Blog
The journey to the wedding day may be a winding one. I’m happy to share some tips and tricks along the way. I continually offer ways to strengthen your relationship, and provide additional resources & tools. Scroll on down, and click on a post that interests you. The comments are always open, and I would love to know what you think!
Find Zen on Your Wedding Day
The wedding day is an exciting day. For most, it's many months (or years) in the making. There has been lots of planning and logistics, and that may come with nerves and anxiety. Here are some things you can do to find Zen and embrace calm on your wedding day!
What is Wedding Yoga?
Wedding planning and the actual wedding day itself can be stressful. The ancient practice of yoga is known for bringing calm and focus to the body and mind through breath and movement. Don't believe me?
Ways to Personalize Your Wedding Ceremony
Many couples these days are moving their ceremonies out of houses of worship. The exciting thing about having a secular ceremony is that there are no rules!
Vendors I Love: ALLISON DAVIS of DAVIS ROW
I met Allison Davis of DAVIS ROW a few years ago at a small wedding expo. Our paths continually cross, which is awesome because her positivity and enthusiasm are infectious. I have to fess up and say that I have yet to work with Allison, but gosh, I cannot wait for that to happen on an upcoming wedding ceremony. Last year, she introduced me to one of her couples and explained the way she works and refers potential creative partners. I thought the process was detailed and smart and I was truly taken aback by Allison's care and integrity. Folks, she's undoubtedly an amazing advocate to have. Without further ado, here's ALLISON DAVIS!
Vendors I Love: JAY McELFRESH EVENTS
Jay and I worked together a few years ago on a lovely ceremony at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. I appreciated the way he knew instinctively how to create mood and energy. I contact everyone involved in the ceremony ahead of time and touch base with them onsite to make sure we're on the same page. It was immediately clear that Jay had my back. He was prepared and ready, and more importantly was a team player. That support shines through as we all strive to make the day as seamless as possible. He's a pro. Without further ado, here's JAY McELFRESH!
Zen Weddings: Creating Expectations
Before each and every counseling session, I ask my couples for an agenda of what they may want to cover. Usually they pick one of The Big Issues off the list, but sometimes they go rogue.
Vendors I Love: CHRISTINE VIOLA & EAP WEDDINGS
I first worked with Christine at the Brooklyn Winery 5 years ago. While I worked with her colleague Tara 2 years ago, it's been a bit since I've collaborated with the EAP Weddings team.
The Ceremony Reading, Alain de Botton [video]
As a wedding officiant, I work with couples to create unique wedding ceremonies. One of my current wedding couples is a pair of writers who are very picky about how certain ideas are expressed in their ceremony. I mean who can blame them? They're writers!
Rites of Passage - Gennep to Brenner
I am currently reading 'Women's Rites of Passage' by Abigail Brenner. As I prepare for my upcoming Zen Bride workshop, I want to consider these transitions from the women's perspective. What's a Rite of Passage, you may ask?
Vendors I Love - WANDERMORE PHOTOGRAPHY
I met Michelle Chriqui from Wandermore Photography at #theloveunion event at 501 Union a few weeks ago. We sat across from each other at the yummy lunch provided by Talde that day. We decided to grab some coffee up in Washington Heights this past week and share war stories. I really appreciated Michelle's passion when she spoke about her clients. Like me, she is largely self-taught and gosh, she's doing her homework! Wandermore is lead by Michelle and her business partner, Towfig Ahmed. Without further ado, I'd love to introduce Michelle Chriqui!
Bringing Yoga to Wedding Professionals
The folks at Gowanus Hospitality Group opened the doors of 501 Union this week for event professionals to meet, learn, co-work and be creative. They’re calling it Love Union. Each day started with a yoga or fitness class – and ended with some happy Happy Hour and workshop or movie. I was asked to lead a yoga class this morning and wanted to do something that mixed the Wedding Yoga and Zen Bride workshop that I offer my couples.
Hope’s 10 Tips for a Zen Wedding
As a Zen Wedding professional, I am constantly asked about things to do to keep the stress low during the engagement period. Here's a list to get you going!
Learning Something New 1
After each wedding ceremony I perform, I always learn something new. The first one taught me to encourage pre-marital counseling. And after that it's been a mix. Sometimes I learn things that clients need, and other times I get an education on things I need to bring into future experiences.