Couples Art, Inspiration, love, Love Boards

The Art of Self Love

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Good Things by Jane Green

This second in my series of collages speaks to the process of loving and trusting yourself. This can be a lifelong journey but a truly rewarding one – and necessary before genuine relationships can occur. “Love boards” are great tools for both reflection and action. Search your heart and then choose images that relate to what you are feeling now and where you desire to go. Once your visual is done, write an affirmation on the back. I completed my Good Things in April 2014 and wrote : “A world of possibilities lay at my feet. I need only to see the good things in life and dare to cross the bridge; be authentic in my pursuits; and allow the wind to fill my sails.” Truer words were never illustrated.

View and read about the first collage, Bliss.

bride review, ceremonies, Couples, officiant review

5 Star Review

stars“Jane was a perfect officiant for our wedding! She helped figure out the little details of the ceremony. She exudes such a peaceful, loving, and joyful energy that made our ceremony perfect for us. Thank you again Jane!  Love, Greta and Neil”

I always appreciate it when newlyweds take the time to send in a review. It really helps other couples make an informed choice … and, of course, it’s a wonderful reminder of why I love this work! Read more reviews on WeddingWire.

Book Suggestions, coaching, Couples, Helpful Hints, Inspiration, Reviews

Finding A Change of Heart

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“A change of heart is the almost magical force that erases the distress in relationship and gives you a fresh start.” Whether you have been married for two years or twenty, this is a book you’ll want to put on your nightstand. Pransky offers a refreshing and surprisingly simple approach to understanding interpersonal dynamics. If you’re happily in love with your partner, this can take you to a deeper level. If you’ve hit some bumps, The Relationship Handbook can guide you in making the shift to a sweet resolution. If you want to refresh your thinking about people in general, this will do that, too!

Note: Also available in eBook format.

ceremonies, Downtown Portland Wedding, Event Venue, Food, PDX wedding, Wedding Reception, weddings

Perfect Wedding in the Pearl

Alexie & AaronAndina in Portland’s Pearl District was the perfect venue for yesterday’s evening wedding for Alexie and Aaron. From the intimate surroundings of the George V private dining room to the accommodating and courteous staff, everyone felt warm and welcomed. The bride’s children, Nolan and Madeline, escorted the couple to the altar and also did the readings. The ceremony included a tree planting ritual featuring an Upright Japanese Maple which is admired for its brilliant orange foliage. Following the wedding vows, guests enjoyed dinner created by Andina’s award winning chefs. The 3-course menu offered scrumptious choices and a variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes prepared with a Peruvian flair. The newlyweds will honeymoon in Eastern Oregon in their shiny Airstream and enjoy a week of camping and skiing. After some well deserved R & R, they’ll return to their home in Portland where Alexie teaches at PCC and Aaron is a project manager for a construction company. Congratulations, Mrs. & Mrs. McKee, and Happy Trails always!

beach weddings, Honeymoon, Lodging, Reviews, Romance

Romantic Destinations in OR

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Nye Beach “my pick” – Newport, OR taken 9/2015

Hood River, Cannon Beach, Timberline Lodge … just three of the top romantic getaway destinations in Oregon. The Oregonian listed their picks for 2016 last weekend and there were no surprises this year. The feature also included reader poll results for best coastal towns with Cannon Beach winning for romance and Florence getting top honors for best getaway. Read more about the hot spots. Note: I have to say Newport wins in my book … beauty, food, Nye Beach, whales, cool vibe and still manages to offer serenity. Contact me if you need any suggestions for your visit.

 

announcements, awards, local business, officiant, wedding ceremonies

Couples Choice Award 2016

untitledThe WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® 2016 recognizes the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. The esteemed awards are given to the top local wedding vendors in more than 20 service categories based on their professional achievements from the previous year.  Thanks to my wonderful couples who took the time to write reviews and made this award possible. I look forward to another year of joyful celebrations!

Brides, celebrations, ceremonies, chapel wedding, Event Venue, Events, Flowers, PDX wedding, portland brides, wedding ceremonies, Wedding Ceremony, wedding chapel, Wedding Favors, Wedding Reception, weddings, winter wedding

Wedding Rings in the New Year

PhotoGrid_1451960874666Angela and Ryan planned on this New Year’s Eve being their most joyful one so far – and it was! The evening wedding ceremony was held at the McMenamin’s Old Church & Pub in Wilsonville which set a romantic yet fun atmosphere for the festivities. The color pallet of cobalt blue, purple and charcoal was showcased in bridal party attire as well as the decor. Satin rose bouquets were adorned with blue and white bling. Lighthearted touches included a trivia enhanced program and a take home s’mores kit for favors. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed happy hour followed by an elaborate appetizer buffet. The newlyweds, who met while working at Intel, are enjoying a tropical honeymoon before returning to their home in Beaverton. Congratulations & Happy New Year, Mr. & Mrs. Royce! May your marriage be sweetened by the memory of all the laughter shared on your wedding day.

awards, bride review, Brides, ceremonies, Downtown Portland Wedding, PDX wedding, wedding ceremonies

Final 5 Star Review for 2015

Award web“We got lucky when we found Jane Green! It was an honor to have her officiate our ceremony. She is experienced, knowledgeable, calm, comforting, and an all around wonderful person. She is exactly the person you want by your side during this special time. Each of our guests said how great the ceremony was thanks to Jane, such a warm and pleasant person. She is an absolute joy to be around and has a lovely voice.” Thank you, Megan. The honor was mine and you were both a delight! Click here to see Megan & Alex’s elegant wedding in downtown PDX.

celebrations, ceremonies, Couples, love, wedding alternatives

Celebrate Love – Not the Wedding

love storyI don’t celebrate wedding ceremonies. I celebrate the LOVE between two people. That is what lights my heart, the occasion and the world. Marriage is not the answer for everyone and can even be the wrong answer for some. If you are in a loving relationship and you and your partner choose not to get married, there are other ways to celebrate what is in your heart. An Affirmation of Love or a Commitment ceremony can be every bit as magical and meaningful as a wedding ceremony. The intention is the same – to bless your partnership and declare your love to each other and to everyone else. When your story is framed in love … marriage doesn’t have to be part of the picture. It’s empowering to make a decision that is right for you vs doing what is expected by others. Here’s a really good article about marriage as a cultural norm and the harm that norm can cause us.

certificateInterested in celebrating your love but don’t want a wedding? Contact me to find out about other options and how to create a celebration that fits your lifestyle. “Love is the tie that binds their two lives together in one accord before this company. Through their love this couple promises to share one another’s lives, materially, emotionally and spiritually.”

beach weddings, ceremonies, custom wedding gifts, summer wedding, weddings

Coastal Wedding Complete with Whales and Supermoon

ocean weddingGorgeous weather for whale watching and viewing the full moon set a perfect stage for Saturday’s wedding of Erika and Ruben. The Portland couple rented a spacious beach house in Seal Rock and invited their closest friends and family members to join them for a 3-day celebration. The intimate ceremony featured a poem composed by the groom’s father and a sand exchange ritual using sand collected by the couple earlier in the day. The altar was decorated with flowers, a handcrafted photo mobile and colorful stones painted by the guests. After the celebratory toasts and hugs, the wedding party traveled seven miles up the coast to enjoy dinner at the popular Local Ocean seafood restaurant on the Newport Bay marina. This was such an interesting mix of global influence. The groom’s father was from Argentina, his mother was from France. He was born in California. The bride’s mother was from New York. She was born in Canada. Is it any wonder that these two LOVE to travel? They plan a tropical honeymoon in November. Meanwhile, they reside and work in PDX where Ruben is a physician with Providence and Erika is a project manager. Congratulations, Dr. & Mrs. Halperin! May laughter and love be constant companions wherever your travels lead.