July 17, 2011

Mary and John got married on a hillside estate just outside of Napa, CA.

It was a magical evening!
From farm-to-table family-style feasting to lanterns in the trees to an original song played in duet by the husband and father-of the-bride, the entire event was breathtaking.

Of course, the love that shone between them was the main event. I am so happy for these two, and was honored to be a part of their exquisite day!

Working with Gina was such a pleasure. After meeting in our home a few times, she was really able to soak up who we are, and create a wedding that was completely unique to us as a couple. The first time we read the ceremony, we were in tears on the couch. We were really moved by her thoughtful words, and felt that she took the ceremony far beyond what we would have come up with on our own. On the day of the wedding, Gina was a calming presence. Our grounding moment allowed me to slow down, breathe, and really take in all the love of our family and friends. We will remember our wedding ceremony forever, and are so grateful to Gina for the beautiful and thoughtful work she did.
-Mary Nestojko

Leo Tolstoy wrote:

"Everything I know, I know because I love."

Heather and Justin, October 24, 2010

Gina conducted a "grounding ceremony" for me, moments before I got married. In the midst of a fair amount of jitters and pre-wedding issues, she and I went to a separate room where, in minutes, I was gently coaxed into a state of perfect equanimity and readiness for the upcoming ceremony. Gina is a true healer, with an innate ability to intuit and perceive the needs of others. I felt grateful and honored that she was such an important part of my wedding day.
-Heather C-L

Dorien and Kenny, March 20, 2010

Dorien and Kenny got married atop a hill, overlooking a canyon, facing west towards San Diego.

Dorien and I went to high school together, so it was an honor and a pleasure to officiate her wedding to her beloved Kenny. I had known Kenny over the years, and then, recently, I had been teaching them yoga in a small group so our relationship had deepened in that way.

D and K are one of those couples whose delight in one another is apparent quite from the start. It was simply my job (our task) to give it voice.

Gina gave my wife and I the exact ceremony that we conceived in our hearts. We couldn't have asked for anything better. We had a non-traditional wedding, and one of the major reasons why was we wanted a ceremony that would be specific to us and our love for each other. Gina gave us that and then some. She met with us several times and really got a sense of not only who my wife and I are as people, but why we wanted to get married to each other. That attention and understanding came through in a ceremony that was sincere, moving, loving, and all the things my wife and I see and feel for each other. Just amazing!

Kenny S

Nina and Tommy, September 24, 2010

Tommy and Nina came to me late in the game when they realized they wanted to re-envision their ceremony entirely. During our initial phone conversation I was able to get a sense of the general tone they were looking for, as well as a few principal elements. The wedding location itself was a key component, so we decided to meet at the site (a private estate in the Los Feliz hills). We met around the time that the wedding would be taking place, because the light itself was a significant character in the feeling they wanted to create. Immediately, I felt the warmth between them, and the sweetness of the day they were putting together. The ceremony was the crucial missing piece. There was such intimacy and authenticity in every element of their wedding, the ceremony had to align perfectly with their tone and vision. We began our conversation talking about the vows. What does it mean to 'avow' something--what did they truly want to say, both to each other and to themselves, about their deepest intention? After a few minutes, it was clear that we would work together--it was a fit. It ended up being quite a magical day.

From the bottom of my heart, let me start from the top and say: Gina took us on the shortest notice and spun it into grace. she took all of me in with pure insight. The service began with a guided meditation. I was grounded, and with Gina on my right and Tommy in front of me, I was sure I was in the most perfect space. Gina's sermon was poignant and she listened, illuminating truths that hadn't occurred to me. She saw me for me and anchored our happily-ever-after. I wouldn't have had it any other way. She is so committed to the service she provides. She brings grace, humility, refinement, consideration and dignity.
-Nina M.

Tamar and George, July 10, 2010

Tamar was my yoga student. She and her beloved George were stumped on what type of wedding was right for them. They knew they wanted ceremony and the sacred ritual of a wedding, but they couldn't imagine going the traditional route with hundreds of their family and friends.
We sat down, and, almost at once, it became clear. The vision of their perfect wedding started to come into view.
As always, it was a pleasure and an honor working with them and helping them to tell their story to eachother and their witnesses.

Trying to put what you did for us in words just doesn’t do justice to the magic, peace and beauty you brought to our wedding... I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it!!!! Thank you for being there for us. I can't imagine anyone who would be more perfect for us.

it was such a beautiful day . Thank you for being such an vital and nurturing part of it. You are a tender, thoughtful guide -Tamar H.