Questions & Answers
For many reasons: because we do not identify ourselves with any official religion and its rites, because we want to reconcile inclusively different beliefs within our circle of relatives and friends, because we have a clear idea of what we don’t want (rites which are all the same, which have become crystallized and are tied to dogma) but we know exactly what we want. There are many reasons for contacting a celebrant: the underlying reason is the desire to live an important time in our lives through a ceremony which is unique, planned and created especially – in every moment – for the protagonist. No dogma or sterile and pre-confectioned vows, no formula which is without a deep sense. We and our stories are at the centre of everything.
Why choose me?
I have gathered many formative experiences, both professional and personal during my life. I have years of classical studies, both musical and literary, thirty years of concerts and travel around the world. Thirty years of teaching. Experiences in family voluntary work, civil engagement in my town and the professionalism acquired organizing cultural events. I choose to become a mother and to build a family through national and international adoption and this journey has given me greater sensibility when approaching others in every age group. Today I bring with me all this background and I can place it at the disposition of anyone who wishes to entrust me with a special moment to celebrate.
How much does it cost?
Every ceremony is different and therefore it is impossible to establish a price a priori. After the first telephone enquiry or in person (without any obligation) I will be able to give you all the necessary information to identify the modality and the course which is most congenial for you. As in every sector, professionalism has a value which is also economic. The proposals in this field are varied, it’s up to you to choose and find the person who inspires trust, reliability and empathy, which is also in line with your budget.
Does the ceremony of the lay-humanist union have legal value?
It can have legal value if the celebrant has the autorization of the Mayor and the anagraph registry. My advice is to perform the moment of the legal union and the necessary documentation in the comune of reference, to then celebrate with the maximum freedom and fantasy, in the way and in the place dear to you, your ceremony with family and friends. It will be this moment without doubt, that will be remembered always as the most significant and unique.
Can we choose a wood for our ceremony?
Once you have completed the necessary paperwork, which I suggest is carried out first, your ceremony can be performed anywhere: in a wood, on the beach, on the shores a mountain lake, in a botanic garden, in the salon of an elegant 18th century villa or in a theatre: the choice is yours. I am at your disposal to harmonize your ceremony with the backdrop you have chosen.
My cousin would like to read a poem that she has written especially for the occasion, is this possible?
What is more beautiful than to involve the people dear to you in the performance of the ceremony? Certainly every contribution is welcome – literary, musical, poetical or other – which your guests would like to give to you to make this moment more unique or personal. I will arrange all the ideas which are received and ensure that they are inserted to their best in the ceremony, giving them the right timing and space. If you wish, I will be happy to help with the creation of the wedding vows, to create them with originality and in full accordance with your wishes.
We would like to involve our children of 3 and 6 years old in our ceremony, how can we do this?
Children are full of energy and love movement; it is beautiful and important to make them feel part of the ceremony. To involve them without letting them get bored or loading them excessively with responsibility, according to their age and their temperament, we will think of an action, a gesture, a special task assigned to them, in a way which makes them feel like co-protagonists in this special moment. Often I like to already include them in the preparation phase; baking a dessert together with close family members, making a drawing to deliver in a special package in a precise moment of the ceremony, reciting a poem. Little is needed to make them feel important. And they will remember it all their lives.
Our daughter is from India and we are adoptive parents, how can we make this ceremony unique and respectful of the origins and history of our child?
This is a question which is close to my heart. As an adoptive mother I know well how important it is to tell the story of our children who have come from afar delicately and carefully, especially in the crucial moment when we welcome them to our family and to their new social context. If you wish, and after carefully listening to your stories, I will help you to weave the thread of this magical meeting, which from far off countries has brought you together to give life to a special love.
My future husband is Austrian and his parents only speak German, can we integrate a second language in the ceremony?
It is always possible to insert a few passages in a second language or celebrate the entire ceremony in two different languages. In that case, if I don’t know personally the languages required I will avail of fellow mother tongue colleagues.
At the ceremony there will be guests of different religious backgrounds present, how can we make them feel at ease?
The particularity of the lay-humanist ceremony is precisely this: not to rely on any rite or religious ritual. No belief, or text which references a specific doctrine but an unedited narrative, inclusive, thought of and written only for its protagonists, respecting their sensibility and history. At the centre of the lay-humanist ceremony, there is the human being, of whom is celebrated, at their chosen time, their moments of passage.
We would like to enrich the highlights of the ceremony with some musical pieces, but we don’t know how to decide, can you help?
Music is highly evocative of memories and emotions and without doubt gives us the possibility to powerfully highlight the most moving moments of the ceremony; knowing how to choose pieces and suitable instruments is the key to making everything unforgettable. As a musician I know how to accompany you in the choice of a suitable repertoire and also in the decision of hiring live musicians or using pre-recorded musical support.
For our ceremony we would like to hire a photographer who is out of the ordinary and who can accompany us delicately and attentively during the ceremony and in the years to follow as we compile our photo album, can you help us?
The understanding between the celebrant and the photographer is a crucial point for having a successful ceremony. When asked for advice in this regard, I suggest Alle Bonicalzi with whom I have had the pleasure to collaborate for many years in perfect synergy. In the case where this aspect has already been defined, it is always my habit to arrived well in advance at the ceremony venue to meet with the photographer and arrange our participation in such a way as to make this moment memorable.
We’ve decided: we want you to be our celebrant. What are the next steps?
I will briefly explain the practical steps: after the first contact, we meet in person (where possible and welcome) and we proceed with the stipulation and signing of the contract, which gives you the guarantee that in every eventuality – if I should, for example break a leg and not be able to celebrate in person – it will be my responsibility to find an accredited Uaar celebrant who will carry out the task in my place following the directives and modality that we have agreed on together. This also guarantees my work, in that half of my fee will be paid in this first phase (the balance of my fee will be paid on the day of the ceremony). From this moment on we will proceed with the definition of all the details of the text of the ceremony: I will listen to your stories, your desires and necessities, and I will ask you information (both orally, and in some cases by questionnaire) to be better attuned to your idea and ceremony plan, I will understand if there is the participation of family and friends to coordinate and I will proceed with drawing up the ceremony text, always remaining in close contact with you both. I will be at your disposal and I will continue to submit drafts of the text until you give me the final ok. Only in that moment will I create and print, especially for you both, a unique and special book, Your Ceremony. At the end of the ceremony it will be a joy to present to you this document, which will be an ever-present memory of this life transition. In the case of the Union ceremony, if you wish, I will help you to formulate your own truly personal and original wedding vows.If you wish, I will help you with the choice of musical pieces which will accompany the most important moments, and where requested, I can provide suggestions for ensembles of classical music (and not only) that can perform live. If you need advice, I can also suggest a photographer and some locations. I want to emphasize that my task is the wording of the text of the ceremony and its conduction. Anything else is not expected of the celebrant, even though I can give you suggestions on the aspects listed above, you or your agent must however, deal with their arrangements. I will be with you for all the period of defining the text (which can take months or just one day). I will not invade your privacy but I will accompany you with professionalism and with care, respecting the space which you require and can dedicate to this journey together.