Description The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony is an extensive guide for both same-sex and opposite sex couples wishing to design a unique, seamless, and memorable ceremony. It also serves as a how-to resource for officiants of all faiths, from novice to sage. One of the first books published to support ALL couples - of every lifestyle and belief; it is interfaith in nature and makes creating personalized nuptials effortless. It assures every couple of a genuine and meaningful service. The content features a heartfelt collection of 80+ ceremony choices of both fresh/contemporary writings as well as more traditional selections. Rev. Mary Calhoun encourages creativity and personalization by blending favored selections. The author mentors couples and officiants through the orchestration of the processional scheme, formal escorting (seating of parents and grandparents) and the VIP ceremony seating plan. This chapter includes essential diagrams, templates and checklists to streamline your day: the Couple's Pre-Wedding Ceremony Checklist, Rehearsal Checklist and Day-of Checklist. Invaluable tools include a detailed wedding day Sample Timeline, Vendor List, Emergency Kit List, and Facility Rental Check List. For the officiants, a Pre-Wedding Overview, a guide for drafting an Officiant's Welcome Address, and Officiant's Day-of Checklist. An entire chapter acquaints one with the intricate nuances of running a rehearsal - complete with two staging diagrams and step-by-step instructions. This book insightfully provides the soon-to-be married couple a "Happily Ever After" segment. This relationship handbook covers the topics of communication, sustained romance and an easy-to-use template for a couple's mission statement. It includes a suggested reading list. Praise for The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony: "Rev. Mary has created a very valuable resource for couples navigating the wedding world and has done so with sensitivity, wisdom and grace. The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony is definitely something I would recommend for brides and grooms gearing up for the big day." Ali Brownrigg Editor, Seattle Bride "The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony will help countless couples and families begin new chapters together with love, inspiration, kindness, grace, humor, trust, and everything that is honest and personal. At a time when couples may feel so many obligations to adhere to, outdated rules and a world of "shoulds" and "should nots," this book respects traditions while at the same time empowers people to reflect on who they really are, and create memorable events in their own words and in their own ways. It is a must read for anyone starting life's greatest journey with the one they love " -Debbie Friend Haynes, Public Relations Consultant Founder of Debbie Friend Consulting "Mary Calhoun has designed a guide that is fresh, innovative, and original, supporting ceremonies of love for everyone " -Brian Roberts and Daniel Crawford Groom and Groom "The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony is thoughtfully composed for all couples. Mary Calhoun has a tenderhearted approach to creating your perfect wedding ceremony and a foundation for a successful marriage. She brings her many years of knowledge and expertise to foster a comfortable environment and an open conversation. The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony enriches the experience of getting married and reminds us what is truly important. Your journey with Mary might start today but she will stay with you for a lifetime " -Stephanie Solomon Founder, Solomon Event Planning "In The Distinctive Wedding Ceremony, Mary Calhoun has crafted the foremost guide for couples seeking a fresh approach to the traditional wedding ceremony. Her creativity, passion, sincerity and experience shine through " -Minaz Abji andShelmina Babai Abji Executive VP Asset ManagementVP, Global Microsoft Alliance at IBM Host Hotels and Resorts (AND Bride and Groom)