Thane - My First Ever Ceremony

It was December 15th 2007 and my first ever ceremony was for Thane, son of Anita and Neil, who had just turned 1(Thane that is). It was held at their property and about 15 of their family and friends attended. Below is the poem I wrote that day (if this was my first ceremony - perhaps my last will be Thane's wedding!

Thane

At this very hour a year ago

Watching the Ashes on hospital TV – you know

“well bowled Shane” the cry from McGrath

As Neil’s focus changed from cricket to cigar

Soon the soft sound of a new babe came

Parents bowled over by special bundle Thane

And through these months all have come to see

What a wonderful delight he has turned out to be

A happy observer, filled with the busyness of play

A social interactive whose smile just says “good day”

Older brother Riley – an artistic and literary delight

And middle son Blake whose sporting skills excite

Magic mother Nita – a vibrant raconteur, intelligent spirit grand

And proud father Neil’s wisdom and warmth continually expand

Stewart and Kim as Godparents privileged to be

With them happily in the wings he is in loved company

Now at this special place with folk who are so dear

We celebrate your coming – it’s been a brilliant year

As seasons pass and all come to know your name

May happiness forever have its origin in Thane

(by Peter Waterman)

Ring Warming

A ring warming ceremony is a nice way to involve everyone at the wedding and the idea behind it is quite inspiring. At the start of the ceremony I’d usually say “our bride and groom are going to exchange rings today as a sign of their love and commitment. We would like to pass the rings around; just hold them in your hand for a few seconds and wish them something that is good and beautiful for their marriage before passing them on to the next person. They ask that you don’t lose them.” This usually takes between 5-10 minutes and the rings always seem to be back at the front before the ring exchange happens.