Circles of Blessing
"Ishara made us feel very comfortable with everything from the first phone call all the way to the signing of the marriage certificate. She was very helpful and patient with us. She listened to our ideas and created a beautiful ceremony that was beyond anything that we could have thought of on our own. Thank you very much for such a wonderful day!"
Colby and Johonna Davis, Scarborough
"We both really enjoyed our wedding - it was just how we wanted it. Lots of our guests have said what a lovely ceremony it was and some commented it was the best wedding they had been to.
We didn't know much about wedding ceremonies. Ishara showed us basic templates and different ideas. She made it very easy for us to make our wedding unique and personal.
We had friends helping with ceremony and Ishara spoke to them all and prompted them when it was their turn to speak. Everything went very smoothly. It was a very simple low key ceremony, just the way we wanted it. I wholeheartedly recommend Circles of Blessing.
Thanks Ishara we had a great day."Vanessa, Ardross
"Ishara was very forthcoming, approachable and friendly and responded effectively to our needs. The ceremony gave as a new depth and connection to our friends who attended the naming ceremony of our child."
"Ishara has an amazing skill in compiling a truly unique naming ceremony. She provided resources of different religious and spiritual teachings so that the ceremony became meaningful to our family enhancing the connections and relationships with our friends."
M. Witsch, Duncraig
The Mumma Blessing was a fabulous way for women to show on an emotional level how much they care and to display enthusiasm for such a special event. It was fun to participate in and enjoyed by all, especially the Mumma to Be. Women were all impressed by your open manner and accepting insights to both birthing and motherhood and how there is not just one way to do things - greatly appreciated!!
Rebecca, Hamilton Hill
"We liked that Ishara had such a calm presence. Weddings are such stressful events so to have someone with a professional and peaceful presence was a bonus!"
"Our guests were delightfuly suprised by the meaningfulness of ceremony especially in light of our choice to not be 'legally married'. Ishara put together a ceremony that we felt represented us. The handfasting part of the ceremony was an especially lovely touch. The overall experience was very special."
M.Sims, Hamilton Hill
"She has a wonderful ability to be able to bring people together and create wonderful celebrations and gatherings."
"During my involvement with Ishara I have experienced on numerous occasions her ability to create ceremonies and celebrations that are child-friendly, family oriented and all embracing of those who are attending. She is a confident speaker and has a commanding presence."
"I also attended a pregnancy preparation course which Ishara developed and presented. This was a powerful experience, which helped me creatively move through the stages of pregnancy and prepare myself for my child's birth. She was a very attentive and supportive facilitator."
N. Smith, White Gum Valley
"Ishara is committed to developing a healthier society and she goes about this in many ways. One of her ways forward is to help people create and engage in meaningful ritual and ceremony... Ishara is exceptional at this. She is poetic in nature but with a sensibility that reflects and includes the needs and experiences of others. The ceremonies I have seen her create are excellent and her ability to “hold” a group without presenting a dominating presence is wonderful. She never assumes that ‘one size fits all’ and is very good at drawing out the individual needs and requirements that make us uniquely human and then expressing these in structures and ceremonies ideally suited to an individual, couple or group.
Over the 14 years I have known Ishara I have been consistently impressed by several qualities. Those of relevance here are her ethics and morality, her own personal sense of responsibility and her commitment to learn from those around her. I have never known her to lie or misrepresent her position to achieve any personal desire or goal. She is always aware of and considerate to those of the group she is working within, often pausing to make sure she fully understands their perspective. She has a highly developed sense of ethics, but while encouraging others to live ethically, she will not foist her own views on others. I think I am accurate in saying that the views I have just expressed would be supported by all who have had professional, volunteer based or personal interaction with Ishara
Ishara believes in the centrality and stability a committed relationship makes in society and recognises how marriage takes even the most committed relationship to a deeper level. I know that Ishara wants to provide meaningful and legal opportunities for couples, who for various reasons do not wish to avail themselves of religious services, to experience the bond and commitment of marriage, in a ceremony structured and tailored to their needs."
P. Wildoak, Hamilton Hill
"She is passionate about acknowledging the milestones in life and has spent incredible amounts of energy creating ceremonies that celebrate the stages of personal growth, and creating artwork that symbolises a deep connection to ‘spirit’. "
"Catherine is a highly respected member of our community through her involvement in many social and private events. To my knowledge she has contributed by facilitating groups, holding workshops and dances, and creating ceremonies to celebrate birth, naming days, rites of passage, and our connection to the cycles of nature. ... On many occasions, Catherine has worked voluntarily performing in this role she deeply believes in for the enhancement of our quality of life; a life that reflects a sense of meaning and purpose. Whenever I have witnessed Catherine’s participation in these events I have always admired her calm, warm presence and her inner confidence. Amongst her close circle of friends she has given herself poignantly by invoking a sense of spirit and belonging in times of great need and in times of joy. Catherine is an articulate and intuitive speaker, who has the ability to reach her audience authentically. She is a highly motivated individual who embraces diversity and inclusion amongst people."
"Catherine is a very honest person and can be relied on to speak her truth. She is supportive of people’s rights and values integrity. In my personal experience, she has always honoured privacy and upheld confidentiality."
A. Francas McNee, Hamilton Hill
