Marie April Gismondi
Pastor - Church of Ancient Ways
Area of Residence: Long Island NY
Locations served: NYC, Long Island Tri-State
Ordained by: Date Ordained: New Mexico Theological Seminary - 1992 Church of Ancient Ways -1997
Professional Memberships: VP American Association of Wedding Officiants
Registered with the City of New York #9484
Education: Doctorate of Theology - New Mexico Theological Seminary.
I Believe...
The ceremony shouldn't be the thing that you and your guests have to suffer through to get to the good part.
If I have given you a beautiful ceremony that brought everyone to tears, but I haven't actually helped you make promises that actually help when things get tough and will still resonate in your hearts 30 or 60 years from now... well if I haven't done that then I didn't do my job very well.
Civil, Religious, Cultural, or Alternative, Your ceremony needs to include the things that you are
connected to and exclude the things that you are not.
I should be there 45 minutes - 1 hour before the ceremony for your comfort levels and because I have no right or desire to book so close together that I would ever risk being late.
My diverse knowledge of religious and cultural traditions, enthusiasm and passion and the experienced eye that lets you take 3 steps back and look at the ceremony holistically are as much of an asset as the gift of being to listen to what my couples are saying and then put words to their thoughts and feelings.
I also believe that as impressive we all sound in print we're all unique individuals with different
personalities and that a piece of whom ever you choose to marry you becomes inextricably linked to your relationship. So to me, it is important that you feel good about having that kind of connection to the person you choose to be your officiant
Services provided:
Weddings (all kinds)
Baby Blessings (all kinds)
Memorials
Writing Services (vows, special sections, for couples
out of my travel range)
Specializing in:
Although always complemented on my delivery I feel my best asset is writing. If you can get the feelings and ideas out I can bring them to life, make them beautiful and share them in an understanding and meaningful way
Fees:
Fees are based on your needs and level of service, beginning at $75.00 to sign a license with your 2
witnesses here in my office for the couples who do really only want 15 minutes of time.
To contact:
Telephone: 516-785-4191
Brief excerpts from testimonials:
Hello there April. Jen and I wanted to say thank you so much for being a part of our special day. The
ceremony was beautiful and it was a perfect start to our life together. There is no one like you, and we are so glad that you we able to marry us.
Jennifer & Michael Weber
Dear Pastor April,
How do we begin to say thank you. We spoke with numerous other officiants before choosing you, and
there is no doubt in our minds that we made the right choice. The questions that you asked us made us think and speak of so many hugely important things, that we were just running right past. Your thoughtfulness and kindness was imparted to not only us but our families. The ceremony was perfect! We laughed together, we cried tears of joy together, and you have given us more than we ever knew we could have gotten from a wedding ceremony. Again our sincerest Thank-you
Jerry and Linda Berkowski
Dear April,
Here we are 2 years after the wedding and it's time to send another thank you. We moved to North Carolina last year and between new jobs, first time home ownership and being away from our friends and family, I have to say that we did have a few rough spots. But we found that when those times came reading what we wrote with you helped. So thanky again from the bottom of our hearts.
Melissa and Aaron Burke
My Pledge:
I pledge to respect and honor all people regardless of race, religion, national origin, faith practices,
personal beliefs, and sexual orientations.
YES
I am willing to provide personal and/or professional references upon request.
YES
I promise that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
YES
I agree to enter into this covenant of professionals, and will uphold the highest standards of integrity,
honor and professionalism. I am joining as a member of this esteemed organization in the spirit of
brotherhood/sisterhood, peace and tolerance for all, and with a commitment to interfaith respect. My
personal profile information is forthright and honest.
YES
I am not joining in order to proselytize my own personal beliefs, but to honor the individual beliefs
and spirituality of others. If any of the beliefs and requests of my clients interferes with my own
personal standards, I will politely decline their business and refer them back to InterfaithOfficiants.com so they may choose another Officiant who can help them.
YES
Signature and Date:
___9/24/06 Rev Marie April Gismondi___
