Marigold Ceremonies

Last November, Sarah, grower and designer at Vera Flora Farm, and I, shared a display table at the Alyson’s Orchard Wedding Fair.

I’m pretty enthusiastic about reaching out to couples at events like this because I find that most people have never heard of a Celebrant before and it’s fun to let them know what’s possible – even if they already have a minister or other officiant to work with.

Sarah overheard me describe the way I retell a couple’s love story and collaborate with them to create elements and rituals that are meaningful and reflective of all they value and hold most dear.

I shared with Sarah the joy I feel to be bringing that kind of creativity and personal resonance to all life-cycle events: baby blessings, coming of age ceremonies, new homes and businesses, and milestone birthdays.

And then she told me more about her baby Willa, and how she wished she and her partner Vanessa had done something more intentional to celebrate her birth.

I suggested to Sarah that a first birthday could be an ideal time to create a ceremony to honor and bless a child, her family, and her community.

And that’s just what we did…

Big sister Izzie walks, dropping stars to form a path around the sun. Symbolic of Willa’s first year and all the birthdays to come as she grows up in a circle of love.

Everyone chose a bead and made a wish for Willa.

Willa and her birthday necklace made their way around the circle.