.Traditional wedding or with contemporary simplicity, couples still value the little things that infuse their wedding day with meaning.   Take the lovely tradition of incorporating “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a sixpence in your shoe” to your wedding gown or suit. Each has it’s own special meaning meant to add importance and good luck for a long life together.    Many brides and grooms I’ve officiated for have somehow woven each of these items into their wedding regardless of how avante guard they may be. In our very heart we know it’s the little things that… Read More »

Types of vacations YOU NEED:   Week to sleep Week to make no decisions Week to get over trying to make everyone happy  Week to relax from researching vows, pick readings and special services so your wedding ceremony isn’t ho-hum.   Hey, we got week four taken care of. Northern Michigan Wedding Officiants can give you the vacation you deserve. The sleeping one.    Just think how much more relaxed you can be planning your wedding ceremony with our expert officiants, support, and resources at your service. We’ve been officiating in northern Michigan since 2005, and since we starting doing… Read More »

Can you have an easy going ceremony rather than traditional?   Traditional wedding ceremonies aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean an easy going ceremony isn’t meaningful. For example, formal language like “thee” or “thou” and the patriarchal practice of giving the bride away to the groom is considered traditional. There may or may not be humor in the ceremony. An emphasis may be put on a masculine God-figure and the importance of religious practices. Our easy going ceremony style accentuates your friendship with each other, and how your love makes the world a better place. We believe your commitment… Read More »

How to get more done without going crazy Engaged couples, wedding stress is always in the room with you when this could be an awesome time for connection and excitement. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you face some unique stresses in a day and age when stress is high anyway. You have an extra set of details, decisions, and emotions to  manage even if you have one of our fabulous event planners from the Traverse City area organizing on your behalf.   But all is not lost.    Stress we collectively endure Expert copywriter, Stephanie Fleming of Ready to… Read More »

The trend is simple ceremonies “We just want something short and simple,” is the answer to my question, “What type of ceremony are you looking for?” I receive more often these days. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity, even if it’s motivated by being shy, nervous or linking the concept of simple to affordable. What my task is as an officiant is to understand and define what simple means to you, so that short, sweet, simple, or to the point, doesn’t devolve into boring.     Consider these three points People come from far away to not only celebrate, but also… Read More »

Bad weather can be a real joy killer for the long awaited outdoor wedding. That’s why one month before the ceremony, I bet 95% of all couples begin to check their weather app every hour. Because “Let’s move the ceremony inside” due to bad weather is the last thing any couple wants to say, especially if you’re paying a hefty fee for your venue’s outdoor view.   One of my personal favorite locations has a chairlift and requires two mechanics at the bottom and the top of the lift. Getting to the site is a unique experience that is nothing… Read More »

Spirit-oriented Wedding Ceremony What does it mean to have a Spirit-oriented wedding ceremony?   Is there a difference between Spirit-oriented and a religious wedding ceremony?   Examining the difference Spirit-oriented wedding ceremonies embrace the personal relationship a couple has with nature, or a mystical power. Jesus, Father, and Lord are replaced by the words Spirit, Creator, Infinite Intelligence, Father/Mother God, or Universe.   When someone tells me they are Spirit-oriented, I know they mean their relationship between their being and Spirit is personal, and there’s no pre-determined behavior that is expected. They can be casual or more formal. The ceremony… Read More »

Can an officiant create a magical wedding ceremony? Some couples have planned their wedding day since childhood. They imagine the dress, the rings, the tears, the kiss that seals their vows.   Then there’s the party. They see their friends and family dancing, having a great time, the taste of wonderful food, and making connections after years of separation. All these can bring on a powerful sense of satisfaction. IF only on the actual day those dreams come true, the couple can even remember what happened. Enter the blur Because for many couples their wedding day is a blur. Those… Read More »

Stringing the Pearls — an interactive ceremony Stringing the Pearls is an interactive ceremony that invites your couple’s attendants to affirm the partners best qualities. Being shown how much they’re supported by others is a great addition to any wedding ceremony.        Easy to do This ceremony is so easy to do — just a bit of preplanning is necessary to make it happen. Send this link so attendants can see how it’s done. Give Stringing the Pearls a try and let me know how it goes for you and your couple!     We can help you… Read More »