Ring warming ceremony script & meaning
Photos by Kelly Benvenuto and Rachel Petri The ring warming ceremony is a powerful and flexible wedding ritual that you can incorporate for a personal, meaningful touch to your ceremony. Watch this video, read the transcript below, and feel free to make use of the...
The guidance you’re looking for…
I love writing blog posts, BUT most of my guidance has gone into my newsletter. I invite you to browse past newsletter topics here. If you need to remember what weddings are really about—at their best anyway—you've come to the right place.
What is a Soulful Wedding?
Photo by Scot Woodman photography Soulful vs. performative Your wedding puts you at the center of your community for a moment. All eyes are on you, and all your wishes will be heard. Do you use that opportunity to… A: Express the full version of who you are?...
Better than an unplugged wedding ceremony
Molly + Mark's Ceremony Photo Op moment, captured by Chris of Silk City Photo Many couples wonder whether to have unplugged wedding ceremony. My advice is to closely consider the issues at play. A core tension in 21st century weddings is between our compulsion to...
LGBTQ Weddings: Inclusivity Manifesto and Media
So much has changed in LGBTQ weddings I started in the wedding industry in Boston as a photographer in 2008. At that time Massachusetts was one of the only states in the country that allowed queer couples to have a marriage on par with straight couples (as opposed to...
What is ritual?
My definition of ritual, influenced by David Whyte’s definition of poetry. Mosaics For something as vital to our individual and collective experience as ritual I do not strive to have a set definition with clear boundaries. Like the word “sacred” I see the definition...
Components of a wedding ceremony, and why they matter
No two ceremonies are the same, but these components of a wedding ceremony are a great place to start. From here you can add, omit, adapt and—most importantly—infuse with personality and authenticity. Procession Processions are so common that people often overlook...
What is Interspirituality?
What is Interspirituality exactly? Here's a dispatch from my 7 years as an Interspiritual minister. Brother Wayne Teasdale’s 1999 book The Mystic Heart debuted the word, “Interspiritual.” Since then it has become a movement that provides guidance and spiritual...
Business and client experience coaching for wedding officiants + spiritual coaches
You became an officiant or coach because you have a big beautiful heart that inspires others. You love sharing the power of ritual and inner work for potent moments in people’s lives. But, damn, running a business is hard and exhausting. If only you could focus all...
Expecting: An Infertility to Adoption Story {The Inner Life Portraits archive}
This blog post is from the archives of Inner Life Portraits, my portrait business from 2015 - 2022. This story has proven to provide solace and inspiration to people struggling to start their family, so I'm preserving it here at The Soulful Wedding. ~ Maureen So many...
Love Makes a Family {Inner Life Portraits archive}
This blog post is from the archives of Inner Life Portraits, my portrait business from 2015 - 2022. Sharing the beautiful faces of kids awaiting adoption and this family's story is so important, so I'm preserving it here at The Soulful Wedding. ~ Maureen Have you ever...
Our Son’s Story, LGBTQ fertility struggles, premature birth and 3 months in the NICU {Inner Life Portraits archive}
This blog post is from the archives of Inner Life Portraits, my portrait business from 2015 - 2022. This story has proven to be a balm for families in crisis, so I'm preserving it here at The Soulful Wedding. ~ Maureen I have assured many a busy parent that their...
Final Visit with Brother James: Hospice Portrait {Inner Life Portraits archive}
This blog post is from the archives of Inner Life Portraits, my portrait business from 2015 – 2022. This story is central to my creative and spiritual journey proven, so I’m preserving it here at The Soulful Wedding. ~ Maureen I photographed the Little Brothers of...
Thank you! {Maureen Cotton Photography}
Thank you my friend for looking for Maureen Cotton Wedding Photography. My last photo season was 2021! The lessons of love from 15 fabulous years photographing are now channeled into my new career. I serve couples as a spiritual wedding coach + officiant. If you’re in...
Thank you! {Inner Life Portraits}
Thank you my friend for looking for Inner Life Portraits. My last formal photo season was 2022! The lessons of love from 15 fabulous years photographing are now channeled into my new career. I serve spiritual coach for individuals and couples. A few of my widely read...