What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I will provide a quote to give you a customized price based on the scope of services and distance travelled. Elopements start at $250.00, for a weekday standard service without customization and no separate rehearsal. Weddings with a ceremony written specifically for the couple start at $375 for Monday through Thursday, and $495 for Friday or Saturday afternoon or evening. If there is a rehearsal on a prior day, fee varies depending on day and time. I do my best to work with the couple to make the number work for them. An additional charge for travel distance and time may apply, based on distance from my location to the venue(s). I am open to travel long distance for destination weddings, or to write the ceremony and coach someone to deliver it at the destination.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For elopements its simply a matter of clarifying time and place, type of ceremony, making sure you have your marriage license, signing a simple agreement and taking care of payment. I'll have a few basic questions (e.g. is bride taking the grooms name, is someone "giving away" the bride, etc, to get the ceremony right.
When we do a custom ceremony, I want it to be just how you want it. Usually we have an initial conversation where I understand what you’re looking for, and you get to know me and get comfortable I'm the right choice to do a great job for you. If you decide to go with me, we sign a simple contract and make payment arrangements. At that time, or at a later date, we have a deeper conversation with bride and groom to really get to know you and talk through details and options, enough to create a draft of your unique wedding ceremony. You review that and provide feedback and I finalize it. Some couples want to see a full script, others want a general feel but don’t want/need to know “word for word”, and want an “in the moment” experience”. And I’m ok either way.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My Bachelors degree included a minor in Communication. My Masters degree is an MS in Management with minor in Organizational Psychology. I've had extensive training in consulting, facilitation, and presentation skills. And over the course of my career have spoken countless times to groups from 4 to 1,000 people.
My religious training and my own faith journey began through my mother and grandfather, both Methodist ministers, and my own active church participation growing up. I'm detail-oriented and want my work to be perfect, and I've done a lot of research into each of the service areas I offer...weddings, baptisms, renewal of vows, funerals, and celebrations of life.. I am an ordained nondenominational Christian minister currently in seminary.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
After performing a wedding and a graveside service for friends and family several years ago, I was told I am very good at this, and I found the experience very rewarding. I am called to giving to others in the most important times of their lives.
What types of customers have you worked with?
In my eyes, every client is unique. I've worked with young and old, first marriages and otherwise, English and non-English speaking. Having lived and worked around the world, across the Americas, Europe, and Asia I am comfortable with different religious traditions and cultures. My services span the full spectrum from civil ceremonies, traditional, modern, non-denominational, to formal, sacred.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
1. I did one wedding that took well over a year, because the groom came down with COVID three days before the wedding. we figured out how to get the word out, unwind the plans, postpone and reschedule, and have the perfect wedding for them.
2. On another project, the groom was American and the bride Mandarin Chinese, in their early 60's. They spoke little of the language of the other, and communicated through Google Translate. They needed help finding a chapel, and making arrangements for a simultaneous projection of their ceremony in both languages for their wedding guests. Their unique way of communicating was beautiful because they were so attentive to really listen, clarify, and understand, and they never took for granted what their partner had to say; many of us who "speak the same language" are less attentive.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
This is an important event, one of the most important events of your lives. It deserves to be done by someone who will do an excellent job. And no matter what the fee is, it will likely be one of the lowest cost items of your wedding. Choose someone you feel comfortable with and have confidence in. Watch out for those whose approach is "my way or the highway"; this is your moment.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
- To be able to book me, we need to know a firm wedding date and time, and the venue or general location of the wedding, Its best if the venue is booked so your date and time is firm.
- Is this an "elopement, e.g. you want someone to basically "just come marry us"? This is usually on shorter notice, small wedding party if any, with a small number of guests, following a standard script. No rehearsal. Included would be guidance on what to do before the ceremony to obtain marriage license and how I will file for certificate afterward.
- Are you wanting a personalized ceremony, custom-written for you based my getting to know more about you, talking through options and exchanging ideas? (Making it perfect for you). This is almost always what couples choose when they have a wedding party and more than a few guests, or when they care how the ceremony is conducted.
- I'll have lots of questions and things for us to explore together, but nothing you'll need to prepare in advance. I want to make this easy for you and talking it through is the best way.
