I take me to be my wife – making a commitment to yourself
Beneath a driftwood altar by the gently lapping waves of Ta¯ hunanui Beach, a group of brides are preparing to make the ultimate commitment: to themselves.
At a ‘‘love ceremony’’ next Sunday, Nelson massage therapist Stephanie Crampton is inviting women to commit an ‘‘act of selflove’’.
In some ways, the ceremony will be a traditional one, with a marriage celebrant and vows. However, it will differ in one significant way.
‘‘It’s challenging the traditional sense of a wedding, because there’s no groom,’’ Crampton said.
‘‘The bride will stand in front of a mirror and look into her own eyes and say her vows to herself.’’
Crampton will be the first bride to step up to the altar – a prospect that was both nerve-racking and empowering, she said.
The ceremony was an act of selfacceptance, and could be healing, Crampton said.
‘‘And I really love celebrating. It’s just beautiful to celebrate ourselves in a ceremony.’’
Brides are encouraged to go as natural as possible: barefoot, and with minimal makeup.
‘‘It’s about embracing your true self, accepting both the good and the bad parts,’’ Crampton said.
Taking part in a public ceremony at a busy beach would take courage, she said.
‘‘It might challenge my brides a bit, but the ones who choose to take part will be here for the right reasons.’’
After the ceremony, the brides will take a dip in the ocean in their dresses – or in togs, if they prefer – ‘‘rebirthing ourselves as the women we choose to be’’.
Crampton got the idea from one of her massage clients.
‘‘I thought, ‘Wow, she’s got so much love to give’. But she was lost – she didn’t know what made her happy. I invited her to turn that love on herself.’’
Then she had a vision of a ceremony at Ta¯ hunanui Beach, with rows of ‘‘sister brides’’.
Women didn’t have to be single to take part, she said.
‘‘Any woman can do the ceremony. It’s not about saying, ‘I’m not available for a love relationship to anyone else’ – it’s about an act of self-love.’’
And for some, it might open the doors to a different kind of love.
‘‘You might commit to loving yourself and manifest the man of your dreams,’’ Crampton said. ‘‘If you’re not loving on yourself, it’s hard to receive love.’’
The Love Ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 2. The $100 ceremony will include a certificate, photographs, the celebrant and refreshments.
Registrations are essential. Email Stephanie@thegoodplace.nz or visit facebook.com/sauna4us.