Letter from the Editor

Features

The Ritual of Self
Revealing a Woman’s Intimate Journey

• “I Have Been Looking For Your Face” ~ The wedding of Jamie Butler & Rui da Silva
• Readings & Photos from Jamie & Rui’s Wedding Ceremonies
  
• “8 Bridal Secrets for a Calm & Sacred Wedding Experience"
  by The Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

A Bride's Story
Remembrances of Weddings Past

Grown-Up Brides

• "Adele"
  The wedding of Adele Azar & Jim Rucquoi
• "Mechelle"
  The wedding of Mechelle Richardson & Pehr Lund
  
• "Aleta"
  The wedding of Aleta Ellin & Howard Aaron

Trappings of the Wedding
Exploring the Wedding’s Creative Elements

VOWS
In this issue of Weddings of Grace we explore the words of the wedding. Words have power and magic in them. To offer a vow to someone is to give your word. Is giving your word any less intimate than giving your heart? Is that the origin of heartfelt?

I open my heart to you. I offer my love to you. I give my word to you.

• “Choosing the Words For Your Wedding”
  by The ReverendJennifer Denning
• “Creating Ritual 101: What’s In the Structure?”
  by The Reverend Rebecca Parker
  
• Alternative Wedding Officiants
  
• “Quiet Rhythms” ~ A Wedding Essay, 2003
  with Cornelia’s Musings for the Bride
  “The sounds of a wedding—the music, the words, the rhythms—were chosen for a purpose. Their tone, cadence and movement can ease us into a still, peaceful place…”
  
  (Excerpt from Cornelia’s book in progress, “Weddings of Grace: The Bride You Want To Be ~ The Woman You Become”)

The Lineage of a Gown
Wedding Dresses Tell Their History

• A Shimmering Treasure ~ The Wedding Gown of New York Designer Lara Meiland

• “Magic In the Details” ~ A Wedding Essay, 2002
  with Cornelia’s Musings for the Bride
  “If the expression, ‘God is in the details,’ is indeed accurate, then a divine presence permeates the planning of a wedding.”
  
  (Excerpt from Cornelia’s book in progress, “Weddings of Grace: The Bride You Want To Be ~ The Woman You Become”)

Ask Cornelia
Q & A ~ How to Create Joy, Beauty & Ease while Planning Your Wedding

Cornelia answers questions about “green wedding” resources, choosing the words for your wedding ceremony, unique gift requests, and remarrying & what to wear!

Take a Breather!
Three Minutes to Ease: Exercises to Relax Your Mind & Body ~ Expanding Your Spirit

• Love Is Breathing Into the Heart
  The Course in Miracles teaches that “Love is breathing into the heart.” As we pay more attention to our breath, we are more at ease—our minds become quieter and our bodies relax—and we are closer to the true feelings of our heart….

Cornelia Recommends
Resources & News of Interest for the Bride & Beyond

• Books ~ Old & new treasures
• Green Weddings ~ Organic resources
• Products ~ Beautiful choices
• Services ~ Designed to serve you
• Gift Registry ~ Thoughtful alternatives
• Media ~ An old favorite

Meet Cornelia
The Bride’s Sage & Wedding Folklorist

• Cornelia Powell has been the voice of conscious, intuitive weddings for over two decades—offering brides the wisdom of ancient rituals plus the freedom of modern culture to create ceremonies from their hearts. 
• Readers respond to the first issue of Weddings of Grace.

Archives

• Weddings of Grace Online Magazine
  ~ Autumn 2006 ~ “Rituals of the Heart”
  ~ Winter 2007 ~ “The Lingering Image of the Bride”

Resources
Contributors to Weddings of Grace

• Acknowledging the artists who contributed to the Winter Issue of Weddings of Grace.