Custom Ceremonies
No two couples are the same so why should your wedding ceremony be the same?
My specialty is creating custom marriage ceremonies for couples, one that reflects who you are as individuals and as a couple…no cookie cutter ceremonies here!
Your ceremony should be as unique as the two of you are…
I believe your ceremony should reflect who you are, your culture and heritage, your values, goals, beliefs as well as your hopes and dreams and that your Wedding should be about you, as individuals and as a couple.
Whether it’s a civil, contemporary, traditional, non-denominational or themed wedding your looking for I craft a one-of-kind ceremony for each couple. I provide ceremony guidance & suggestions and will work with you attentively to ensure your ceremony is right for you two and that it’s everything you’ve dreamed it to be!
I have written and performed a wide variety of ceremonies, from a Quaker Ceremony on the beach, a Pirate weddings in the woods to a religious wedding in a formal Church setting and a lot in between (including dozens of Guerrilla Weddings and a Surprise wedding or two!)
What does a Custom Ceremony Include?
A custom ceremony includes a minimum of two face to face meetings, unlimited email and phone access, conducting a 60 – 90 minute rehearsal, arriving 30 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony; during which time we coordinate with all of your ceremony vendors (photographers, DJ, musicians, videographers, etc.).
This service also includes a beautiful hard cover hand bound edition of your wedding ceremony that will be used during the performance of your wedding and given to you as our gift afterwards and the legal submission of your marriage license to the county.
How does the process start?
Once we’ve confirmed that I or one of the other Officiants are available; we’ll schedule a complimentary 30 minute “meet and greet”; this brief meeting is a chance for us to explore our compatibility and gives us all an opportunity to make an informed decision about working together. After a mutual decision to work together has been reached, you’ll sign a contract, submit a deposit and fill out a brief questionnaire together.
What’s next?
Next we’ll get together again for a 2 – 3 hour planning session. This brainstorming session focuses on your entire ceremony and gives us a chance to discuss the questionnaire answers in depth. During this session I’ll show you some great ways to personalize your ceremony, modernize some old traditions and how to tastefully incorporate your individuality into your entire wedding celebration.
Over the next few weeks I’ll begin working on a draft of your ceremony; which when done is emailed to you. It provides us with a starting point for creating your Dream Day ceremony. Working together, we’ll “tweak it” until it’s just right for the two of you; with me YOU have the creative control! Once approved the text will be sent out to be printed and hand bound into a gorgeous hard cover book that will be used at your ceremony and is given to you as my gift afterwards.
The Rehearsal
The next and perhaps biggest step is the rehearsal; performance is everything and your rehearsal is the key to your performance. Imagery and performance will far out weigh our spoken words and your actions will give subtle messages to your guests; how close do you stand to each other, how you repeat your vows, light your unity candle, share a glass of wine or present your roses. Your rehearsal gives us the time to walk through the entire ceremony, stage it the way you want it to look, become comfortable with the movements you’ll be making. We want you to be calm, collected and confident on your wedding day, all of which you will achieve from your rehearsal; we’ll prepare you to be the stars of the show that you are!
On Wedding Day
When it’s finally the big day your Officiant will arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. During this time, we greet the groom and visit the bride but more importantly we are there to coordinate with your photographers, videographers, musicians and DJ. Together we go over the ceremony outline, test the sound system and microphones, discuss cues, lighting and staging; they appreciate this little bit of extra coordination and consultation because it gives them a better opportunity to provide a higher level of service to you.
After your kiss we conclude your ceremony by asking your guests to rise and get their rice, bubbles, petals (or whatever you’ve chosen) ready, we check to see that your photographer and videographer have taken their positions and are ready, then we take the pleasure of introducing you for the first as a married couple to your guests. The DJ or musicians will now begin playing as the two of you begin your recessional walk. With that and a little paperwork to sign, your Dream Day Wedding Ceremony is complete!
What if I want a Male Officiant?
If you prefer a male Officiant I can provide that as well; I work with several local Officiants, including my Step-Dad; that would be delighted to perform a Wedding Ceremony for you. The process of working together and creating the text is the same, once completed the male Officiant takes over to run your rehearsal and conduct the wedding ceremony, as well as submit and legally register your marriage with the State of Michigan.
What if I have other questions?
You can use any of the contact forms found throughout the site; call or email me at your convenience. You can also read what other couples had to say about my services in their reviews; connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIN, follow me on Pinterest and StumbleUpon, read the Dream Day Weddings blog, we can even schedule a time to Skype!
I’d be happy to meet with you for a complimentary consultation so you can find out for yourself the difference an experienced and professional Wedding Celebrant can make for you.
Call me today to schedule your complimentary consultation: (269)274-1362.
I look forward to hearing from you soon,
P.S. You can also send me a message below!