From Vineyards to Airplanes, Orchards to Boats, look to Knot Your Average for alternatives to the Altar.

I am a certified, ordained, Pastoral Chaplain. Why did I choose this? Well, here’s my story:

My husband, Dennis, and I spend a lot of time on the French River, from island campouts, to family trips at Wolsley Resort or helping to open and close our favourite fishing resort, Lunge Lodge. So it stands to reason that the first place we said “I love you,” was on an island, under a spectacular view of the stars, on the French River, where we camp regularly.

One night at Lunge we were talking about what a wedding for us might look like. I said it would be great if we could do it at the French, since it meant so much to us. Apparently, I proposed to HIM! Right then and there, the owners and guests jumped in with excitement and by the next week we were searching for an officiant. Oh, how I wished one of our family or friends could do it! This was the second time we had wished for an officiant as just the year before our son and daughter-in-law were married on our property (pictures are on the website). As the years rolled on, our daughter was also married on our property and within a week, my good friend was asking if I knew an officiant to do THEIR wedding. Enough was enough! I HAD to get ordained! So now, as I near the end of my career in special education, I get to continue to nurture and encourage love.

There are lots of ‘altar-natives,’ from traditional to adventure-style ceremonies. Maybe you want your celebration to be on a boat or a helicopter. Maybe you want to keep it simple and do it on our beautiful rural property amidst the orchards or under the willow tree. Your call! You are welcome to write your own vows, add a ritual (sand or candle ceremonies). Whatever you want! Elopements, interfaith unions, vow renewals, civil unions and same-sex marriages are available.

After you read my story and the stories that go with the photos, you might decide that you need someone just like me to officiate for a couple just like you. Once you contact me, we’ll set up a meeting. You’ll get a feel for me and I’ll get a feel for you. I’ll go through some sample ceremonies and we’ll customize one that reflects who you are, your beliefs and lifestyle. We’ll discuss where would be the best place to have your ceremony and whether or not you need a rehearsal. We will discuss fees and deposits and times and anything else that I can do to help you!