I recently released my doves at a wedding at the beautiful Monte Verde Inn in Foresthill.

Because of the low tree branches around the altar, we chose to release the doves as the bride and groom completed their ceremony and walked down the aisle. Rebecca with Ford Family Photography snapped this unique shot and I felt it worthy to post here.

Click on the picture to maximize it's size.

Honoring our Veterans

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and I will be releasing doves for two services in Auburn and Colfax.

I can't thank our Veterans enough for their service to our country and putting their lives in harms way to continue to keep our country safe. And to always honor the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. God bless you all!!

Dove Releases are Clean!

It always amazes me that more couples don't choose to use the doves at their weddings. For such a low price, they can have the ultimate expression of joy when the doves are released at the conclusion of the ceremony. And what great memories they create. Your guests will doubtfully remember your flowers, the music you played, the food they ate but they will remember the doves!

Are you concerned about the possibility of the doves "pooping"?

Let me first say that that is always a possibility; a very slim possibility. In the 19 years that I have been providing these releases, I have yet to hear someone tell me they were 'hit'! First of all, the doves are very healthy. Their droppings are firm little balls, not like the wet mess that a wild bird would leave. Second, the birds don't normally poop while flying but choose to leave that in the baskets. When they fly, they tuck their legs back toward their tail. And their diets can be controlled to minimize any chance of messing.

So, I hope if you are considering the doves, that this will put your mind at ease. And of course, always hire a professional in the business. They will likely have the healthiest and cleanest birds that recieve the best care, vitamins and regular bathing. I always suggest that you meet with any wedding professional you choose to hire to make sure they are easy to get along with and that you can depend on them to take care of business on your special day. Ask to see the birds and the equipment they will use. And ask questions! You don't want any surprises.

I love this job!

Yesterday, I went to a cemetery some 30 miles away to provide a dove release for a lady's funeral. Turns out, it was for the Mother of a young man who works at our local grocery store.
The release went well and I returned home.
Tonight, my husband took me to a distant restaurant where we never go. We were seated in a room where only one other table was dining. It was the same young man, Eddie, and his wife with their 3 month old son. When I recognized them, I asked how he was doing and he smiled warmly and said he was doing well. At the end of their meal, he told me that seeing me made his day; that he felt his Mama had entered the room with me. I gave them both a hug before they left. On the way home, I couldn't stop smiling. What were the chances that we would run into each other the very next day and be seated next to each other in an otherwise vacant room? I feel so blessed when I am able to provide my doves and help with healing but this time, there seemed to be even more powers at work that created this special moment!

Bunnies and a Pigeon

Below is a story that is circulating the internet and I wanted to share.

The Protective Wing

BUNNIES AND A PIGEON These little bunnies, about 6 days old, were attacked by a dog and orphaned. Two out of the litter of five did not survive,and these three were not doing very well. Noah is the non-releasable,one-legged homing pigeon/rock dove that is in rehab. Noah kept going over to the bunny cage and looking in -- even sleeping in front of the door to the cage. Then, there were only two bunnies in the cage. But when Noah moved a bit from the front of the cage to my surprise...there was the tiny bunny...under Noah's wing...sound asleep! That little bunny rabbit had crawled through the cage, preferring a featherbed, no doubt. Now, they are all together and the bunnies are doing GREAT. When the bunnies scoot underneath Noah's feathers, he carefully extends his wings out to surround them and then they snuggle. When one of them moves and they start sticking out here and there, he gently pushes them back under him with his beak! This is amazing...

A beautiful testament to the parenting of the pigeon!

Even a backyard wedding becomes an elegant affair with the addition of these beautiful doves!

Great song for Dove themed weddings

I just heard a wonderful song that would be great for weddings. It's sung by Celine Dion and is called You and I (were meant to fly). Here are the lyrics:

High above the mountains, far across the sea
I can hear your voice calling out to me
Brighter than the sun and darker than the night
I can see your love shining like a light
And on and on this earth spins like a carousel
If I could travel across the world
The secrets I would tell

Chorus:You and I
Were meant to fly
Higher than the clouds
We'll sail across the sky
So come with me
And you will feel
That we're soaring
That we're floating up so high
‘Cause you and I were meant to fly

Sailing like a bird high on the wings of love
Take me higher than all the stars above
I'm burning, yearning
Gently turning round and round
I'm always rising up
I never Want to come back down

and here is a Youtube link so you can hear it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKRX6zGoUK4

I think it's a great song choice!

A video clip of a wedding release

Response from my latest funeral

I did a funeral 2 days ago for a tragic death of a 19 year old girl. Her Mother called this morning and left this message. "I want to thank you so much for the doves at my daughter's funeral. I just couldn't let go of her until we did the dove release. You helped my family so much". I am always so thankful afterwards that I am able to provide my doves to help with the healing process.

The Beauty of Doves

Nothing compares to the beauty that white doves provide for any type of occasion. Whether a funeral, wedding, graduation, grand opening, ANY celebration of life is so enhanced when the white dove is released. I have received so many compliments over the years whenever I bring my doves. And I love to share them and educate others on the mystic and magic that leaves most onlookers breath taken.

There is just something so magnetic about them. I can spend hours in the loft just watching their interactions; how the pairs are so loving to each other, how they dutifully share parenting and tenderly care for their young. Which is part of the reason they are such a wonderful symbol of Love and Devotion at weddings. These birds will mate for life and will always immediately seek each other out upon returning from a flight.