You are kidding ... aren't you?

A recent conversation I had with another wedding vendor (and I'll call him "Vendor" to preserve his anonymity):

Vendor: Hey, I'm going to perform the ceremony for my best friend!

RJM: Wow! That's great! (Big smile!)

Vendor: Yeah, it's going to be a blast! I'm planning to wear a tuxedo -- just the shirt and jacket. No pants, just my underwear.

RJM: (Surprised silence.)

Vendor: Either that, or I'm going to wear a bear's head, or ... (he mentioned another outrageous costume; I forget what it was).

RJM: You're kidding, right? (Smaller smile.)

Vendor: Oh, no! He's my best friend, and it's going to be a huge party!

RJM: (Little smile; what could I say?)

Okay, maybe I'm old-fashioned.
Maybe I'm conservative.
Maybe I'm just thinking of my own comfort zone.
Maybe I'm wondering what the Bride thinks of this idea -- or if she even knows.
Maybe I'm thinking of the wedding photos, and how this guy is going to stand out in ALL the ceremony pictures.

Or ... maybe I'm thinking of the importance of the wedding ceremony, and wondering why anyone would want to turn it into a comedy routine, rather than a strong foundation upon which the couple will build their marriage.

Humor in a wedding ceremony? ABSOLUTELY! (IF it's appropriate for the couple, that is.)

Am I a stuffy person? Um, no. (At least I don't think so!) I like to have fun, and I've been called the "Irreverent Reverend" more than once. And I like that! ;)

But a bear's head? Or half a tuxedo? I don't think so.

(And I hope someone tells the Bride. Somehow, I think she would want to know.)

Rev. Jeri

At last ...

It's been a long time since I've posted. Much has happened -- lots of good things! -- and I'll be sharing ...

Here's one of the two best things: I got to spend the Fourth of July weekend with all three of my children, and my granddaughter! Yup, it was the first time in nearly 6 years that we have all been together.

The occasion? Family reunion, this year in Springville, Utah. We had thunderclouds, a little rain, mosquitoes, long (and rather eventful) drives -- and a great time!

Courage campaign

You may have already seen this video. And if you've read my blog, you know how I feel about same sex marriages.

Let's not only sign this petition, let us also hold in our own hearts the belief that love will prevail, regardless of sexual orientation (or color, or age, or health or wealth or anything else).

On behalf of Amy and Deborah (together over 12 years), Pierre and Bob (over 17 years), Robyn and Sam (nearly 20 years), and Lenaea and Michelle, Sarah and Lou, Lori and Mary, Leon and Carlos, and all the other couples whose love knows no boundaries, thank you.

Blessings,
Rev. Jeri

My book has arrived!

I am so excited to announce that I'm a published author! I've written a wedding book, "Celebration Ceremonies, The Perfect Words for Your Wedding Day!" and it just arrived yesterday.

Now, before you head over to Border's to purchase multiple copies (!!), I must confess that it's really more of a marketing tool than something you'd want to curl up with and read before a toasty fire. Unless, of course, you love looking at wedding photos -- most of which include me! -- and pondering ceremony ideas.

In the past when I've met with couples -- that no-cost, no-obligation, no-pressure first meeting -- I would bring my black binder which includes parts of the ceremony, samples of what I might wear, and a few pages of "kudos" from happy couples.

However, after putting together a life-story book in honor of my boyfriend's birthday last year, I decided to create a book about weddings. I used an online bookmaking program, Blurb.com, and I HIGHLY recommend it. It was so much fun, easy to use, and the finished product looks great! (In my humble opinion, of course. LOL!)

So, thank you for letting me brag on myself! (And if you're a Sacramento couple, looking for a wedding officiant, give me a call. If we meet, I'll let you look at my book!)

Blessings,
Rev. Jeri
www.RevJeriMurphy.com

A sweet expression of love!

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all feel this loving towards others, even if they are "different" from us?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rooyt3ptNco

Rev. Jeri

To love, cherish ... and obey?

Instead of exchanging rings ...

I read this on another blog, and I LOVE the idea:

Instead of doing a ring exchange, our officiant asked us to hold our hands over the other's heart and declare, "From my hand to your heart, I thee wed" which reminded us that love is an action. Our actions and what we do with our hands affects people's emotions. We must live every day choosing to love our partner and protecting and cherishing their heart and feelings.

It gave me goosebumps when I read it!

Anyone else done this? Or anything else very special and personal, while exchanging rings?

Rev. Jeri

(PS: Photo by Lifetime Photography by Bakari)