Leora Michelle Motley
Wedding Celebrant
To Be One With Each Other
What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?-George Eliot
The objective of any ceremony is to legally bind two individuals so at the end of the day they can say to the world "this is my husband, this is my wife!" I ensure the legality of your commitment but also I want to know what you are passionate about so that that energy can be incorporated into your ceremony. I encourage couples to actively engage with me to set the tone of their ceremony – formal or informal, spiritual or secular, serious or playful. Some question humor during what is suppose to be a solemn time, but humor adds levity and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.
Some of the places I've been: Westin Hotel, The Inn at Brookeville Farms, Blair Mansion, Anchor Inn, Carnegie Institution, Ronald Reagan Building, Sandy Spring Manor, Baltimore Museum of Art, Evergreen Country Club, Stone Manor Country Club, Collingwood Library and Museum, Cabell Mill, Ft. Belvoir Officers' Club, Oxon Hill Manor, Breaux Vineyards, Bluemont Vineyard, Molan Lave Vineyard, Hillsboro Winery, Belle Farm Inn, Tabard Inn, Four Seasons-Georgetown, Kent Manor, Fair Lakes Hyatt, Wakefield Chapel, River Farm, Westfields Marriott, Ceresville Mansion, Springfield Waterford, The Grand Atrium, Meadowlark Regional Park, Mt. Vernon Country Club, Mt. Vernon Inn, Morrison House, Clydes (DC, Tysons Corner & Ashburn), Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, DC War Memorial, McLean Gardens, Hollin Hall, Briar Patch, Woodrow Wilson House, The Tower Club, Fauquier Counrtry Club, Newton White Mansion, Foxchase Manor, University Club, Inox, Hotel Palomar, City Club of Washington, Memorial Chapel-University of Maryland, Carlyle House, private homes and neighborhood parks!
Generally, I arrive early to check in with the bride and groom, catering manager, musicians and wedding coordinator. I also ensure the appropriate person(s) has the rings and if there's a unity candle that it's in place with a lighting device. And most importantly, I verify there's a valid marriage license.
Brides and grooms will contact me weeks before their wedding day to check my availability but generally couples contact me up to 12 months before their special day. The most popular months are June and October followed by April, May, September and August.
Testimonials:
On 12/18/11, Lorien wrote:
Hi Leora, I just want to thank you for doing such a beautiful job marrying Mike and I. Thank you! We are so appreciative of your patience and kindness. I especially enjoyed the quote from Madeleine L'Engle. Tate, Mike and I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas and very pleasant New Year! Best Regards!
September 6, 2011, a couple wrote, "Thank you so much for putting on an absolutely fantastic celebration for us. You were incredible and everyone raved about how well things went and how nice you were. I want to specifically thank you for ad libbing the part about the Stephenson Bible - that meant a lot to us and to my relatives who have a long history with that special book.
Thank you again and best of luck. We won't ever forget what a great day we had. - Mark and Ashlee
A new groom wrote on September 1, 2010: "Dee and I just wanted to say thank you for performing our wedding ceremony this past weekend. You did an excellent job, and we heard many compliments regarding your service. We hope you are able to enjoy a few of the last Nationals games of the season. Thank you again, and best wishes. -Pete "
"...you have the most attractive speaking voice. Whatever message you deliver can only be enhanced by the warm tone of your voice. I wish you all the best for this new year. Peace and Love, Aline (mother-of-the groom) January 2010
Another couple wrote: "Hello Leora, We just wanted to thank you for delivering such an amazing ceremony for us on the 9th! Almost all of our guests commented on how unique and appropriate it was for us as a couple. Your script fit so well that most people thought we had written it for ourselves. Again, we can't thank you enough! I am especially thankful that you asked us to take a deep breath when you did...I really thought I might faint before that! Thank you, and best to you, Kris and Betsy, July 9, 2010
A couple I recently had the pleasure of working with wrote the following: "Hi Leora, We just want to say thank you so much for your time and wisdom. I think we greatly gained knowledge and we are armed as we embark in this new chapter. We talk more openly to each other now and we are loking forward to starting our lives as a married couple. We promise to carry your counsel as we move forward. Thanks you again. Sincerely, L & K, 2009."