The Heart of the Wedding

Gerry Fierst has not written yet another wedding book. He has drawn a new roadmap, drawn fresh routes to old oases, and opened up vistas. In this in-depth, but very practical book, Gerry Fierst is forging new and honest territory in Western civilisation. --Dally Mesenger, Civil Celebrant and Founder of the International College of Celebrance, Melbourne, Australia A wise and fine book by a writer who understands that stories are a connecting tissue which binds each relationship. Shared lovingly in these ceremonies, story also binds the couple to their community. --Margaret Read MacDonald, Folkorist and Author, Seattle, Washington
Gerald Fierst brings to mind this metaphor: The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree (Psalm 92:14). The branches of a palm tree grow from its heart, not like other trees. Like the palm, Gerald reaches out to his listeners/readers from his heart so they hear the message of the story, not only with their ears but with their hearts. Like the palm, Fierst is also very creative and imaginative. He has the vision and playful love of language that allow him to shape the preparations, the process and the ceremony of a wedding with new dimensions. This book truly illuminates the celebration of marriage through cross-cultural history, folktale, people stories, ritual, all infused with practical advice and wisdom. It's a book for all seasons!
--Peninnah Schram, storyteller, author, professor of speech & drama,
Stern College of Yeshiva University, New York, NY

This is a fresh, fascinating look into the hearts of couples and their unique commitment ceremonies. In it, Fierst--a master storyteller and busy celebrantoffers his very personal, timeless and touching tales of love and devotion pertaining to the institution of marriage. It's a must read for all couples who are thinking about tying the knot!
- Walter Newkirk, author, "memoraBEALEia: A Private Scrapbook "
" About Edie Beale of Grey Gardens"

"I've been married twice: neither time in a church and both with scant resources available on how to be both creative and meaningful. If I'd had Gerald Fierst's thoughtful guide, one of my loves might have lasted. If I ever pledge my heart again, this book will be mandatory reading for all parties.
-- Loren Niemi
Storyteller and author, Minneapolis, MN

Creating rituals, as I recognize in my own work, is the deepest way we can come into relationship with the Something bigger than ourselves. It asks us to take our place in the larger pageant of life, to touch and be touched by what has come before us, and to awaken to what our own intentions are in carrying the story forward. I am grateful for Gerry s contribution in this area. As a psychotherapist, I will use this book as a companion and guide when working with my own clients around creating rituals that are relevant to their own healing and unfolding.
--Anne-Marie Benjamin, MSW, Portland, Oregon"