What is wedding “ARTchitecture”?

"ARTchitecture" is simply a play on words, meaning the "artful" design -- or architecture -- of  personalized ceremonies.

Are you legally qualified to marry me?

Yes, I am a non-religious officiant ("official") with legal authority to perform wedding ceremonies.

How do your wedding ceremonies get constructed?

Each ceremony is unique.  Just as an architect meets with clients to discuss their ideas, get a sense of who they are, and learn what is important to create an environment that will suit the needs and taste of the individuals involved, I do much the same.  I interview you extensively to learn about your values, your definition of spirituality, your personality, your taste in music and literature, your natural talents, the story of how you met and what you want from a shared life together, your work in the world, your ideas about the purpose of vows and wedding rings, your shared and individual interests, and so on.   I then develop, write and weave together elements of a ceremony designed to reflect this information.  In doing this, the ceremony that I perform for you is truly a reflection of YOU, not me.  And this lays a strong and fitting foundation for your marriage.

Are your wedding services “religious”?

My service would only be as “religious” as you are. 

Other than weddings, what kinds of ceremonies do you do?

My ceremony work is broad-ranging, from  celebration of more customary milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, vow renewal, coming of age...) to special events (art openings, fundraisers, new businesses) to honoring unusual times of transition in people's lives. These include psychotherapeutic ceremonies for matters of personal significance such as surviving a loss, living with a particular health challenge, or ending a relationship.  

Some distinctive ceremonies I have authored and facilitated include: 

- "Celebrating the Empty Nest" ™. . . a single mother's only child leaves home for college.

- "Remove, Renew & Rejoice" . . . letting go of an old relationship and welcoming dreams for a brighter future. ™

- "A Heartfelt New Year's Eve" . . . friends mark the start of their new year by dedicating it to dear ones lost in the 9/11 tragedy. ™

- "Miscarriage Memorial" . . . honoring the loss of the unbirthed child. ™

What if my fiancé and I come from different religious backgrounds.  Is this okay?

This is an area of specialty for me, finding a way to join together differing backgrounds through a ceremony that is filled with personal meaning.

We love the outdoors and have some earthy sensibilities.  Can you address this?

I have substantive study of Indigenous (Native) cultures whose rituals and life protocols are rooted in the natural world of the Earth and the outdoors.  I use this background to discover how we’d bring your relationship to the outdoors into your ceremony.

What's your fee?

My fees are structured to accommodate varying wedding budgets while covering the generous amount of time I dedicate to creating your personalized ceremony.

Choosing to have a custom ceremony designed and facilitated through Ceremony ARTchitecture is similar to commissioning a piece of original artwork for your wedding day or special event.   

For weddings: I am best suited for couples who agree that while food, tablecloths, clothing, flowers, music and favors support the festivities of the wedding day, the ceremony is an ever-lasting investment in laying a critical foundation for your future.  It is my belief that HOW we set in motion the things to come may determine what becomes of those things – and ultimately what becomes of our lives.  In this view, the ceremony may deserve special attention in budget planning for those who want something truly exceptional.