The Power of Pausing
Not just a ceremony but an atmosphere.
In a fast-moving world that often equates “more” with “meaningful,” choosing to truly pause is a radical act.
This ceremony is an invitation to slow down, get still, and exhale fully so you can step into the next phase of your lives with potency.
The Power of Pausing has been described as a lullaby, a yoga class, and the deepest relaxation one man felt in a decade—not because it puts you to sleep, but because it invites you into deep presence.
It facilitates the kind of spaciousness and receptivity that allows you to truly catch up with yourselves, and to honor the rich liminal space between two distinct phases of life.
It centers you, your connection, and the quiet transformation that happens when you pause long enough to mark a threshold with intention. It helps you move beyond the mental swirl of planning and the frantic “getting ready energy” into the magic of the moment.
There’s no pomp or performance—just pure-hearted presence and an outrageous amount of love.
The way I guide ceremonies is less about robotically reading a script, and more about setting a tone that helps everything else melt away so you can experience the moment fully. It creates a shift in tempo and adjusts the mind and heart to a different kind of cadence.
“Times are urgent, let us slow down.” -Bayo Akomolafe
Emotional Tattoo ❤️
This ceremony is meant to feel like an emotional tattoo—to imprint your hearts and minds in a way that resets the terms of your lives and relationship in a subtle yet profound way.
The Power of Pausing is a sacred but not religious wedding ceremony that has been crafted with care, refined over a decade, and is delivered with deep presence and attunement. It is the total opposite of a generic, plug-and-play script.
What You’ll Receive:
A short “getting to know you” questionnaire so I can understand your story and wedding-day logistics
A beautifully worded, pre-written ceremony that is non-cringe and free of cheesy gimmicks
A curated collection of non-traditional vows to choose from (or bring your own)
Guidance on how to get your marriage license
On your wedding day:
I’ll sign your license, oversee witness signatures, and mail it to the county recorder’s office
I’ll ensure everything flows smoothly and deliver your ceremony like a total pro
I’ve even been called “the love magician” and “the marrying fairy” 🧚♀️
Optional à la carte add-ons offered at your request and my discretion (additional fee may apply):
Professional vow writing support
Inclusion of 1–2 personally meaningful or culturally significant rituals
Ceremony Vibe 💫
Think sacred, but not stuffy.
Spiritual, but not “out there” or woo woo.
Poetic but not pretentious.
The script I use for this ceremony acknowledges:
The power of pausing to mark our big, important milestones
The beauty of nature and the resource it offers us
The reasons you’ve chosen to get married
What it takes to sustain your commitment over time
The Power of Pausing is inclusive, egalitarian (as in non-patriarchal,) dogma free, and refreshingly free from outdated wedding clichés. It has helped countless couples (and their guests) tap into something timeless and true.
A Bride’s Words 💬
“Naomi recently officiated my elopement in Big Sur. My husband and I wanted someone who could really capture how momentous and sacred this day was between the two of us without religious elements. I also had concerns that as it was an elopement, it would be a short ceremony of with a few kind words and boom, done, you’re married. So when we found Naomi, we knew we had found someone special, someone who could help usher us in to this new part of our life together, who could capture the gravity and importance of the day. From the moment Naomi arrived on the site, she was immediately a calming and grounding presence. We had opted to elope to make things simple, and while things were, it was still a wedding and lots of moving parts. Naomi arrived with her kind spirit and gentle voice and it was like someone had let us breathe for the first time that day. The ceremony Naomi wrote was touching and beautiful and a wonderful way to be initiated into this sacred space that my husband and I now inhabit. Her words will be with us for a lifetime. Naomi, thank you so much for everything, we will carry you and your words with us.” —Rachel
🎥 Want to see the ceremony in action?
📸 Looking for a photographer too?
Read about my creative collaboration with local photographer Melissa Ergo →
Budgets and pricing information 💵
Pricing for ceremonies in Santa Cruz ranges from $600–$750, depending on the time of the year and day of the week. For weddings outside Santa Cruz County, a travel fee will be added based on location and distance. I’m happy to provide a custom quote once I know the specifics of your wedding day.
One a super tight budget? Explore Owl & Rose Ceremonies on Etsy →
Have a bigger budget, a longer lead time, or looking for something more involved? Contact me about my bespoke ceremony package →
A Bride’s Words 💬
“Naomi masterfully created a sacred space for us. We are not religious, but our ceremony still held a spiritual weight. Naomi’s words were intentional, grounding, and full of love. She gave us the gift of a beautiful memory on our wedding day. We could not imagine anyone else being our guide into married life!” —Daniella
💍 Looking to do some self-guided premarital preparation?
→ Before You Say “I Do” – The Uncomfortable (But Essential) Conversations Every Couple Should Have
→ Premarital Counseling for Nonreligious Couples: Tools for Love, Growth, Connection and Commitment
