Recently I was sharing with some friends how much I enjoyed my avocation as a Justice of the Peace. Someone asked me if there were particular words or a formula that I needed to learn that assured the couple was officially  married.

The answer is that there is no ritual, no special words that ensure that two individuals are officially united in marriage. My role is very simple - to ensure that both parties are participating freely, without any reservation and that they express a commitment to join their lives to each other.  I am not marrying the couple,  I am serving as the offical witness of their marriage to each other and whatever words or readings they chose to formalize that union are entirely up to them. And then, by the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I have the privilege of proclaiming them married.

I often think about the couples and wonder how their lives have changed since our paths crossed...if they are still as in love with each other as they were the day they wed...if anything I said or did helped to ensure their happiness. It is an incredible feeling to know that in some small way I've  played a role in the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of two people and I treasure each opportunity!

Welcoming your new baby...

You may choose to celebrate your new baby's arrival with a non-religious naming ceremony. A quick search online will list hundreds of ways to make your ceremony unique. You could write a poem or reading or find one written by another. Choose a song to play or share the story of how you came to choose the baby's name.

You may want to involve siblings, grandparents, "god" parents, friends or others who will be involved in the life of your child. Siblings should have a place of honor in the ceremony - if time allows, have each child create a picture of him/her with the new baby. During the ceremony, ask the child(ren) to share what they drew and explain what it is. Or, frames the pictures and have the child(ren) present the picture to the baby during the ceremony.

Consider asking each guest to bring their favorite "growing up"  or child-related quote to the event which you can then paste into a special "baby" book along with a picture of the author and little bit about who he/she is.

Or, steal an idea from the bride and provide a picture matte and pen for guests to sign as they arrive. Create a collage of the ceremony pictures, frame with the picture matte and hang in your baby's room.

Whatever you decide - have the ceremony you want and the celebration your family deserves!