Alex Carter
I’m originally from New York City, but have lived in many places, and for the past 25+ years have called the DC area home. As a lay service leader at Bet Mishpachah, DC’s LGBTQ synagogue, I’ve developed and led services for many occasions and life-cycle events.
I began officiating at weddings a few years ago. Several different sets of friends asked if I would marry them. We worked together to design ceremonies that included what was most important to them: their different backgrounds, their grandchildren, their friends, or their long-term relationships. Sometimes all in the same ceremony.
Celebrancy lets me bring together my lifelong interest in the world’s spiritual traditions and my passion for creating community through ceremony and ritual. I’d love to work with you to create a ceremony that expresses who you truly are.
In addition to being a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, I’m a leadership and management coach. My personal life revolves around my fabulous spouse, my birth and chosen families, solving crossword puzzles, cheering on women’s basketball, and being grateful for the gift of each day even as I strive to become a wiser and more loving person.
Ruth Potts
I grew up in Baltimore in an observant, yet eclectic, education-centered Jewish family rooting for the Orioles and Baltimore Colts. When I joined Bet Mishpachah, Washington DC’s lay-lead LGBT congregation, almost thirty years ago, I was able to draw on my upbringing to become a Sabbath and High Holyday service leader. I continue to be active in the ritual/religious leadership of the congregation, serving on the Liturgy Committee as well as leading services. I also am ordained in the Universal Life Church.
My work life began as a high school English teacher, but for the last thirty-five years has been centered around various aspects of business, from inventory management and sales training to financial organization and intellectual property. I continue to root for the Orioles and follow most college sports, particularly women’s basketball. Go Terps! I attend theatre, symphony, and as many basketball and baseball games as I can fit into the schedule.
While my background is in Judaism, my philosophy is universal. I believe whatever ritual you’re looking for should fulfill your needs, not necessarily those of organized religion. If you find comfort in the traditional format of a particular ritual, I am happy to a accommodate. If, however, you are seeking something else, I want to help you find what that is. Together, we can craft a ceremony that is meaningful to you.