|
About Us
Introducing Our Founding Minister, Rev. Leah Light
Wedded Your Way was conceived in 2002, by Rev. Leah Light, Founding Minister and Director of Circle of Light Ministries, LLC. Leah completed her spiritual studies degree with the Center for Healing Arts in Portland and was first ordained in 1992, and subsequently through her church, Circle of Light Ministries, LLC in 2008. Her current ministry includes conducting meditation circles, Reiki healing, and officiating rites such "elopements" at our chapel, as well as other kinds of wedding ceremonies.
Personal Statement From Our Founder,
Leah Light, Nondenominational Minister
The idea behind Wedded Your Way was born in 2002 after I attended the wedding of my best friend and her fiancé in Las Vegas. She had asked their officiant for something entirely different than her previous ultra religious wedding, which is also why she'd chosen a Vegas chapel for her second marriage. My friend and her Significant Other had specifically requested a nonreligious ceremony. Alas, the minister evidently could not help himself from throwing in a reading from scripture. Regrettably, the Bible verse he added in was the very same one that had been recited at my friend's previous wedding. A reminder of her earlier failed marriage was the last thing she needed on her wedding day! I wondered: Why should a couple be denied the wedding they want and ask for on their big day? Whose wedding is it, anyway? I have endeavored ever since to be sure a couple's ceremony contains no unpleasant surprises. Whether they ask for civil or religious, spiritual, secular/nonreligious; special cultural elements, or a mix of all of the above, I'm on board to give them what they wish for. I help them find common ground in the case of differing backgrounds, and to unite families of diverse faiths. Our officiants are also happy to preside over civil ceremonies that are as simple and, of course, legal as that of a justice of the peace. We will work with you to create the nuptials your two hearts desire.
Sometimes needs are very simple, such as many of our chapel weddings in which people want the minimum to make it legal without all the hoopla. This is sometimes called a signature service or micro/mini-wedding. We are happy to do as much or as little as you like, honoring your wishes.
I'm at ease and confident officiating most any kind of marriage, including same-sex. Only a few I cannot bring myself to do. I will not jump out of a plane or don scuba gear, and please don't ask me to include vows that come with the "O" word, as in "Obey." Otherwise, you are welcome to bring your ideas to our consultation, which we are happy to schedule by phone at no cost or obligation. Together we will find the words and tone that will help you to be Wedded Your Way.
Wedded Your Way was conceived in 2002, by Rev. Leah Light, Founding Minister and Director of Circle of Light Ministries, LLC. Leah completed her spiritual studies degree with the Center for Healing Arts in Portland and was first ordained in 1992, and subsequently through her church, Circle of Light Ministries, LLC in 2008. Her current ministry includes conducting meditation circles, Reiki healing, and officiating rites such "elopements" at our chapel, as well as other kinds of wedding ceremonies.
Personal Statement From Our Founder,
Leah Light, Nondenominational Minister
The idea behind Wedded Your Way was born in 2002 after I attended the wedding of my best friend and her fiancé in Las Vegas. She had asked their officiant for something entirely different than her previous ultra religious wedding, which is also why she'd chosen a Vegas chapel for her second marriage. My friend and her Significant Other had specifically requested a nonreligious ceremony. Alas, the minister evidently could not help himself from throwing in a reading from scripture. Regrettably, the Bible verse he added in was the very same one that had been recited at my friend's previous wedding. A reminder of her earlier failed marriage was the last thing she needed on her wedding day! I wondered: Why should a couple be denied the wedding they want and ask for on their big day? Whose wedding is it, anyway? I have endeavored ever since to be sure a couple's ceremony contains no unpleasant surprises. Whether they ask for civil or religious, spiritual, secular/nonreligious; special cultural elements, or a mix of all of the above, I'm on board to give them what they wish for. I help them find common ground in the case of differing backgrounds, and to unite families of diverse faiths. Our officiants are also happy to preside over civil ceremonies that are as simple and, of course, legal as that of a justice of the peace. We will work with you to create the nuptials your two hearts desire.
Sometimes needs are very simple, such as many of our chapel weddings in which people want the minimum to make it legal without all the hoopla. This is sometimes called a signature service or micro/mini-wedding. We are happy to do as much or as little as you like, honoring your wishes.
I'm at ease and confident officiating most any kind of marriage, including same-sex. Only a few I cannot bring myself to do. I will not jump out of a plane or don scuba gear, and please don't ask me to include vows that come with the "O" word, as in "Obey." Otherwise, you are welcome to bring your ideas to our consultation, which we are happy to schedule by phone at no cost or obligation. Together we will find the words and tone that will help you to be Wedded Your Way.
Rev. Amy Pereira
Rev. Amy Pereira, ordained via Circle of Light Ministries, LLC, is happy to come to you at your home or other Portland area venue or location to perform your wedding, and she also officiates at our chapel. She discovered love for creating personal wedding ceremonies during her own engagement, nearly two decades ago, when she and her then-fiancé explored ways to creatively incorporate a number of faiths and traditions into their own ceremony. For Amy, all life is sacred. She has deep appreciation for working with those of diverse cultures and backgrounds with varied traditions and beliefs. She maintains her own inner peace and serenity through yoga, meditation, Reiki, retreating along her riverfront home and hiking trails of the Pacific NW with her husband and son, and is passionate about world travel, holistic nutrition, and environmental science. Amy considers it an honor to be with couples and families during significant life moments and brings to her work a grounded sense of wisdom and lighthearted joy.
Visit Rev. Amy and learn more about her work on either of her two websites:
https://beandbeweddings.com/index.html
https://beandbewellness.com/index.html
Visit Rev. Amy and learn more about her work on either of her two websites:
https://beandbeweddings.com/index.html
https://beandbewellness.com/index.html
Rev. Kim Martin
From teacher and musician, to mom and friend, Kim’s journey to becoming a minister has been based on her firm belief that love is the glue that holds us all together. Being a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion, she brings respect and tolerance for any and all paths. Being able to share in the joy of the union of two lives and hearts reaffirms Kim’s belief that connection is at the core of all of our lives.
Kim became ordained through Circle of Light Ministries, LLC, to be able to perform a double ceremony encompassing marriage and a 30-year anniversary renewal of vows. The honor of being part of that experience brought great joy, which she has endeavored to infuse into every ceremony since. With the spiritual renewal of meditation, music and the many expressions of love, Kim will continue to guide the unions of loving souls for years to come.
From teacher and musician, to mom and friend, Kim’s journey to becoming a minister has been based on her firm belief that love is the glue that holds us all together. Being a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion, she brings respect and tolerance for any and all paths. Being able to share in the joy of the union of two lives and hearts reaffirms Kim’s belief that connection is at the core of all of our lives.
Kim became ordained through Circle of Light Ministries, LLC, to be able to perform a double ceremony encompassing marriage and a 30-year anniversary renewal of vows. The honor of being part of that experience brought great joy, which she has endeavored to infuse into every ceremony since. With the spiritual renewal of meditation, music and the many expressions of love, Kim will continue to guide the unions of loving souls for years to come.
A few of Our Chapel Weddings