Here comes the bride - complete with funeral car, gothic mistresses and children in Halloween costumes.
There was no white frock and vintage Rolls for Kelly Robinson and her fiance Charles Rickaby when they tied the knot – goth style.
Instead the couple and the rest of the wedding party dressed in black for the nuptials at Leyland's Civic Centre.
Kelly, 30, was in a custom-made wedding dress from America, a tiara complete with bats, and four-inch stilettos in black patent leather.
Kelly, who grew up on Fossdale Moss, Leyland, and was a student at Worden High School, said: "I've been a goth since I was 15 and I thought it's not me to wear a white wedding dress.
"I did want to sit in the front of a hearse but when my dad rang up they said they are only insured for dead people."
Following the wedding, Kelly and 38-year-old Charles, an archaeologist from Newcastle, were due to head off t
o Whitby Goth Weekend for their honeymoon – the place where they met two years ago.
Kelly's sister Amy entertained the guests with her rock band Crimzon on a stage made up to look like a graveyard.
View a slideshow of the wedding here
Amy, 25, said: "I'm not a goth, but I am a bit of a rock chick. Because I shared a bedroom with Kelly when I was growing up, I had to listen to all her music.
"It was certainly a wedding with a difference and one Leyland won't forget in a hurry."
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Funeral-car-takes-bride-to.3859868.jp
Friday, March 14, 2008
Indian Jewish 'Wedding' At Jewish Community Center In New York
On Sunday, February 17, the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA staged an Indian Jewish “wedding ceremony” at the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan.
It was a close replica of the wedding rituals and ceremony performed in India by the Bene Israel community. The “chattan” and “kallah”were Lael and Regina Daniel, a longtime married couple.
The chattan was brought to the bimah (platform) to the singing of the Torat Emet (Maimonides’s 8th of 13 principles of faith stated by Maimonides). Then Lael sang the Yona Theezeev, a 16th century melody, praising both the bride’s comeliness and Israel. The kallah then joined the chattan on the bimah.
The ritualistic wedding ceremony, the melody for confirmation of vows, and the exchange of rings were performed by Romiel Daniel, president of the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA. This was followed by the chanting of the Akhtana (wedding contract written in Aramaic) by David Galsurkar and the recitation of five blessings (instead of the usual seven, as this was not a real wedding).
Romiel Daniel explained the wedding’s rituals and the unique Indian Jewish ceremony, the malida. It was pointed out that any auspicious occasion is preceded by the invoking of God’s blessings and the request for Elijah the prophet to be the protector.
The wedding ceremony was preceded by an Indian kosher vegetarian buffet lunch. The event was an enjoyable and educational eye-opener of the unique rituals and traditions of the Indian Jewish community for the American Jewish attendees.
http://www.jewishpress.com/
It was a close replica of the wedding rituals and ceremony performed in India by the Bene Israel community. The “chattan” and “kallah”were Lael and Regina Daniel, a longtime married couple.
The chattan was brought to the bimah (platform) to the singing of the Torat Emet (Maimonides’s 8th of 13 principles of faith stated by Maimonides). Then Lael sang the Yona Theezeev, a 16th century melody, praising both the bride’s comeliness and Israel. The kallah then joined the chattan on the bimah.
The ritualistic wedding ceremony, the melody for confirmation of vows, and the exchange of rings were performed by Romiel Daniel, president of the Indian Jewish Congregation of USA. This was followed by the chanting of the Akhtana (wedding contract written in Aramaic) by David Galsurkar and the recitation of five blessings (instead of the usual seven, as this was not a real wedding).
Romiel Daniel explained the wedding’s rituals and the unique Indian Jewish ceremony, the malida. It was pointed out that any auspicious occasion is preceded by the invoking of God’s blessings and the request for Elijah the prophet to be the protector.
The wedding ceremony was preceded by an Indian kosher vegetarian buffet lunch. The event was an enjoyable and educational eye-opener of the unique rituals and traditions of the Indian Jewish community for the American Jewish attendees.
http://www.jewishpress.com/
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Longest Walk 2 Begins with Ceremony & Support for Repatriation for CA Tribal Natio
Longest Walk 2 Begins with Ceremony & Support for Repatriation for California Tribal Nations
Press Conference: University of California Berkeley Denies Protection of Native Ancestral Remains and Sacred Objects
BERKELEY, Calif. -- On February 11, 2008, Indigenous Nations from around the country held a rally and press conference at the University of California Berkeley, to commence the Longest Walk 2 – a trans-continental walk for environmental protection and Native American rights. Participants of the Longest Walk 2 are embarking on a five- month journey on foot from San Francisco and will arrive in Washington, D.C. on July 11, 2008.
More than 1,000 Native American dignitaries, religious leaders, environmental, and union groups began the walk at a Monday sunrise ceremony at Alcatraz Island, which has become a symbol for Native American Resistance. The events continued with a peaceful rally and press conference at the University of California.
“Longest Walk 2 embraces the struggle in solidarity with California Natives fighting the sudden and secretive elimination of UC Berkeley’s Hearst Museum’s unit on Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).” Said Jimbo Simmons, National Coordinator of The Longest Walk 2 and Native American NAGPRA Coalition member. “We are protesting the university’s possession of more than 12,000 ancestral remains. Not only is UC Berkeley refusing to comply with federal law, they are turning complete control of our missing Indian ancestors and sacred objects to radical anti-repatriation scientists.”
Native Americans and social justice allies demanded a reversal to the administrative exclusion of Native Americans from any decision making process. Native people also demanded that the university immediately comply with all federal and state laws.
“You are literally walking in my ancestors foot steps,” said Cheyenne Gould, a 17-year-old Muwekwa Ohlone youth. “My ancestors walked all through here and now they are in boxes at this university, I feel appreciative of the Longest Walk 2 because we need more people to speak out. We also need more people to listen to us so that the University will give back our remains so we can have proper burials.”
A march that grew to more than 400 people began at UC Berkeley’s Oak Grove. Activists have been blocking plans by University officials to clear cut old growth trees and demolish the area that has been identified as an Ohlone burial site by UC Berkeley’s own archeology department.
Marchers proceeded to Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus with a call to attention and for support for a California State Senate hearing on February 26 to investigate the ongoing rights violations committed by the university against Native Americans. Marchers also voiced support for mediation between Indian Nations and the UCB system.
“When it comes to Native Americans, why is that we have no guaranteed protection of our religious freedoms and our ancestors’ final sacred resting places?” said Morning Star Gali, Achumawi Band of the Pit River Nation and member of the Native American NAGPRA Coalition. “Universities, such as UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, and developers continue to violate federal laws and desecrate our burial sites and sacred places. Both UC Berkeley and SF State are holding over 12,000 of our ancestors and cultural objects hostage.”
“This is a direct attack on our people.” said Joey Silvas, Wailaki tribal member. “We will be back until our people are returned, everyone of them. I would like you to take these messages from Alcatraz, Glen Cove, UC Berkeley, and DQ University. The whole world needs to know. Not only in Indian Country.”
The Longest Walk of 2008 is stopping in communities all across Turtle Island. Longest Walk participants will listen to Native peoples concerns, document and deliver them to US officials in DC.
The 2008 walk will mark the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native America.
In July of 1978, thousands converged on the Nations capitol to immobilize 11 pieces of legislation in Congress that would have abrogated Native American Treaties.
“It’s sad to think that there are more dead Indians here at this University than live ones. That needs to change,” said Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement. “They have studied us long enough. They’ve trampled upon our history, they have disturbed the journey of our spirits.”
“Americas if you were our friend, we wouldn’t have to walk across this country to say how we’ve been hurt!”
###
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/02/11/18478448.php
Press Conference: University of California Berkeley Denies Protection of Native Ancestral Remains and Sacred Objects
BERKELEY, Calif. -- On February 11, 2008, Indigenous Nations from around the country held a rally and press conference at the University of California Berkeley, to commence the Longest Walk 2 – a trans-continental walk for environmental protection and Native American rights. Participants of the Longest Walk 2 are embarking on a five- month journey on foot from San Francisco and will arrive in Washington, D.C. on July 11, 2008.
More than 1,000 Native American dignitaries, religious leaders, environmental, and union groups began the walk at a Monday sunrise ceremony at Alcatraz Island, which has become a symbol for Native American Resistance. The events continued with a peaceful rally and press conference at the University of California.
“Longest Walk 2 embraces the struggle in solidarity with California Natives fighting the sudden and secretive elimination of UC Berkeley’s Hearst Museum’s unit on Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).” Said Jimbo Simmons, National Coordinator of The Longest Walk 2 and Native American NAGPRA Coalition member. “We are protesting the university’s possession of more than 12,000 ancestral remains. Not only is UC Berkeley refusing to comply with federal law, they are turning complete control of our missing Indian ancestors and sacred objects to radical anti-repatriation scientists.”
Native Americans and social justice allies demanded a reversal to the administrative exclusion of Native Americans from any decision making process. Native people also demanded that the university immediately comply with all federal and state laws.
“You are literally walking in my ancestors foot steps,” said Cheyenne Gould, a 17-year-old Muwekwa Ohlone youth. “My ancestors walked all through here and now they are in boxes at this university, I feel appreciative of the Longest Walk 2 because we need more people to speak out. We also need more people to listen to us so that the University will give back our remains so we can have proper burials.”
A march that grew to more than 400 people began at UC Berkeley’s Oak Grove. Activists have been blocking plans by University officials to clear cut old growth trees and demolish the area that has been identified as an Ohlone burial site by UC Berkeley’s own archeology department.
Marchers proceeded to Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus with a call to attention and for support for a California State Senate hearing on February 26 to investigate the ongoing rights violations committed by the university against Native Americans. Marchers also voiced support for mediation between Indian Nations and the UCB system.
“When it comes to Native Americans, why is that we have no guaranteed protection of our religious freedoms and our ancestors’ final sacred resting places?” said Morning Star Gali, Achumawi Band of the Pit River Nation and member of the Native American NAGPRA Coalition. “Universities, such as UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, and developers continue to violate federal laws and desecrate our burial sites and sacred places. Both UC Berkeley and SF State are holding over 12,000 of our ancestors and cultural objects hostage.”
“This is a direct attack on our people.” said Joey Silvas, Wailaki tribal member. “We will be back until our people are returned, everyone of them. I would like you to take these messages from Alcatraz, Glen Cove, UC Berkeley, and DQ University. The whole world needs to know. Not only in Indian Country.”
The Longest Walk of 2008 is stopping in communities all across Turtle Island. Longest Walk participants will listen to Native peoples concerns, document and deliver them to US officials in DC.
The 2008 walk will mark the 30th anniversary of the original Longest Walk of 1978 that resulted in historic changes for Native America.
In July of 1978, thousands converged on the Nations capitol to immobilize 11 pieces of legislation in Congress that would have abrogated Native American Treaties.
“It’s sad to think that there are more dead Indians here at this University than live ones. That needs to change,” said Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement. “They have studied us long enough. They’ve trampled upon our history, they have disturbed the journey of our spirits.”
“Americas if you were our friend, we wouldn’t have to walk across this country to say how we’ve been hurt!”
###
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/02/11/18478448.php
Minutes into marriage, bride dies in first dance
It was the first dance of a marriage that was not to be.
Kim Sjostrom and Teddy Efkarpides had been married for less than an hour on January 19 when the bride crumpled in her husband's arms during a rendition of a Greek song that means simply "love me". At 36, Ms Sjostrom was dead from heart disease.
The couple were married in Davie, Florida, three years to the day after their first date.
Ms Sjostrom had wanted a real-life version of the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which played in the background as friends fixed her hair and make-up before the ceremony.
The wedding was a project at Davie Elementary School, where Ms Sjostrom taught first grade. Fellow teachers provided the wedding gown, the flowers, decorations and one of them, an ordained minister, performed the ceremony.
Ms Sjostrom carried blue and white flowers during the ceremony - the colours of the Greek flag. As they exchanged vows, Mr Efkarpides, a 43-year-old carpenter and navy veteran, wept with happiness.
The joyous mood of the celebration was soon transformed when Ms Sjostrom complained of being lightheaded during the couple's first dance.
Mr Efkarpides thought his wife, a diabetic, needed sugar. She collapsed.
Efforts to revive her by wedding guests, paramedics and doctors at a nearby hospital all failed.
She had a previous cardiac episode in her 20s and was a poster child - literally - for juvenile diabetes, relatives and friends said. Mr Efkarpides recalled seeing the poster featuring his bride on New York subways.
Friends are mourning Ms Sjostrom knowing she was probably pleased with her last moments. She had her Greek-themed wedding, complete with Greek husband.
"It was perfect for her," said Dominic Church, the friend who performed the marriage.
"The only official document that can bear the name she wanted to have is the death certificate," Mr Efkarpides said.
He consoles himself by reading a list of "101 Reasons Why I Love You" that Ms Sjostrom gave him their first Christmas together. No.1 is "You make me smile."
No. 98 is especially difficult, the one not meant to be: "You're the one I want to grow old with."
http://www.smh.com.au
Kim Sjostrom and Teddy Efkarpides had been married for less than an hour on January 19 when the bride crumpled in her husband's arms during a rendition of a Greek song that means simply "love me". At 36, Ms Sjostrom was dead from heart disease.
The couple were married in Davie, Florida, three years to the day after their first date.
Ms Sjostrom had wanted a real-life version of the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which played in the background as friends fixed her hair and make-up before the ceremony.
The wedding was a project at Davie Elementary School, where Ms Sjostrom taught first grade. Fellow teachers provided the wedding gown, the flowers, decorations and one of them, an ordained minister, performed the ceremony.
Ms Sjostrom carried blue and white flowers during the ceremony - the colours of the Greek flag. As they exchanged vows, Mr Efkarpides, a 43-year-old carpenter and navy veteran, wept with happiness.
The joyous mood of the celebration was soon transformed when Ms Sjostrom complained of being lightheaded during the couple's first dance.
Mr Efkarpides thought his wife, a diabetic, needed sugar. She collapsed.
Efforts to revive her by wedding guests, paramedics and doctors at a nearby hospital all failed.
She had a previous cardiac episode in her 20s and was a poster child - literally - for juvenile diabetes, relatives and friends said. Mr Efkarpides recalled seeing the poster featuring his bride on New York subways.
Friends are mourning Ms Sjostrom knowing she was probably pleased with her last moments. She had her Greek-themed wedding, complete with Greek husband.
"It was perfect for her," said Dominic Church, the friend who performed the marriage.
"The only official document that can bear the name she wanted to have is the death certificate," Mr Efkarpides said.
He consoles himself by reading a list of "101 Reasons Why I Love You" that Ms Sjostrom gave him their first Christmas together. No.1 is "You make me smile."
No. 98 is especially difficult, the one not meant to be: "You're the one I want to grow old with."
http://www.smh.com.au
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Consecration ceremony starts in Sofia
Sofia. The ceremony of consecrating the flags of the Bulgarian Armed Forces has started in Sofia, Focus News Agency reported.
Bulgaria’s President and Commander-in-Chief Georgi Parvanov is present at the ritual traditional for Epiphany.
The ceremony is attended also by Defense Minister Veselin Bliznakov, deputy defense ministers, Chief of General Staff of the Bulgarian Army General Zlatan Stoykov, National Assembly Chairman Georgi Pirinski, leader of the Antional Movement Simeon II Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n130886
Bulgaria’s President and Commander-in-Chief Georgi Parvanov is present at the ritual traditional for Epiphany.
The ceremony is attended also by Defense Minister Veselin Bliznakov, deputy defense ministers, Chief of General Staff of the Bulgarian Army General Zlatan Stoykov, National Assembly Chairman Georgi Pirinski, leader of the Antional Movement Simeon II Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n130886
Ceremony houses give civic body the slip
Abhishek Law
Kolkata, Jan. 5: Though ceremony houses, especially unregistered ones charging exorbitant fees, are mushrooming in the city, civic bosses at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are happy to look the other way.
The civic body’s lack of infrastructure, coupled with its willingness to let these houses remain as they are, has turned out to be a blessing for the ceremonial houses. These houses, despite charging exorbitant sums varying between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, get away by not paying any licence fees to the KMC because of their “irregular status”.
Municipal commissioner Mr Alapan Bandopadhyay said: “We are not concerned with the amount these marriage houses charge and we do not interfere in their day-to- day running. We see whether they clear their licence fees with the KMC or not.” While the civic body is authorised to provide licences to these ceremony houses, the KMC has no power to check whether they are registered or not.
Mr Bandopadhyay said: “We provide licences after judging matters on a case-to-case basis. Ceremony houses cannot just crop up anywhere and everywhere in the city.”
He also added that at present, the KMC has tightened its norms for granting licences.
Clearances are obtained after the civic officials judge several parameters such as the amount of parking space that the ceremony house can provide at the time of the event, clearances from other departments like conservancy, among others. “Who will judge whether the ceremony houses have a valid licence? Unless specific complaints come, no one can check their validity,” an official said.
Officials, however, said that earlier, when ceremony houses fell under the “green category” of trades, almost all applicants were provided licences. This led to the mushrooming of marriage halls in the city.
Later, these marriage houses were brought under the “red category” where civic officials gave licences only after verification. But even then, there were lapses.
Ceremony houses continued without seeking licences from the KMC. Only when Calcutta High Court rapped the civic body, almost six to eight months ago, were norms tightened.
When asked, member, mayor-in-council (Buildings and Licence) Mr Dipankar Dey, said: “We have asked all ceremony houses in the city to register themselves with the KMC.
A 31-March deadline has been fixed. If they fail to meet the deadline, we will take penal measures.” When asked about the steps that the city civic body would take regarding “irregular” ceremony houses, Mr Bandopadhyay failed to mention anything concrete. He said: “We do not immediately want a crackdown on these ceremony houses. Social as well as sentimental values are attached to them.”
On the issue of infrastructure shortage, he claimed that the KMC may take the help of police to close down the places.
“If needed, we will issue notices asking people not to book these places. But at present, we are trying to re-orient an old system and doing so would take some time.”
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=6&theme=&usrsess=1&id=183948
Kolkata, Jan. 5: Though ceremony houses, especially unregistered ones charging exorbitant fees, are mushrooming in the city, civic bosses at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are happy to look the other way.
The civic body’s lack of infrastructure, coupled with its willingness to let these houses remain as they are, has turned out to be a blessing for the ceremonial houses. These houses, despite charging exorbitant sums varying between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, get away by not paying any licence fees to the KMC because of their “irregular status”.
Municipal commissioner Mr Alapan Bandopadhyay said: “We are not concerned with the amount these marriage houses charge and we do not interfere in their day-to- day running. We see whether they clear their licence fees with the KMC or not.” While the civic body is authorised to provide licences to these ceremony houses, the KMC has no power to check whether they are registered or not.
Mr Bandopadhyay said: “We provide licences after judging matters on a case-to-case basis. Ceremony houses cannot just crop up anywhere and everywhere in the city.”
He also added that at present, the KMC has tightened its norms for granting licences.
Clearances are obtained after the civic officials judge several parameters such as the amount of parking space that the ceremony house can provide at the time of the event, clearances from other departments like conservancy, among others. “Who will judge whether the ceremony houses have a valid licence? Unless specific complaints come, no one can check their validity,” an official said.
Officials, however, said that earlier, when ceremony houses fell under the “green category” of trades, almost all applicants were provided licences. This led to the mushrooming of marriage halls in the city.
Later, these marriage houses were brought under the “red category” where civic officials gave licences only after verification. But even then, there were lapses.
Ceremony houses continued without seeking licences from the KMC. Only when Calcutta High Court rapped the civic body, almost six to eight months ago, were norms tightened.
When asked, member, mayor-in-council (Buildings and Licence) Mr Dipankar Dey, said: “We have asked all ceremony houses in the city to register themselves with the KMC.
A 31-March deadline has been fixed. If they fail to meet the deadline, we will take penal measures.” When asked about the steps that the city civic body would take regarding “irregular” ceremony houses, Mr Bandopadhyay failed to mention anything concrete. He said: “We do not immediately want a crackdown on these ceremony houses. Social as well as sentimental values are attached to them.”
On the issue of infrastructure shortage, he claimed that the KMC may take the help of police to close down the places.
“If needed, we will issue notices asking people not to book these places. But at present, we are trying to re-orient an old system and doing so would take some time.”
http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=6&theme=&usrsess=1&id=183948
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Angola: Welfare Ministry Holds Yearend Compliments Ceremony
Angola's Social Welfare Ministry staff this Friday, in Luanda, will present their yearend compliments to the incumbent minister, Joao Baptista Kussumua, reads a document from the institution.
During the ceremony, the minister will inform the workers on the Angolan government's ongoing actions and others for 2008 which are mainly relating to children, senior citizens, disabled people and the sustainable reintegration of Angolan refugees.
Joao Baptista Kussumua will also speak on the social, professional and economic reintegration of ex-soldiers from UNITA, MPLA and FNLA parties, as well as on the demining process taking place throughout the country.
The ceremony will be attended by national directors, department heads and general-directors of public institutes functioning under the umbrella of the Social Welfare and Reintegration Ministry.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200712280529.html
During the ceremony, the minister will inform the workers on the Angolan government's ongoing actions and others for 2008 which are mainly relating to children, senior citizens, disabled people and the sustainable reintegration of Angolan refugees.
Joao Baptista Kussumua will also speak on the social, professional and economic reintegration of ex-soldiers from UNITA, MPLA and FNLA parties, as well as on the demining process taking place throughout the country.
The ceremony will be attended by national directors, department heads and general-directors of public institutes functioning under the umbrella of the Social Welfare and Reintegration Ministry.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200712280529.html
New Britain Resident Honored In Ceremony
John Gwiazda, a resident at the Jerome Home in New Britain, was recently honored at a medal ceremony. Gwiazda served in World War II as a pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps.
•
Six Plainville High School students were selected to perform in the Connecticut Music Educator's Northern Regional Music Festival. Jeffrey Ciarcia, Richard Reola and Kendra Valliere will perform in the chorus. Patrick Haggerty will perform with the orchestra. Marc Levandowski will perform with the jazz band and Jaclyn Neveu will perform with the concert band. The festival concert will be held Jan. 19 at New Britain High School.
•
Elsie Patton recently joined Loureiro Engineering Associates Inc. (LEA) of Plainville as technical director of regulations and permitting. Prior to joining LEA, she had been employed at the state Department of Environmental Protection for 26 years.
•
The Cooperative Nursery School of New Britain held a coat drive at First Church Congregational on Corbin Avenue. Lisa Leavenworth and Cindy Ferraguto coordinated the event. The coats were donated to "Button Up Connecticut" and later distributed to charitable organizations throughout the state.
•
Fran Pitaro, a Bristol native, currently serving as the Chesterfield County, Va. deputy county administrator for management services ,will retire Jan. 1, 2008. Pitaro will relocate to Colorado Springs, Colo., where he will work as a consultant with Zelos, a firm that specializes in helping government agencies achieve better results through performance management.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-faces1229.artdec29,0,6512221.story
•
Six Plainville High School students were selected to perform in the Connecticut Music Educator's Northern Regional Music Festival. Jeffrey Ciarcia, Richard Reola and Kendra Valliere will perform in the chorus. Patrick Haggerty will perform with the orchestra. Marc Levandowski will perform with the jazz band and Jaclyn Neveu will perform with the concert band. The festival concert will be held Jan. 19 at New Britain High School.
•
Elsie Patton recently joined Loureiro Engineering Associates Inc. (LEA) of Plainville as technical director of regulations and permitting. Prior to joining LEA, she had been employed at the state Department of Environmental Protection for 26 years.
•
The Cooperative Nursery School of New Britain held a coat drive at First Church Congregational on Corbin Avenue. Lisa Leavenworth and Cindy Ferraguto coordinated the event. The coats were donated to "Button Up Connecticut" and later distributed to charitable organizations throughout the state.
•
Fran Pitaro, a Bristol native, currently serving as the Chesterfield County, Va. deputy county administrator for management services ,will retire Jan. 1, 2008. Pitaro will relocate to Colorado Springs, Colo., where he will work as a consultant with Zelos, a firm that specializes in helping government agencies achieve better results through performance management.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-faces1229.artdec29,0,6512221.story
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Ceremony to introduce kids' program
A program to help the city's children opens at 10:30 a.m. today with a ceremony in the National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
Called KidZone Philadelphia, it is a 10-year initiative of Foundations Inc. that will be pioneered in Northwest Philadelphia and will spearhead a movement to unite communities throughout the city to ensure the success of future generations. Foundations Inc. is a nonprofit, educational organization that manages several Philadelpiha public schools.
About 400 people from Philadelphia and surrounding areas are expected to turn out for the ceremonial launch of KidZone, which will be located at 7157 Ogontz Ave.
Along with a number of special guests, including Gov. Rendell and Mayor Street, others expected to attend include civic-policy makers, opinion leaders in the field of children, youth and family services, leaders from numerous neighborhood organizations and children and families from four schools in ...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km4470/is_200604/ai_n16312799
Called KidZone Philadelphia, it is a 10-year initiative of Foundations Inc. that will be pioneered in Northwest Philadelphia and will spearhead a movement to unite communities throughout the city to ensure the success of future generations. Foundations Inc. is a nonprofit, educational organization that manages several Philadelpiha public schools.
About 400 people from Philadelphia and surrounding areas are expected to turn out for the ceremonial launch of KidZone, which will be located at 7157 Ogontz Ave.
Along with a number of special guests, including Gov. Rendell and Mayor Street, others expected to attend include civic-policy makers, opinion leaders in the field of children, youth and family services, leaders from numerous neighborhood organizations and children and families from four schools in ...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km4470/is_200604/ai_n16312799
Fencl ceremony bittersweet
The George Fencl Award ceremony is usually a light-hearted event - an evening filled with plenty of laughter, gratitude and Kodak moments involving many of the city's finest.
During last night's ceremony, held at Swan Caterers in South Philadelphia, the jovial atmosphere was tinged with sadness, as tribute was paid to slain Officer Gary Skerski.
Tears flowed when the Fencl Committee presented Skerski's family with the first-ever "Spirit of Service" award. Skerski, 46, was gunned down responding to a bar robbery in the Lower Northeast on May 8.
Fighting back tears, Skerski's wife, Anne, spoke softly as a roomful of cops and media members gave her a standing ovation. "I just want to say it's an honor to receive this award for Gary, because he meant so much to us and to everyone else," she said, as her son, Robert, 13, and daughter Nicole, 10, looked ...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km4470/is_200606/ai_n16471684
During last night's ceremony, held at Swan Caterers in South Philadelphia, the jovial atmosphere was tinged with sadness, as tribute was paid to slain Officer Gary Skerski.
Tears flowed when the Fencl Committee presented Skerski's family with the first-ever "Spirit of Service" award. Skerski, 46, was gunned down responding to a bar robbery in the Lower Northeast on May 8.
Fighting back tears, Skerski's wife, Anne, spoke softly as a roomful of cops and media members gave her a standing ovation. "I just want to say it's an honor to receive this award for Gary, because he meant so much to us and to everyone else," she said, as her son, Robert, 13, and daughter Nicole, 10, looked ...
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_km4470/is_200606/ai_n16471684
Is this Pope John Paul II waving from beyond the grave? Vatican TV director says yes
This fiery figure is being hailed as Pope John Paul II making an appearance beyond the grave.
The image, said by believers to show the Holy Father with his right hand raised in blessing, was spotted during a ceremony in Poland to mark the second anniversary of his death.
Details appeared on the Vatican News Service, a TV station in Rome which specialises in religious news broadcasts.
Service director Jarek Cielecki, a Polish priest and close friend of John Paul II, travelled to Poland after hearing an onlooker had photographed the image.
Father Cielecki said he was convinced the picture showed the former pontiff.
"You can see the image of a person in the flames and I think it is the servant of God, Pope John Paul II," he said.
The pictures were being broadcast continuously on Italian TV and also posted on religious websites, some of which crashed as thousands logged on to see for themselves the eerie figure formed by the flames.
The bonfire was lit during a service at Beskid Zywiecki, close to John Paul's birthplace at Katowice, southern Poland, on April 2 - the second anniversary of his death.
Hundreds had attended the ceremony. Gregorz Lukasik, the Polish man who took the photographs, said: "It was only afterwards when I got home and looked at the pictures that I realised I had something.
"I showed them to my brother and sister and they, like me, were convinced the flames had formed the image of Pope John Paul II.
"I was so happy with the picture that I showed it to our local bishop who said that Pope John Paul had made many pilgrimages during his life and he was still making them in death."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=487764&in_page_id=1811
The image, said by believers to show the Holy Father with his right hand raised in blessing, was spotted during a ceremony in Poland to mark the second anniversary of his death.
Details appeared on the Vatican News Service, a TV station in Rome which specialises in religious news broadcasts.
Service director Jarek Cielecki, a Polish priest and close friend of John Paul II, travelled to Poland after hearing an onlooker had photographed the image.
Father Cielecki said he was convinced the picture showed the former pontiff.
"You can see the image of a person in the flames and I think it is the servant of God, Pope John Paul II," he said.
The pictures were being broadcast continuously on Italian TV and also posted on religious websites, some of which crashed as thousands logged on to see for themselves the eerie figure formed by the flames.
The bonfire was lit during a service at Beskid Zywiecki, close to John Paul's birthplace at Katowice, southern Poland, on April 2 - the second anniversary of his death.
Hundreds had attended the ceremony. Gregorz Lukasik, the Polish man who took the photographs, said: "It was only afterwards when I got home and looked at the pictures that I realised I had something.
"I showed them to my brother and sister and they, like me, were convinced the flames had formed the image of Pope John Paul II.
"I was so happy with the picture that I showed it to our local bishop who said that Pope John Paul had made many pilgrimages during his life and he was still making them in death."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=487764&in_page_id=1811
Bloomington Herald-Times articles
IU cutting 47 jobs on campus; Move is necessary to pay for staff, faculty pay raises, keep top faculty here, officials say, citing tight budget, pressure to limit tuition increases
By Steve Hinnefeld
May 4, 2006
Indiana University is cutting 47 jobs on the Bloomington campus to balance its budget and pay for salary and benefit increases, IU officials said.
A majority of the jobs will be eliminated through attrition, but there will be some layoffs, Michael McRobbie, the Bloomington interim provost, told IU trustees today.
"No one welcomes having to make these decisions," he said.
Staff will get pay raises of between 2.5 percent and 3 percent. For Bloomington faculty, salary increases will average 4 percent — boosted by $1.4 million allocated to keep top faculty from leaving for other schools.
"These would be our very best faculty: top research performers, national academies members, people we can't afford to lose," McRobbie said.
IU officials said the cuts are brought on by reductions in state funding and political pressure to limit tuition increases. Undergraduate tuition and fees for IU Bloomington will rise 4.9 percent this year. Graduate and professional students face steeper increases.
IU officials explained the $2.32 billion university budget for 2006-07 Thursday to the trustees' finance and audit committee. Trustees are expected to approve it at their business meeting today in the Indiana Memorial Union.
Judy Palmer, the IU vice president for finance, said it's a tight budget that forces campuses to find savings and in some cases to rely on reserves.
"We've drawn the safety net a little tighter," she said.
McRobbie said results at IU Bloomington will include:
• More classes will be taught by part-time faculty.
• Maintenance spending will be cut by $400,000 at a time when many buildings are showing their age.
• An adult fitness program is being eliminated, saving $200,000.
• The Law School froze spending for admissions and career services.
• The School of Education shelved plans for a P-16 education center.
• The Optometry School cut its equipment budget.
Administrators said they're trying to manage the budget without hurting research and teaching, but trustees said across-the-board cuts will work for only so long. Trustee Tom Reilly said IU may have to look at eliminating programs — as well as increasing tuition.
"You're talking about double-digit tuition increases no matter what you do, but that's not all you do," he said.
Pat Shoulders, another trustee, said state officials shouldn't expect universities to fuel the knowledge economy without money. "We ought to flat-line their expectations," he said.
But Reilly said government leaders "really think we're on the fat side" and are likely to cut deeper in the budget the Legislature approves in 2007.
"The footnote is, the party's over after this budget," he said.
Early start of garage meeting called illegal
by Steve Hinnefeld
May 5, 2006
Buff Brown left work early Thursday to hear the Indiana University trustees talk about building a parking garage south of campus.
But not early enough. The trustees, without giving notice, started the meeting of their facilities committee at least a half-hour earlier than scheduled.
By the time Brown arrived, the panel had approved the garage at the corner of Atwater and Fess avenues. The full board is scheduled to vote today.
Brown, an opponent of project, was miffed.
"I think that they have an obligation to the public to notify them of these decisions and to make the decisions when they say they will," he said.
IU officials said the trustees finished an earlier meeting sooner than expected, and board president Steve Ferguson convened the facilities committee to save some time. The meeting was posted to start at 4:15 p.m. It apparently started by 3:45.
Steve Key, counsel for the Hoosier State Press Association, said what the trustees did violated the state Open Door Law, which requires that the time and place of public meetings be posted 48 hours in advance.
The trustees don't routinely take public comment, and garage opponents wouldn't have been allowed to speak. But Key said that doesn't matter.
"The idea is, you give people an opportunity to observe and record" the meeting, he said.
Key said people could challenge the changed meeting time in court. They could ask a judge to order IU to not violate the law again. They could even argue that any action resulting from the meeting - such as final approval today of the parking garage - is illegal.
IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre said that if the meeting wasn't legal, it was an innocent mistake.
"It certainly was inadvertent," he said. "It only happened because the board was trying to work a whole lot of things into one day, including a bus tour of some university facilities."
Trustees discussed the garage and heard objections from Elm Heights residents in November, when they approved its design. The $10.9 million, 5 1/2-level structure will provide space for 560 vehicles and IU Parking Operations offices. Officials want to start construction this summer.
Trustees told to spend in order to double minority students
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/3436.html
By Steve Hinnefeld
May 4, 2006
Indiana University is cutting 47 jobs on the Bloomington campus to balance its budget and pay for salary and benefit increases, IU officials said.
A majority of the jobs will be eliminated through attrition, but there will be some layoffs, Michael McRobbie, the Bloomington interim provost, told IU trustees today.
"No one welcomes having to make these decisions," he said.
Staff will get pay raises of between 2.5 percent and 3 percent. For Bloomington faculty, salary increases will average 4 percent — boosted by $1.4 million allocated to keep top faculty from leaving for other schools.
"These would be our very best faculty: top research performers, national academies members, people we can't afford to lose," McRobbie said.
IU officials said the cuts are brought on by reductions in state funding and political pressure to limit tuition increases. Undergraduate tuition and fees for IU Bloomington will rise 4.9 percent this year. Graduate and professional students face steeper increases.
IU officials explained the $2.32 billion university budget for 2006-07 Thursday to the trustees' finance and audit committee. Trustees are expected to approve it at their business meeting today in the Indiana Memorial Union.
Judy Palmer, the IU vice president for finance, said it's a tight budget that forces campuses to find savings and in some cases to rely on reserves.
"We've drawn the safety net a little tighter," she said.
McRobbie said results at IU Bloomington will include:
• More classes will be taught by part-time faculty.
• Maintenance spending will be cut by $400,000 at a time when many buildings are showing their age.
• An adult fitness program is being eliminated, saving $200,000.
• The Law School froze spending for admissions and career services.
• The School of Education shelved plans for a P-16 education center.
• The Optometry School cut its equipment budget.
Administrators said they're trying to manage the budget without hurting research and teaching, but trustees said across-the-board cuts will work for only so long. Trustee Tom Reilly said IU may have to look at eliminating programs — as well as increasing tuition.
"You're talking about double-digit tuition increases no matter what you do, but that's not all you do," he said.
Pat Shoulders, another trustee, said state officials shouldn't expect universities to fuel the knowledge economy without money. "We ought to flat-line their expectations," he said.
But Reilly said government leaders "really think we're on the fat side" and are likely to cut deeper in the budget the Legislature approves in 2007.
"The footnote is, the party's over after this budget," he said.
Early start of garage meeting called illegal
by Steve Hinnefeld
May 5, 2006
Buff Brown left work early Thursday to hear the Indiana University trustees talk about building a parking garage south of campus.
But not early enough. The trustees, without giving notice, started the meeting of their facilities committee at least a half-hour earlier than scheduled.
By the time Brown arrived, the panel had approved the garage at the corner of Atwater and Fess avenues. The full board is scheduled to vote today.
Brown, an opponent of project, was miffed.
"I think that they have an obligation to the public to notify them of these decisions and to make the decisions when they say they will," he said.
IU officials said the trustees finished an earlier meeting sooner than expected, and board president Steve Ferguson convened the facilities committee to save some time. The meeting was posted to start at 4:15 p.m. It apparently started by 3:45.
Steve Key, counsel for the Hoosier State Press Association, said what the trustees did violated the state Open Door Law, which requires that the time and place of public meetings be posted 48 hours in advance.
The trustees don't routinely take public comment, and garage opponents wouldn't have been allowed to speak. But Key said that doesn't matter.
"The idea is, you give people an opportunity to observe and record" the meeting, he said.
Key said people could challenge the changed meeting time in court. They could ask a judge to order IU to not violate the law again. They could even argue that any action resulting from the meeting - such as final approval today of the parking garage - is illegal.
IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre said that if the meeting wasn't legal, it was an innocent mistake.
"It certainly was inadvertent," he said. "It only happened because the board was trying to work a whole lot of things into one day, including a bus tour of some university facilities."
Trustees discussed the garage and heard objections from Elm Heights residents in November, when they approved its design. The $10.9 million, 5 1/2-level structure will provide space for 560 vehicles and IU Parking Operations offices. Officials want to start construction this summer.
Trustees told to spend in order to double minority students
http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/3436.html
People’s Choice Awards gets canned
Red carpet cancelled amidst writers’ strike
The People’s Choice Awards ceremony, which was set to take place Jan. 8, has been cancelled.
It is reported that the show won’t be rolling out the red carpet this year for the annual live ceremony. Instead, a pre-recorded taping will be aired that evening.
CBS will broadcast the new magazine-style format, which will include previously announced host Queen Latifah. “The show will go on,” CBS said in a statement. “The People's Choice tradition on CBS will continue and we plan to introduce some new ideas in the process.”
The 34th annual awards show will broadcast pre-recorded acceptance speeches from stars receiving awards as voted by fans.
Awards spokesperson Jeannie Tharrington told The Associated Press the changes have been brought on by the two-month-long Writers Guild of America strike. It was unknown whether presenters and nominees would show up for the ceremony, which has been boycotted by striking writers.
"We realize there are pressing issues facing the entertainment industry, including the WGA strike, and out of respect for everyone involved this provided an opportunity to pilot a new format this year," she said.
Fans can still vote here for their favourite entertainers, movies, songs and TV series. Voting ends Dec. 31.
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/TVNews/Articles/071220_peoples_choice_SZ
The People’s Choice Awards ceremony, which was set to take place Jan. 8, has been cancelled.
It is reported that the show won’t be rolling out the red carpet this year for the annual live ceremony. Instead, a pre-recorded taping will be aired that evening.
CBS will broadcast the new magazine-style format, which will include previously announced host Queen Latifah. “The show will go on,” CBS said in a statement. “The People's Choice tradition on CBS will continue and we plan to introduce some new ideas in the process.”
The 34th annual awards show will broadcast pre-recorded acceptance speeches from stars receiving awards as voted by fans.
Awards spokesperson Jeannie Tharrington told The Associated Press the changes have been brought on by the two-month-long Writers Guild of America strike. It was unknown whether presenters and nominees would show up for the ceremony, which has been boycotted by striking writers.
"We realize there are pressing issues facing the entertainment industry, including the WGA strike, and out of respect for everyone involved this provided an opportunity to pilot a new format this year," she said.
Fans can still vote here for their favourite entertainers, movies, songs and TV series. Voting ends Dec. 31.
http://tvguide.sympatico.msn.ca/TVNews/Articles/071220_peoples_choice_SZ
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Traditional Javanese Wedding Ceremony - Javanese Wedding Ideas
The nation of Indonesia is a land of many cultures. There are thought to be more than three hundred languages and cultures that make up the lives of the two hundred million people living there.
Indonesia herself is made up of more than 13,677 separate islands. Because of the wide variety of cultures, this has made an impact on ceremonies of marriage that are performed there. Every Indonesian wedding has a particular ceremony that is based on the family's cultural beliefs. The ceremony of marriage is not just a joining of two people, but a bond between the two families as well.
Before the Wedding
It is said that the mutual and sincere love that exists between a man and woman should ideally end in marriage. There are places in Indonesia where a couple marries because their parents wish it or because they themselves do. An ancient proverb of Java says, "Love grows as you get more used to each other." This is a lesson we can take for the present.
The Siraman Ceremony of Marriage
The word Siraman in English can be translated to mean to take a bath. The couple participating in this ritual strive to clean their bodies and souls. This ritual usually takes place in the afternoon, the day before, at the house of the bride for her, and at his home for the groom. The people who participate in bathing the couple is also very important. Elder woman are especially prized for the impeccable behavior and morals they display. When giving Siraman, there are usually up to only seven people involved.
Another important aspect of this Javanese ritual is the offering or the Sajen. The meaning of this is deep and symbolic. It is the request for protection from the Creator, our God. It is the way that ancestors are remembered so their souls live in eternal peace and to ask them for their blessings.
Find Out More
A Javanese wedding ceremony is rich in symbolism and rituals and it a beautiful event in which to participate. If you are interested in finding out more about the cultural traditions along with the proper rituals that accompany it, do your research on the internet or by asking your friends and relatives of Indonesian descent. It will surely please the families involved as well as the couple who are ready to take their marriage vows.
If you are looking for some favors for your corporate party, birthday or weddings we got you covered.
We have many different wedding favors that will be perfect thank yous for your wedding guests.
We also have a wide variety of bridesmaid gifts such as tote bags, cosmetic bags, spa slippers and more.
Greek Orthodox Wedding Ceremony - What To Expect
Most people's idea of a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony comes from the hit movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." Of course the traditions and the ceremony are far deeper than was shown on the big screen. The faith of the Greek Orthodoxy is very old and the wedding ceremony is a beautiful event in the life of the bride and groom.
One thing that should be realized is that the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony is filled with symbolism. The wedding ceremony you see today is the same ceremony that has been practiced by the Greek Orthodoxy for hundreds of years. The biggest difference in a Greek ceremony and a traditional wedding ceremony is that the bride and groom don't exchange vows. Their mere presence in the church together shows that they have taken the sacrament of marriage very seriously.
The Start of the Wedding
Most Greek Orthodox weddings take place in the summer. It is typical for the guests at the wedding to wait along with the groom outside until the arrival of the bride. In Greece, it is common practice for wedding ceremonies to be scheduled back to back. This allows guests who are waiting to attend a ceremony to mingle with the guests departing from the wedding previously.
The groom awaits his bride with a bit of sweat on his brow as he holds the bouquet he will present to his intended. Once he turns over the bouquet to the bride, they then enter the church and the guests follow behind. Unlike conventional western weddings, there is no separation of the guests as to who sits on the side of the bride and who will be seated on the groom's side. Everyone sits wherever they can find a seat and when the ceremony is held in small venues, there are those who prefer to stand where they can have a first-rate view of the event.
The Betrothal and the Ceremony
There are two parts to the ceremony of a Greek Orthodox wedding. The first part is called the Service of Betrothal. The marrying couple exchanges their rings as the focal point of the Service of the Betrothal. The next part is the Ceremony of the Sacrament of Marriage. This part of the service has several aspects such as prayers and the joining of the right hands of both the bride and groom by the attending priest. Their hands will remain entwined for the rest of the ceremony to symbolize the newly wedded couple's union.
If you are looking for some favors for your corporate party, birthday or weddings we got you covered.
We have many different wedding favors that will be perfect thank yous for your wedding guests.
We also have a wide variety of bridesmaid gifts such as tote bags, cosmetic bags, spa slippers and more.
Ideas For A Non Religious Wedding Ceremony
Let's face it, not everybody is into a church wedding or a religious ceremony. There are many people that want to get married without the religious trappings and traditions, but don't want to settle for a justice of the peace at City Hall. If this sounds like you and your intended, read on for some innovative ideas for a wedding ceremony that will linger in your guest's memories for years to come.
How About the Beach?
You can think about having your wedding at sunset on a beautiful, soft, sand beach. You can have your beach wedding somewhere that is near to you or you can opt to travel to another venue.You can be married on the beach in such breathtaking places as North or South Carolina with a traditional southern hospitality, you can say your vows on a beach on the California Coast with the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shore, or you can travel to a more exotic destination such as Hawaii or the Caribbean.
How About a Theme Wedding?
Ideas that will tie-in with yours and your fiancé's interests are numerous. If you both love to bungee jump, you can think of declaring your love for one another on top of the world and take the plunge when you are pronounced man and wife. If you like to dive, perhaps you can find an officiate that will be happy to join you together under the sea. Using your imagination and your creative flair will have you coming up with countless ideas.
It Doesn't Matter Where You Marry, It's Who You Marry
As long as you and your betrothed are in agreement, there is no reason you should limit your wedding to a church or a religious setting. The most important thing to remember is that your wedding day should please the happy couple. You need not worry about conventions and expectations when you are marrying the person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
The only thing that needs to concern you is ensuring that the person you choose to officiate at your wedding ceremony has the proper licenses needed in order to declare you are man and wife. After all, you want to be sure that you are legally married, so taking the time to see credentials should be a top priority before you say, "I do."
If you are looking for some great wedding favors such as beach wedding favors, wine stopper favors, winter favors and more we got you covered.
We also have many different bridesmaid gifts such as tote bags, compact mirrors, spa slippers and more.
So be sure to check us out for all of your favors for corporate events, birthdays, weddings and more.
African Wedding Ceremony Ideas - African Wedding Ideas
If your heritage as an African-American is important to both you and your fiancé, you may want to incorporate some of those customs into one of the most special days you will spend as a couple. There are many facets to an African wedding ceremony and deciding what aspects to include in your wedding day is something that you and your intended should talk about before you begin planning.
To get you started, you should do plenty of research once you have found out the traditions your family holds near and dear to their heart. Once you have some of that information, it can help you get started choosing the ideal components for making your day special.
Make a list of ideas that appeal to you such as rituals and ceremonies that are common in an African wedding ceremony. Choose at least three of these ideas to be the outline for your wedding and reception. If you don't feel comfortable building a wedding ceremony and reception yourself, you might think about hiring a wedding professional who can help you realize your inspirations and make them a reality.
You can create invitations that reflect the African flair of your wedding. You can also think about creating a newsletter detailing what your guests can expect when they attend and anything they can do to help with the participation. You may want to employ the services of a designer to create signature wedding garb for your special African wedding ceremony.
Many people are familiar with the concept of the "Circle of Love" from the blockbuster hit and long running Broadway play, "The Lion King." You can form a circle of love at your ceremony that will join you and your wedding party along with the guests into one entity, which will start your wedding day off with a sense of unity for everyone.
Use readings and prayers to honor those who have come before you such as your parents and your grandparents as well as any other elder who deserves recognition. This is traditional at most African wedding ceremonies and serves to show the respect that the young have for those older and wiser.
Be sure that you serve traditional African fare that will be sure to please all of your guests. You can also offer something a little less exotic for those who have a more timid palette. To really set the mood and get the party started you can hire drummers and dancers who will add cultural beats to get your guests moving on the dance floor.
If you are looking for some favors for your corporate party, birthday or weddings we got you covered.
We have many different wedding favors that will be perfect thank yous for your wedding guests.
We also have a wide variety of bridesmaid gifts such as tote bags, cosmetic bags, spa slippers and more.
Wedding Ceremony Choices Abound
Nowadays, when a couple is ready to make a decision about which style of wedding ceremony they would like to have, they are faced with endless options. For many couples, they are moving away from formal religious ceremonies and are seeking out other ways to exchange their vows. However, the standard wedding ceremony program still remains very traditional.
In stepping away from tradition and opting for a non-religious ceremony, some couples are asking a friend or a family member to perform the ritual. However, an important part of the role for the person who officiates, is to provide guidance in preparing and crafting the wedding vows, as well as for the overall ceremony.
Should the bride and groom decide to simply take on the task of planning their wedding ceremony on their own, there are many considerations. In order to have a well-planned ceremony, there are certain elements that should not be overlooked, but which can be customized to reflect the couple's personality.
Some of these critical wedding ceremony components to consider are:
1) The processional for the entrance of the bride, the groom and other members of the party, if desired;
2) The music, poetry, literature or other marriage readings, including those from the Bible, as desired;
3) The witnesses who you wish to sign your marriage certificate;
4) The wedding vows, whether standard or custom written by the couple;
5) The exchanging of the rings;
6) The lighting of a unity candle of other type of unity ceremony;
7) Any type of blessing or benediction on the marriage;
8) Any community or familiar commitment to support and uphold the union;
9) The newlyweds' first kiss and the recessional during the exit of the bride and groom.
Another important aspect of planning the marriage ceremony is in choosing the special event location. This is not only proper for the solemnity of the occasion but it will also inspire the couple and reflect their personality. For those couples who wish to have their nuptial ceremony at the place where they, or their family worship, then their perfect location is already a given.
For others seeking a less traditional venue for the exchange of their vows, the choice can sometimes be quite a challenge as there are so many marriage locations and receptions sites to choose from. More and more often, many of the best reception sites also feature superb settings for hosting the marriage ceremony as well. This offers a very convenient option which simplifies the day for the bride and groom and guests alike.
While finalizing the plans for your wedding ceremony, be sure that you feel comfortable with the choices made since they will become lasting memories. Often, well-meaning friends or family members try to influence the couple, but the final decision should always align with the ultimate desires of the couple as it is a day of celebration in their honor.
Wedding Speeches is a memorable act that newly weds treasures for life and Mike Selvon's portal will expand your horizon on the wedding ceremony Visit us to receive your free gift and leave a comment at our wedding toasts blog.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Wedding Ceremony Decoration
Wedding ceremonies are the most intimate, special part of the wedding. As it goes, wedding decorations are reflective of the couple and their personality. The wedding ceremony is where the attention will first go, and gives a preview of how the reception will look like.
Wedding ceremony decorations should be kept simple and within the theme of the entire wedding, so that the focus will all go to the event itself, and to the bride and groom. At most, churches or ceremony decorations should be muted and should enhance the location, and not be too loud or distracting.
Here are some tips for wedding ceremony decoration that you can use, for both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies.
1. There are many ways a ceremony can be made to look extra special for this special day, and one way is adding flowers. Place bouquets of flowers around the pillars of church, carefully tied with delicate and sheer ribbon. Flowers are also placed along the aisle in the church, by the entrance, and hung in various strategically chosen areas of the ceiling. By the altar, pillars can also be wrapped with lace and tulle, and touches of flowers but not too extravagant.
White is an excellent choice for wedding ceremony decoration flowers; it adds to the innocence of the whole event. You can add subtle color and make white the dominating theme with greens to enhance it, or using the two or three colors of your wedding theme. The colors used for venue decoration should never be too far from the colors of the bouquets used, so that there is harmony.
If you are getting married in Christmas, use Christmas wreaths to decorate the ceremony as well. Seasonal themes are a great way to decorate your wedding. Place wreaths on doors and a few on walls, so as not to overdo it.
2. Use soft lighting to give a romantic atmosphere. You can use Christmas lights to light the aisle, and use colorful metallic ribbons to cover the wire. Go ahead and use lights for a contrast, or use them in complementing colors with the rest of your theme.
Large candles are a great way to add lighting to the wedding ceremony. If the church is large, big candles are a good idea, to minimize small candles falling and accidents.
Torches should be kept at a minimum during wedding receptions, placing them in strategic places such as entrances and exits. Altar torches are a great idea to light up the ceremony.
Lights can also be hung on strings or thin ribbons to make outdoor venues more romantic. Tie Christmas lights to light up dancing areas, dining areas, and along the buffet table.
3. Colorful ribbons and lace in various colors can enhance the mood in the church. Use gold, ivory, or silver to drape around flowers, walls, and pillars. More contrasting colors such as deep purple, magenta, red, forest green and dark blue can be added in small amounts. This can be done using two strips of ribbon at the same time, with the gold one being the dominant, thick ribbon, while a thinner colored one is attached with it. Place them around chairs, behind pews, and to tie flowers onto the aisle.
4. Large ribbons in doorways make for a grand entrance and exit. From the outside and inside, ribbons can frame doorways or entrances.
5. Balloons are also a great idea to decorate wedding ceremonies. Balloon bouquets in soft colors such as white, pink, blue, yellow and mint green add touches of color to the venue. Balloons can also be tied to the backs of chairs or sides of pews. In indoor venues, you can also try letting some balloons float in the air.
Balloons can also be tied to a wire to form an arch over the wedding cake. Simply use wire to form a dome over the cake area, and tie small balloons around them. Corners of rooms and indoor venues can also use a bunch of balloons.
For outdoor weddings, balloons can be a minimal part of the entire design by tying balloons to pillars, gazebos, or tent poles.
When designing your wedding ceremony decorations, remember to keep it simple and use things that are reflective of you. This is your special day after all, and planning decorations does not have to be difficult if you keep these pointers in mind.
http://www.your-best-wedding.com/wedding-ceremony-decoration.html
Groomsmen Reception Gifts - Wedding Ceremony Ideas
If you are planning an original wedding such as a nautical wedding ceremony or something equally different and original then it is a must that for you to find a definitely unique favor that will be in harmony with your theme. The favor that you select must also be able to convey to your guests your appreciation and joy for attending your ceremony.
Also any wedding favor that can put a smile on your wedding guests is a perfect wedding favor. So for those brides and grooms who are planning for a nautical or a wedding by the sea than 'Come Sail Away' Handcrafted Wooden Bottle Opener is just right for you. Even if you are fond of the sea or you are living near the coast line and you wish your guests to feel the taste of the sea in your ceremony, then 'Come Sail Away' Handcrafted Wooden Bottle Opener is the perfect way to do it.
This also reminds me of some great groomsmen gifts and bridal favors to add to this. I think the personalized pub signs would go well with this type of theme. Also you could add a pocket watch to check the time while you are at sea and enjoying the wedding reception. If you need a little more you could add a wonderful silver flask that could be engraved to add style and class to the whole look. If you personalize the gifts they seem to mean so much more to the person who receives it.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Theme idea or Wedding Favors go to My Bridal Favor now and find ideas for Unique Groomsmen Gifts and Groomsmen Gifts like Glass photo Coaster Wedding Favors. I think Ever Bride deserves that one great wedding don't you if so go now and look.
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