What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The quote you are given during our consultation includes all communications, time, travel, fuel, toll, parking, mileage, writing your customized ceremony, performing your ceremony, E-Mailing Ceremony to you for review so that if you wish to add/delete or change any part of Ceremony you have that option to put your personality within the Ceremony prior to your Wedding Day , verifying witnesses if required by State, completing your Marriage License as required by State, filing of your Official Marriage Certificate with your Marriage License Bureau the very next business day and my archiving of your paperwork and files and administrative costs. Some Couples prefer to also have a Sand Ceremony or Unity Candle or Loving Cup or other Traditions within the ceremony -
Not a problem - we can put that in your ceremony! Some couples prefer Officiant to attend Rehearsal and should you need me there we can certainly book that rehearsal date/time. It is an additional $139 to have me at your rehearsal. I usually go through the ceremony completely - twice - and assist with the line up and entrance of the Wedding Party/Participants. Whatever you need to make this as stress free, smooth, enjoyable and beautiful!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically the customer takes a look at my profile and reviews. And I am very happy to say that I have been awarded a Top Professional on Thumbtack and Best Of over several years (Top Professional five years in a row) per my client reviews. I always make my couples a top priority!
We usually begin with the client calling me and we have an initial brief chat. They hire me. I then speak with the couple individually or together either over the phone or in person for a consultationbefore writing their ceremon. Often I am asked to write their vows so these conversations help me get to know their story and their wishes and ideas. We then confirm dates, times and make sure their marriage certificate is in order. I will then write a personalized ceremony for you and e-mail it to you for review and any changes, edits, additions that you would like. You approve the written ceremony. I perform every type of ceremony from non-denominational, interfaith, Protestant, Catholic, Jewish Traditions, all Faiths and I have been a very involved participant in Marriage Equality. Love is Love and I am happy and honored to join you both together in Marriage!
I arrive the day of the ceremony (usually about a half hour early) we look over the marriage certificate, take care of my fee, and briefly go over the ceremony (often I will have written a very personalized ceremony for the couple that we've gone over together) . We begin their ceremony on time and in whichever way they have planned. After the ceremony I sign all the documents and present the couple with their marriage certificate. I then take the portion to be completed and I file with the county/State.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Chaplain Certifications, Ordination, Study of World Religions, as well as non-denominational Ceremonial Seminars.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I love to be able to help people in love fulfill their dream of being married and having the ceremony they wish for themselves and their family. I have heard so many scenarios of couples not being able to have their wedding ceremony done in a way that they dreamed of because of various restrictions or reasons.
Each couple has a unique idea of this special day. I felt that I could provide this in my profession and adjust to the wishes of the couple and their families.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Today, many weddings are small intimate events that couples wish to be very meaningful for them and they would like to orchestrate their day their way. Often weddings are planned with short notice because of schedules and other circumstances. There is also a financial component in that some traditional weddings that require so much planning and expense become a burden for a couple when planning it your way you can save so much for other things such as your honeymoon, or a new home or apartment, or education. It just alleviates some of the financial burden. Many couples prefer non-denominational ceremonies because of inter-faith marriages and now with Marriage Equality they are just very sweet ceremonies for couples that have waited sometimes years to be able to celebrate with a wedding and with their family and friends.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I have had the honor of officiating many ceremonies. Each and every one is unique and full of meaning. One that I officiated recently was actually a surprise for the entire family! The couple had truly wanted to have a small ceremony, yet were conflicted because they wanted all their family there and the plans grew and grew until they felt it was overwhelming - so they called me because they decided that during a huge family Barbecue when family were visiting from other States and countries I was going to walk in and announce we were all here for a wedding! It was fantastic! Everyone screamed with delight! And their home and backyard were done beautifully with lights, candles and music. Their friends pulled out a decorated arbor they had hidden and I performed the ceremony with such beautiful vows. It was great!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice would be to give yourself some time to converse with your officiant. Make sure you are a good "fir". Hire someone you are comfortable with and that you feel you can trust to assist with your wishes for your day. Someone that you feel you can call whenever you have a question or concern. Someone that you know you can look to if you are feeling lost for words and need a bit of reassurance. Discuss your wishes and look for someone who has experience, can bring a certain calm to the occasion, someone that the two of you feel can confidently guide you through the ceremony and help you feel at ease. That has a chemistry with both of you that will add joy to the day.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
The first thing to do is to have a conversation with your officiant to see if you have someone that you can connect with and understands how you feel about your wedding and the service you wish. Discuss the experience, types of services, and style of your officiant. Traditional, unique, customized, inter-faith, non-denominational, their knowledge of Marriage Equality and whatever other thoughts you have that can make this very, very special day a memorable day and one that begins with an officiant that understands the love you have for one another and how you would like to celebrate this love and commitment to one another.
Along with being a wedding officiant, I have been a nurse and counselor for 30 years and I know first hand that life is short and the only thing that really matters is love. Live each day in the present moment. Love deeply, share joy as often as you can and make this life a wonderful event in and of itself.
