Greetings & Congratulations!

Custom Weddings for Marriage & Commitment Ceremonies

Reverend Leslie Ann Johnson, M.A. Religion & Theology,
Minnesota & Wisconsin Licensed Non-denominational Officiant
612.382.2960
leslie@positivelycharmed.com

YOUR WEDDING DAY


The perfect wedding ceremony which symbolizes your love
is the beginning of a great celebration,
it marks a new phase of life that you will continue to create together for years to come.

— Rainer Maria Rilke, “Letters to a Young Poet”

"The point of marriage is not to create a quick commonality
by tearing down all boundaries; on the contrary,
a good marriage is one in which each partner appoints the other to be the guardian of his solitude,
and thus they show each other the greatest possible trust..."

"We met with Leslie several times before our wedding. We so much appreciated the personal level of service that she provided.

Our marriage ceremony was written just for us and it made our day so special. Leslie was always so positive and very helpful with suggestions.

She took a lot of stress off of us during our planning and we are very grateful.

Leslie also provided flowers and decor for the backdrop of the ceremony and reception and it made everything come together perfectly.

We can't thank Leslie enough for everything she did; I would recommend her in a second."

...Kelly & Dave at Gale Woods Farm, DCharles Photography

A Theological & Spiritual Perspective on

  Non-Denominational or Non-Religious Ceremonies

Most of the couples that I work with do not belong to a religious congregation.

  Their family background may be of a particular religious denomination,
but they, as individuals may have not followed within the footsteps of their family tradition.
Often the two families of the couple are of differing faiths.
There may be a desire on the behalf of the engaged couple about how to put at ease
those loved ones who would prefer that there be some traditional elements involved in their ceremony.
  How can a couple express their love in a way that honors their own spiritual beliefs, respects the beliefs of those present,
and still remain true to themselves?

My own theological perspective and spiritual beliefs are suited to meet this need in a personable and professional level.
My outlook and expression is built upon a foundation of comparative theology and spirituality, in the tradition of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.
  I use creative and metaphorical writing to express the unique qualities of your story, in combination with careful selections from a powerful collection of readings and poetry. My work invites me to take part in creating the celebration and honoring the love
that two people have had the grace to discover, and the commitment to nurture.
 
  I graduated from United Theological Seminary, with a Masters Degree in Religion & Theology.
I am a non-denominational spiritual humanist with a religious background.
My credentials are licensed with the State of Minnesota & Wisconsin.

A large part of my interest in attending an openly ecumenical seminary was my desire to create bridges between faith communities.
One of the loveliest discoveries that I made at seminary is that the greatest common denominator between religions...and also between non religious but spiritual disciplines, is this: that the truest language of Spirit...is the language of Love.  There are so many expressions of this language.  For some people there are tangible metaphors found in the beauty of nature and the universe that encompasses life, for others it is in the relationships which surround them, some speak in a humanist way, and others in a more spiritual manner,
but all speak to the power of that which is celebrated in their love for one another...and their wish to be married.

"Our ceremony was amazing. I can't tell you how many people commented on how much they liked it, and that it was so "us”.

It was incredibly special and in my opinion magical! I think you captured exactly what we were looking for in our ceremony

and we are grateful to you for that.

I was very comfortable during the ceremony and think we were able to create that sacred space that you spoke of.

I think a lot of that was possible because of your gifts... We were blessed to have found you!"

Laura and Sheldon at Gale Mansion...Melissa Oholendt Photography






                         

  The Sacrament of Marriage is an age old tradition and is open
to as many creative interpretations as there are cultures on Earth!

  On a wedding day the power and grace of that sacred love is in full bloom,
and any place that is set aside to create a marriage
becomes a sacred space where that love is celebrated.

So the question remains, how do you celebrate it?
  This is why I feel blessed by a joyful and creative vocation,
to give voice to that celebration.

"Leslie married us the summer of 2009 and she was amazing to work with for our wedding.
We knew we wanted a personal, relaxed ceremony but were at a loss beyond that.
She helped us lay out the ceremony, pick and then refine the language and provided helpful feedback on our vows when we asked,
since we were writing them ourselves. She even provided great suggestions on how the ceremony should go,
where people should stand, when to walk in etc.
Working with Leslie was such a pleasure and I think she gets to take most of the credit for the many compliments we received from our guests."
  Amy and Clayton, University Club, St. Paul

I am here, as an experienced Officiant, to provide the language and form of your celebration.

  We will begin with a carefully gathered collection of poetry & prose...
   vows, readings, blessings, admonitions and scriptural elements from which you may choose.

You may be as involved as much or as little as you would like to be in the creation of your marriage ceremony.
Selections of ceremonial elements, such as readings, will form an initial outline;
the beginning material of a very personalized wedding script.

In our meetings together we will learn what you feel are the most important elements of content and style
which best express your feelings about love, commitment, and marriage on your wedding day.

     

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN ONE OF A KIND CUSTOM SCRIPTS

                                                                                                    

  We will discover what language, music, and overall tone feels right for the two of you.
Then the story of your relationship and the meaningful details and metaphors of your life together will be woven
  into a personal and poetic expression of love...which will be shared with your community in your marriage ceremony.

I specialize in writing original wedding ceremony language
that is unique, sweetly personal, and deeply meaningful. 

 

YOUR ORIGINAL WEDDING VOWS

"As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my heart to keep."

There are so many ways to express commitment and love to each other.

  There are traditional elements that may be drawn upon, or you may decide to have the simplest of words.
I am happy to meet with you to discuss, and discover, how you envision your ceremony.


LEVELS OF SERVICES & FEES

My Fees for a Custom Written Ceremony with Rehearsal...

The fee for this level of service...a Custom Ceremony... is $575
This all inclusive & moderate fee includes:
All of Our Meetings
Perfectly Detailed Event Preparation of your Ceremony
A Comprehensive Collection of Readings, Blessings & Vows
A Carefully Crafted Customized Ceremony Script
A Beautifully Printed Copy of Your Personalized Language
Full Direction at Your Rehearsal
& Filing of Your Marriage License

Then...of course, there is the Joy & Excitement of Your Wedding Day!
I will be there to Professionally Orchestrate all the Details.
Let me bring Calm, Comfort, Intimacy
& Joy to Your Lifetime Event!

My Fees for a Simple Ceremony...

The fee for a Simple Ceremony is $395 and includes:
Our Introductory & Informational Meeting,
Unlimited Emailing and Calls
A Completed Working Outline of Your Ceremony
The Personalized Selections that you choose from the Provided Collection
Marriage License Filing

The Simple Ceremony level of service does not include a custom written script
however your ceremony can still be personalized!
A site visit and rehearsal can be added to this service for an additional fee. 
 

Civil Ceremony, Local Elopement

& Signature Services for State Marriage License...




  There is not a "Justice of the Peace" service for Weddings in Minnesota.
So why go to the courthouse and wait for a judge?
Our mission is to create a celebratory space for civil wedding ceremonies and local elopements.
We welcome you to the office and intimate studio space on the second floor of the Semple Mansion.
Let us combine our services for you in a way the customizes your civil marriage ceremony or elopement.
Create a spectacular wedding in a day!



This space above is available for Elopement Packages that we offer for one or three hours.
Your "Elegant Elopement" or "Simply Civil" package includes Officiant services, Planning & Photographer!
This space is available for up to twenty-five guests.
 A One Hour "Simply Civil" Package is $525
A Three Hour "Elegant Elopement" Package is $995
Please contact us for details!
Many personalized a la carte options are available!
The rental is available for up to twenty-five guests.

The adjacent office space, below, is included in every Elopement Package!

This office space is also available for smaller Civil Services & Simple Signature Services.
A Civil Service/ Signature Fee, for the couple and two witnesses, is $150



A professional consultation is included in your fee...
Call for an appointment and to preview your space!