Hello and congratulations on your engagement! Thank you for visiting my website. Finding the right officiant to marry you is an important decision because that person will have a huge influence on the tone of your ceremony.
The one main thing that you as a couple, your wedding party, family, friends & guests will remember most about your entire wedding day is the ceremony - it is the heart and soul of your wedding day and will likely be your most personal memory of your special day. Far too often securing the right officiant to perform the right ceremony is left as an afterthought. Choosing an experienced officiant is more important than most people realize.
I am a wedding professional. I have been writing and officiating wedding ceremonies since 2006. I am experienced as a public speaker and wedding officiant, having solemnized the marriages of hundreds of couples! I have enjoyed each and every one of them! I love what I do and you will find that obvious by my enthusiasm. I will work with you to write your ceremony based on your personalities and what you tell me you want...whether you want a big, dream wedding, an alternative to a 'court-house-steps quickie', or an intimate elopement for "just the two of you". Of all the things you will have to worry about on your wedding day, one of them won't be me! I will return your phone calls and emails promptly; I am professional and punctual!
Please feel free to call me at any time during the process with your questions. Don't know what place to get marrried or need recommendations for a photographer, DJ, caterer, etc? I know many venues/places and dependable people to help make your day special! I'm happy to send you my list of venues & recommend vendors that I have worked with. Consider me a resource as you plan your "special day!"
Additional information on my blog here: http://weddingwoman1.blogspot.com
Area wedding venue recommendations here.
- Optional 'get acquainted' visit with bride and groom to answer questions, discuss your 'vision'. (You come to Anderson, SC - Elopements are not included.)
- File your license with probate after the wedding. There is no need to return to the courthouse.
- Travel to the location of your wedding (Travel fee may apply).
- Unlimited email & telephone support - ceremony ideas, locations, vendors, etiquette - I am happy to assist!
- Personalized, meaningful, memorable ceremony based on personal information that you give and we discuss. You have a choice of the ceremony options listed above.
- Attend your Rehearsal and direct / be the point person if needed. (Additional fee does apply)
- Custom Commemorative Marriage Certificate "Keepsake".
- Your Marriage Ceremony will be emailed to you to approve before your date - no surprises! (Elopements not included)
- Copy of your Marriage License emailed to you after the wedding. (optional)
- Name Change Assistance - Information & forms for the Social Security Administration. I also give DMV driver's license info for states I serve (GA/ NC/ SC).
- Religious - Holy Union
- Semi-Religious - Traditional
- Civil - Non-religious - Spiritual
- Humanist -Intercultural - Interfaith - International
- Contemporary - "Short & Sweet"
- Wedding Chapel, or any other venue
- Elopement - You come to me, ceremony on beautiful Lake Hartwell ~ Least expensive option for those on a budget. (This option does not include a 'mini ceremony' or tradition.)
- Write your own vows or 'love letters' to each other to be included in the ceremony!
- Vow Renewal
- Affirmations of Love and Commitment
- The Processional of the Wedding Party
- Words Of Welcome
- Opening Prayer (religious & simi-religious ceremony only)
- Family Blessing (give the bride away)
- Opening Remarks
- Question of Intent
- Readings & Music (Optional - if you want a poem, passage, reading or a special song played)
- Wedding Vows
- Blessing and Exchange of Wedding Rings
- Optional Mini Ceremony or Tradition - add a nice touch (see options/ suggestions below)
- Benediction - Closing Wedding Blessing
- Pronouncement of Marriage
- And then, you kiss!
- Presentation (of the new couple)
- Ceremony Recessional
I am happy to include these in your wedding at no additional charge. (Elopements Excluded) They add a 'visual effect'- your guests are more likey to remember what they 'see'. I will explain any that you aren't familiar with.
- Unity Candle or Sand - Symbolizes the blending of your two lives/families into one.
- Pass the Peace Candle (can be done in conjunction with Unity Candle - small weddings best).
- Memory Candle to honor the memory of those that have passed.
- Rose Ceremony - your first gift to each other - a single red rose means "I love you".
- Breaking of the glass - Symbolizes "Life is fragile"
- Blessing or Wish Stones - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in Stone."
- Ring Warming - works well with small, intimate weddings.
- Parental Honoring - Say thank-you to your parents in a special ceremony.
- Blended Family Ceremony - Join your 2 famlies. Parent & children "vows".
- Wine Ceremony - Drink from the "Cup of Life" - Symbolizing the journey of life before you.
- Jumping the Sword and/or Broom - Sword symbolic of cuting ties with the old life./ Broom represents the remnants of old life being swept away.
- Breaking of the Plate - Czech Tradition - By jointly cleaning up the glass, your mariage will be harmonious.
- Hand-fasting - A symbolic ceremony to acknowledge that your lives & fates are now bound together.
- Bread, Salt, Honey & Wine - Ukraine tradition - gifts from the earth to bless your union.
- Ceremony of the Hands - Bride & Groom view the hands of the other as a gift.
- Water Ceremony - Pour 2 different colored waters into a 3rd vessel creating a third color & blend your lives.
- Divorce Ceremony - Recognize the hurt & pain that divorce causes and begin together with friends & family the process of healing and the journey foward to a life of peace & happiness.
- Any other ceremonies, traditions, readings, poems, etc. that you want included.
My fees are based on the professional quality of the services you receive. It also depends on the location of the ceremony and whether there will be a rehearsal. Please call me for rates. Thank you!