Lovely Weddings

Introduction: I am careful about my presentation - how I comfortably articulate my words and how I use my voice in a pleasantly pleasing fashion when fulfilling the duties of this vocation, especially as I officiate the marriage ceremony itself. I dress appropriately to fit the attire and colors of the wedding. I am flexible and make myself available to talk and text as needed with couples. I encourage couples to customize their wedding vows to fit their preferences. So that I may get to know the couple better, I invite them to a ‘Meet & Greet’ soon after they commit to hiring me. At these gatherings, I learn more about couples’ expectations of me as their officiant. I hear their love stories - how they met and things that they like about each other. This meeting is held at a location, such as a coffee shop, restaurant, a park, etc. It may also be held at the couples’ homes or the officiant’s home. I am willing to include witnesses on zoom or other means of virtual presence, if it is impossible for their witnesses to attend their weddings. When it is unrealistic, unreasonable or impossible for me to be present at wedding rehearsals, I am willing to virtually attend. Caveat: It is not always necessary or economically savvy for the couple to expect the officiant to be present at the rehearsal. The officiant gives to couples a complimentary gift of a card and a framed and signed matrimony certificate as a keepsake. If couples are interested in discounts, I am open for discussion to assist with couples’ needs. The deposit is quite minimal. The balance is not due until the day of the wedding. I have officiated hundreds of couples' marriage vows since 2014. Weddings are wonderful and exciting, whether large or small, because they play a major role in connecting two people in love and celebrating their love. I personally get the grand opportunity to direct the connection. I feel honored to play a major role in couples’s first step toward living and sharing their lives together as legally married people. I meet people of many different social backgrounds-cultures, nationalities, religions, ethnicities, etc. From those experiences, I learn more about people who share diverse experiences that I am not familiar. My work with diverse populations help me to become more socially advanced and to appreciate all people for their individuality from all walks of life. It is necessary because we live in a diverse society. The services I provide begs for inclusivity and flexibility. I am willing to learn new ways to include details within in the covenant ceremony that appeal to couples, such as, jumping the broom, hand fasting and a unity candle ritual. It is a blessing that some of the couples I serve continue an ongoing relationship with me after the wedding day. Some contact me on their anniversary dates with updates about their marriage. Others invite me to celebrate with them on the birth of their newly born baby. The renewal of marriage vows is also a service that I provide. I assist in writing the renewal vows and assist in the planning of the ceremony. These celebrations are held in many diverse settings, such as at the arboretum or the Hunt Morgan House or even in a beautifully lit backyard. I am flexible. I allow couples to write their own wedding vows with my oversight and direction to assure that vows are covenant based. I work with couples by traveling to their selected venues and am willing to travel up to 100 miles (sometimes more) to perform marriage or renewal of marriage vows. I structure my covenant ceremonies to fit the theme of the service. I dress based on the theme and/or as is requested. And I provide premarital and marriage & relationship counseling if requested. There is an additional charge for marriage counseling. I recommend extended marriage counseling when there seems to be a need. My business stands out because of the nature of my services and how I reach out to my clientele. My association with couples may extend past the wedding day. I invite couples to share their stories as they live out their lives together while I inspire and encourage them. All of the above are reasons why I officiate marriage covenant vows and why I love this business. My work as a wedding officiant is a service that is heartwarming and satisfying to couples and me. It allows for me to impact others' lives in very positive ways as they also impact my own life. I love bringing two people into a committed relationship - to love one another forever, til death do them part. I enjoy my work because I believe in the institution of marriage and am family oriented. I am passionate and excited about sharing in relationship to others. Marriage spiritually and legally connects two people who are in love and commits them to a lifetime of togetherness. It is a covenant - a promise and an agreement - to work together forever while keeping the love alive within the marriage. It is a bond that promotes and encourages forgiveness, support, and understanding of one another whether in good times or in times that are not so good. It is an agreement to remain committed to one another in sickness and in health-always and forever and to continue to work on the relationship to keep it fresh and alive. Finally, marriage is an expression of thankfulness for the precious gift of love with a promise of faithfulness including family and community. I have been married for 40 years as of August 29th. I know and understand marriage in its purest sense. And I enjoy bringing others into the community of marriage because it manifests wholeness and completeness in peoples' lives. I cannot imagine my life without my husband who is certainly my companion, my friend and the love of my life.