HEARTLIGHT WEDDING OFFICIANTS – WEDDING COUPLES NOTES & THANKS…

A loving thanks to the beautiful couples I have married who have taken the time to send me these lovely notes.

“The most amazing officiant ever! Thank you, Hannah for being such a wonderful part of our wedding day!!”  Molly and Chris Fortna “Thank you so much for making our visit to New Orleans and our wedding so fantastic xxxx”  Nicola and Steven “Open minded and spiritually aware, Hannah helped integrate our beliefs and philosophies of communion, providing a ceremony that truly reflected our hearts union.  We are grateful for the love she showered on us and our lifelong journey.” Josh and Heather Lacey  “We were absolutely delighted with Hannah as our celebrant.  She was the perfect combination of spirituality, tolerance and flexibility for our multicultural, international wedding.  She instilled confidence and warmth into our celebration. Thank you Hannah.”  

Rebecca and Salim Timsar                                            

I was incredibly impressed with the level of assistance Rev. Hannah offered.  She always answered my email questions quickly and was willing to meet up with us whenever we needed her. She even showed us the perfect spot for our ceremony! Rev. Hannah provided us with several different options for our ceremony script from which we were able to custom create the perfect script for us. She was incredibly professional and I would recommend Rev. Hannah to anyone who is looking for a wedding minister! Thank you, Rev. Hannah, for everything.  Kristine & Erik Rasmussen  “My daughter’s wedding would not have been the same without Hannah, our ceremony officiant. She added  joy and calmness to what has to be a bit of a hectic time for any mother…  Hannah honors a breadth of spiritual perspectives in the co-created ceremonies she leads which tells of the breadth of her spiritual experience. I would recommend her to anyone wanting a meaningful ceremony for any of the most important aspects/events of one’s life.”  Lois Clement
 

You are absolutely FANTASTIC! I have the picture of you marrying me and Todd on our mantle and whenever I come in or go out I see your radiant, smiling face as you’re doing the work you are truly meant to do:-)you are absolutely FANTASTIC! 

                                                                        Todd & Whitney Voltz

“Thank you so much for officiating at our January 30 wedding.  The vows were perfect and you make everything so special and personal. We are so glad we chose you for the job! ”       Emily Goodin and David Castille 

“Thomas playing our song during the wedding was beyond amazing and really completed the night. It was such a nice surprise and a thoughtful touch.  He did a wonderful job! ”  Emily & David Castille

“Rev. Hannah, Thank you so much for performing our wedding ceremony.  The ceremony was absolutely perfect.”   Ben and Sarah Loveless   

“We really enjoyed having Hannah as our wedding officiant. She was very open and warm and did a great job customizing the ceremony for us.”  Delphine and Baxter Stewart

“Having you as our handfasting officiate was awesome! Not only did you read the words, you understood what we were about.”    Kyla and Troy Slade

Hannah was awesome, I couldn’t have picked a better person to do our ceremony.  Arianna & Lucas

You love it when you send your notes and testimonials to our facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/heartlightweddings

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

A SAMPLING OF OUR WEDDING CEREMONIES

Heartlight Weddings provides wedding scripts, poems, suggestions for readings and any assistance you request in the creation of your wedding ceremony. On these pages you will find a few of ceremonies that have been favorites of couples through the years.

THE CELEBRATION OF LOVE SCRIPT

Opening Words 

We are here to celebrate love.  Love organizes our large and sometimes unpredictable world.  Enshrining and ennobling our human experience, it is the basis for the peace of family, and the peace of the peoples of the earth.  The greatest gift bestowed upon humans is the gift of love freely given between two persons. 

Officiant’s Address  In marriage, two people turn to each other in search of a greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone.  Marriage is a bold step, taken together, into an unknown future.   It is risking who we are for the sake of who we can be.  Only in giving of ourselves fully, and sharing our lives with another, can the mysterious process of growth take place.  Only in loyalty and devotion bestowed upon another can that which is eternal in life emerge and be known.  Two among us, who have stood apart, come together now, to declare their love and to be united in marriage.  The power of the wedding vows is a reflection of a reality that exists in the hearts and minds of  _____ and ___.  Your love for one another, your integrity and your commitment to one another will make your marriage a loving and lasting union. 

CONSECRATION and VOWS: Enfolded in joy, inhabited by hope, bathed in the infinite spectrum of light that is love, may you be always infused with it and beautifully illumined by it.  May every desire you have for your love be fulfilled and may you be given the vision with which to clearly behold one another, the listening with which to perceive one another most genuinely and the endless generosity of spirit with which to nourish one another’s soul and sweetly keep the promises you make here today. 

Personal vows to one another (optional) 

Statement of Intention To BRIDE: Do you bride now take groom to be your husband, your partner in life, your lover and your friend? I do. 

To Groom: Do you groom now take bride to be your wife, your partner in life, your lover and your friend? I do.  

 Exchange of Rings:  Love freely given has no giver and no receiver.  You are each the giver and each the receiver.  The wedding ring is a symbol, in visible form, of the unbroken circle of your love, so that wherever you go, you may always return to your shared life together.  May these rings always call to mind the power of your love.   [to groom] As you place this ring on bride’s finger, please repeat after me, “I give you this ring, to wear upon your hand, as a symbol of my endless love and commitment to you.” 

 [to bride] As you place this ring on groom’s finger, please repeat after me, “I give you this ring, to wear upon your hand, as a symbol of my endless love and commitment to you.” 

Final Blessing for Your Marriage: May your days be filled with happiness and a gracious spirit.  Despite all changes of fortune and time, may that which is noble and lovely and true remain abundantly in your hearts, giving you strength for all that lies ahead. 

Pronouncement ______ and _______, you have declared your deep love and affection for each other.  You have stated your wish to live together, always open to a deeper, richer friendship and partnership.  You have formed your own union, based on love, respect and honor. Therefore, it is my pleasureto officially acknowledge you are  “Husband and Wife”.  

 You may kiss.

 Ladies and Gentlemen Mr. and Mrs. _______    

 

  THE WEDDING OF HEART, MIND, BODY

OPENING WORDS

We are here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words and ceremony which shall unite ____ and ____ in marriage. This ceremony affirms your love for each other and your commitment to a life full of love, laughter, respect and tenderness.

 BLESSING

Today this union is blessed with the sincere wish that you may have true communication of heart, mind and body. May your union be blessed with endurance, fidelity, a firm foundation on which to build, great fertility of heart, mind and body, a stable home to which you may always return and the purpose and dedication to grow within a lasting relationship.

 Today you commit to remain true to your own natures, yet create together a relationship of great beauty.  On this special day, you are choosing to become for all time a beautiful reflection of each other’s essenc

 CONSECRATION and VOWS:

In joining your lives today may you build your relationship on hope and love, on truth and joy.  May every desire you have for your love be fulfilled and may you be given the vision with which to clearly behold one another, the listening with which to perceive one another most genuinely and the endless generosity of spirit with which to nourish one another’s soul.

Bride and Groom please face each other and join your hands, and in so doing, join your hearts.

Vows: To bride:  With a ground of solid foundation, the breath of knowledge, the flame of inspiration and an ocean of understanding, do you now take ____ as your husband?  I DO.

 To Groom: With a ground of solid foundation, the breath of knowledge, the flame of inspiration and an ocean of understanding, do you now take ____as your wife?  I DO.

BLESSING OF THE RINGS: Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness; you have chosen to be together, to allow the presence of another to enhance who you are.  As you wear them through time, they will reflect, not only who you are but also the union you are making; the fact that through the rest of your lives each of you will be imprinted by the other, yet remain your true self.

 EXCHANGE OF RINGS: You repeat after me for this section.

Groom please place the ring on Brides finger and repeat after me: 

As a sign of my love and that I am choosing to share my whole life’s journey with you, I give you this ring and pledge you my love

Bride, please place the ring on grooms finger and repeat after me: 

As a sign of my love and that I am choosing to share my whole life’s journey with you, I give you this ring and pledge you my love

And now as you ______ and you ________, have pledged yourselves to each other for all the days of your lives, it gives me great joy to pronounce you husband and wife.

 You may kiss.

 You are now Mr. and Mrs. ____________________.

HEARTLIGHT WEDDING OFFICIANTS – ASHEVILLE NC WEDDING PHOTOS –…

Wedding at Lake Lure Inn, NC One of the sweetest brides I have ever had the pleasure of marrying. This wedding was filled with laughter and tangible love. The bride was lovely,the groom was tall and handsome and the day was beautiful. Handfasting on Lake Fontana This couple chose the romantic setting on the mountain lake at Fontana, NC. The couple chose a Celtic handfasting for their ceremony. A gorgeous day, a radiant bride and a beautiful ceremony. Sept. Wedding at Wolf Laurel Lodge Perfect weather blessed this outdoor wedding. Wedding ceremony at Lake Junaleska NC Inspiration Point at Lake Junaleska was the beautiful backdrop for this summer wedding, June 2011 Wedding in Asheville at The Crest Center. A wedding ceremony overlooking the gorgeous mountains of western NC had all the elements of perfection. A Traditional wedding at Old Edwards Inn Farm in Highland NC There were hummingbirds flying and birds singing. The couples dog, Cooper, was one of the flower girls and she performed her task with great dignity. Handfasting mountain vow renewal After 7 years, this couple renewed their vows with a handfasting ceremony. A great couple and a beautiful day. Wedding at Brahma Ridge Events The beautiful natural setting of Brahma Ridge in Candler, provided the romantic setting for this summer wedding. The couples dog was the flower girl, the brides father and uncle played Beatle tunes. Romantic wedding in the mountains of North Carolina. A covered bridge over a mountain spring , beatles music and lots of love at this wedding. Photo by Ben Walters North Carolina Mountain Wedding This couple had their children participate in the wedding. They incorporated a Unity sand pouring ritual into the service. Lake Lure NC wedding was the location for this summer wedding. This traditional wedding took place in the Gazebo at Lake Lure high in the mountains of North Carolina Commitment ceremony at Claxton Farm in North Carolina The Butterfly release was the surprise in this wedding. Taditional Wedding at Kanuga Chapel, hendersonville NC This beautiful chapel was the site for an early June wedding A Destination Wedding in Asheville at The Terrace at Grove Park Inn This destination wedding in Asheville NC included the children of the bride. North Carolina Wedding on the Farm A non-traditional wedding took place on this couple’s farm near Weaverville. They were barefoot and blissful. The bride sang a song she wrote for the groom before their vows. Handfasting wedding at Alpine Glenn B&B A Celtic handfasting ritual was part of this wedding. The bride made her dress and the grooms shirt, the canopy for the wedding ceremony and blankets for everyone to sit on during the picnic style reception.

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

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The Asheville area provides an unending array of beauty, serentiy and majesty as a backdrop for your wedding ceremony. 

 REV. TOM JOHANSON, HeartLight Wedding Celebrant

 Asheville NC, Western NC,  Gatlingburg TN, SC

Rev. Tom is an ordained minister who follows a spiritual path that is inclusive and loving.  His joyful spirit, caring heart, gentleness  and approachable manner make him a wonderful choice for your wedding ceremony. 

A Heartlight Minister  for the past ten years, he works with you to create a ceremony according to your beliefs and the vision you hold for your wedding and your future.

Rev. Tom offers spiritual, traditional, non-traditional wedding ceremonies, commitment and vow renewal ceremonies.

A patient and dedicated wedding officiant he brings a sense of relaxation and professionalism to your ceremony so you may relax and know that your wedding will be perfect. 

Tom is also a gifted musician and, when he is not acting as the wedding celebrant, he  performs beautiful original music for weddings. Rev. Tom offers his services throughout Western North Carolina, TN and SC.   He can be reached at 504-255-7531 or through the contact page on this website.

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

From a beautiful outdoor ceremony in City Park, to an elopement  in the French Quarter, to an elegant ceremony in Baton Rouge or a beach wedding on the Gulf Coast,  Rev. Joe Pitzer brings his soothing voice and joyful presence to each ceremony.

REV. JOE PITZER, Heartlight Wediding Celebrant 

 NEW ORLEANS, BATON ROUGE, HAMMOND

Joe Pitzer is an ordained non-denominational wedding officiant.  He conducts beautiful  ceremonies  including weddings, vow renewals, handfastings and other unions, namegiving/baby blessings, and other ceremonies to mark life’s milestones.  

Available to Louisiana and Gulf Coast, Reverend Pitzer specializes in working with you to design a ceremony according to your beliefs and wishes, whether it is for a religious, secular,  spiritual, multi-faith, intercultural, traditional, or very nontraditional ceremony.

As a civil marriage officiant, Reverend Pitzer is not constrained by religious tradition; however, he does comply with the legal requirements of marriage laws to ensure your marriage is legal. He strives to ensure that your ceremony sets the tone not only for your wedding day, but also for your future together as a couple. For same sex couples, he helps design and conduct ceremonies that reflect the love story that brings couples together and binds them in their commitment to one another.

Joe’s naturally warm and patient nature lends to his ability to listen and work with you to ensure your special day reflects your wishes. His relaxed and approachable positive attitude combined with his dignified presence go a long way to ensure the ceremony he conducts for you will be positively memorable.

Contact Rev. Joe 985-345-5751or through his email at [email protected]

HEARTLIGHT WEDDING OFFICIANTS – BABY NAMING CEREMONIES – Asheville,…

                                                                               

BABY NAMING CEREMONIES  

  A baby naming ceremony introduces your child to the larger community of family and friends within the context of sacred ceremony. 

 As the guests gather round, the parents hold their child and make a statement of intention to hold their child in the light of all lights; unconditional love.  Other statements and intentions can be stated by the parents.

 During the ceremony guardians are named and also state their intention to be loving guides to the child as he/she moves through the stages of childhood. These guides are similar to godparents.

The child is officially named, anointed and consecrated to the highest good as ancestors and spirit guides are invited to protect the child through its life.

Music can be included in the ceremony along with offerings of poetry, readings, and good wishes from family and friends.

This ceremony is a beautiful way to bring family and friends together to state a group intention of health, well being, and all good things for your child. A community dinner can follow the ceremony. Gifts may be given to the child and parents.

Rev. Hannah Desmond enjoys providing this beautiful service throughout the year. Children who receive blessings and group intentions for well being, thrive within their family and community.  Parents stating a conscious intention for unconditional love find they remain more conscious and renew this intention as they interact with their child through the years. This ceremony is usually performed during the babies first year. Hannah offers this service for locally for $100. 

Please contact Hannah for more information and to schedule your child’s naming ceremony.

504-255-7531 or through our contact page on this website.

HEARTLIGHT WEDDING OFFICIANTS – ASHEVILL MINISTER, REV HANNAH –…

Rev. Hannah Desmond

Heartlight Wedding Celebrant

offering  services in Asheville NC , Charlotte NC, and the Gatlingburg TN area

author of the upcoming book

The Wedding Journey

A guide to your ceremony and 

joyful marriage

 Available now, her CD: Heartlight Relaxation for the Bride & Groom

Hannah Desmond an ordained non-denominational wedding officiant  honors the beliefs and traditions of all couples seeking to form a loving union. For almost two decades, Hannah has been offering her services for  traditional and non-traditional weddings, vow renewals, handfasting rituals and commitment ceremonies. 

Offering her service in the Western North Carolina area, Hannah is available throughout the year. She also travels to New Orleans several times a year and is available to perform weddings, booked in advance, in New Orleans.

Hannah is also a trained Holistic Therapist. Using the wholeness techniques of Gestalt Therapy, Transformational hypnosis and Reiki, Hannah assists couples in coping with the stress that can accompany the time leading up to the wedding day. She also offers  personal sessions, offering assisitance with the transition into married life.  

 Follow Rev. Hannah  at http://www.facebook.com/heartlightweddings

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

WINTER WEDDING DISCOUNT Rev. Hannah Desmond and Rev. Tom Johanson of HeartLight Weddings in Asheville, offer a 20% discount on all weddings booked for Dec. 21st 2011 through March 31st 2012. This discount is good for wedddings within a one hours drive from Asheville. If you are planning a destination weddings, elopement, commitement ceremony, vow renewal or handfasting we will be able to assist you in creating a truly meaningful and memorable wedding service.  Feel free to contact us on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/heartlightweddings  We can answer questions, set up phone conferences or meetings in person. After the wedding be sure to post your photos on our facebook page.

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

Contact Us We appreciate all inquiries and respond promptly. Simply fill out the form below with your questions and comments. Thanks for visiting Heartlight Weddings. Thank you! Your information has been submitted successfully. There was an error submitting the form.

heartlightwedding Celebrants Asheville NC and New Orleans, LA

The summer months are filled with weddings. I have been traveling around the western NC area quite a lot. Now that my husband, Rev Tom Johanson is also performing ceremonies, I am sometimes traveling alone as he will have a wedding to perform in the opposite direction.  My youngest daughter has recently returned to NC so I am hoping she will step in and be my driving companion and take pictures for my wedding portfolio. 

My book is finished and at the publishers. I finally have time to catch up with filing, advertising and other business related efforts. I like to keep a file of each wedding I perform with a copy of the marriage license,  the ceremony, the check and a photo of the bride and groom.  I have quite a bit of work to do to catch up on these files.

Summer time has been outdoor wedding time and I have performed a lot of ceremonies. The biggest problem with summer weddings has not been the chance of rain but the HEAT. If you are planning an outdoor summer wedding it is a good idea to have the ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening.  A hand fan on each chair provides guests with some relief.  Please do not seat your guests in the sun. I have been to several weddings where there is a pavilion or large gazebo and for some reason, the guests are seated outside of the shaded area and out in the hot sun. I look out at a sea of sweaty faces hoping for a short ceremony.  For the outdoor reception provide large fans that keep the air moving.  Most outdoor weddings I have attended have  buckets filled with ice and bottled water, an excellent idea to keep your guests hydrated. Summer weddings are beautiful, the brides wear filmy gowns and the grooms are often in white linen suits, flowers are bountiful as are bees and, lately, I have seen hummingbirds fluttering around the flowers at the weddings.   Scheduling a late afternoon outdoor wedding,Taking time to provide hand fans, large electric fans, cold water and seating in the shade makes for a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor summer wedding.