Grace Ceremonies

05/15/2024

Sonia and Jeff contacted me last May, well in advance of their 25th wedding anniversary in March.

Now with two young adult children, they knew they wanted to have a vow renewal ceremony to celebrate, in their words, "how far we have come and what we have accomplished as a couple and family, as well as recommit to growing with each other as we move into a new phase of our married life."

Jeff and Sonia didn't have a clear vision of what their vow renewal might include, but together we planned a special ceremony attended only by their children and parents, complete with a beautiful reading and an exchange of new vows and wedding rings.

Here is what they shared with one another:

Before God and these loved ones,
With my whole heart I promise
To remain your devoted partner,
To continue to grow with you
In mind and spirit,
To practice patience, kindness and understanding,
And to make time to enjoy
The life, and the love
we have built together.

Once more I vow to cherish you
For as long as we both shall live.

♥️ Best. Job. Ever. ♥️

05/01/2024

It was a happy honor to rejoin this family nearly six years after I married Traci and Vinnie on the family farm. Her brother Frank made his vow to Norela in the same field where generations have celebrated and made memories together...
Best. Job. Ever. ❤️🙏🏼❤️

04/30/2024

Mary and her family came to me last April after Dennis, her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, passed away only a few months after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

It was my honor to work with Mary, her two sons and their wives to plan a graveside service to celebrate Dennis' life and mourn his death.

The family chose a beautiful reading to conclude our service:

A man has achieved success who has lived well,
laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and women,
and the love of little children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it;
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty,
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others,
and given the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.

I'm touched that Mary shared this review on the first anniversary of Dennis' death. May his memory be a blessing forever. ❤️🙏🏼

04/10/2024

[Reflections on my daughter's 10th Birthday--Part 3]

I've been officiating baby (and toddler! and preschooler!) blessings for over a decade. They're some of my favorite ceremonies...and not just because I love kiddos.

If you don't belong to a faith that dictates a particular kind of ceremony, the onus is squarely on you, the parents, to plan something.

And who is also generally tired, somewhat overwhelmed and almost always strapped for time?

Ding ding ding!

Parents.

But guess what?

Once you know your why—when you find your compass—you also find your energy.

Meaning is motivating.

When something matters, you do it. You make it happen. You don't waffle or dither. You're clear on the significance, the importance of what you're envisioning. And so you go for it.

Read more in the latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-4-2024?e=72f665614b

04/10/2024

[Reflections on my daughter's 10th Birthday--Part 2]

Meaning—what matters, our why—helps us find our way through the wide-open territory that is ceremony-making.

Without having a clear why, we're lost. Or we don't even undertake the journey.

Now in my 12th year of ministry, I promise this is not just some poetic metaphor. Most people come to me without a lot of clarity. They're unsure of what they want and confused by trying to figure out what's possible.

The first conversation starts with exactly the kind of questions and reflection my husband and I did when we planned Bhramari's first birthday blessing ceremony 9 years ago.

Because whether we've articulated it or even thought about it before, everyone has a why. Everyone has some meaning, some reason this moment matters.

When you have that, you have your compass.

What it will look like, what will happen or what you'll do begins to fall into place. Once the inside has a shape, the outside forms around it.

Horse, then cart.

Read more in the latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-4-2024?e=72f665614b

04/10/2024

[Reflections on my daughter's 10th Birthday--Part 1]

I often talk to families who delay or entirely skip having a baby blessing (which is basically anything outside the prescriptions of a faith tradition) because it's hard to imagine what a ceremony made from scratch might look like.

That's so understandable, right?

Here's the thing.

We are culturally conditioned to focus on the external; on what we can see. We know all about balloon walls and birthday themes, custom cakes and cute invitations. Spend 6 seconds on Instagram and you'll see what I mean.

Listen.

There is nothing wrong with any of that. I love an adorable party as much as the next mom!

But we've got 'the cart before the horse' when it comes to planning. We're trying to think about what it will look like—what will happen, what we'll do—before we've really thought about why we're doing it.

Read more in the latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-4-2024?e=72f665614b

03/23/2024

More from my latest Grace Notes loveletter: in Search of the Perfect Day ⛈️

In my experience, many brides are checking the forecast as early as meteorologists are sharing them. They're following weather maps and tracking radars. Most of all, they're using precious mental real estate conjecturing, wondering and worrying.

Okay, you may feel I'm being a little dramatic...even a little judgy...or it may seem like I'm describing you!

Listen. I've talked to A LOT of brides. Hundreds of them.

And I also remember, waaaaaay back when, what it was like to order last-minute rain tents for our backyard rehearsal dinner, and fret over whether to risk thunderstorms during our very outdoor ceremony (picture a hayfield about 10 minutes' walk from shelter).

It's totally understandable that you're thinking about the weather!

After those months (or years) of planning and countless hours (and dollars) spent achieving your wedding vision, of course you want it to be perfect.

Now, let me ask you this:

What is perfect?

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Finish reading my latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/march-21-2024?e=72f665614b

03/23/2024

Consider this: The Boston Globe ranked the summer of 2023 as the state's second rainiest in recent history. Locally, WWLP reported that from June to October last year, 16 out of 20 weekends had rain.

Just ask any pro – it was one seriously WET wedding season!

Because I help couples prepare in the week before their wedding...and yes, because I am all about the thoughts and feelings they're experiencing...I hear how much the weather forecast impacts them.

And as you can imagine, last year I heard even more than usual!

Especially. From. Brides.

I'm sorry – I'm really not trying to pile on here, ladies! I was a bride once, too, and I absolutely remember and empathize with the level of stress brides are already under.

But here's the thing.

This stress is optional. You have the power to let this one go.

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Finish reading my latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/march-21-2024?e=72f665614b

03/23/2024

From my latest Grace Notes loveletter: in Search of the Perfect Day ⛈️

What's your dream of the perfect wedding?

Whatever you're imagining, it probably includes a season, right?

Maybe you picture cozy autumn togetherness or classic winter romance, fresh spring sweetness or lush summer vibes...

Obviously there are thousands of variations on the theme, but you get the idea: you envision your perfect day, plan for it for months (or years), invest countless hours (and dollars) in achieving your vision...

So what happens when your wedding finally comes...and the day isn't what you pictured?

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Finish reading my latest Grace Notes loveletter: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/march-21-2024?e=72f665614b

09/07/2023

Grace Ceremonies has a new location in downtown Northampton! Check out this sneak peek of my cozy new space. 😃

Get a sneak peek at my new office in downtown Northampton!

08/10/2023

Today's summer spotlight features one couple who included traditions from southern India in their Northampton wedding. Check it out!

Officiant: Grace Ceremonies
Venue and Planning: Union Station Banquets
Photographer: Jenna Lynn Photography

07/27/2023

In June I traveled south through the Delaware Water Gap to the tiny, rural village of Stone Church, PA, where sixteen of us gathered to celebrate the marriage of Garen and Geoffrey. It was a luxury-micro-farm wedding delight!

Officiant: Grace Ceremonies
Venue: Private Estate⁠
Planning, Design & Decor: Apotheosis, Events by Ryan Hill⁠⁠
Caterer: Pheasant
Entertainment: Penn Strings
Tent: K & J Party Rentals (Easton, PA)

06/02/2023

The latest newsletter is here: 💍 Will you be my...guinea pig?

My very first "official" couple just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Curious what they thought about their wedding after ten years, Matt and April are featured in the newsletter and blog to reflect on a decade of marriage and the meaning of their ceremony, then and now.

View the newsletter in your browser here: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-20-12607004?e=dadd7fec13

05/09/2023

When I'm working with a couple to design their wedding ceremony, I'm always sure to ask two basic questions.

1) Why are you getting married in this way (i.e., your ceremony and wedding reception)​?

2) Why are you inviting your family and friends?

There's usually an initial “Because that's just how you do it!" response...followed by deeper reflection...followed by some version of the answers, 1), “Because we want to share the day with everyone we love," and 2), “Because they mean the world to us."

If we're fortunate, our marriage will not be only the two of us. It will exist within the fabric of many other meaningful and supportive relationships. When we recognize that, it can ease some of the more difficult aspects of wedding planning (e.g., why we're spending so much money, or making so much effort to consider all our guests).

When I'm working with a couple to design their wedding ceremony, I'm always sure to ask two basic questions. While seemingly obvious, they are almost certainly questions the couple has not considered...

05/04/2023

Oh, it's been a week... I am preparing both a wedding and a funeral. The latest newsletter is here and it's got me asking myself, what matters in the end?

I hope you'll check it out: https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/may-4-2023?e=dadd7fec13

04/24/2023

New on the blog: Why Connection Will Make (or Break) Your Wedding

Connection leaves an imprint on our heart, a stamp in our memory. It's the wedding (not counting our own!) that we never forget; the one we leave feeling inspired by the impact of loving relationships.

We mistakenly think that just because we've brought people together for a connecting and happy occasion, they're going to feel connected and happy. No, unfortunately simple proximity and circumstance isn't enough.

The good news is it's actually not that hard to foster connection, and as the first “gathering" your guests will experience at your wedding, the *ceremony* is the perfect place to do it.

From her seat in the front row, the mother of the groom gazed lovingly at her son and his soon-to-be wife. A sweet image of him as a small…

04/20/2023

The newsletter is out: Hungry? From Fast to Feast 🍽

Food permeates our lives -- the sacred and mundane. But what are we really hungry for? In both I would say: connection.

This latest edition is all about purpose, meaning, connection...and holy hunger.

Enjoy!
xx,
Hannah

https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-20-2023?e=dadd7fec13

04/13/2023

The newsletter is out and in honor of my daughter's birthday and my birth day, it's all about why we celebrate and mark special days, and why it matters...

"Rituals are an important part of belonging. They are repeated, intentional ceremonies that recognize a special time or connection. Rituals engage us, emotionally and physically, so that we become riveted to the present moment in a positive way."
-Dr. Sue Johnson

https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/april-6-2023?e=dadd7fec13

04/04/2023

Thank you Isabella Dellolio Photography for featuring Grace Ceremonies in her blog and newsletter this month! She writes:

Personal branding sessions are an opportunity not only to create a portfolio that truly captures the essence of your work, but also for you to share more about what you do as a guest on my blog.

Today’s featured session with Hannah Grace of Grace Ceremonies is a beautiful example of just that.

Like Hannah, I help my clients mark meaningful milestones in their lives. Both the ceremonies she creates and the photos I take offer people a memory and a moment they can always look back on.

And like her ceremonies, photos matter in the not-joyous milestones, too. We both volunteer with Empty Arms Bereavement Support which helps those experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

In that work we encounter suffering which is so often unrecognized by the broader world. Especially in these moments - losing someone we loved or so dearly wished for - it is such a gift to be seen...whether through a ritual, or in a photograph.

“I had a wonderful experience working with Isabella for my professional portraits. She offered excellent tips, suggestions and directions while remaining playful and relaxed. She brought a great combination of skillfulness and ease which helped me feel comfortable and confident in front of her cam...

03/17/2023

The Sap is Rising! The newsletter is out and it's all about time: clocks, calendars, seasons, chronos and kairos, the "right" time...and why you're not too late.

Check it out! https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/march-16-2023?e=72f665614b

03/13/2023

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic.

Three years ago today -- it was Friday the 13th (known as "Stupid Virus Day" at our house) -- I cleaned out my kindergartner's cubby at school for the TWO WEEKS we thought we'd be home.

As the weeks turned to months, the only work emails I got were event cancellations and postponements. None of us had any idea how all this was going to shake out...in life or wedding planning!

Do you remember "pivoting?" Wasn't that THE word of 2020, when all of us were making massive adjustments to pretty much every aspect of our lives?

Unlike many in the world of weddings, I still had *some* work as an officiant...since the ceremony was one of the only wedding elements to remain intact.

But how could I facilitate connection when people were afraid to be together? How could we foster intimacy when any kind of closeness felt dangerous? How might loved ones be invited to join when they literally could not be included (remember the size-limits on gatherings)?

When was the last time you thought about those first weeks and months of the pandemic? Or later, the vaccine honeymoon or the holiday Omicron surge?

I'm remembering how I made kindergarten at home, had drive-by birthdays and air-hugged our parents, and how I built a whole new professional skill set.

I had only my eyes, my voice (from behind a mask) and my presence -- my energy -- to help create connection. I could only use words to call forth that feeling of intimacy.

And, thank goodness, I had Zoom. Like many, I certainly grew to have a love/hate relationship with it, but Zoom brought everyone into the room together.

For some couples, that met the need. And for others, I worked to make their Zoom guests not only witnesses but active participants. As one such bride told me afterward, their wedding had to be different, yes, but it was not "less" in any way.

Because, turns out, when you have meaningful connection, it's enough.

03/09/2023

Covid-19 had couples rethinking everything about their weddings, from what they'd wear to where they'd be. Many sought out cozy little nooks in public parks or gardens, while others scaled back their celebrations at an event venue.

Most difficult of all for many couples was loosing their entire guest list, or all but a few family members. Many decided to Zoom, FaceTime or record their ceremony so they could still share the moment with their loved ones.

While Covid-19 stripped away most other aspects of the event, these tiny or “micro" weddings retained at their heart a beautifully personalized ceremony to celebrate the couple's journey and the beginning of their marriage.

​With this as one of, if not *the only* part remaining of their original wedding plans, couples got to see how singularly important the ceremony truly is.

No longer a footnote or something to simply “get through" before the reception, the ceremony — the *wed*-ing — became ​the wedding.

As one bride wrote, "Planning a wedding during a pandemic was definitely not ideal, but our ceremony remained the one sure thing throughout COVID."

03/09/2023

As we approach three years since Covid-19 changed all our lives, I've been thinking a lot about all the couples I worked with through the pandemic whose weddings had to change dramatically, too.

As Anne told me in her initial inquiry, “Our big wedding in August 2020 obviously had to be cancelled, but we very much want to be married to each other. Our families are not in the area, so it will be just the two of us with our families over Zoom.”

She went on to say, "The more we feel how uncertain things are with the virus, the more we want to do something special and real now.”

Jesse and Anne weren’t sure if they’d get their “big wedding” later, so they decided to keep their venue, photographer, attire and more.

Anne wrote, “We are grieving what would have been, but trying to make this a really special experience with a meaningful ceremony.”

In the end, she shared, "We got to have a beautiful ceremony despite the absence of in-person guests, a bridal party, readers or a reception.”

That was the part that mattered most.

03/07/2023

“We got to have a beautiful and meaningful ceremony despite the absence of in-person guests, a bridal party, readers or a reception.”

Anne and Jesse were among millions of couples faced with an unexpected decision: whether or not to have a wedding in 2020. Why, when you can’t have a big celebration, would you still want a wedding?

The twenty couples I married in 2020 (and some, again, in 2021!) all had their own answer.

“We got to have a beautiful and meaningful ceremony despite the absence of in-person guests, a bridal party, readers or a reception.”

03/03/2023

You say March, I say...Covid?! 🦠

Who here remembers the day they understood Covid-19 was shutting down the world around them?

For our family, that date is Friday the 13th of March (or "Stupid Virus Day," as we call it). That's the day I went to clean out my kindergartner's cubby at school...and the last day I would set foot in her school for nearly a year and a half.

It's been three years since that March morning. In that time, every person and nearly every facet of life has been touched by the pandemic (though not equally). How can we joyously - gratefully - embrace our "normal" lives again without erasing how much, or how many, we lost?

I'm so thankful to be past those days...but we live in a culture sick with speed: totally future-oriented and forever just "moving on." What might it look like to slow down and take stock; to let yourself feel it all again?

I know it is mourning that repairs. Grieving the loss helps heal.

https://mailchi.mp/graceceremonies/march-2-2023?e=72f665614b

02/16/2023

After Valentine's Day, I'm glad to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day tomorrow. As John Templeton wrote, "The more love we give away, the more we have left. The laws of love differ from the laws of arithmetic. Love hoarded dwindles, but love given grows. . ."

Let us be generators of love.

https://mailchi.mp/f9fa7c8e13f9/imbolc-letting-in-the-light-317768?e=dadd7fec13

02/02/2023

Imbolc (February 1-2) wasn't even on my radar until Monday. This Celtic holiday, based on the solar cycle, is half-way between winter solstice and spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Aha! Then the pair of wood ducks and the beaver I saw out for a swim at Fitzgerald Lake, the robin I spotted at Look Park, the pale green iris shoots poking up in our garden all began to make sense.

Revisiting the writing of Robin Wall Kimmer and Katherine May, I was once again reminded that we are not separate from nature. We are nature, too, and as such we live in the earth's seasons and cycles...each with its own purpose and value.

Recognizing ourselves as part of nature, Imbolc invites us to reflect on the winter of our minds, bodies and hearts, and the beginnings of our own unfurling movement toward spring.

Even when we can't see it, it's already begun.

https://mailchi.mp/442e321a1663/imbolc-letting-in-the-light?e=3b08ca1b4c

01/10/2023

"It's the end of an era for Grace Ceremonies," I wrote at the close of 2022.

10 years ago today, when my business was just 10 days old, I got my very first wedding ceremony inquiry.

Now I've begun a new decade of my life, and a new decade of my business.

In Latin, 'minister' means 'servant.' Thirteen years after I first heard it, now is finally the time to step more fully into my calling to serve.

I always knew my calling wasn't only to be an officiant. It has been the honor of a lifetime to help so many couples and families mark life's meaningful milestones through ceremony.

But it's time for me to reclaim something I've wanted to do - to be - since I was a girl.

As far back as I can remember, I thought I would grow up to be a writer and a teacher. I used to imagine that meant novels and classrooms, but if my ministry over the last decade has shown me anything, it's that words have power outside the page, and learning lives beyond four walls.

I wish I could tell you exactly what the new era of Grace Ceremonies will look like. For now, though, I know I need to make space to bring forward this next evolution.

I am taking a very limited number of Officiant bookings for 2023, as well as working with couples across the country as a Ceremony Guide; helping craft the structure and script of their ceremony for a friend or loved one to officiate.

I've got a new website on the way and I'm working with a coach to clarify my new offerings. I've got my ear to the ground and my heart to the sky as I listen deep and open wide for all that is yet to be.

Stay tuned. I know I am. 🙏🏼

[Photos by Isabella Dellolio Photography]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnPby1Hja4X/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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