Forever and a Day Weddings

Serves Elmwood Park, IL

35244

Hired 151 times

1 employee

18 years in business

$250

5.0

This pro accepts payments via PayPal and Venmo.

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Credentials

Background Check

Carol Schweitzer-Schilling
Completed on 9/7/2020

Introduction

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY BIO. I hope that once you contacted me that you will respond to my email or text. I know that life gets busy, but I appreciate a reply. If you are finding it necessary to send requests to 4 or 5 JP's because you are looking for prices, than please do not include me. I pay a fee to Thumbtack every time you send an inquiry, and my prices are already competitive, and I have much to offer you. As one of the most requested Justices of the Peace in Connecticut, and also serving NY, MA, and RI, I have over 18 years and 800+ weddings of ongoing experience. I pride myself in creating a ceremony that is personal and meaningful. We will work together to construct your ceremony. I also welcome a friend or family member to do a reading during your ceremony. I am fortunate to be a preferred vendor for the CT wedding Group. I recently retired from 45 years in the medical field. I was extremely proud to be part of the healthcare field as a Radiologic Technologist. I focused on Mammography as my specialty, and the last 10 years was as a manager of a large Outpatient Imaging Center for a local hospital. I bring that care and kindness to my role as a Justice of the Peace. It all starts with a phone call, Facetime or Zoom. That way I can get a chance to hear your story and what I can do to make your ceremony unique and memorable. Whether this is your first marriage, or second, I take care to make you comfortable and I walk you through the steps of what you are required to do to obtain your marriage license in your state. At our first contact, I will give you an outline of a typical ceremony, so you know what to expect. Most ceremonies are typically 10 minutes. I can suggest some special additions that include Handfasting, Sand, Love Lock, or Rose ceremony. I have been married for over 38 years, and we have a blended family of 4 children and 4 grandchildren. I am happy to say that they are all here in CT. I am the youngest of 3 girls, and between us we can all officiate at weddings. My oldest sister Susan is a retired Methodist minister in California, and my middle sister Sally is a JP in Ridgefield. So, it is "all in the family!" Thank you for taking the time learn about me and how I can make your ceremony a great memory.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Everything is figured in to one price. An elopement during the day, is much less than a large affair during the height of wedding season. Off season rates are discounted, and start Nov.30 to March 31.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

After my response to your request for my services, the next step would be to set up a Zoom or Facetime interview. Pre-Covid, I would meet over a cup of coffee to discuss your ceremony, and now I find if it is just over the phone, I lose the human connection, and I think it is much more relaxed that way when you can see faces. ( I have a life long fear of clowns, and I realized it is because their made up face is not their real emotion) After our interview, I wait to hear from you or in many cases that day you will commit to hire me. I have a good idea of what you are all about and I will design a ceremony to fit your needs.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I was in the Healthcare field over 45 years and feel comfortable relating to my couples and their families. In essence I truly care about you and want to make sure you enjoy your ceremony. I have also taken an advanced course for dealing with Covid as a JP.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I have been a JP since 2007. I have two sisters and one is a Methodist Minister and the other is a longstanding JP. So it was somewhat being the baby of the family wanting to keep up with them. Seriously, I really enjoy people and have a comfort in front of 2 or 400. A JP is an appointment from your town and I also like that I am representing Rockfall as a JP.

What types of customers have you worked with?

I have worked with young and old, straight and gay. First marriages, second marriages with blended families. Connecticut for a time was the only state that gays could marry and I officiated for a couple from D.C. and NYC. I appreciate that love has no boundaries and I celebrate the love you have for each other.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I recently officiated in Holyoke Ma, at the Log Cabin Restaurant. The bride happened to have the last name of Schilling, although no relation. It was a re-schedule from last year, and it was so good to finally meet the bride and groom in person and participate in their special day. As far as how long it takes, it is hard to say, but I listen to what they want and I guide them through that process.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Interview Interview Interview. It is not always about the PRICE. You should have a comfort with the Officiant you hire, that they show a genuine interest in you. My prices are all inclusive, meaning once I have quoted I will not be adding extras, like mileage, and a set time limit.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Will you feature our love story? Will you honor our wishes for a non religious ceremony if requested? Do you have a ceremony that includes our children? Are you familiar with sand, glass, rose, candle ceremonies? Have you performed handfasting ceremonies? Why are you a wedding officiant? Why should we hire YOU?