Introduction: First, as a gay man I started officiating weddings for the same-sex marriage Community. In my experiences as an AIDS attorney in DC in the 1980s, I was there for the worst time of someone's life. Had we had same-sex marriage then, it would have solved so many problems gay couples had when dealing with AIDS. So I felt that now that we could finally get married, it was very important to me to provide this service. It feels as if I have come full circle, now being there at one of the best times of someone's life. From my initial weddings, my services kept expanding and now I officiate about 45% same-sex marriages and 55% different-sex marriages. And I love doing both because I love to see couples so happy on their special day!
My service is personalized to YOU, the couple, so that you get a wedding ceremony that you will remember forever. I meet with you and listen to what you want in your wedding, and I almost always accept special requests as part of your service, like a special location (i.e., the mountains, a park, in a hot air balloon, wearing a kilt, a superhero costume, or even a medieval henchmen, etc.), a candle or sand ceremony, even butterflies! One wedding recently we were outside and it began dumping rain. The couple wished to continue the ceremony in the rain so we did. We all got drenched but it was fun for me and memorable for the couple!
I am happy to include your religious or non-religious preferences. I have performed services in English and Spanish (and a mix of both in the wedding ceremony), as well as Native, Wicca and other spiritualities traditions. And of course non-religious weddings where only the couple's feelings and words are used in the ceremony. I have even performed a wedding with an alien theme. Non-traditional weddings of any kind are my specialty.
I love doing weddings because I am able to be with people at one of the happiest times of their lives - and the joy that comes out during a wedding, the sheer emotions, the sharing of a special bond - to be part of that is simply magical. There is always one point in the ceremony where I can see "something" exchanged between the couple - their faces just show it - that means they KNOW they are now married. It is very uplifting for me personally, and to have the privilege of sharing such a wonderful time of a couple's lives is blissful and fills me with love. I know that you are entrusting me with making your ceremony yours, and want it to be special. And I do consider it an honor and privilege should you choose me to be a part of YOUR ceremony.
I can help each of you write your own vows, so you can each say to the other what this day, and the rest of your lives together, means to you. And I am happy to help guide you through the whole process. I strive to make your ceremony one you'll never forget, and I listen to YOU as to what you want in a ceremony.
I hope to hear back from you!
Mauro
