Honoring Love, Commitment, and Presence
The power of a ceremony is to draw a frame around a moment in time and space—a container for attention, intention, and a way for many to join together as one. Shōjin Franz Manfredi is a wedding and union officiant creating mindful, heart-centered ceremonies for all couples.
Inclusive Wedding and Union Officiant
Your commitment ceremony should be a profound reflection of your unique love story.
We partner with you to design and officiate a meaningful, personalized ceremony—secular, interfaith, or traditional—that strengthens your bond, affirms your community, and honors your journey together.
We proudly serve LGBTQIA+ couples, bilingual families, and blended cultures. Your story is honored, exactly as you are.
A Grounded, Intentional Approach
From ancient times, rituals have served as a vital human practice to connect people and memorialize powerful moments. A well-crafted ritual is able to set a specific context for these momentous transitions in life. It creates a focal point for collective presence, purpose, and community solidarity.
How We Work Together
Drawing from a background in meditation and ritual practice, we offer a grounded and intentional approach to mark this important life transition.
We provide the assistance needed to meet your ceremony goals. Whether it involves meeting a short deadline or us traveling to your venue, we focus on creating a deeply authentic celebration—even for a Klingon wedding!
Mindful Creation, Crafted Together
The making of this union ceremony is a practice of mindful creation. Through intentional choice and loving planning, we weave together the songs, symbols, and customs that resonate with and reflect you. Together, we craft a personalized service—a vessel for the moment that truly honors your path and illuminates its heart.
Elements We Can Include
Mindful moments — A guided meditation or pause to invite everyone attending to be fully present.
Intentional storytelling — Sharing the origins and highlights of your relationship for a personalized narrative.
Custom vows & traditions — Incorporating your personal vows, songs, and family customs.
Honoring Your Story
Meaningful readings — Select readings from traditional spiritual sources, ancient Buddhist texts, or other meaningful sources chanted in their original languages and English.
Ritual elements — We offer guidance on including symbolic acts and rituals from the great traditions of the world.
The sound of peace — Enriching the ceremony with the beautiful, resonant sound of singing bowls.
Common Questions
Our goal is to create a space of deep appreciation where you and your community can be fully present to celebrate your love, rooted in kindness and wholehearted support. Below are answers to common questions to help you plan with ease.
Do you offer interfaith or secular ceremonies?
Yes. We’ll shape language and elements that feel authentic to you—whether spiritual, interfaith, or secular. The intention is inclusion, clarity, and care.
Do you create inclusive ceremonies?
Yes. We warmly welcome LGBTQIA+ couples, interfaith and secular ceremonies, bilingual families, and blended cultures. Your story is honored here—exactly as you are.
Can you help with vows and readings?
Absolutely. I’ll share examples and gently coach you as you find words that are true to your relationship. We can refine together until it feels just right.
Do you travel?
Most ceremonies are in Long Beach and the greater Southern California area. Travel beyond that is possible by request—we’ll discuss timing and logistics.
Is a rehearsal available?
Yes. Rehearsals can be arranged as an optional add-on. They’re helpful for easing nerves, refining timing, and making sure everyone feels grounded and confident.
How soon should we reach out?
Ideally at least six to eight weeks before your date, though shorter timelines can often be accommodated depending on availability.
How are fees handled?
Once we confirm your date and scope, I’ll share a proposal with details and pricing. A deposit secures your date, with the balance due closer to your ceremony.
What is the process?
- Inquire — Share your date, location, and vision.
- Plan — A brief call to set tone, readings, rituals, and flow.
- Create — Custom outline/script; optional rehearsal.
- Day-of — Calm presence, clear cues, and timing.
Ready to begin planning your custom ceremony?
Contact our wedding and union officiant to request availability.
Let’s create something grounded, heartfelt, and true to your intention.
Please note: This is a wedding ceremony creation service, not a full wedding planning service.
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