Circles of Blessing
Ensure that the ceremony you get is the one you really want! Confirm my availability now..
If you'd like me to co-create a ceremony with you, the first step is to make contact by phone or email or by using the enquiry form on this website. We can then have a brief chat about the kind of ceremony you are imagining, and make an appointment for an initial planning consultation.
The most moving, memorable ceremonies are ones which truly reflect the person - your unique qualities, needs and values - and actively engage the circle of community around you. Such a ceremony builds a shared sense of meaningfulness and connection. When the intention behind the ceremony is clear, the resulting experience is so much more powerful.
For this reason, we generally begin the ceremony planning process with an initial consultation oriented toward drawing out the story of your personal journey. The intention here is to help clarify not only the who, what, when, where and how of your ceremony, but most importantly, to delve deeper into the why of it. Together we'll be exploring: what is it you aspire to create through holding this ceremony?
When you book an initial appointment to discuss your desires for your own unique ceremony, you will receive:
At your second planning appointment, you will have the opportunity to bring along your completed personal wishlist, so that I can weave my special magic to create a ceremony outline that is uniquely your own.
At this appointment we will also look at the practical arrangements, including any special equipment or materials that may be needed.
If you choose, during this appointment I can also provide you with materials and assistance to create your own hand-made invitations - a lovely touch for any special occasion.
Following the second planning appointment I will write up ceremony and send you a draft copy for your approval.
A note about multi-cultural and inter-faith ceremonies :
I very much enjoy working with people from a variety of faith traditions, as well as those whose spiritual path does not have a particular name, to create a ceremony which will respect and reflect their personal beliefs and values. I am happy to include any religious or cultural symbolism that makes sense for you, and/or to work collaboratively with a religious celebrant of your choice.
Depending upon the nature of the ceremony (eg. chosen venue, number of guests, etc) a follow-up consultation/walk-through to finalise preparations for the ceremony in your chosen venue may be appropriate.
You may choose to hold your ceremony in your own home or garden, hire a venue, or choose an outdoor location such as a public park or beach.
Attention to the way the space is arranged and decorated is an important part of preparation for a truly special experience. I can advise on simple touches - such as colour choices, placement of special symbolic items, flowers, candles, etc - which can transform your ritual space into someplace out of the ordinary.
On the day of the ceremony, I will arrive at the venue 30 minutes early, and can assist with set up of any special items required for the ceremony.
Ishara provides professional facilatation for your special occasion
You may choose to make your special ceremony quite intimate, inviting only the closest of your friends or family-members to be with you. Or you may wish to plan a larger celebration involving a more expansive circle of community. In either case, engaging a professional celebrant means that you can hand over your responsibilities as hostess for the duration of the ceremony and allow yourself to be fully centred in your own experience of this special occasion.
As your celebrant, it is part of my role to draw people together and set the stage by briefly outlining how the ceremony will unfold. As we gather the people together, I find it helpful to remind them of your intention for this ceremony, and to invite them to hold this in their hearts and minds as we open a special/sacred space for you.
When we are ready to begin, I will formally open the ceremony and then guide the smooth flow of words and actions and the subtle energy these generate. As the celebrant, I am responsible for managing the pacing of the ceremony, and for modelling and drawing people into participation in the appropriate places. And I bring the ceremony to a close when we are done.
We are always keen to get feedback from our clients - your thoughts about what we did well and what could be improved upon. You can use the feedback form on this website or talk to us directly.
If you are happy for us to, we'd also love to publish your photos and/or comments in our online gallery of past ceremonies, so that others can get a glimpse of the special experience that we co-created together.