From Reiki to "I Do": My Unexpected Journey as a Wedding Officiant

Ah, love! It's the universal language, the force that makes the world go 'round, and the reason why tissues are a must-have at any wedding (trust me on this). But who knew my path to witnessing all this glorious love would begin at a Reiki conference?

That's right, folks. Not exactly the most traditional route to officiating weddings. But then again, life rarely follows a script, does it? At this particular conference, the keynote speaker, a radiant woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, spoke about her work as an ordained minister. Now, a lightbulb moment doesn't usually involve the gentle hum of healing energy, but that's exactly what happened! Intrigued, I approached her after the session and inquired about her journey. Thankfully, this wise soul saw the spark in my eyes (or maybe it was the slightly crazed glint) and introduced me to the wonderful world of the Universal Brotherhood Movement. Fast forward to September 2000, and there I was, officially ordained – ready to spread love and pronouncements like confetti!

Now, the first wedding I officiated? Let's just say it was a baptism by fire (metaphorically, of course, because fire at a wedding is generally a bad sign). It was a surprise house ceremony, intimate and lovely, but my nerves were doing the jitterbug. My mouth felt like the Sahara desert in July – absolutely parched. But, you know what? Love conquers all, even dehydration! The ceremony went off without a hitch, and the room's joy was truly magical. From that moment, I was hooked.

Here's the thing about officiating ceremonies – it's not just about the "I do's." It's about creating sacred moments, capturing the essence of love and commitment in a way that resonates with each couple (and yes, sometimes that involves incorporating a Star Wars lightsaber into the vows – no judgment!). It's about witnessing families come together, celebrating new beginnings, and honoring life's precious milestones. And let me tell you, the love that flows through these ceremonies is a powerful current. It's humbling, inspiring, and sometimes downright hilarious (now where are those pesky rings?).

The best part? I get to be a part of it all. I get to co-create beautiful, personalized ceremonies that reflect the unique love story of each couple. I learn something new about love and family with every ceremony. And yes, I've definitely learned how to roll with the punches – because let's be honest, weddings rarely go exactly according to plan (which, in a way, makes them even more perfect).

So, if you're reading this and feel a nudge towards officiating ceremonies, I say go for it! There's a whole world of love and joy waiting for you on the other side. Just be prepared for the occasional case of dry mouth and the inevitable cake-related chaos. But hey, isn't that what life's all about – a sprinkle of sweetness with a dash of the unexpected?

Feeling inspired? Head over to the Universal Brotherhood Movement website (www.universalbrotherhood.org) and start your own adventure in love and ceremony or feel free to reach out to me if you have questions. Let's keep the love flowing, folks!

With a sprinkle of fairy dust (and maybe some emergency lip balm),

Your friendly neighborhood wedding officiant,

Mary