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Preparation + Caring = Fun!
My boyfriend had never been to a synagogue for a regular Sabbath service, let alone for a bar or bat mitzvah, so I had more than just a little trepidation as my nephew’s bar mitzvah approached. I...
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Two Cool Guys from Chico
In Jenner last October, Javier and Arthur Leddy were the photographers at Kim and Karen Huckaby’s wedding, which I officiated. I was quite impressed with these two young men. Watching them work, I...
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Great Expectations
Last week I was Skyping with a couple whose wedding is this upcoming Pride Weekend. They had initially contacted me in January, eager to start planning. Just one month later, I was surprised when I...
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The Marriage Proposal
Last month I wrote about the relationship and marriage of a fantastic couple, Javier and Arthur Leddy, and especially about their proposal. Many other couples I’ve married have told me their creative,...
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For Anton
“Love has gathered us here today. We are here to celebrate the love that the couple has for each other, as well as the love that each of you has given them throughout their lives.” I recite those two...
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Celebrating the Life of a Beloved
In writing these articles for the “Weddings & Occasions” page in the San Francisco Bay Times, I so enjoy writing about weddings, including every aspect and detail of these thrilling, joyous events!...
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Pride
In addition to being Pride month, June is also the most popular month for weddings. The recent wedding of two friends got me thinking about what advice I might offer as they embark on wedded life. I...
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After One Year of Marriage
Carl Hungerford and Andy Dvorak married June 6–a year ago–during Pride month! I spoke with them then, and again this week to see what’s changed. Rev. Elizabeth River: Has being married changed you in...
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The Real Reasons Why Wedding Rehearsals Are Important
As the old joke goes, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.” Rehearsals are important for weddings too, but probably not for the reasons that you might think. I have come to...
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A Bachelor Meets His Match
Opposites often really do attract. Such connections, which perhaps come more from the heart than other factors, can result in successful pairings, as the below conversation between two halves of an...
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After a Death, a Whole New Life
I met Chuck Agler nearly 4 years ago when I was a hospice chaplain and his partner John Capin was dying of cancer. Chuck and John were devoted partners and had a rich and deeply satisfying life for 40...
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A Rich, Ongoing Conversation
John Evans and Tim Ryan married two years ago during Pride weekend. On June 27, 2014, they zoomed over to the Oakland courthouse and tied the knot. The quick turn of events, however, happened after...
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Six Words to Remember Before Considering a Wedding Celebration
By Chelsea Bowman Wonnell Six seconds is all it takes to make a great first impression. Six hours is the recommended time span for a wedding celebration. Not following the next six items can ruin the...
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How Do You Really Find the One? (Meaning the Perfect Venue)
By Melissa Johnson Planning a wedding is an amazing time for you and your fiancé. Like most couples, you probably have a vision for what you want your day to look and feel like. So, how can you...
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Three Tips to Get the Best Wedding Photos Ever
By Colson Griffith Many people say wedding photography is the most important thing about your wedding. I totally agree, but here’s the thing: If you are rushed, frazzled, frustrated, or otherwise not...
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Not All Party and Event Rentals Are the Same
By Frederick Sullivan and Jaime Botello When you are searching for party rentals in the San Francisco Bay Area, you may come across different companies that will not offer you what you deserve, or...
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Who Says You Have to Have a Traditional Wedding?
By Elaine Herman So, you’re getting married! Every couple wants their wedding to be unique and to put their own personal stamp on the occasion, from the look of the room to the wedding feast. After...
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Tell Your Story with Flowers
By Chelsea Bowman Wonnell “The earth laughs in flowers.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Laughter is needed at every wedding celebration … and so are flowers! The floral decor sets the scene and mood for a...
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So You’re Engaged … Now What?
By Frederick Sullivan, C.W.P., and Jaime Botello If your partner recently popped “the question” and you said, “I do,” here are some immediate next steps to consider. Call Your Relatives—Even the ones...
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Do You Need a Certified Wedding Planner?
By Frederick Sullivan and Jaime Botello Yes, my friends, you need a certified wedding planner, you deserve a wedding planner, and you should have a wedding planner! Every engaged couple needs a wedding...
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