by Susan Artup | Oct 14, 2016 | Readings
James Dillet Freeman was an American minister of the Unity Church. Of Cherokee and English/Irish descent, Freeman identified with Native American culture and was a prolific poet who explored the human condition, not only in his writing, but as a speaker. He wrote of... 
by Susan Artup | Oct 8, 2016 | Readings
This is a blessing I’m often asked to include in a wedding ceremony. Its simplicity and naiveté make it appeal to couples who find neither modern nor classical poetry suitable for their wedding; its hint of spirituality substitutes warmly for religious invocations.... 
by Susan Artup | Sep 28, 2016 | Legal Processes
To protect you and make sure your celebrant knows what he or she is doing, the Commonwealth Attorney General has devised a code of conduct for its agents, so: A marriage celebrant must maintain a high standard of service – basically be professional, A marriage... 
by Susan Artup | Sep 16, 2016 | Commitment, Love
” I take you to be my lawful wife, my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, in good times and adversity, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish till death do us part… ” In the nursing home where my... 
by Susan Artup | Sep 9, 2016 | Readings
The experience of love, when it hits you that you have found “ the one”, can change your life in an instant. “ What a difference a day makes” says the song – and it’s true: it is the feeling that gets you first; it is certainly the heart, not the head processing this.... 
by Susan Artup | Sep 2, 2016 | Readings
The idea that in finding a loving partner we are finding a place of refuge underlies the trust peculiar to marriage, or commitment. The union of two is exclusive, private and special, a place where you can breathe and rest and be yourself. This might be something you... 
by Susan Artup | Aug 26, 2016 | Readings
In a world of uncertainty people seek a sense security where they can – in their jobs, their families and in their personal relationships. Wedding promises are the foundation for safety into the future: your marriage will be the one thing that you can count on, to all... 
by Susan Artup | Aug 24, 2016 | Vows
This anonymous reading doesn’t compare with the great poets for heart-stopping impact, but it does sum up sentiments that may just perfectly reflect what you are pledging to commit. You could have the celebrant read it on your behalf before you exchange the legal... 
by Susan Artup | Aug 5, 2016 | Readings
“ Honey-sweet”: words redolent of gentle fulfilment and serenity. The last reading I shared from an Indian Vedic ceremony described the new marital state with these words. Milk, honey, wine, dates are all symbols of plenty, celebration, wholeness and gratitude.... 
by Susan Artup | Jul 29, 2016 | Readings
I described a ritual called “ The Seven Steps” in an earlier entry. This was an adaptation of one of the many Hindu wedding rituals, which invoke blessings of happiness, harmony and growth. As in western culture, a marriage ceremony in Hindu tradition is a rite which... 
by Susan Artup | Jul 22, 2016 | Readings
“ The Prophet” is a book by Lebanese-American poet and philosopher Kahlil Gibran who was born in 1883. The reknown of “ The Prophet” is still cult-like and excerpts are often quoted at weddings. In pursuing the theory that the basis for a good marriage is friendship,... 
by Susan Artup | Jul 1, 2016 | Readings
At civil wedding ceremonies it sometimes appears as though the celebrant is imparting personal views about love and marriage, as would a minister of religion in delivering a sacrament. This is not ever the case in civil proceedings, whose content is the choice of the...