Author Archives: Zita

About Zita

Zita brings “Happily Ever After” to life. She is a wedding officiant, ordained interfaith minister, a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, playwright and multipublished romance novelist. Through Moon River Rituals, Zita creates customized ceremonies for individuals, couples, families, and communities in CT, RI, MA, and NY. She is a proud supporter of marriage equality. To see her handfasting cords, visit www.etsy.com/shop/MoonRiverRituals and www.Facebook.com/MoonRiverRituals. Zita also hosts and produces three television shows: Weddings with Zita, Page 1 and Full Bloom. Watch them on YouTube.com/ZitaTVNetwork. For information about Zita's writing, visit www.ZitaChristian.com, Yes, she wears many hats

My Couples Inspire My Rituals

When I meet with a Couple, I ask dozens of questions. What are their hobbies and interests? Do they like to cook? Garden? Do they connect with their cultural roots? Is there a place they consider sacred? I use their … Continue reading

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The Wedding Cake – Beyond Butter Cream and Fondant

Executive Chef Matthew Seguro of Vida Doce in Newington, CT, is an expert on wedding cakes. In this segment of Weddings with Zita, Matthew talks about traditional cakes and trending cakes, flowers and frostings, and how to have an elegant … Continue reading

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The Wedding Jar

Even the shortest, simplest wedding ceremony deserves to be special. It is, after all, a celebration of love and a commitment intended to last for life. It was for these simple ceremonies that I created a ritual I call “The … Continue reading

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Game of Thrones and the Wedding Ritual of Circling

He calls her his “Moon.” She calls him her “Sun and Stars.” He is Khal Drogo, the testosterone heavy, alpha male leader of the Dothraki warrior tribe – proud, fearless, and ruthless, at least in the beginning. Very Mars. She … Continue reading

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Why Carry A Bouquet?

A Bride in her early thirties asked me if she had to carry a bouquet. She and her Groom had planned a small ceremony in the home of his parents. Fewer than ten people would attend. With international travel scheduled … Continue reading

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Ritual: GARDEN GIFTS by Zita Christian

Many believe that eating basil will protect you and give you courage. And eating orange peel will make you fertile. True. My daughter Laurie Neronha and I love to cook. Despite the aggression implied in the language of the kitchen … Continue reading

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Ritual: DESTINY AND THE RED CORD by Zita Christian

Ei-ling was delighted that so many members of her family were coming from Taiwan to attend her wedding to Jason. She wanted her mother to have a role in the ceremony but was sensitive to her mother’s concern about speaking … Continue reading

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Ritual: GIFTS FROM THE DRAGONS by Zita Christian

To create meaningful rituals for Couples who don’t want a religious ceremony, I often incorporate their cultural heritage. For Jason and Ei-ling, I explored Polish wedding customs and Chinese mythology. I created several rituals for them. You’ll find one of … Continue reading

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Ritual: WIND HORSE by Zita Christian

Chris and Jennifer had come to Buddhism as adults. They wanted their wedding to give their guests a glimpse into the beauty and serenity they’d found on the spiritual path they’d chosen. With that in mind, I created the ritual … Continue reading

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Ritual: LOVE KNOTS by Zita Christian

I wrote this ritual for Bill and Chelsea’s nautical themed wedding at historic Mystic Seaport in Mystic Connecticut. I’ve included the stage direction so you can visualize how the ritual was enacted. As the wedding officiant, I’m identified as “Celebrant.” … Continue reading

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