blessings-on-ibiza - for life’s occasions which are NOT a rehearsal!
Hi Hedley Paul, I wanted to email you to say thank
you again for a beautiful wedding ceremony last
Saturday and for all your help, support &
involvement - it has been lovely working with you
over the past year or so - everything came together
perfectly last weekend .........the vows of
commitment we said to each other. They were just
perfect. Thanks again for everything, really
appreciate itl. F
Hedley Paul - the renewal ceremony was
fantastic, and thank you for guiding us through
everything so expertly and calmly when we were
both pretty nervous!
We truly had the best day ever, and we will never
forget it, so thank you for being a part of helping
make that happen. I hope the rest of the season
goes well for you. Best Wishes, C&N
Your Ibiza wedding ceremony is unique, and very very
special. The Magic White Island has a spirit or ethos of
freedom and respect which inspires your day in the
unique manner or style you desire. The marriage
ceremony is of course the focal point of the day – it is
the prime cause for celebration….
You have dreamed and planned long and hard to create
an amazing and lasting memory for you, your family
and friends, Your careful choices will ensure it is so.
Hedley Paul (‘HP’) delights in conducting very personal
and fun ceremonies, crafted precisely in accord with
your wishes. He believes strongly that weddings are
joyous occasions, a happy time to smile and laugh
together with family and friends.
For well over a decade on both Ibiza and Formentera
HP has conducted sincere and evocative wedding
blessings, which are always warmly cherished.
You too will experience his experience and presence,
which bestows calm upon everyone.
Consequently, as the foremost Ibiza celebrant he is first
choice provider for many top venues, wedding and
event planners, . He liaises meticulously with venues
and other specialists to ensure your perfect wedding on
Ibiza.
As a father and grand-father, HP believes strongly in
delivering for his couples precisely what he would
expect for his own children or grand-children:
Your ceremony can include Spiritual, religious,
Humanist or Buddhist themes, or a mixture of any of
these, based upon the love that binds you together.
A typical ceremony will take in the region of 25-35
minutes, depending upon your choice of content.
If you feel that a female celebrant will better empathise with your dream ceremony, Hedley Paul works
alongside a charming lady who is a very experienced and extremely competent.
Hedley Paul - because life’s to short to choose second best…..
The best Ibiza wedding celebrant for your
beautiful Ibiza Wedding Ceremony.
Contact HP without obligation simply by clicking the
the green button
site map
Here’s a typical ibiza blessing ceremony:
An introduction by top Ibiza wedding celebrant Hedley Paul to the ‘Magic White Island’, and welcome to your
Blessing Ibiza - a few little secrets about the Magic White Island.
A little about each of you and your lives so far.
Your meeting, the magic of your love, your wish to make vows and be blessed here on Ibiza;
Your family and friends, and now - the celebration today.
Reading/poem by me or a guest (optional)
Vows of commitment to each other (led/guided by H.P.)
Blessing and then exchange of rings
Your personal ritual of bonding (optional)
Signing and witnessing of the certificate of commitment.
Pronouncement - You are now Husband and Wife
Conclusion and blessing of the marriage by those gathered, and absent friends.
Marriage procession
Add your choice of entry and celebration music.
Blessings
Blessings are a gift to be cherished because they last for ever, giving us strength when we may need it.
In fact anyone can offer a blessing - ‘Bless you!’ we exclaim when someone sneezes. A blessing can be in almost
any form, some short, some long, some poetic.
An Ibiza civil wedding and blessing is very simple but incredibly powerful. It is a focus of approval and well
wishing from the gathered family and friends, and from those called upon by the celebrant.
The blessing is a moment of focus for the combined energy of love and good wishes felt by those present, also
those present in thought and spirit.
The benefit of having a celebrant to offer the blessing, is that they will help you find the words and phrases that
perfectly evoke and reflect your sentiments of the occasion.
I believe that a meeting and discussion to discover the dream you hold in your heart is vital to a sincere and
memorable blessing. That meeting may be by video link across the world, or face to face on Ibiza or in England.
Vows
In practice, wedding vows precede the blessing. We normally offer our blessing and support to a person or a
couple who have just made a sincere commitment, and called upon those congregated to witness that public
commitment.
A vow is a statement of intention. A solemn promise made to the world, in front of others.
We state our intentions on a daily, almost hourly basis, but undertaking a vow before witnesses lifts it for public
gaze and scrutiny.
A totally professional approach to conducting your
ceremony on Ibiza
blessings-on-ibiza is for life’s big occasions which are
NOT a rehearsal!
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble,
attempts what is above its strength,
pleads no excuse of impossibility.
It is therefore able to undertake all things.
St. Thomas Aquinas
“I’m having an Ibiza Wedding Ceremony......”
“ I want an Ibiza wedding ceremony and blessing.......”
The best things in life can never be owned;
They only be given.....
A Smile, a Kiss, Love...
What is a rite of passage, and why is it important?
A rite of passage is a ceremony which marks the transition from one chapter of life to another.
Life’s voyage may be marked by several rites of passage.
Although it is often used to describe the often tumultuous transition
- becoming a ‘teenager’ for example, progressing from adolescence
to adulthood, such as the 18th or 21st birthday. The term really
does refer to any of life’s transitions such as Births and Beginnings,
Initiations, Graduations and Achievements, Marriages and
Partnerships, plus Endings or Death. There are many many
milestones in our lives if we choose to mark and celebrate them.
When we create rite of passage celebrations, we work to ensure the freshmen come out of the occasion are
strengthened by an empowering inspiration. That inspiration will help to enable them to shoulder the
responsibility for their decisions, as they set the course on this new chapter of life.
We help them to write the story of who they, are and the kind of life they want to build. This is based also on an
exploration of their own personal values, connecting them to their family, friends and community.
A formal rite of passage provides the space for all present to transmit their support and core values, which
ensures a knitting together and continuity of culture and the generations
It is in this way that the community, and the initiate themselves, all benefit from a recognised ‘rite of passage’.
There are many reasons why you decide to renew your wedding vows with a beautiful and romantic Ibiza
Wedding Ceremony.
It may be that your children have at last fled the nest, and you are once again a couple embarking a new
life;
or it may be that as you enter the ‘third age’ together, you wish to declare your lasting love for each other.
You may simply want to declare to the one you love, before the world.... “I love you more than ever!”
There is no requirement for a ‘reason’ - other than you both
feel that you are soul mates, and really, really want to....
.....there is no better place in the whole world than the magic
White Island of Ibiza, no better celebrant host than Hedley
Paul
Pic: A Renewal of Marriage Vows on their 10th wedding
anniversary at Port es Torrent
The Ibiza Sand of Unity ritual was part of it, with their three
boys joining them to seal the family circle.
Raff and Tory sent this pic and a beautiful message....
We would both like to thank you so much for being part of our special day.
The family sand ceremony will be in our hearts forever.
The service you provided was perfect! Even in such heat!!!
Thank you again.
For over a decade couples return to Ibiza after even just
one year of marriage to renew their vows while on
holiday. No big event to organise, no pressure from
family, no big expense. “.....This time it’s just about
us.......” was their comment. On two of those occasions,
it came as a big surprise for the wife - but what a
beautiful anniversary gift!
Your ceremony can be structured either to be traditional and formal or more relaxed and informal,
according to your wishes. You can include personal elements such as favourite songs and poetry of your
choice.
Marriage is the creation of a family, and with children the family grows. Some couples delight in renewing
their vows and including the children in the ceremony. All hold hands and make their vows and promises
to to love and cherish one another.
A renewal ceremony can provide an excellent opportunity to involve your children and even
grandchildren.
They can participate, be it by way of lighting of candles, standing as witnesses, giving a reading, or
whatever unique contribution they might offer.
Of course........ you may wish to simply ‘elope’ to renew your wedding vows and enjoy a very personal and
very private occasion, after all it really is all about YOU!
As a memento of the occasion, we present you with a unique and beautiful Certificate of Commitment as
a personal record of that magical moment when you renew your wedding vows.
It is for you both to sign, and we happily witness.
A totally professional approach for your romantic renewal on Ibiza
.....of course
you can....!
Ibiza is the perfect relaxed wedding location for all couples. The island enjoys a global reputation for its liberal
attitude, and it warmly welcomes those with alternative beliefs and lifestyles, and has consequently become an
increasingly popular venue for hosting a wedding or partnership celebration..
The ‘Magic White Island’ has an incredibly vibrant and exciting gay community, which integrates seamlessly,
creating a wonderful, friendly cosmopolitan society.
Hedley Paul - ‘HP’ - as a long established Ibiza wedding
celebrant has always summarised the ethos of the island
in one single word..... That word you will find in many
public gardens, normally in five languages: Respect!
By mutual exchange it makes the island such a beautiful
place.
HP’s Ibiza wedding ceremonies range from small intimate
sunset occasions - often on a quiet beach, to extrovert
and extravagant wedding party celebrations at an Ibiza
villa or restaurant.
Blessing and commitment ceremonies are for couples who wish to make a special pledge to
each other, and wish to publicly declare their vows in front of family and friends, without
necessarily taking the step into legal marriage - for whatever reason.
HP provides an opportunity to enjoy a sincere and meaningful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends.
You enjoy a marriage of love, of two hearts and two souls, joined for all eternity.
You both make a public proclamation of the feelings shared by two people who love each other.
Every ceremony is sympathetically planned and crafted, typically including poems and readings, proclamations of
commitment to each other, exchange of wedding rings, and a blessing.
If you feel that a female celebrant will better empathise with your dream ceremony, HP works with and can
introduce an experienced and skilled lady who is also totally comfortable with same-sex weddings.
We create together that beautiful ceremony that you will remember always, precisely to the format and style you
wish. We can make it very personal for you by including your storys, your unique accounts of how you met and
how you feel about each other.
Whether you wish the ceremony to be simple, creative and stylish, or a flamboyant occasion,
it should truly reflect who you really are.
Let Hedley Paul create and host the ceremony, then just relax and enjoy.
That done, your day will be perfect!
paissa den bernat
A special day to ensure your child receives your promise of unconditional love, acceptance, and support
for their future.
A Naming ceremony is to honour and
recognise the arrival of a child into the
family.
It allows all those gathered moments of
stillness and focus to reflect upon their
responsibilities to the new arrival.
Ibiza provides a unique combination of serenity and energy, a perfect starting place for a new life.
It creates the opportunity to celebrate their name which gives them
their identity and makes them unique.
Any parent can make the arrangements to hold a Naming Ceremony,
and likewise can anyone who has parental responsibility or legal
guardianship of the child or children.
Parents do not have to be married and can come from any cultural
background, with any spiritual or religious beliefs, or with none.
Many parents nowadays are neither religious or church goers, and feel that a Christening or Baptism would be
inappropriate.
It may be that you wish your child to make their own choices about what they believe when they
are old enough to make an informed decision.
Welcoming or Naming Ceremonies are a delightful and memorable way to welcome a new baby
or child into your family, regardless of their age.
It is also a wonderful opportunity for welcoming step children when two families come together. It can be a very
moving and deeply bonding experience for everyone concerned to mark the start of their new lives together,
helping bond the new family.
For adopted babies or children it can also be a very loving way to welcome them into your family and to publicly
declare your love, commitment, and joy at the outset of your new lives together.
Hedley Paul (‘HP’) will work closely with you to create a ceremony which is personal to your family. The content is
entirely up to you and the words will be precisely as you wish. I do have a selection of outline ideas, readings and
poems that may be helpful to you.
The ceremony may also include the nomination of Supporting Adults, Guardians or Guide-Parents, (a secular
equivalent to God-Parents). They may be close friends or members of your family who wish to make a vow of
commitment to guide the upbringing of your child or children.
You may also like to make Parent’s Promises and acknowledge the special roles taken on by grandparents,
brothers and sisters, and/or other family members.
At the conclusion of the ceremony I provide a beautiful naming certificate to bear witness to the occasion, and
signed by all those who have made vows recognising the important role they will play in the future development
of the child.
Hello from the Magic White Island of Ibiza.
I was privileged to enjoy my childhood in, sunny Cornwall,
so sun, sea, sand and fresh air have always been a
delightful platform for life.
Ibiza has so many parallels, no wonder I feel so at home.
Sea, sunshine, surrounded by rocky cliffs and beaches;
and of course an abundance of ‘magik’, that incredible
energy which binds the cosmos
My Celtic family heritage traces back several hundred
years before the arrival of Christianity.
My ancient ancestors were Druids, and I inherited a natural understanding and delight of being at one with the
eternity of the cosmos.
I am
…
a (very proud) father and grandfather, a husband, a teacher, an engineer, a manager, a mentor, a foodie, a
sun & sea lover.
I love and am loved, I have my health and freedom to enjoy the warmth of the Sun. What more could anyone
wish for?
Having spent most of my working life teaching and lecturing adults across what now seems an amazing spectrum
of subjects, I find myself in a sort of retirement, and indulging a lifetime interest in astrology, writing blogs for
various publications, and by popular demand, acting as celebrant for all sorts of occasions and events. I live and
work in both Ibiza and the South West of England, and am happy
to meet you in either location.
The love of my life is Eileen, who is ‘ibizaeileen’ of ibizacakes.com
and acclaimed by the press as ‘Ibiza’s Queen of Cakes’. We have
both been blessed with various gifts; together we enjoy creating
joyous lifetime memories for others with our efforts.
I respect, applaud and admire the richness of individuality, and
for the vital need for individuals to be treated as such. I find
abhorrent the contemporary mentality of ‘one size fits all’ .
My mission in life, a hang-over from teaching I suppose, is to provide answers and explanations that help and
encourage fellow beings to reach their full growth potential.
I believe in the unity of the cosmos, where everything is related and connected, both physically and spiritually
……
to infinity.
I do not ask that you share my beliefs, but I sincerely hope that you do believe in something.
On Ibiza, many public gardens and facilities carry a request sign, the one word message in several languages
……
respect - I like that.
What am I about?
A totally professional approach for weddings, blessings and ceremonies on Ibiza
Hedley Paul – Ibiza’s independent wedding celebrant.
Every year couples busily research the best wedding
providers to find their special Ibiza Wedding Celebrant.
HP is the preferred ceremony provider for most premier
wedding planners and venues, and is very happy to deal
directly with you, meticulously working with other specialists
to deliver your perfect wedding.
As the foremost English wedding celebrant on Ibiza he is
totally independent and not tied to any venue, wedding
planner or package provider.
He works directly and closely with couples on the most personal and the focal
point of their wedding day.
HP believes in being fair and open. His fees are clearly shown on the ‘Prices’
page on his web site, and reflect the time and effort and skills he puts into
crafting and delivering a ceremony.
Every ceremony is individually crafted in discussion with the couple.
Professional, confident and competent, he delivers beautiful weddings of the
heart.
His independence allows him the freedom to work up to his standard, not
down to a price.
His focus is on the wonder and magic of Ibiza and the energy and love between
soul-mates.
Each ceremony is created to ensure that it is a lifetime memory. He emphasises that it is their ceremony and
must reflect their personal wishes, values and beliefs.
A father and grand-father, HP holds dearly the ethos of providing for his clients precisely what he would expect
for his children or grand-children….. The very best, in an open and honest manner!
You can judge him by a few of the complimentary comments and pictures of past weddings.
Meet Hedley Paul
HP’s lovely wife Eileen also works with Ibiza wedding couples, designing and
creating the very finest international standard wedding cakes. Her work is
published in several wedding cake magazines featuring both traditional and
contemporary designs of her exquisite sugar-craft artistry.
Known by public accolade as ‘Ibiza’s Queen of Cakes’ Eileen, by invitation in
2017, exhibited a display cake at the world’s largest cake show, the International
Cake Exhibition at the N.E.C. in Birmingham UK.
Eileen retured again to the NEC in 2018 and with her entry called ‘Ice Queen
Ibiza’ and won the category ‘Winter Wonderland’ for winter wedding cakes.
Working separately or together, they can provide the two most important
components to make your special day exceptional – a beautiful and memorable
ceremony, and a delicious and breath-taking ibizacakes work of art.
They both have extensive knowledge of venues and wedding facility providers.
Eileen has lived on Ibiza for over 30 years and ran a highly successful restaurant
for many years, and consequently can offer expert advice on how to get the
best for your special day, and the pitfalls to avoid.
If you do not have a strongly held religious belief and wish to be legally married in England and Wales, you are
currently obliged to marry or undertake a civil partnership ceremony in an official Registry Office, or other officially
approved venue.
Some alternative ideas for your Ibiza wedding ceremony:
Like other couples however, you will still want a ceremony which means something more; something personal. An
alternative wedding/blessing ceremony that reflects just who you and your soul mate really are!
You'll certainly not want to feel rushed. You may wish to express your vows to each other in words of your own
choice. It may be formal, or thoroughly informal, and quite likely include a special part of the ceremony to be shared
by more friends and family than a register office can accommodate, both in terms of space and time.
You'd probably prefer also not to be limited to a licensed venue, but to hold your Ibiza Wedding Ceremony in a place
which is special to you - on a boat, in a garden, on a beach, or in your own home. In all likelihood you’ll want to
choose readings and music which mean something to you, as a couple. Choosing a Humanist blessing, or a Spiritual
blessing as the alternative wedding ceremony and as a celebration of your commitment to each other may well
provide the solution.
Hedley Paul’s ceremony will allow you to not only enjoy exactly where, when, and with who you celebrate, but
precisely how you would like it to be.
Many couples who choose to have a non-religious wedding or partnership ceremony and first complete the legal
formalities to obtain a civil marriage certificate at a Register Office. However, they regard their Humanist or their
Spiritual wedding or partnership ceremony as the one which truly marks their life-long commitment to each other.
This is the ceremony which is special to them and their guests, at which they make their vows and during which they
choose to exchange rings. It is the marriage of the hearts of two soul mates.
Commitment ceremonies are available to couples who wish to make a special testimony to each other, to publicly
declare their promise in front of family and friends, without taking the step into legal marriage - for whatever reason.
It is a public proclamation of the feelings shared by two people who love each other, providing them with an
opportunity to have a meaningful ceremony, surrounded by family and friends.
A commitment ceremony needs to be carefully planned and written, and delivered, It should include readings, a
statement or vows of commitment, the exchange of rings, and music. It can take place in a garden, a home or any
venue that is special to the couple.
The ceremony should be delivered without bias of gender or religion. While not legal binding marriages, they are
unquestionably a very real demonstration of commitment by the two people involved.
Nothing in a Humanist or Spiritual ceremony will be offensive to those who hold a religious faith. It will focus
sincerely and affectionately on the couple themselves.
As a memento of the occasion, we create for you a unique and beautiful Certificate of Commitment to record the
renewal of your vows, which we happily witness.
Together we can create a beautiful ceremony that you will never forget, and is precisely to the agenda and style you
wish. I would be delighted to make it very personal for you both, and include your story. Your unique account of
how you met and how you feel about each other.
Whether you wish the ceremony to be flamboyant, creative, or simple, it should truly reflect who you are.
Whatever type of ceremony you choose remember, just relax and enjoy it.
That done, your day will be perfect.
Spiritualism - Characteristic Beliefs
The central tenet of Spiritualism is the belief in and practice of mediumship which is
considered to provide evidence of the continued existence of an individual's spirit or
soul after death.
A secondary belief is that spirits are in some way closer to God (Gods) than living
humans, and that spirits themselves are capable of growth and perfection.
The afterlife is therefore not a static place, but one in which spirits continue to evolve.
The two beliefs: that contact with spirits is possible, and that spirits are more advanced than humans, leads to a third
belief: that spirits enjoy timeless wisdom, and are consequently capable of providing profound enlightenment about moral
and ethical issues, as well as about the nature of God (Gods) and the afterlife. Thus many Spiritualists will speak of their
spirit guides - specific spirits, often contacted, who are relied upon for spiritual guidance.
Spiritualism, although pre-dating it by several millenniums was adopted into the Christian environment and therefore
Christianity retains many features in common: an essentially Spiritual moral system, a perceived belief in the concept of
God, mystical pantheism, and liturgical practices such as prayer and singing. Nevertheless, on significant points the two
faiths are quite different. Spiritualists do not believe that the acts of this life lead to the assignment of each soul into an
eternity of either Heaven or Hell — rather, they view the afterlife as containing many hierarchically arrayed "spheres,"
through which each spirit can successfully progress.
Spiritualists also differ from Christians in that the Judeo-Christian Bible is not the primary source from which they derive
knowledge of God and the afterlife — their own personal contacts with spheres of experience beyond what is generally
understood as "material" and their own contacts with "spirits" provides that source.
Many Christians and Spiritualists alike appear to hold a duality of belief, considering both ‘camps’ to have much, but not
total credibility. This appears to be a foundation for the contemporary practice of exchanging alternative wedding vows,
and receiving alternative wedding blessings.
Spiritualists generally speak only of the spirits of dead humans, and do not espouse a belief in spirits of trees, springs, or
other natural features.
Buddhism and Hinduism share a belief with Spiritualism in the separation of the soul from the body at death, and its
continued existence. Unlike traditional Spiritualism, these faiths often believe in reincarnation.
Spiritualism also differs from occult movements, such as contemporary Wiccan covens, in that spirits are not contacted in
order to obtain magical powers (with the single exception of obtaining power for healing).
Many individual Spiritualists draw heavily from the spiritual sects of Islam (Sufi), Judaism (Kabbalah) and Buddhism. Some
Spiritualists follow one distinct religion's practices while others pull elements from any or all of the three religions to
formulate their beliefs.
Some Spiritualists believe in the idea of the universe as the creator, and don't necessarily follow any specific religion.
Spiritualism is not readily distinguishable from the New Age movement, and like the New Age movement draws heavily
from shamanism and embraces the idea of reincarnation.
Spiritual Ceremonies for Loving Souls
Spiritual marriage is based on the unconditional love of two souls: “I choose to love you, beyond our earthly existence.”
The central principle of Spiritualism is the belief in and practice of mediumship which is considered to be the continued
existence of an individual's spirit or soul after the death of their earthly body.
A secondary belief is that souls are closer to the respective God (Gods) than their living humans, and that souls themselves
are capable of growth and perfection. The afterlife is therefore not a static place, but one in which souls continue to evolve.
Those two beliefs: that contact with spirits is possible, and that spirits are more advanced than humans, leads to a third
belief: that spirits enjoy timeless wisdom, and are consequently capable of providing profound enlightenment about moral
and ethical issues, as well as about the nature of God (Gods) and the afterlife. Thus many Spiritualists will speak of their
spirit guides - specific spirits, often contacted, who are relied upon for spiritual guidance.
Spiritualism, although pre-dating it by several millenniums was adopted and adapted into the Christian environment, and
therefore Christianity retains many features in common: an essentially Spiritual moral system, a perceived belief in the
concept of God, mystical pantheism, and liturgical practices such as prayer and singing. Nevertheless, on significant points
the two faiths are quite different. Spiritualists do not believe that the acts of this life lead to the assignment of each soul
into an eternity of either Heaven or Hell — rather, they view the afterlife as containing many hierarchically arrayed
"spheres," through which each spirit can successfully progress. The two concepts of Heaven and Hell were invented by
Judaism and subsequently adopted by Christianity and then by Islam.
By comparison, Spiritualists have a concept of ‘Karma’ in which the cosmos will restore any imbalance created by evil
doings.
Spiritualists also differ from Christians in that the Judeo-Christian Bible is not the primary source from which they derive
knowledge of God and the afterlife — their own personal contacts with spheres of experience beyond what is generally
understood as "material" and their own contacts with "spirits" provides that source.
Many Christians and Spiritualists alike appear to hold a duality of belief, considering both ‘camps’ to have much, but not
total credibility. This appears to be a foundation for the contemporary practice of exchanging alternative wedding vows,
and receiving alternative wedding blessings.
Spiritualists generally speak only of the spirits of dead humans, and do not espouse a belief in spirits of trees, springs, or
other natural features.
Buddhism and Hinduism share a belief with Spiritualism in the separation of the soul from the body at death, and its
continued existence. Unlike traditional Spiritualism, these faiths often believe in reincarnation.
Spiritualism also differs from occult movements, such as contemporary Wiccan covens, in that spirits are not contacted in
order to obtain magical powers (with the single exception of obtaining power for healing).
Many individual Spiritualists draw heavily from the spiritual sects of Judaism (Kabbalah), Islam (Sufi), and Buddhism. Some
Spiritualists follow one distinct religion's practices while others pull elements from any or all of the three religions to
formulate their beliefs.
Some Spiritualists believe in the idea of the universe as the creator, and don't necessarily follow any specific religion.
Spiritualism is not readily distinguishable from the New Age movement, and like the New Age movement draws heavily
from shamanism and embraces the idea of reincarnation.
Christian ceremonies by Hedley Paul for loving hearts and souls....
Ibiza enjoys an incredibly beautiful and relaxed envirnment for a marriage, and where better place to revere the Creator by
declaring your vows in the most magnificent venue of all - Ibiza - Nature’s own cathedral. This is the marriage of two hearts
and two souls.
The ‘legal bit’ still needs to be held in an official Registry in the UK, but your Ibiza ceremony with Hedley Paul will remain in
your memory as the ‘real wedding’ - it reflects the marriage of two hearts and two souls.
Hedley Paul was baptised a Christian, and followed that faith for many many years, incorporating Old Testament beliefs
and philosophies. Gradually, other faiths and philosophies became incorporated into what is his pan-culture model of
belief and faith.
With this background, Hedley Paul can easily enhance a standard Christian ceremony with warm and pertinent readings
and verses.
Hedley Paul remembers always that the ceremony is YOUR’S and it must reflect precisely your personal faith and beliefs.
Spiritual marriage, although pre-dating it by several millenniums was adopted into first the Judao, and then the Christian
environments and therefore Christianity retains many features in common: an essentially Spiritual moral system.
While some couples seek an ‘alternative’ ceremony and blessing for their marriage, many wish to retain the ethos and
tradition of a Christian marriage ceremony, albeit outside the confines of a church building.
I
Human nature, being what it is, attempts to categorise most things including what we believe. Even simply
‘believing’ places you in one box, while ‘non-believing’ places you in another. Philosophers attempt to define
more clearly what we actually believe, and have established numerous ‘boxes’ into which they would place us. It
can be confusing, - it was to me, so I thought it may be helpful to explain what some of the labels on the boxes
actually meant in layman terms. The following is not intended to be a defining work of knowledge, just an
attempt to simplify. I am sure however there will be those who will say that I have over-simplified. Almost all the
content is taken from, or is a précis of Wikipedia articles.
Theists in the broadest sense believe in at least one deity, or supreme power or intelligence. The term theism
derives from the Greek ‘theos’ meaning god. ‘God’ is simply a label which people apply to ‘their’ deity.
Monotheism is the belief in theology that only one deity exists. The concept of "monotheism" tends to be
dominated by the concept of God in the Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Druze, also
share the Platonic concept of God, as well as the Advaita, Dvaita and Vishishtadvaita philosophies of Hinduism,
although the latter philosophies admit the existence of a plethora of divine beings including less-powerful deities
such as devas.
Sikhism on the other hand, is a monotheistic Indian religion, in contrast to many schools of Hinduism and the
other Indian religions. The concept of monotheism in Islam and Judaism however, is far more direct, their god's
oneness (’God’) being understood as absolutely unquestionable.
Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one deity. In practice, polytheism is not just the belief that there
are multiple gods; it usually includes belief in the existence of a specific pantheon of distinct deities. Within
polytheism there are hard and soft varieties: Hard polytheism views the gods as being distinct and separate
beings; an example of this would be the Egyptian and Greek Religions; along with certain schools of Hinduism.
Soft polytheism views the gods as being subsumed into a greater whole. Some forms of Hinduism such as
Smartism/Advaita Vedanta serve as examples of soft polytheism.
Pantheism: is a varietyof Polytheism. It is the belief that the physical universe is equivalent to a god or gods,
and that there is no division between a Creator and the substance of its creation. God does not exist, God is.
Atheists, in a broad sense, reject any belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically
the position that there are no deities. The term atheism originated from the Greek ‘atheos’, meaning "without
gods" For most people, atheism is simply the absence of belief that any deities exist. Atheism is contrasted with
theism, which in its most general form is the belief that at least one deity exists. However, atheism also figures in
certain religious and spiritual belief systems, such as some forms of Buddhism that do not advocate belief in
gods.
A chart showing the relationship between the definitions of weak/strong and
implicit/explicit atheism. Explicit strong/positive/hard atheists (in purple on the
right) assert that "at least one deity exists" is a false statement. Explicit
weak/negative/soft atheists (in blue on the right) reject or eschew belief that any
deities exist without actually asserting that "at least one deity exists" is a false statement. Implicit weak atheists
(in blue on the left) would include people (such as young children and some agnostics) who do not believe in a
deity, but have not explicitly rejected such belief.
Agnostics are absent of belief, where theism and atheism require faith that there is or is not a deity or deities. An
Agnostic would say, "I neither have a belief in a deity nor do I have a belief in the absence of such a deity."
In his 1953 essay, What Is An Agnostic? Bertrand Russell states: An agnostic thinks it impossible to know the
truth in matters such as God and the future life with which Christianity and other religions are concerned. Or, if
not impossible, at least impossible at the present time.
What may seem like dissonance is the position of Agnostic theism, this is the view of those who do not claim to
know of the existence of any deity, but still believe in such an existence.
The role of a Master of Ceremonies on Ibiza is to work closely with an event
organizer, venue management and catering staff, and to act as facilitator
for the event to ensure that everything is in place, and runs smoothly,
efficiently and on time.
During the event itself, in addition to making all announcements, presiding
over the receiving line, announcing speeches and toasts, the Master of
Ceremonies is a calming influence, remaining unobtrusive, inspiring
confidence, and keeping always a watchful eye for the little things that need
attention for the event to run flawlessly.
Hedley Paul can work closely with you on the planning of your event, and
will add just the right amount of gravitas, pomp, humour and theatre.
Each event is of course unique, requiring structure with adaptability.
Below are examples of events which I may be able to help you make a success:
Wedding Celebrations of all faiths, Civil Partnerships, Corporate Dinners, Awards Nights, Sales Conferences,
Charity Balls, Charity Lunches, Charity Dinners, Graduation Ceremonies, Dinner Dances, Event Openings,
Anniversaries, Birthdays, Exhibitions, Product Launches
A chuppah/chuppa or “huppah” is a canopy under
which a wedding ceremony, a naming ceremony, or a
blessing takes place.
The canopy is a multifaceted symbol: It is a home, a
garment and a bed covering. Its openness recalls the
tent of the biblical Abraham, a paragon of hospitality,
who kept his tents open on all sides so that visitors
would know they were welcome.
Our luxury chuppas are high quality constructions, not simply a cheap garden gazebo or few bits of wood.
The chuppa is commonly used for weddings and blessings of all beliefs. It also serves well for welcoming and
naming ceremonies. Of course, a chuppa in Ibiza acts as a very welcome shade for the couple and the
celebrant, or or for the baby and parents, while hopefully the gathered guests have been similarly shaded.
Our luxury chuppas feature ‘tented’ interiors, fully draped legs, draped pelmet and a weatherproof canopy (yes
it does rain in Ibiza sometimes) together with windowed weatherproof sides if required. Ribbon decoration can
easily be added, matching the bridal dress, or wedding theme. We work closely with excellent and reliable
florists, who can not only provide all your formal flowers, but will decorate the chuppa to complement your
wedding theme. Whatever style, colour or decoration you desire, we can provide the chuppah of your dreams!
Should you also require chairs for your guests, we can arrange their provision, or help you find (without charge)
other providers.
Chuppas on Ibiza are available independently of blessings, however if rented together with a blessing from us a
significant discount is offered.
History of the chuppa:-
I felt it fitting to give a little background information on the chuppah, so the following is taken from Wikipedia,
and may be interesting to those whose backgrounds and experiences have not acquainted them with its
origins.
The chuppah represents a Jewish home, as symbolized by the cloth canopy and the four poles. Just as a
chuppah is open on all four sides, so the tent of Abraham was open for hospitality. Symbolically, the chuppah
represents hospitality to one's guests. This "home" initially lacks furniture as a reminder that the basis of home
is the people within it, not the possessions.
In a spiritual sense, the covering of the chuppah represents the presence of the Creator over the covenant of
marriage.
The groom enters the chuppah first to represent his ownership of the home on behalf of the couple. When the
bride then enters the chuppah it symbolises the groom providing her with shelter or clothing, and he thereby
publicly demonstrates his new responsibilities toward her. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
The Ibiza huppa remains strongly symbolic as that ‘special place’ where vows are given and blessings received.
So how much will it cost?
Remember to always say
'I love you'.
Sometimes we forget what is important in life.
The most important things are to love, and to be loved.
That is our sole and our soul’s purpose.
When love is new, we frequently say how we love someone; when our children are small, we reassure them by
reminding of our love for them. As they grow older it's probably not very 'cool' to be told by Mum or Dad that
they love you. Mums and Dads too may find it slightly disconcerting to tell a teenager that they love them.
At an early age I heard a story of the sadness over a tragic unexpected parting, where there had been no chance
of a fond farewell.
In later life, again, I witnessed a father’s grief at having lost his adult son. This was at a time when my children
were little.
I realised that such a thing could happen to me, and just how devastating it would be.
I determined then that whenever we parted I would tell them I loved them. My children are now adults, and
despite a little awkwardness (on both sides) when they were teenagers, we continue to hug and kiss whenever
we meet or part. We tell each other we love them, as a parting whenever we speak.
This page was prompted by my recent reading of a eulogy by a man to his beloved late wife who had suddenly
and recently died. He expressed sadness and regret at their rushed parting on that morning of her death,
having not made the time to say that they loved each other.
I felt so very very sad for him, not to have heard and hold that treasure of “I love you” as her final words.
So - Remember to always say 'I love you'.
Words are powerfully evocative - a phrase or a few cliché words can inspire us,
Music too. Music takes us to our past, to our dreams, and to breathless heights yet undreamed of.
Your ceremony is witnessed not only in physical terms by those present, but emotionally too. The energy of their
love wells up and strengthens the magnetism which pulls you together as a couple.
Clothe that moment of focus with threads of music, to evoke a wave of emotion, and passion.
Little wonder that so many shed tears of happiness.
Your ceremony can include several components of musical accompaniment.
The assembly music, played as people gather and wait in anticipation.
The processional music, to accompany the bride as she walks to join her husband to be.
The recessional music, to accompany the happy couple as they withdraw down the aisle.
You have the option of music, or song, either recorded or live
The choice of music for each of these can be challenging. Your 'special song' maybe?
Well chosen music helps to create the memorable occasion that is your special day.
Feel free to waltz down the aisle, or maybe jump and jive as your first steps together.
Remember though, this is your wedding, and Ibiza has no rules!
If you find the choice is hard, please talk to me as it, maybe a fresh mind can draw light to a solution.
If music be the food of love....