my lamp beside the golden wedding rings."

Barbara Ann Michaels, Jester Of The Peace

I wrote this ditty in honor of my winning a Best of Weddings Pick 2012 award for Manhattan from my couples on The Knot.

In the News

2012-01-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

Alexis and Cornelious married on The Learning Channel on the Four Weddings reality TV show, officiated by Barbara. 2010

Todd and Shirley's Disco vow renewal was featured with a photo in the New York Daily News. Barbara presided as Elvis. 2010

My costume for spontaneous "weddings" in celebration of New York Marriage Equality on the Fourth of July was featured online by the Fire Island News. 2011

And, some of Barbara's couples have been in the weddings section of the New York Times.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Winner!

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Visit Me on The Knot!

I am proud and aglow to announce that my ratings with my couples won me an award: The Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick! I'm joining fabulous colleagues who go above and beyond for our couples - and in ways that delight and fulfill us. Thank you to my wonderful couples for our friendly collaborations, our dear sharing, our fun times, and all these 5-Star Reviews!

To sharing our Love!

Barbara

ADVENTURE CEREMONIES

2012-01-16T09:59:00.000-05:00

Honor your two spirits of love and adventure. Your relationship would not be nearly as joyful, safe, and free feeling without your mutual love of saying "yes!" to fun. The weddings below all are collaborations with excellent established companies who celebrate your zest together. Weddings, commitment ceremonies, vow renewals, and proposals are all welcome.

Have your own 'wow' idea for your wedding? Let's go for it!

Contact Barbara: Yes, Tell Me More!

ADVENTURE WEDDING IDEAS

HELICOPTER. "Married Over Manhattan"
With Liberty Helicopter
Imagine the beauty and adventure of celebrating your wedding vows on a helicopter overlooking the most captivating skyline in the world...Manhattan. Married Over Manhattan is a 20 minute private helicopter flight where you can get married, have a commitment ceremony, or renew your wedding vows – all in a personalized ceremony right on the helicopter!

FOODIES. Cook & Eat Dinner with Your Guests!
Cooking together is bonding. Cook and eat your reception dinner with your guests - overseen by professional chefs who make sure everything tastes great! Perfect for rehearsal dinner, too. You also can marry in the dining room adjacent to the professional kitchen. With Cooking by the Book.

FOODIES. Blindfolded Rehearsal or Wedding Dinner!
Don blindfolds to enjoy a truly intimate and fun experience of the beauty of food. Use all your senses to enjoy a feast with your guests that celebrates the nourishment of the palate and the heart. With Dark Dining Projects.

CONEY ISLAND. Wed at the Side Show, Beach, or on a Ride!
Wed at the fun creative quirky beach of New York City. Enjoy Side Show performers awesome feats of strength and skill, or ride the roller coaster of love. Celebrate the wildness and wonder of your love. With Coney Island USA.

DETAILS

All ceremonies include the option to write your own vows. Readers, singers, music, and mini-ceremonies such as lighting candles, breaking the glass, and jumping the broom are all welcome. You can incorporate any wedding tradition from any culture or era, and/or invent your own.

All of my weddings include all our correspondence, our interview meeting of one or more hours per your wedding type, creating your custom wedding ceremony, editing with you, your own vows if you choose, performing your wedding, and filing your wedding license with the New York City Clerk, which is also where you'll get your license.

I love it! Contact Barbara!

For Vendors:
Are you a vendor or artist who wants to collaborate with Jester of Peace to offer a unique and wonderful wedding package? Contact Barbara to share ideas!

Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Award 2012

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's official, I won a Bride's Choice award on Wedding Wire for 2012 ~ my second year in a row. Wedding Wire puts me in the top 5% of wedding pros nationwide. Thank you to my wonderful couples who shared the love in great 5 Star reviews!

Desert Wedding, Valley of Fire, Las Vegas

2012-01-15T14:23:00.000-05:00

Truly stunning photos from Exceed Photography, based in Vegas, of Angel and Vik's wedding in the red rocks of Valley of Fire. The ceremony finished at sunset and the desert photos as night reaches to us are elegant and magical. Enjoy!

http://exceedphotography.com/blog/2012/01/vikrant-and-angels-vegas-wedding-adventure-2012-valley-of-fire-weddings/

2011 Wedding Photos

2011-11-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

Amanda and Luke's Anniversary Ride

Sharene and Lori

Heather Walters photo

Sharene and Lori in Central Park

Heather Walters photo

Deirdre and Walter

Erik Ekroth photo

Susan and Laurent

Tiffany and Katrina

photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco

Anne and Ron

Barbara on Marriage Equality Night

Ethan and Herbert

Jazell and Deb

photo by MadeOnFilm by Roman Francisco

Bridgette and Mohammed

Caroline and Olivier in Times Square

Ben and Louise in Central Park

Marrying Later in Life

2011-11-13T14:29:00.000-05:00

A Maine couple, ages 87 and 88, married recently after 17 "beautiful years" together. Here's a link to their story in the paper.

Most wedding marketing is aimed at the young couple. Yet, I regularly marry couples who meet later in life. Some have been married before. In every case, there is a feeling of coming home to your current partner - and of honoring the full journey of life that brought you together at this time and age.

With same-sex marriage in New York, I also now am marrying many couples together 17, 21, 37, and over 40 years. These couples are already married in their hearts, and have been so for decades. They are simply making legal the bond they already share.

With both gay and straight mature couples, marrying brings up a question: what is important to us now? Sometimes, couples want to share a short and sweet ceremony, leaving the fanfare for the younger crowd. Other times, older couples have much to share, and want to celebrate the details of their story and how much each appreciates the other.

I recently married two women to each other who had been introduced as friends years prior by one of their late husbands. He was briefly honored in the ceremony for who he was - a great man, a sassy personality, and unknowingly a catalyst for love between the two women years later. During their vows, one wrote a letter and the other a poem. Their words were deeply loving and also playful, teasing each other a little, to everyone's delight. One guest, who has been married to his wife for 48 years ("and it just gets better..."), shared with me that one can only speak like that - with so much appreciation, wisdom, and wit - about your partner when you have been together for a long, long time.

In every case with mature weddings, there is a sense of peace, and often a very lively peace indeed! Some of my biggest laughs are at weddings with older couples - because everyone tells the truth of life: it's a lovely, zany, serious, moving ride. And to share life with a partner is even more so.

If you're marrying later in life, you have a lot of freedom to celebrate who you have become and who you are becoming, in yourselves and together. Enjoy it!

Jester of the Peace Chapel debuts Sept 26-30 NYC

2011-09-25T00:16:00.003-04:00

Sept. 26 to 30

What: Performance artist Barbara Ann Michaels, aka the "Jester of the Peace," legally marries gay and straight couples in a week of spontaneous, spectacular, and special ceremonies at chashama 217.

When: Mon 10-8, Tue 10-5, Wed 10-2, Thu 10-10, Fri 10-3, and by appointment. 646-648-0128 or Barbara@JesterOfThePeace.com. Walk-ins and reservations welcome!

Where: chashama 217 • 217 E. 42nd St. (b/w 2nd and 3rd Aves.)

renew vows • get married • propose • write a love letter

play a game • say I Love You (in a song)

More: New York is in love with Equal Marriage! Get hitched and have fun with the "Jester of the Peace." From Sept. 26 to 30th, LGBT and straight couples can legally wed, renew vows, or just declare love as partners or friends in styles from zany to sweet. Don costumes from gowns to clowns, sing your vows. Themes change daily.

Couples wanting legal marriage must provide a valid New York City marriage license on arrival. Appointments and Walk-Ins welcome. Far-off relatives and friends can attend via Skype (and maybe even do a reading!).

"There is nothing more sincere than having a really good time together," says real-life wedding officiant Barbara Ann Michaels. Ms. Michaels is New York’s “Jester of the Peace,” specializing in personalized, costumed, and adventure weddings. Says Michaels, "I have married couples at many elegant New York venues, in spontaneous declarations of love in Times Square, and on a reality TV show. No matter the form of a wedding, the sincerity of the couple’s love and commitment always shine through 100%. The modern trend is for your wedding to express who you are together. For couples who wouldn’t feel true to themselves without also expressing their creativity, I’m here. At the nexus of love and art."

The "Jester of the Peace" will also offer love letter writing, love grams by phone on the spot, making wedding rings from odds and ends, themed games, and a secret box to release whatever gets in the way of love in your life. Love is Art. Art is Love. And you’re invited to the wedding!

Rain on Your Wedding Day

2011-08-09T09:53:00.003-04:00

It rained at Mike and Debbie's outdoor wedding in the country. It misted at Mickelle and Andrew's wedding in the garden. At Jeff and Briana's wedding in the park, everyone raised umbrellas for the steady drizzle. All of them were happy.

Rain?! After all your dreaming and planning it's raining for your outdoor wedding? What do you do? Cry, adding more rain to the situation. Sigh, and step out to catch a raindrop on your tongue? Dance in a puddle with your partner?

Relax, I have officiated several weddings in the rain, and truthfully, rain is beautiful. There's something about the sound of raindrops on umbrellas, and raindrops on a tent that is quite intimate. Think of those slow days as a kid watching rain on the window. Rain makes one naturally contemplative, so does a wedding. Rain focuses your guests attention in this thoughtful way on your ceremony and love story.

Mike was a bit nervous before his wedding. As he stood with me, he realized that the rain was calming him down. He said, "Wow, this rain is relaxing. I'm glad it's raining. It's better this way." I told that to Debbie after the wedding; she was pleased. She had been feeling a little disappointed beforehand, yet trying to make the best of it ~ especially since they had planned lawn games as a reception activity. The rain and love worked their magic on her, too... after their ceremony and with their guests (who were out enjoying each other as if it was sunny!), she honestly said, "It was perfect."

Once your wedding begins, you will not notice the weather. You will be swept into your love with your partner. None of the couples I have ever married in the rain cared that it rained after their ceremony. Besides, to thrive in your marriage you two are going to need to be able to roll with life. What's important; what's not?

At Brianna and Jeff's wedding, the raindrops were actually falling on my ceremony pages between the umbrellas. I use a presentation book with plastic sleeves, so I just smiled, flicked away the drops and kept focus on the joy we were all sharing. After their wedding, the guests were all talking about Jeff and Briana, the beauty of their ceremony, catching up with each other ~ not so much the rain; which will be its own good story for later. Jeff and Briana also said sincerely, "It was wonderful."

All this said, it is good to have a weather back-up plan. Some couples plan to go to their reception venue if it's too rainy, others have a tent. Just have a plan, so you don't have to wonder what to do on your wedding day if it rains ~ so you can just be in love.

As Julie Andrews sings in the Sound of Music, raindrops on roses are a few of her favorite things. And lots of guests also will line up to tell you rain is good luck!

Universal Life Church Interview on Gay Weddings

2011-08-04T10:03:00.002-04:00

The Universal Life Church interviewed me at New York City's Pop Up Chapel, a generous community event celebrating legal LGBT marriage with gift weddings for 24 gay and lesbian couples ~ some together as long as 37 years. I delighted personally and professionally in marrying two of the wonderful couples.

We're talking about how I worked with Deb and Jazell to create their unique wedding ceremony combining the Korean Kunbere wine ceremony and traditional dress with their love story and some Buddhist elements, such as chanting a universal "Aum" and ringing a Tibetan brass bell. Jazell also invented a beautiful gesture which could become a tradition; the two wore each others' wedding rings during their own vows, which they repeated in unison. Jazell and Deb imbued their rings for each other with their promises and the devotion and joy they were feeling, and then exchanged them.

As we planned and wrote their ceremony in about a week, I collaborated with Jazell and Deb over both Skype and email ~ which is also how I work with my international couples and couples in other States. When Deb and Jazell and I met in person at Pop Up Chapel, it felt like a warm reunion. There are also images from Katrina and Tiffany's circus-theme wedding here. Enjoy!

Legal Same Sex Marriage for New York

2011-08-03T10:41:00.001-04:00

Tiffany and Katrina
Married at Pop Up Chapel by Jester of the Peace
July 30, 2011
photo Amanda Davidson

Same Sex Marriage became law in New York State on July 24th, 2011. That Sunday, hundreds of couples went down to the New York City Marriage Bureau and tied the knot. Volunteer judges waived the 24 hour waiting period, so loving couples could pledge their devotion for life on the spot. As each couple emerged from the Marriage Bureau, they made a victorious and celebratory wave to cheering crowds, often sealed with a kiss. Each wedded couple I saw touched my heart and many made me misty-eyed. Love is at the heart of all the world's great teachings on how to have a healthy society. New York is now a kinder, healthier, safer, and more fun place with legal LGBTQ marriage.

The following Sunday, July 30, 24 couples were gifted free weddings in Central Park at Pop Up Chapel. This collective celebration of lasting love was created by a group of friends rallied by Bex Schwartz. Pop Up Chapel grew quickly to include wedding vendors from florists and caterers, to photo and videographers, architects, and of course secular officiants and clergy. (I found out about it on Twitter!) The Knot, as a major sponsor, helped rally national press attention. The spirit of community generosity of the Pop Up Chapel weddings is the perfect welcome for legally married gay and lesbian couples in New York State. All marriages need community to thrive. And all thriving marriages contribute to strong communities.

Congratulations to everyone!

Gay and Lesbian Wedding Etiquette

2011-08-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

"We're engayged... legally!" (Joyful kisses and excited cheers from friends and family!) "Now what?"

I sometimes meet gay and lesbian couples who feel confused about their wedding ceremony. "My wedding won't look like a straight wedding, we're gay... so what do we do? Are there LGBT wedding traditions?"

There aren't "official" LGBT wedding traditions ~ yet there may be some day. You and your partner also may share strong feelings one way or the other about wedding traditions in general, honor them. What if you find your partner is more or less traditional or contemporary than you are (this also happens in straight couples)? Both give room for the other to be him or herself and fulfill that wedding dream as you can, whether it has tender childhood roots or is a current trend.

Sometimes couples feel stressed about a perceived need to please your families. Family members attending your wedding want to see you fulfilled in love ~ they are already happy.

The good news is legal Marriage Equality also means wedding ceremony equality. You are free to have a wedding ceremony that mixes tradition and artful invention in any way that is true for you two. Share what you're doing with other couples, and let yourself be inspired by ideas.

Love is in the details and so is your wedding ceremony. Whether you are a man or a woman or define your own gender you have total freedom to:

walk down the aisle with a family member or have no aisle
wear a dress or a suit ~ go formal, casual, or outrageous
include spiritual rituals from your faith(s) or have a non-spiritual ceremony about your relationship
include a wish for national or worldwide marriage equality
dance with your mother or someone who is like a mother to you
feed each other cake, wine, or your favorite treat
tie cans to your car, bicycle off to your honeymoon, or have a limo with a hot tub
elope to the islands
enjoy the process of planning your wedding

Just ask yourself... "is there anything that my heart feels makes a wedding a wedding?" If yes, do it. Above all, enjoy being in love and expressing who you are together; that's what helped you build your great relationship in the first place.

Congratulations! Happy wedding daydreams...

New York Marriage Equality Celebrations

2011-06-26T21:36:00.003-04:00

Jester of the Peace ready to marry couples

in spirit (until 30 days pass!) at the NYC Pride March 2011

Late in the night on June 24, 2011, New York became the 6th State to legalize same-sex marriage. Walking around town that night, I felt this increased peace alongside the enthusiasm in the air. We walked with so many others to gather outside the Stonewall Inn, where the gay rights movement in the US essentially began in 1971. New York is a more peaceful, kinder, and more fun City now. I am happy. And happy for the many same-sex marriages to be performed this year.

In 2004, when same-sex marriage passed in Massachusetts, I was again up half the night waiting as to cheer as friends got their marriage licenses in the middle of the night - Cambridge City Hall opened at 12:01 am that day.

Which state will be the 7th to Let Love Win?

A bar sign in the West Village, NYC
Night of June 24, 2011

Refreshing Summer Wedding Tips

2011-06-13T11:32:00.006-04:00

Here's a short-as-a-summer-skirt list of tips I've gleaned for staying cool and relaxed at your Summer Wedding. Enjoy!

Eat breakfast, especially if your wedding is outdoors. Fruit makes a great light snack later, too.
Drink water, ditto for outdoor celebrations on warmer days.
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.)
Delegate anything else you can: "Please carry this statue of cupid, arrange that row of dominoes that spells out our names, call him/her about this/that," etc. Helping you on your wedding day makes other people feel special.
If you feel stressed or nervous, tell someone "I love you." You'll feel drawn into connection and comfort.
Likewise, pause for one deep breath of quiet love with your honey, whether on the phone or in person.

Sweet cheers for your love!

Call for Couples: Jester of the Peace Film Project

2011-05-27T11:58:00.007-04:00

Seeking 6 Couples for a Documentary on Unique Nuptials & Love Celebrations

Are you in love with a creative and adventurous honey? Join the Jester of the Peace Film Project, with wedding officiant and celebrant of love, Barbara Ann Michaels (that's me!). This documentary, by Australian Filmmaker Carlos Marquez Perez, is about my officiating unique weddings and pledges of love as the Jester of the Peace. From Coney Island and Times Square "street performance weddings," to helicopter nuptials in flight, to the Disco Wedding where I impersonated Elvis, the film is about the combined heart and art at the center of wild and wonderful weddings and love declarations. Carlos is coming back to the US this summer to shoot more footage. I am seeking 6 couples with unique ideas and spirits - you can be marrying, renewing your vows, or declaring your love. There's nothing more sincere than having a really good time together...

Rock climbing
Waltzing
Up in a tree
In the ocean as mystical characters
At midnight in the desert surrounded by fairies
Renaissance theme
In the kitchen with foods representing qualities of your love
What's your wonderful wish?

Call me to chat at 646-648-0128 or reply to this email: Barbara@JesterOfThePeace.com

.
Cheers for your love!

Barbara
Jester of the Peace

Jester of the Peace Documentary Film in Production

2011-05-18T10:59:00.005-04:00

I am delighted to announce that I am the subject of a documentary film about my creative weddings as the Jester of the Peace. Australian filmmaker Carlos Marquez Perez is capturing the spirited sincerity of the unique unions I officiate.

From my Coney Island and Times Square spontaneous street vows, to my more traditional yet highly personalized ceremonies, to the Disco Wedding where I impersonated Elvis, the Jester of the Peace film is about the heart and art at the center of what I do for your zesty "I do."

We shot initial footage in Summer 2010 when Carlos was visiting the US. Guerilla Language facilitator Eric "Lalo" Graham is the interviewer, and is collaborating on the structure and feel of the film.

The Jester of the Peace film arose from Lalo and I having adventures in New York City. He is an unstoppable connector of people (as I am), and loves to talk to strangers (me too). All this feeds into his passion for teaching people how to speak new languages ~ including supporting my teaching the language of love.

We had gone to chat about work to the Gershwin Hotel, a place known for the cocoon-like artwork on its building facade. Smiling, Lalo tells the man behind the wine bar, "Do you know who she is? She is the Jester of the Peace!" This isn't a first; it always makes me feel special.

Fast forward an hour later to the experience that inspires the documentary film...

Lalo and I wander the hotel just to see the decor and find a library. There, a Landmark Education Forum homework meeting is in swing. We engage them, so to speak. One friendly student tells us of her evolving capacity for commitment. Lalo pipes up, "Well, Barbara is the Jester of the Peace. She can "marry" you to your friend right now!" There's a fun pause, and a flurry of "really?" zips around the room. I "wed" them on the spot. Friends Bonny and Candice pledge their friendship to each other in an impromptu and sweet ceremony witnessed by their enthused peers. Talk about doing your homework! Fun note: both these women were strangers to me and I have discovered they are both friends of friends in the last year!

I'll be shooting more footage for the documentary in June and July 2011. Would you like to have your unique wedding idea considered for the film? Send me a note at Barbara@JesterOfThePeace.com with your dream. Simply answer the question:

If you were to share your vows in a unique way that is absolutely true to you, what would you do?

Cheers for your lively love; I look forward to hearing from you!

A Wedding in Jail

2011-05-16T11:08:00.022-04:00

I recently performed my first wedding in a prison. I had heard from other officiants about the process - the security check, the private room, and 'don't carry much with you.' Add: bring an open heart and mind. What I hoped, and discovered to be true, is that a wedding in jail is also loving and uplifting.

I've changed everyone's names...

Jane first contacted me when I was going into another wedding meeting. When we actually talk later, I am sitting outside of Saint Patrick's Cathedral in NYC - right next to a chain link fence. When Jane reveals over the phone that her wedding will be in jail, I look twice at the fence.

Jane shares that she and John are a young family, and have been together for seven years. The first couple I married in New York City were a new family even younger than John and Jane. I tell this to Jane right away, so she knows I am accepting, not judging, her situation.

Jane says she has been waiting for John to 'go the right way,' and that now she sees him doing so. Both their love and perspective are sincere. Yes, there are unique challenges in marriage with someone who is incarcerated, both now, and after release in building a new life. If bringing the stability of marriage to their union will help John on his path of being a responsible family man, and give Jane greater peace of heart, and give their child a united base, or, social justice aside, if they just really love each other... I'm in line to check my bag through the metal detector.

At the jail, John's counselor, Linda, is with us throughout the ceremony. She is positive, making sure we all know the ceremony has no time limit. Afterward, Jane and John will have 15 minutes to be alone together. Linda always calls John by his last name.

John proposes again to Jane on one knee before the ceremony begins. Jane and John hold hands and share their wedding vows in the presence of their daughter, other family and a friend. Jane had guessed John's ring size, and brought all their rings with her. She was right - a perfect fit. Their kiss is strong, sweet, and lasting. May their marriage be the same.

Jane's sister and I take pictures on my camera, after checking to make sure it is allowed.

I never asked Jane why John was in jail, or how long he would be there. It feels none of my business. I learn enough to give John and Jane a wedding ceremony that is respectful of their love, and a joyful experience. This is what love deserves in every setting.

Best 'Best Man' Wedding Speech Outline

2011-05-12T10:30:00.001-04:00

You're a Best Man. You love your Groom. He's your brother, your best friend, your close relative - in short, he matters to you. You want to make him and his beloved look good, and you want to look good, too. When you think of delivering a Best Man speech at his wedding, you first imagine the best: everyone clapping with utter joy; the couple kisses... again; champagne flows; your 'success' soundtrack kicks in one cue. Then you imagine the worst. You deliver your speech and embarrass your groom, yourself, or worse... his new mother-in-law. The audience reaction? Crickets...

Relax. People come to a wedding to see and feel the couple in love. They've got that covered. Just share your caring and happiness for them in a real way, and your speech is icing on the wedding cake.

So, how do you, a well-intentioned Best Man, start a speech, when you have a blank page in your mind, and a million memories that could fit the bill?

Zohar Adner, life coach at Stop Stressing Out and author of The Gift of Stress, has been there to toast - several times. Here's his:

Outline for an Intimate, Touching, Stress-Free Wedding Speech.

You're already a Best Man in your Groom's life. You're already great. Your wedding speech will be, too... Cheers!

5 Fun Wedding Dont's

2011-05-09T08:55:00.005-04:00

Here are five fun Uh-Oh's I've gleaned from my years as a Wedding Officiant... enjoy!

1. The Tide Stops for No Couple
When having a beach wedding, check the tide clock. I officiated a waterside wedding in Rockaway Beach in which the ocean tide crept closer and closer to the open-air tent of the ceremony. The tide stopped about three inches away from us!

2. Baby, Light my Fire... the First Time
Candle ceremonies are beautiful, evoking both passion and peace, immediacy and longevity. Couples often choose lighters over matches because they feel 'easier.' Yet, lighters all seem to have their own personalities. I've seen a number of couples trying to flick the wick, and getting giggles or uh-oh! feelings in the moment. Practice with your lighter before your ceremony!

3. Can You Hear Me Now?
Check your sound system before your guests arrive. At one wedding, when I arrived and saw no mic at the altar, I quickly and kindly reminded the venue to set it up. If you must check your sound levels in front of your seated guests, have fun with it! I simply said, "The bride is en route... and we are checking the sound," which got a big laugh. You can have members of the wedding party say a welcome, or invite people to make a new friend among the guests they don't know yet. All of those are sweeter than a curt, "Check 1, 2, Check." If the guests are there, be with them.

4. Can You Hear Me Singing Now?
For small outside weddings and elopements, you may want to play music off your mp3 player or your smartphone. Unless you are in the woods, outside is louder than you think. I officiated a wedding in hopping and happy Times Square where the couple wanted to play two tunes. We just had an iPhone, and had a laugh trying to hear the music amid all the bustle. Mini speakers are worth it!

5. A Picture is Worth 1,000 Miles
My little Canon point-and-shoot camera once saved the day. The wedding photographer for a very small international wedding, 8 guests, lost all the shots when his house was robbed, and computer stolen. I had spontaneously, or psychically, taken pictures of everyone alongside the photographer after the ceremony. Since I was not a guest, my pictures had everyone in them, providing sweet shots of the day. That photographer handled the situation with integrity, refunding their money and giving them a free photo day when they return to the US to renew their vows. The couple handled the situation with grace, the vital energy for a healthy marriage. So many guests taking pictures at every moment can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure which camera to look at! Just smile, and celebrate your ShutterBugs!

Invite Fun: 90 Unique Wedding Invitations

2011-05-05T11:38:00.008-04:00

You have counted and recounted (and recounted) your guest list - as you recount sweet and/or saucy times with those you're inviting to your wedding. You've squeezed in three more, and squeezed your honey for support. You've created grand visions in your mind of everyone getting along, glasses clinking, eyes twinkling -- and/or one or two tossing each other headlong into the fountain. Have a laugh... and now...to put it to paper.

Your wedding invitation is one the few pieces of paper loved ones exchange by postal mail anymore. Your invitation sets the tone for your ceremony and your party. It can share your personality and your love story. Here are three links to artful invites, interestingly, all connected by the number 30...

Thirty Nerdy Wedding Invitations

30 Fun and Fantastic Wedding Invitations

30 Editor's Pick Wedding Invitations

Enjoy!

Royal Wedding Inspires Judicial Waiver in NYC

2011-04-30T22:41:00.001-04:00

Australians Scott and Melanie live in London, yet are in New York for the Royal Wedding. They've been a couple for two years, and engaged several months. yet haven't planned a wedding. Melanie and Scott show their spirit for England by watching the Royal Wedding on TV, in the early morning hours from their Central Park hotel room. Along with millions of lovers around the world, Melanie and Scott are suddenly so taken with the Duke and his new Duchess, they decide with a happy kiss... let's get married today! They dial their hotel concierge, Carlos, at 9:00am, who calls me immediately.

9:01am
Barbara: Hello, Jester of the Peace...
Carlos: Barbara, I have a couple who want their own Royal Wedding... today!
Barbara: Well, usually there is a 24 hour waiting period after you get your marriage license in New York City. Would they like to get married tomorrow?
Carlos: I'll connect you with the couple. They're very excited.

9:02am
Barbara: Ok! Hello?
Scott: Hi Barbara, this is Scott. We want to get married today... and found out we can get a Judicial Waiver of the waiting period!
Barbara: Judicial Waiver? OK, get right down to the Marriage Bureau and we'll talk later!

This is how I learned that New York State has a Judicial Waiver that allows couples to lift the 24 hour waiting period. Enthusiastic or otherwise Hurried Couples get your marriage license first and then request a waiver application from the County Clerk. A judge approves your papers and you two can marry on the spot, or in any prettier place you choose. Your officiant must attach the waiver to your signed license when s/he files your wedding papers.

Melanie and Scott got their waiver. To have their friend to witness, they actually married the next day in Central Park... along with the many passersby who always watch weddings and applaud at the kiss in Central Park! Then, they enjoyed a photo shoot with photographer John Mazlish, around the Park and at their restaurant-with-a-view.

When love springs up, New York City is ready...

photo by John Mazlish
www.johnmazlishweddings.com

Jester of the Peace: Street Weddings

2011-03-27T17:30:00.010-04:00

Portable Altar Halter
Times Square, Summer 2010

I believe in Love shared and Love expressed. I started "marrying" people in the streets to each other as a street performance to encourage intimacy in the Big City. By intimacy, I mean, sharing caring, feeling close, and feeling happy to be so. The opportunity to say, "I like you," "I love you," and "I appreciate you," is beautiful. I find that whether it is couples who are engaged, married couples who want to renew vows, friends who want to pledge their affection as a lark... as soon as people adopt the physical stance of marriage, join hands and look at each other, something happens. They get sincere. Some may retain a feeling of goofiness in tandem, yet the sincerity is loud and clear. I've had people cry, laugh, dance, hug, yell out, sing, and simply smile.

These marriages are not 'legal' in the sense that there is no state contract and signatures. Yet, they are moments of genuine love. Truer than true... enjoy!

Pride Parade
New York City 2010

Family Vow Renewal
Coney Island, NYC 2010

Spontaneous Affection
Bryant Park NYC 2010

Best Friends Forever
Times Square 2010

Love is Always Beautiful ~ 2010 Weddings

2011-03-24T13:54:00.005-04:00

Alexis and Cornelious wed on the The Learning Channel's Four Weddings reality TV show. 2010

Alicia and Michael... 2010

Alicia and Michael... just married! 2010

Jennifer and Christina 2010

Axel and Gudrun in Central Park 2010

NY Daily News Photo
Todd and Shirley's Disco Vow Renewal, Officiated by Elvis (that's really me!), and featuring the Central Park Disco Roller Skaters 2010

Mu and Jennifer at Rockaway Beach 2010

Damon and Melanie at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater 2010

Amanda and Luke at Shadow Lawn, in High Falls 2010

Adam and Erin 2010

Adam and Erin's first dance 2010

Mark and Emily at Carl Schurz Park 2010

Gulsah and Selcuk enjoying it all 2010

YOUR LOVE STORY CEREMONY

2011-03-10T22:00:00.009-05:00

Your love story with your partner is the centerpiece of your wedding. Why is your relationship so wonderful? How do you balance, brighten, and befriend each other? With a personalized ceremony, you'll directly feel, honor and celebrate the strength and shine of your relationship. Your guests, who likely know one of you better, will get to understand more about your union -- they'll truly learn a little more about love itself from you.

I use my journalism and writing backgrounds to interview you together. We have a fun and special time seeing and feeling your love. Then, I use the words you've naturally used to describe your love to create your personalized ceremony.

PERSONALIZED CEREMONY STYLES

LOVE STORY WEDDING • A fully original ceremony written using your own words about your love in your style.

WEAVING WEDDING • A partly customized ceremony in which we weave your love story through an existing ceremony of mine that suits your tastes.

LOVE IN THE MOMENT • A mostly improvisational ceremony made from questions that reflect you as a couple. Your answers become your wedding, recorded & transcribed as a keepsake.

WED-LIBS • Add the flavor of your special love to a Mad-Libs style wedding ceremony. Have fun choosing the adjectives, nouns, and verbs that express your true love.

Non-personalized standard wedding ceremonies also available.

DETAILS

All ceremonies include the option to write your own vows. Readers, singers, music, and mini-ceremonies such as lighting candles, breaking the glass, and jumping the broom are all welcome. You can incorporate any wedding tradition from any culture or era, and/or invent your own.

All of my weddings include all our correspondence, our interview meeting of one or more hours per your wedding type, creating your custom wedding ceremony, editing with you, your own vows if you choose, performing your wedding, and filing your wedding license with the New York City Clerk, which is also where you'll get your license.

I love it! Contact Barbara!

Resources for Happy, Lasting Love

2011-03-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Smile, You're in Love ~ 2009 Weddings

2011-03-04T13:43:00.009-05:00

Cheryl and Wesley. Love born in England, wed in New York 2009

Michael and Donna at the Empire State Building
5 Year Vow Renewal 2009

Andrew and Mickelle in Central Park 2009

Personalized Weddings 2011

2011-02-14T16:52:00.022-05:00

Wedding and Vow Renewal Styles 2011

Your love story with your partner is truly special in all the world. It is an honor to each other and your guests to share in your wedding about the strength, beauty and fun of your relationship. You'll inspire your families and friends on both sides, as they feel the genuine gifts of your love with you.

PERSONALIZED WEDDINGS
All ceremonies include the option to write your own vows, with my help as you wish. You can incorporate any wedding tradition from any culture or era, and/or invent your own. Readers, singers, music, and mini-ceremonies such as lighting candles, breaking the glass, and jumping the broom are all welcome.

Dream Theme Wedding ~ Costume & Adventure Ceremonies • Your love story celebrated as the centerpiece of an original themed ceremony that reflects who you are together. Do you both like Art Deco, Renaissance, Rock Climbing, Roller Disco, Jazz, Wizard of Oz, Helicopters, Film Noir, Hiking, Sci-Fi... what's your wish? $1450 plus your dream (costumes, gear, travel, etc.).

Your Love Story Wedding • A fully original ceremony written using your own words about your love in your style. Great for couples who value uniqueness and depth. $1150 - $1350

Weaving Wedding • A partially customized ceremony in which we weave your love story through an existing ceremony of mine that suits your tastes. Great for couples who like a balance of structure and creativity. $850-$1050

Short, Sweet, and Real Wedding • For weddings under 15 minutes. For couples who want to feel the true moment, enjoying light personalization, then get right to the kiss and the party. $650-$750

Standard Wedding • A non-personalized wedding in a heart-felt style. $500

EXTRAS

Travel ~ for locales outside New York City, and for some farther reaching corners of the five boroughs.
Rehearsal ~ I recommend rehearsal only when you have many ceremony elements or many participants in your wedding.

DETAILS
All of my ceremony prices include:

all our correspondence
our interview meeting of one or more hours per your wedding type
creating & editing your custom wedding ceremony with you
guiding your own vows if you choose
performing your wedding ceremony
filing your wedding license with the New York City Clerk, which is also where you'll get your license.

Your wedding will be a happy, beautiful, and true celebration of
your lasting love!

COSTUME THEME CEREMONIES

2011-02-13T11:52:00.025-05:00

Here are wedding packages that fulfill your imagination and your desire to be close and share your true self with your beloved and your families and friends. The artful weddings below all are collaborations with extraordinary, established organizations and artists who love to serve your love with theirs. Great for weddings, commitment ceremonies and vow renewals. Enjoy!

Have your own creative idea for your wedding? An era or style? I want to hear it and make it happen for you two!

Contact Barbara: Yes, Tell Me More!

COSTUME & THEME WEDDING IDEAS

OPERA. Wed on an Opera Stage with Live Singers!
Wed on stage in an opera house, lovingly serenaded by a soprano and a tenor. Your guests enjoy plush audience seating as you celebrate your love with the dramatic beauty of operatic song. You can add costumes and sets from the opera company, as well, to create the romantic setting of your dreams. With Soprano Kristina Semos.

DISCO. Wed in a Club or Central Park with Skaters!
Enjoy super duper costumes and fab music as you wed in happy style. You can choose an indoor or outdoor location, such as a funky club or Central Park. Disco roller skaters entertain you and your guests and get everybody dancing and smiling. With Creative Costume.

BEATLES. Wed in Central Park's Strawberry Fields!
Imagine... Strawberry fields is a pilgrimage spot for dreamers from all over the world. You can choose to wed in happy 60's costumes or Sgt. Pepper style, or simply enjoy the magic of a Beatles-themed ceremony that honors your inspiring love. With Creative Costume.

ELVIS. Yes, I do Elvis...ish.
With Creative Costume.

New York Daily News
New Year's Day 2011

DETAILS

All ceremonies include the option to write your own vows. Readers, singers, music, and mini-ceremonies such as lighting candles, breaking the glass, and jumping the broom are all welcome. You can incorporate any wedding tradition from any culture or era, and/or invent your own.

All of my weddings include all our correspondence, our interview meeting of one or more hours per your wedding type, creating your custom wedding ceremony, editing with you, your own vows if you choose, performing your wedding, and filing your wedding license with the New York City Clerk, which is also where you'll get your license.

I love it! Contact Barbara!

For Vendors:
Are you a vendor or artist who wants to collaborate with Jester of Peace to offer a unique and wonderful wedding package? Contact Barbara to share ideas!

Personalized Weddings 2012

2011-01-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

Wedding and Vow Renewal Styles 2012

Your love story with your partner is truly special in all the world. It is an honor to each other and your guests to share in your wedding about the strength, beauty and fun of your relationship. You'll inspire your families and friends on both sides, as they feel the genuine gifts of your love with you.

PERSONALIZED WEDDINGS
All ceremonies include the option to write your own vows, with my help as you wish. You can incorporate any wedding tradition from any culture or era, and/or invent your own. Readers, singers, music, and mini-ceremonies such as lighting candles, breaking the glass, and jumping the broom are all welcome.

Dream Theme Wedding ~ Costume & Adventure Ceremonies • Your love story celebrated as the centerpiece of an original themed ceremony that reflects who you are together. Do you both like Art Deco, Renaissance, Rock Climbing, Roller Disco, Jazz, Wizard of Oz, Helicopters, Film Noir, Hiking, Sci-Fi... what's your wish? $1550 plus your dream (costumes, gear, travel, etc.).

Love Story Wedding • A fully original ceremony written using your own words about your love in your style. Great for couples who value uniqueness and depth. $1150 - $1350

Weaving Wedding • A partially customized ceremony in which we weave your love story through an existing ceremony of mine that suits your tastes. Great for couples who like a balance of structure and creativity. $850-$1050

Short, Sweet, and Real Wedding • For weddings under 15 minutes. For couples who want to feel the true moment, enjoying light personalization, then get right to the kiss and the party. $650-$750

Standard Wedding • A non-personalized wedding in a heart-felt style. $500

EXTRAS

Travel ~ for locales outside New York City, and for some farther reaching corners of the five boroughs.
Rehearsal ~ I recommend rehearsal only when you have many ceremony elements or many participants in your wedding.

DETAILS
All of my ceremony prices include:

all our correspondence
our interview meeting of one or more hours per your wedding type
creating & editing your custom wedding ceremony with you
guiding your own vows if you choose
performing your wedding ceremony
filing your wedding license with the New York City Clerk, which is also where you'll get your license.

Your wedding will be a happy, beautiful, and true celebration of
your lasting love!

Couple Renews Vows 20 Times in 7 Years

2010-12-28T10:29:00.007-05:00

#20: Disco Wedding in Central Park, New York City

Here's the DISCO SLIDE SHOW, by John Mazlish photography!

Todd and Shirley Jaffe are in love – so in love that they renew their vows as a hobby. Nineteen weddings in 7 years… and counting. The Jaffe’s have traveled the world learning about different countries by getting married in the style of each culture. The philosophies of love they learn are moving, fun, adventurous, and bonding.

They have married in Antarctica with penguins, in a glow worm cave, on love-famed Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco, and now, for a theatrical twist, costumed in a Disco wedding outdoors in New York City’s Central Park. Elvis will officiate, with a ceremony quoting over 20 recording artists from the era. The wedding also features up and coming guitarist James Dalton Baker and, weather permitting, roller skaters from the Central Park Disco Skaters Association.

“There is nothing more sincere than having a really good time together,” says their wedding officiant and event designer Barbara Ann Michaels. Ms. Michaels is New York’s Jester of the Peace, specializing in personalized, costumed, and adventure weddings. This is her first time playing Elvis, the King of Love.

The Jaffe’s Disco wedding is mid-day on December 31, under Greyshot Arch (near W 61st Street) in Central Park.

After the ceremony, the couple plans to enjoy a great New Year’s Eve meal… and dream about wedding #21 in 2011.

Ceremonies: Blending Tradition & Invention

2009-11-05T15:19:00.002-05:00

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. However you mix it...your special blend will taste great!

Tradition

Light one candle together
Drink wine from one glass
Break one glass
Read a poem or scripture
Ribbon your wrists together
Pray together
Procession with a loved song

Invention

Touch your foreheads together
Pass your rings for blessing
Guests hug in unison
Write your own vows
Read surprise letters to each other
Draw an image together at the altar
Wedding party singing to you
Dance to a live song
Process or Recess while singing

Ceremonies: Your Love's Language

2009-11-03T15:23:00.015-05:00

Babe...
photo by Jade Gordon

Couples have a language unto themselves for showing affection ~ sassy nicknames, patterns of love, 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 love lexicon. I recently enjoyed marrying such a couple. Their word? Voshe.

Sweetie...
photo by Steve Knight

Voshe 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 voshe 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 voshe together, that they had to invent a new word for it.

I was so touched by the clarity and strength of their voshe, that we chose voshe as the theme of their ceremony. Speaking your special love language together in your ceremony can be a dear way to feel your familiar intimacy during your wedding, and can inspire your friends and family with the wisdom and wit of your love.

Video Chat Brings Far Loved Ones to Your Wedding

2009-09-19T11:33:00.013-04:00

Family Gathering

Is Grandma in Italy? Your cousin John on tour with his band in Japan? Your best friend Laura from childhood working for the Peace Corps in Honduras? If your loved ones cannot attend your wedding, consider Skype-ing them in! If your venue has wi-fi, you can set up a laptop for them to see you live — before, during, or after your wedding. Cheryl Skyped her mother in the UK right before she walked down the aisle, bringing Mum sweetly to tears. Right after the ceremony, she Skyped her daughter as we all signed their marriage license. Both her Mum and daughter overseas felt the intimate joy of participating in Cheryl's ceremony.

Reach Nana from the Beach!

The same goes for working with your vendors for Destination Weddings. If you are traveling to another locale and working with a wedding officiant there, use Skype, or a similar video-chat service to meet with your officiant. I successfully - and with great fun! - used Skype with Cheryl and Wesley in the UK from New York City. Being able to see and interact with each other during the process was helpful and joyful. When we met in person, we recognized each other right away. Our connection was real and uplifting!

Anniversary Brunch

2009-08-10T17:45:00.017-04:00

Happy Anniversary!

You're invited to be delighted...

...at a Celebration of this Year
in Your Love Story.

Share a good meal in good company
with couples who have been married by Barbara!

Early Summer 2010

New York City Area

Your children are welcome.
We will have baby-sitting and a children's entertainer.

Ceremonies: Recommended Books & Websites

2009-08-09T13:53:00.003-04:00

Books:

Joining Hands and Hearts
Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations
A Practical Guide for Couples
by Rev. Susanna Stefanachi Macomb, 2003

Websites:

Off-Beat Bride
For couples who dare to walk off the beaten aisle.
http://offbeatbride.com/

Jadee & Damian, May 16, 2009

2009-08-08T18:34:00.002-04:00

I love your laugh...
photo by Barbara Ann Michaels

Jadee and Damian Maldonado married in New York City, in the living room of their home, surrounded by several generations of family. The space was transformed to feel like a sweet gazebo, with a white draped archway and white wooden chairs. In their ceremony, they lit one candle together, signifying their union, and then received a unison blessing from all their guests, promising a loving community around their marriage. We next piled into cars to the leafy green park you see above for photos...and laughs! Then, back to the house for a homemade meal. All these touches of home were a dear welcome for Mr. & Mrs. Maldonado into the home of their love!

Spotlight on Themed Weddings

2009-08-04T15:11:00.007-04:00

King Arthur? Swing Dancing? Enchanted Forest? Picture a Queen for your Rennaissance wedding. Imagine Mother Nature for your Botanical wedding. My background in theater serves both the writing and performing of your themed ceremony. I take your creativity to heart in a wedding ceremony that honors your imagination and the sincere depth of your love at the same time. If you have symbolism that is important to you, share it with me!

Through Applied Theatrics, I also provide interactive theater and custom-designed characters-in-costume to corporate, community, and non-profit events. I offer custom designed entertainment for wedding receptions. Character(s) created just for you endear your guests with the themes of your love.

Enjoy!

Embrace Your Style

2009-08-04T13:55:00.002-04:00

Your wedding is yours. When you plan, it can be tempting to please your family, your friends, and the latest style guide. As much as you can, answer to your inner artist about what your love feels like to you ~ especially if you wonder if someone else may find it quacky. Return to how you will feel most joyfully expressed. Think of a metaphor for yourself as a touch stone. Perhaps, "My wedding is my work of art." Or, "My wedding is a gift I am making." The pure beauty of your creativity and your devotion to your love can charm naysayers of all stripes.

Zany Weddings

2009-07-31T03:13:00.009-04:00

Zany Ceremonies are where freedom and frolick meet sincerity and surety. Truthfully, zany is a misnomer. Nothing about your wedding vision is too off-the-wall if it's authentic to who you are.

Do you want a sky-diving wedding because you and your fiance embrace risk and adventure as the nourishment that fuels a good life?

Do you love the Renaissance and want a themed wedding with velvet everywhere, including being married by a Queen?

Do you want to be married at midnight surrounded by fairies in the moonlight, under a beautiful tree. Do you want your marriage to be blessed by the spirit and strength of that tree?

Do it. Do it. Do it. Your love deserves to taste the fruits of your imagination ~ after all, their origin is in your heart.

Charming Your Vendor Team

2009-07-24T13:53:00.002-04:00

Encourage your wedding vendors to connect with each other before your wedding. When vendors feel a part of a warm team, their work shows it. Sometimes they may already know each other. You also can benefit from choosing vendors whose work you like who already enjoy working together. If a problem does arise, vendors who are invested in each other will be more likely to help each other, saving you from having to intervene. You can endear your vendors to you by honoring their wisdom as professionals, by being enthused to collaborate with them, and by being realistic about timelines and changes. Sharing your wedding vision with delight, and then doing what you can as a team to fulfill it brings out the best ~ and the trust ~ in everyone. Then, everyone can relax and enjoy ~ your vendors, your family, and most importantly, you and your spouse in the spotlight!

Something to Laugh About!

2009-07-14T13:51:00.002-04:00

In every show in every theater, every night, something goes 'wrong' and the audience rarely knows. Something unexpected will happen at your wedding. When it does, smile, knowing that in years to come it will bring you laughs ~ especially if you bring your good, easy, acceptance today. That's the energy that strengthens your marriage, anyway. Focus on your love, not the 'script.' (You have permission!)

Show Your Colors

2009-07-04T13:52:00.003-04:00

You and your fiance can be yourselves - you have permission! Your wedding is a celebration of who you are coming together - seeing the 'real you' is the most touching for everyone, including your fiance... it's the 'real you' s/he is marrying!

How We Create Your Wedding Ceremony

2009-01-11T15:19:00.014-05:00

"I still marvel at the love, depth, and general all-around
wonderfulness that you brought to our wedding!"
~ Anoosh & Kevin, married July 2005

Your wedding is yours. What is important to you?

Traditions?
Trends?

Fashion?
Nature?
Spirituality?

Simplicity?
Novelty?

Humor?

We'll collaborate on your ceremony ~ to make it as truthful a picture of your love as we can. First, I'll interview you and your fiance. My journalism background gives me a knack for culling sweet and special details from our conversation.

Second, you'll look at various traditions that you value, whether they are from your heritage or spiritual path or from a far land that happens to be near in your heart.

Third, you'll explore your unique details, the ones that will help everyone in both families know you better as a couple, and delight in your love in a truly memorable way.

From there, you'll explore including family and friends in your ceremony, as you like.

Fourth, we will write your ceremony, including your writing your own vows if you choose. You can edit the ceremony as much or as little as you wish. Our goal is to create a wedding celebration that feels just like your special love.

If you have a theme for your wedding ~ whether elegant, sweet, or playful! ~ we can draw your theme through your ceremony elements. Expressing your love with your creativity can take the form of personalized words, songs, costumes, an adventure setting, or reinterpreting a tradition.

Your love is your work of art.

Fabulous Wedding Vendors

2009-01-11T15:18:00.026-05:00

~ Entertainment ~

Soloist - Alexandra de Suze ~ Classical to cabaret to contemporary. Mezzo.
Cellist - Noah Hoffeld ~ Pop to classical, the rhythms of your ceremony.
DJ - A Perfect Blend Entertainment ~ Perfectly personalized receptions.

~ Food ~

Sugar Flower Cake Shop ~ Handmade using fresh ingredients. Elegant to playful.
Divalicious Chocolate ~ Tastings & fountains for weddings, showers, bachelorettes.

~ Video & Photography ~

Michael Chadwick ~ Warm, supportive, and joyful artistry.
John Mazlish ~ Fun interactive style.
Inbal Sivan ~ Friendly professional artistry.
Melanie Einzig ~ Internationally recognized documentary artist.

~ Invitations & Stationery ~

Romeo & Jules Bespoke Stationery ~ stylish custom design.

~ Bridal Wear ~

Colette Komm - hand made couture wedding gowns.

~ Wedding Planners and Organizers ~

NEATO Organizing - Moving in together, reorganizing, gift thanks, smiles.

~ Wedding Sites & Blogs ~

Off-Beat Bride
Off-Beat Bride Flickr Photo Poll

~ Same-Sex Wedding Sites ~

GayWeddings.com
GayRites.net
SoYou'reEnGAYged.com
EnGAYgedWeddings.com

~ Wedding Guides ~

Mouse over each book cover for my recommendation note.

~ Relationship Resources ~

Mouse over each book cover for my recommendation note.

Testimonials for Barbara Ann Michaels

2009-01-11T15:17:00.019-05:00

From Wedding Couples

"Barbara created a beautiful ceremony for us! It was personal, funny, touching and hit the perfect note for our wedding. She helped us build a bridge in the ceremony between our cultures (German and Chinese/American) with humor and love. Everyone was extremely moved by the ceremony and many people told us afterwards that it was one of the most enjoyable ceremonies that they had been to. In addition to that, helping Barbara to create the ceremony was a fascinating experience, and was a deeply bonding experience for my fiancé and I. I cannot recommend Barbara highly enough. She is really wonderful!!!" ~ Karen and Martin, married October 2011

Barbara was a joy to work with from start to finish! When we first met with her and discussed what we wanted from our ceremony, my husband's request was that it be interesting. I thought that was a tall order for a wedding ceremony, but I have to say that she succeeded admirably! We loved working with Barbara and designing the ceremony with her was one of the most meaningful parts of our wedding journey. In the end, our ceremony was a wonderful, heartfelt and yes, interesting reflection of our relationship and now marriage. ~ Megan and Ryan, married September 2011

"We had the most wonderful day and we have our Jester Of The Peace - Barbara Ann Michaels - to thank for helping us have it all run smoothly! Not only was it seamless but her knack for making everyone feel at ease and included was essential and no couple should be without the warmth she showcased on our day! Barbara really took the time to know each of us thoroughly - no question was left un-asked and no detail forgotten or left out. During the process we really felt that she was the keeper of our story and we trusted her to express in words what we were probably too nervous to do ourselves! That trust paid off as our day was effortless and natural and personal and emotional and humorous - everything we hoped it would be with just a bit more passion thrown in. Barbara, as she will tell you is a true romantic and she is the ultimate medium for tuning into your connection and reflecting that back to your friends and family. It's hard to explain - but she just 'got us' - and it's not everyday that you find someone who is as dedicated to fostering a genuine connection to their clients as Barbara is. As our photographer also confirmed - she is a true professional. once we were done with our vows and it was time for a kiss - she smoothly stepped to the side so that the photos were just of my husband and I with an amazing view of the natural setting behind us. Barbara is all about the details and she is inherently creative - it's what makes working with her a complete joy and knowing what we know now - we wouldn't have wanted to do it without her! Thank you Barbara… initially you were the keeper of our story but now you have become an integral part of it as well! We are grateful we found you." ~ Stephanie & Lee, married September 2011

My husband and I wanted our wedding to be truly us and not your standard set of vows. The challenge was writing our own and expressing those feelings outward. Fortunately we found Barbara. She made our ceremony exactly what we wanted -- a combination of our love, our friendship, our family and our story. It was perfect in every way. I recently reread the vows & I love them more each time. ~ Kim and Pete, married September 2011

"[For] our nontraditional and fun ceremony we found ourselves getting very discouraged. Then we found Barbara Michaels. After just one phone call, we knew she was exactly what we needed and wanted. 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. We could not have asked for anything more." ~ Carolee and Desiree' ~ married September 2011

"Barbara married us in Times Square, it was a wonderful ceremony with emotion, love and happiness. she realized our dream. Barbara is like a part of us now because she shows and translates the love and secrets we have one for the other. Now we're back in France with a lot of happy memories. Thank you so much Barbara." ~ Caroline and Olivier, married February 2011

"Since our wedding, we have gotten a continuous stream of high compliments about our ceremony & our vows. Over and over we hear "that is the best ceremony I've ever seen", "it was so YOU", "you guys looked like you were having such a great time", "best vows ever". There is no doubt this is due in full to our officiant Barbara Ann Michaels. Our meetings with her were warm, informative, thorough and inspired us to take the time to make our wedding exactly what we wanted. Her skills as an interviewer, writer and her genuine curiosity about the details of our relationship allowed her to create a unique ceremony that she then collaborated with us on to edit & tweak to our liking. On the day of the wedding, her calm demeanor was welcome & she brought a relaxed but important energy to the room during the ceremony. We highly recommend her!" ~ Melanie and Damon, married October 2010

"Barbara was the perfect person to marry my husband and I. We thought for awhile about having a family member or friend marry us but didn't have anyone in our lives that seemed right. Barbara became that friend we were looking for. She learned all about who we are as a couple and as people in order to created the most personal, moving and special ceremony we could have every imagined. Guests were in awe of our ceremony and continue to talk about how grateful they are we shared ourselves in the way we did. All of that is thanks to Barbara. I smile everytime I think of our ceremony. Its difficult to imagine a stranger playing such a large role in an incredibly important moment in your life but with Barbara all our fears disappeared. I would highly recommend her!" - Amanda and Luke, married September 2010

"Barbara crafted a magical wedding ceremony for us. To this day, people still come up to us and tell us how personable and touching our wedding was and I attribute that to Barbara. Barbara told our love story to our family and friends with wit, elegance and sweetness, while also comfortable and casual. She had great ideas for extra touches during the ceremony. People in the audience laughed and cried --everyone was moved and everyone told us how they felt the love in the air that day. She is terrific at her job as officiant because it comes through how much she believes in love and truly cares to bring people together. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect ceremony, thanks to Barbara." ~ Maria and Edward, married October 2010

"We came all the way fromVienna, Austria to get married in New York. Therefore, our expectations to makethis a spectacular wedding in every aspect were very high. I can only say thatas far as the ceremony in itself is concerned Barbara has not only met butexceeded all our expectations! She is just the most wonderful person and wecannot thank her enough for the beautiful memories she has created for us." ~ Gudrun and Axel, married October 2010

"You certainly deserve the accolades you are getting! We had such a great time in NYC and we’re still riding the wave of love orchestrated by our wedding made so special by you, Diana and good ol’ “’56 Imperial” Vinny." ~ Robyn and Warren, married November 2010

"We are so thankful that we found someone as wonderful as Barbara to marry us. Barbara’s professionalism, attention to detail and passion are second to none. Not only did we feel Barbara did an amazing job, but our family and friends are still raving about our ceremony and all of its personal touches. She truly took the time to get to know us as a couple and captured the essence of our love in the ceremony. Thank you so much Barbara!!!" ~ Adam and Erin, married May 2010

"Barbara has a great process that helped Bob and I create a unique and personalized ceremony that expressed our commitment, love, values, hopes and dreams beautifully. She energized our ceremony with her creativity and ideas while being completely sensitive to our vision. Bravo." ~ Jari and Rob, married April 2010

"We would like to thank you for a great ceremony. Also, I personally appreciate how you were trying to make me calm down during the ceremony and after the ceremony. You were a great support. All my guests and family loved the ceremony, and especially loved YOU. I hope we will see you again for the 10Th year anniversary." ~ Gulsah and Selcuk, married June 2010

"Your ceremony was, I believe to be, the best I have attended, or have been party to. Our wedding was so beautiful, a perfect joy, so romantic for us and personal. It will be a day we will never forget. I would recommend you to any British couples wishing to get married in NY." ~ Cheryl and Wesley, married September 2009

"Barbara made our ceremony unique to our personalities and very special. She helped us explore the how's and the why's of our love and turn it into a ceremony that was exactly what we wanted: simple and lovely." ~ Kelly and Craig, married July 2009

"I would recommend Barbara to anyone. She's simply a delight. Barbara and I clicked from the first phone call. She made me feel so comfortable, I felt like I knew her for years. Our ceremony was everything I wanted in a wedding." ~ Jadee and Damian, married May 2009

"I still marvel at the love, depth, and general all-around wonderfulness that you brought to our wedding!" - Anoosh and Kevin, married July 2005

"Thank you so much for officiating our wedding. It was such a special day and we appreciate the time you took to personalize our ceremony to make it really reflect the essence of our love." ~ James and Maria, married December 2009

"When choosing a marriage officiant, Mark and I looked for someone that was personable, cheerful, and professional. When we spoke to Barbara on the phone and met her for the first time, we both knew that she met those criteria. We only had immediate family and a few friends attend our wedding so it was important that our marriage officiant would be like part of the group. Barbara shared our love story, our goals, and our future dreams with the people attending in such a loving, caring and personal way that our family felt as if we had known Barbara for a long time. We recommend Barbara to anyone that wants a personal ceremony from a marriage officiant." ~ Emily and Mark, married June 2010

From Couples Renewing their Vows

"Barbara Ann made our renewal ceremony an incredible, touching, and personal experience that my husband and I will cherish for the rest of our lives! By speaking to us by phone, in just a couple of phone calls, she was able to capture the spirit of our marriage. Her writing style is unique and delightful. Her personality is simply joyful. You are sure to be pleased with Barbara Ann for your ceremony! ~ Donna and Michael, vow renewal October 2009

From Family & Friends of Couples

"The first wedding I attended that Barbara officiated at was enough to make me realize I needed her to perform the ceremony at my cousins wedding several months later. My cousin and her fiance live in the UK, and their first introduction to Barbara was on Skype. The distance did not prevent her from getting to know them, their story and what was important to them. She gave an amazingly personal and emotional ceremony that moved everyone in attendance. It was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I'd ever been too. Every detail was planned to perfection! I highly recommend Barbara!" ~ Susan, 2009

About Barbara Ann Michaels

2009-01-11T15:16:00.054-05:00

Barbara and I clicked from the first phone call.
She made me feel so comfortable, I felt like I knew her for years.
~ Jadee & Damian, married May 2009

Contact Barbara:

• Phone: 646-648-0128

• Email: Love@JesterOfThePeace.com

• Mail:
Planetarium Station
PO Box 715
New York, NY 10024

Travel to your locale and destination weddings gladly considered.

Barbara, how did you become a wedding officiant?

I was called upon by two sets of friends in the summer of 2005 to officiate both of their weddings on opposite coasts. I loved it with a capital L-O-V-E. Upon moving to New York City in 2009, I answered that call anew by becoming a registered wedding officiant. I am so happy to serve your love with my creativity, sensitivity, wit, wisdom, and laughter. You'll feel at home with me, and your wedding ceremony will feel like a homecoming celebration into your love.

I've been featured as a wedding officiant on the Four Weddings show on The Learning Channel, in the New York Daily News... and in dear family photo albums all over the world.

Barbara, what's unique about you as a Wedding Officiant?

What sets me apart is my range of custom design. I am open to whatever expression of love is most true for you, from cherished tradition to artful invention to a mix of everything in between. Sweet beach side wedding to helicopter wedding to intimate living room gathering to roller disco extravaganza. It's the way I bring myself as a collaborative artist to your love.

Now, here's my "official" biography. Enjoy!

Barbara Ann Michaels makes a career of the interplay of love, art, and comedy. Artistically, she specializes in audience-interactive and improvisational theater as a clown, dancer, actor, and writer. Via AppliedTheatrics.com, Barbara serves corporate and community events with mission-driven theater. Her BA in Modern Culture and Media is from Brown University. She has an MFA in performance art from Massachusetts College of Art. She also attended the Salt Center for Documentary Field Studies. Barbara's education in physical theater includes workshops around the world with master teachers in clown, mime, improvisation, and now voice. She has appeared at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the New York Clown Theater Festival, San Francisco Fringe Festival, ImprovBoston, First Night Boston, on the Discovery Channel, and as a clown in Brazil and Germany. She is based in New York City.

Barbara has performed in/on/at a...
Wedding Public park Public library Tradeshow Fundraiser Kids party Schools K-12 University Day care center Senior center Street corner	International festival Fringe Festival Street fair Opera house Baseball game Town parade Corporate party Restaurant Night club TV special Short film Rock concert Circus tent	Park bench Hay bale Roof of a car Abandoned bridge Drawbridge Greenhouse Under an overpass Moving trolley Graveyard Store window Squash court Tunnel Open field Living room Doorway