After graduating from the Celebrant USA Foundation and Institute in 2006, I founded Circle of Life Ceremonies to offer distinctive ceremonies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. My duty as your celebrant is to bring expression, understanding and sincerity to your personal rite of passage. I work with you by listening deeply to learn what is truly important to you. I will create a one-of-a-kind ceremony that embraces your individuality and respects your beliefs. Whether celebrating a wedding, a retirement, an adoption or arranging a funeral; each event is a custom mosaic—thoughtfully composed with readings, music, poetry, original writing, traditions and rituals that are meaningful to you.

Our journey together is a collaboration:

• Our collaboration begins with our first phone call or email communication. This provides an opportunity to see if we might be a good ‘fit’ for one another.
• Then, we schedule a meeting at no obligation to you. During this relaxed time together; I learn about you, your vision and your ceremony in detail. We begin to sketch the outline of your ceremony. We also discuss the fee for my services based on your specific ceremony and needs. I know budget is an important consideration in your decision, and I am committed to providing you with that information once we meet. If you decide to hire me I’ll send you my celebrant work agreement for your signature, request for 50% deposit along with the payment schedule at this time.
• Next, I forward you an individual questionnaire so I can learn about your story in detail. I’ll spend hours crafting your one-of-a kind ceremony. I pour over my resources in order to select the most personal, significant and meaningful readings for your ceremony and discern if an overarching theme is appropriate. If called for I’ll speak with your family and friend’s if they will participate in the ceremony in some way. I write the complete ceremony. I present the draft to you for your review and to check for accuracy and detail. We discuss any suggestions or concerns you might have, and then agree on which changes need to be implemented. A revised final draft is then forwarded to you.
• We remain in touch via phone or email before the rehearsal and ceremony. I dress appropriately for the occasion and check to see if you have any preferences regarding my officiant’s attire. I arrive at your ceremony (and rehearsal if applicable) in advance so that I may check the room and introduce myself to any of the other respective vendors that will be involved, along with any family members that will be participating in the ceremony.
• As the ceremony begins and for the duration, I read from a beautiful binder that I hold open as I speak. The script is not memorized but well-rehearsed which imparts a natural and comfortable speaking style. A celebrant seldom hides behind a podium; and therefore facilitates an intimate setting for you and your guests even when attendance is large.
• Weeks after the ceremony, I will send you a keepsake copy of the ceremony to cherish along with your memories.

Most of all, I embrace the privilege to be of service; and the opportunity to greet you with an open heart, a deep bow and a smile. I hope to speak with you soon. Thank you. -- Dorry Bless

-- Read more about Dorry

-- Circle of Life Ceremonies Press

“You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.”
M. Scott Peck