What are the next steps?

the next steps to take away wedding stress

Next Steps Many of you have been waiting on pins and needles to figure out what to do about your wedding. Should you go ahead as planned? Would it be wise to postpone until 2021? Some of you have pared your wedding down and others have had to do the same whether you wanted to or not. Guests have made their own decisions whether they want to make the trip to be there or not. If they’ve decided to not to come I’m sure this isn’t an easy step for them to NOT take. Interesting and creative times Whatever YOUR… Read More »


Own Your Moment

Too many years ago, the way I wanted to own my moment on my wedding day, was to wear jeans and no veil. And my bridesmaids would be dressed in the colors of a political movement I supported. But that was again, way back when. FYI- My folks would have nothing of that plan (they’d have paid the bill) so not only did that design fail, but my boyfriend and I decided NOT to get married period. We’d keep living together. Which, BTW was a much bigger deal back then, than “cohabitating” is today.  Own Your Moment — What excites… Read More »


Who “Should” Walk a Bride Down the Aisle?

perfectionism

Walked Down the Aisle When Lauren walked down the aisle at her wedding with 14 attendants, and 250 guests, her brother escorted her down her once in a lifetime entrance. Although her father sat in the first row, he’d never been a big part of her life, nor a very positive force in her life.   Despite the “shoulds” she’d been subjected to and which you can read your own emphasis into, (“He’s your FATHER!  He should walk you down the aisle,”) Lauren decided to forego tradition. Instead she picked the person who’d been by her side, comforted and laughed… Read More »


What’s Short and Sweet mean to you?

Short and Sweet

You have something in mind when you ask me for a short and sweet ceremony Often a couple will tell me in their first email they want a simple, short and sweet ceremony. I used to make assumptions about what that meant.  Short translated to about 5 minutes long and sweet meant romantic. Short and sweet is relative  But if the couple was from a Catholic background, short meant about 30 – 45 minutes because they’re used to long masses with kneeling and standing and singing and responsive readings, etc. A Catholic mass takes time to get through. Likewise, a… Read More »


Meaning of Wedding Rings, Vows

Meaning within Your Wedding Rings and Vows Here’s the scene: It’s your turn. As your officiant I have your wedding rings in my hand. I have asked both of you to turn towards one another. “Take each other’s hands, look into one another’s eyes, and please repeat after me.” You see his eyes, or feel the softness of her hands. Then you utter these little phrases, 5 or 6 words at a times, sometimes sputtered, “I promise to…” And there it is. Good times and bad. Richer or poorer. Together or apart. Sickness and in health. Short. Sweet. Succinct. Forever. Whether conscious… Read More »


Should You Change Your Last Name?

It’s 2026. I wrote this post in 2015!  Today brides have to consider in a new way whether to change their last name ise too much of a hassle due to the SAVE Act being considered by the Senate (already passed the House). This is what this bill asks of women who are considering sticking with tradition: Married women and other Americans who have changed their names, will be required to secure updated documentation to register to vote. Passport. Birth Certificate. I encourage couples to research what the Republicans are asking of you. Here is a link from the League… Read More »


Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Some Couples are just naturally inclined to write their own vows. It doesn’t mean they’re better than any other vows. Some couples prefer to put their commitment in their own words.   When you consider writing your own wedding vows, you want to remember  — Who you are promising to be — What you are promising to do Marriage means different things to everyone. Even though it might seem like there is a norm that we are to follow, there are no two people in the world like you and your partner. So your marriage will be unique. Writing your own… Read More »


Choosing A Professional, Experienced Officiant or Friend to Lead Your Wedding

professional officiant

Professional or Friendiant? Before you read this blog, listen to what 2019 couple Jessica and Brian have to say about why they hired me because I am a professional officiant.  43% of couples who, for several reasons I’ll discuss below, ask their friend or a relative to officiate for them on their wedding day. Getting “ordained” in order to comply with the laws of the land only costs a small amount. Some organizations ordain anyone for free. The internet offers an easy path to ordination so your marriage is legal. Seems simple enough. After all, Liz Lemon got ordained on… Read More »


Outdoor Wedding Needs Plan B

No one wants to think their outdoor wedding needs Plan B. In fact, I am asked to pray more for the weather than for the couple! You understandably have high hopes and have often payed a high price in order to have your wedding outside. But Mother Nature has a lot to manage, and sometimes it may seem she forgot your wedding was important. So having a Plan B can save a lot of grief and also give you a more complete peace of mind as your wedding day approaches. I’ve been part of of weddings where a Plan B would have come… Read More »


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