Alternative Ceremonies

Alternative Wedding Ceremonies

Handfasting - Pagan - Reiki - Crystal - Sage - Douser

I believe waking every day, what is for me won't pass me. Everything I see or do, it is an opportunity to change, move forward to enrich my life, thus enriching lives around me. 

During my journey, my early years in solace, I believed I had something different. It wasn't until, after many disastrous roads, failed attempts to be someone who I wasn't, just to fit in, by default, I was pushed back onto the path I am now. 

In the beginning it didn't make any sense but somehow, I just knew. I felt I was at home, somehow, but when I left the 'community' of people, back into the real world, I was suffocating. When I met with 'like minded people', I learned many skills. Reading different 'Cards' such as the Tarot, Angel Cards ~ AA Raphael and AA Michael cards, to Oracle cards, attended workshops and mediumship meetings and so on. 

In 2009 I completed Reiki I and later to complete Reiki II in 2013. That was an amazing experience. In my Reiki Masters words "What you saw, Vanessa, a young Reiki healer wouldn't know yet..... Vanessa, I strongly advise you finish off your Reiki and become a Master yourself! I couldn't and won't describe what I saw, but believe me it was powerful. I was in a vulnerable situation, emotionally at that stage so maybe, because of the path I was on, it opened my spirit and I could connect more freely. I still today have to finish my Reiki but I will do, when the time is right and I believe that time will present itself to me when I'm ready. 

Dragon holding a handmade Handfasting cord made by myself, presented with a certificate and gift box. Made to order. 

Now, you may be asking yourself, sure what has that got to do with a wedding ceremony? I believe my couples will come to me. I have noticed, no matter how much I advertise; pay for marketing this and marketing that, my couples appear to me from nowhere, not linked to my time spend advertising? We cross paths in this world for a reason and mine is no different. 

Each bead and piece is placed and sewn.

I have noticed more and more lately, couples are asking me to perform 'Pagan Wedding Ceremonies’ and to be honest, when I started doing them, I felt I was going to be out of my depth, but when I was performing them, the feedback I received, from the couple and their guest were breath taking. Again, this was another realisation, on my path; I am doing what I am supposed to do on this earth plane. 

When I make a Handfasting cord, I charge and envoke the cords with properous intentions.

When I am performing a cleansing ceremony, I incorporate Sage and use crystals to magnify the clearing and cleansing. At times I may require only to cleanse one individual, maybe due to a troubled past or illness. There are times when I have to cleanse a room before guests arrive. I need to be alone doing this so the energies are not interrupted. 

Another design, a Heirloom Wedding Certificate, signed by the couple.
Background, a dragon buring Dragons Blood and blue sage. The fragrance created a unique ambiance, a first for many to experience. 

During a wedding ceremony, by request, I will wear a white cloak. This is okayed by the couple beforehand. It is not everybody’s cup of tea but I have discovered many couples are surprised I have one and opt for it too. This is only worn during the clearing, cleansing and the handfasting ceremony. 

During the handfasting ceremony, I sage the handfasting cords after they are placed on the couples hands. I sage my own at this stage too so I don't transfer my energies. As I am performing the ceremony, I explain what I am doing to the guests, who are very inquisitive at this stage. This ritual provides many photo opportunities because of the intimacy created during those moments.

If you would like to know more or ask me any questions, you can catch me on Facebook on my Page: https://www.facebook.com/Embracing.Life.Ceremonies.Ireland or email me at Vanessa@embracing-life-ceremonies.com 

Blessed Be. xx

~ Vanessa ~