But with my handy-dandy DVR, I can catch it all. Like this little ditty I saw tonight…It ran tonight on Two and Half Men, I believe it also ran on last weeks How I Met Your Mother.

#78

I do not interact with Facebook, Twitter or any of the other social networing platforms. My reasoning is simple.  Why in the world would I want to share my private thoughts and feeling with the world at large?  What good could possibly come from me having a convenient outlet to express myself to millions of people?  The more likely outcome is that in a misguided attempt to be funny or cute, I’d say something stupid and wind up getting publicly raked over the the proverbial coals.  Which is why I think the wiser path is to keep my opinions to myself.  For example, if i were to feel moral outrage over an organization riddle with pedophiles expressing their moral outrage over conception, I certainly wouldn’t tweet about it.  And the photographs I’ve taken of myself wearing noting but an oven mitts and a tiara will never be shared on a Facebook page.

~

I actually do feel more reassured, as an American and as a women, that there are sensible people out there who see the exact same stupidity I do and who use their voice to say so.  Oh and, Mr. Lorre my intention is purely to share you work, your humor and charm with those who missed it…you may not Facebook or Tweet but I do, please don’t send your Lawyers after me, if you really don’t like my post I will happily take it down…if you ask me nicely, said the mouse to the lion. Oh no, I’m starting to sound like Chuck Lorre in my head when I write, this can’t be good, one would assume that I would stop typing now but I oddly I can’t stop myself…Here’s what was in the cards tonight, the best I can tell; I may need new glasses and I don’t type very well ~ GET OUT OF MY HEAD ….carry on…

Peace & Love,

Cheryl

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A Modern Guide to Bridal Party Roles & Responsibilities

Here’s a quick look at the roles and responsibilities today’s Bridal Parties and Wedding Attendants; although I’ve done my best to avoid the stereotypical male/female roles let’s face it – if one or both of you are wearing a dress, your 1st Attendant (Maid of Honor/Best Man/Woman) should be there to straighten your train or hold your flowers.  If you’re a man having women stand up for you, those girls may not want to get dressed in the same room with you…or maybe they do!

It also stands to be mentioned that your culture may define these roles differently; this list was comprised from an American/Christian point of view. The point is these are all things that someone should help you with – after all isn’t that the point of having attendants? Remember, it’s your wedding – you can do it any way you like, this is just a guideline – so, edit away!

Let’s start with the easy ones…

Flower Girl
♥      Attend the rehearsal
♥      Wedding attire
♥      Arrive at ceremony site at scheduled time

Ring Bearer
♥      Attend the rehearsal
♥      Wedding attire, including tux/suit, shirt, shoes, etc.
♥      Arrive at ceremony site at scheduled time

Although there are no age limits these roles are traditional withheld for children under 16.  Kids 12-18 are often included as Jr. Bridesmaids or Jr. Groomsmen or as full fledge attendants.

For very young kids I can not stress enough the importance of rehearsal and having a sense of whimsy! No matter how well rehearsed they are kids can be unpredictable; having a sense of humor about their entrance will make your day even more enjoyable.

Ushers ~ If you have more than 20 guests attending, you need at least one Usher and they are much more important than you think!

Think of your Ushers as your ceremony hosts. They will be the first people greeting your guests and will be making that all important ‘first impression’ for you. Think about it this way – you go into the best restaurant in town and the host is running frantic or worse yet, standing talking to other guests while you are ignored; when they acknowledge you they have no idea where the washroom is, or where you should sit and forget to give you a menu – how do you think the rest of your night is going to go? First impressions are key!

Your ushers are also your mini-security team, if there is a problem during the ceremony; it’s your usher who should be attending to the situation; unwanted or uninvited guests, ringing phones, crying kids and drunken relatives all fall under the Usher’s job description.

Traditionally, Ushers escorted each and every female guest to her seat – ah chivalry! But Ushering takes time so it’s important that you do not have your ushers escort all female guests to their seats unless you are having a very small wedding. Your usher should only escort your VIP’s and your grandparents to their seats; everyone else should be invited to be seated where ever they wish rather than on “sides”, this goal here is to give the audience a balanced look.

However, since couples do tend to have at least few female guests that could really use a strong arm to lean on while walking to their seat, especially outdoors, I always recommend having at least one male usher, if appropriate.

As for attire, if there are men in the wedding wearing matching suits or attire, the male Ushers attire should matching or be similar. Female ushers should wear clothing that is complimentary to the other female attendant’s attire.

So here’s the breakdown of what your Usher should do besides ~
♥      Attend the rehearsal
♥      Arrive on wedding day a minimum of 45 minutes prior to the ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony …
♥      Greet and Welcome all guests

• Remind guests to turn off cell phones, alarms and pagers
• Point out ceremony room exits for parents with small children
• Direct guests to washrooms, guestbook or other activities you’ve arranged for your guests

♥     Distribute your ceremony programs, bubbles/rice/blessing stones.
♥     Escort VIP parents and grandparents to their seats.

At the ceremony…
♥      Escort Mothers (or other VIP) to their seat as part of or prior to processional.
♥      If the ceremony entrance has doors, the ushers should be in charge of opening and closing them.
♥      Ushers deploy the Aisle runner just before a bride/groom walks down the aisle.

After the ceremony…
♥      Ushers assist in dismissing your guests at the end of the ceremony by directing them to your receiving line, transportation or reception.
♥      Ushers should escort out anyone the assisted in – if they walked Grandma in, and she’s alone, they should walk Grandma out!
♥      If you as a couple is doing a traditional exit from building, Ushers gather the guests near the exit and ensure your guests have the proper revelry items (bubbles, rice, etc.)
♥      If reception is at a secondary location ushers should have maps available, be able to give directions and point guests to any transportation provided for them.
♥      Ushers should gather your aisle runner, unity ceremony items, any leftover programs or maps and load into assigned vehicle.
♥      If family photographs are to be taken at the ceremony venue the Ushers should gather the appropriate family members in the designated area.
♥      Ushers who are not included in after ceremony photographs should transport any flowers, or other items. that need to be moved to reception.

At the reception…
♥      Consider including your Ushers in your reception introductions, hopefully they’ve been your gracious ceremony hosts all day so give them the props they deserve and let their names be heard too.
♥      If your usher will not be announced their roll should be to open & close the doors/curtains/entrance to the reception room/area as each person couple is announced.  Once the Newlyweds enter, the entrance is closed and the Ushers job is done!
♥      If you are having a head table you can consider including your ushers but it’s likely they would rather prefer to take the rest of the night off, be a guest and enjoy dinner with their date.  The choice is yours, there are no set rules!

Guest Book Attendant
You may not have a traditional guest book but most couples choose to capture a signature, sentiment or photograph of everyone in attendance so you’ll need some reliable guest book attendants; preferably a trusted individual with a friendly, welcoming demeanor; they will be part of that first impression your ushers make so they should be…

If one or both of you are wearing a dress your 1st Attendants have a few additional duties, obviously these may vary if your 1^st is the opposite sex…

♥      Carry the train of the your veil and gown as you walk to the ceremony area/room
♥      Straighten the your veil and train before you walk down the aisle
♥      Hold the your bouquet during ceremony, and return it to you after the “kiss”
♥      Straighten your train and veil before you begin the processional
♥      Assist you with bustling the train of your dress
♥      Accompany you to restroom during reception
♥      Help the you change from your gown to going-away outfit

Odds & Ends
Besides these responsibilities there are generally a few more “things” that have to be done by the end of the ceremony or the reception, who you assign these too is up to you, just make sure you address these thing ahead of time so everyone know exactly what’s expected of them.

Officiant ~ If applicable, your Officiant will need your Marriage License as soon as the Ceremony concludes, assign someone to hold this during the ceremony, point this person out to the Officiant prior to the ceremony; final payments can be delivered with License.

Paychecks & Tips ~ Most vendors will have a balance due the day of services, this includes your Officiant!  Assign one person to deliver tips and payments to all your vendors. I recommend using cash for tips and preparing individual envelopes the night prior, this way tips can be adjusted as needed, in accordance with service delivered.

Gifts & the Card Box ~ although it’s listed under the 1^st Attendants responsibilities above please makes sure the people handling your Gifts are communicating so that nothing gets misplaced and you know who is going to have and be responsible for them throughout the night.

Décor ~ Cake & Display Stands, Centerpieces, Backdrops, Candelabras; anything you rent or bring in must be collected and removed. Don’t assume you can leave your flowers or centerpieces behind, make sure you are clear with your vendors and venues on what can be left behind, what they are picking up and what has to be returned by you and when.

Click HERE to download

Good Luck & don’t hesitate to call if you need a helping hand, I offer Consulting rates to fit all budgets!

Cheryl
(269) 274-1362

A girly-girl’s guide to a beach wedding in SW Michigan

Beach weddings are some of the most beautiful and touching weddings I have had the privilege to plan and Officiate over. But they do require a little extra planning and preparation, even for the most intimate weddings.

So here’s my short list of “must knows” when it comes to hosting a beach wedding on in Southwest Michigan; don’t forget when you’ve found a location that suits you just be sure to check with the town or county about any local permit requirements.

The first thing you need to know is that most Lake Michigan beaches in SW Michigan are on bluffs. The commonly used phrase “towering sand dunes” is definitely NOT an understatement…the walk down to a Lake Michigan Private or Public Beach can be very steep!

For the most part, and depending on your location, the climb down to the sand could be a couple of awkward jumps down a dune, a flights of wide wood stairs or a just small metal steps straight down; generally our beaches are not handicap accessible and can be quite difficult to get to for the elderly; the average stair case is 100 stairs and I have had to call emergency services for guests who have passed out on the way back up!

One other thing to remember is that Saugatuck Beaches Are Public! Even the beach front rental homes are surrounded by other privately owed homes and Public Access Beaches; most people are respectful but if you have visions of walking miles down private sandy beaches with no one is site – this is NOT the place for you!

If waterfront, and not necessarily toes in the sand, is more what you want; SW Michigan boasts several very nice country clubs, sculpture gardens, nature and historic centers with water features.

There are also some fantastic B&B’s and hotels in the area that are fabulous sites for wedding and receptions that are either lakeside or have a pond or water-feature on the grounds.

If I haven’t scared you off a beach wedding yet – good for you!

Start Early - Start researching and planning your beach wedding as soon as possible. Not only do you have to reserve your venue, but fulfilling the marriage and potential permit requirements of the state in which you are to be wed may take a longer then you’d expect.

If you are planning to have your reception on the beach too…make sure the beach allows you to do this, some will only allow the ceremony there. I’ve also found some local beaches prohibit alcohol and some public beaches, parks commissions may require you to detail explicitly all pieces of equipment you’ll be bringing to the site, as well as all food & beverages to be served there.

Scout Out Locations - Choose a location based on your wedding style and your nonnegotiable guest list (if any). You’ll want to compare facilities and, if you’re marrying on a private beach, look into any permit fees, container laws, and clean-up charges.

Restroom Facilities - Make sure you know where the restrooms are if any. Portable potties can be rented but make sure the site is accessible and that they are allowed.

Always have a Back-up plan - Mother Nature works in mysterious ways! I can not stress this enough: always have a back-up plan in place for whatever she throws your way!

Once you’ve found the right location here’s a few other things to consider…

Tide – Take into consideration where the tide will be at the time of your wedding. The last thing you want to see is your wedding décor washed up!

Sun - Keep in mind where the sun will be too & try your best to keep it out of everyone’s eyes. Consider you guests comfort, it can be HOT on the beach – provide bottled water, set out a bucket of cheap sunglasses or a few cans of sunscreen.  Ceremony programs that double as fans are also a great touch!

Bugs/Mosquitoes - Outdoor weddings often have some uninvited guests: bugs! For evening events Tiki torches or Citronella candles add that romantic touch and double as bug repellent but nothing beat plain old bug spray ~ essential for any outdoor summer event in Michigan!

Click HERE to download your free copy!

Good Luck planning!!

(If you need some help or guidance, give me a call ~beach weddings are my specialty!)

Cheryl
(269) 274-1362

Need a MI Marriage License?
Click HERE to for a map and links to all the local County Clerks

Planning a Beach Wedding?
Check out our Beach Wedding Guide

What do your Ushers and Attendants really do?
Check out our Guide to Wedding Attendants Roles & Responsibilities

For our Clients ~
Password Required, email if you’ve lost yours

Standard Ceremony Contract
Click HERE to access a contract for a Standard Ceremony

Standard Ceremony Questionnaire
Click HERE to access a ceremony questionnaire for a Standard Ceremony

Custom Ceremony Contract
Click HERE to access a contract for a Standard Ceremony

Custom Ceremony Questionnaire
Click HERE to access a ceremony questionnaire for a Custom Ceremony

Staging & Ceremony Participants List
Click HERE to access this form.

Find the county you live in; for non-residents find the county you’ll be married in.

Then click the name below to be directed to that County Clerk’s web site for instructions on how to apply for a marriage license in that County; on-line marriage application forms may be available.

Click on the address to be redirected to a Google map for driving directions.

Allegan
113 Chestnut St., Allegan, MI 49010
(269) 673-0555

Barry
220 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058
(616) 945-1284

Berrien
811 Port St., St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 983-7111

Branch
31 Division St. Coldwater, MI 49036
(517) 279-4300

Calhoun
315 W. Green , Marshall MI 49068
(269) 781-0818

Cass
120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031
(269) 445-4420

Eaton
1045 Independence, Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-7500

Ionia
100 Main St., Ionia MI 48846
(616) 527-5300

Kalamazoo
201 W. Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 383-8840

Kent
300 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 336-3512

Ottawa
414 Washington, Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 738-4853

St. Joseph
125 W. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032
(269) 467-5500

Van Buren
212 Paw Paw, Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-8253

Canadian born and fluent in French, Rev. Blacquiere is a warm, caring and considerate man who has decided to put his extensive public speaking talents to work for us. John is another great choice for couples having their wedding celebration in the Dallas, Texas area.

See for yourself the difference an experienced Wedding Celebrant can make for you; click on any of our links to learn more about our other Officiants, our Consulting Services or contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation to begin planning your very own Dream Day Wedding: 269-274-1362.

He is sweet and charming, ultra laid back and always a professional; Brook is a wonderful choice for couples having their wedding celebration in the Dallas, Texas area.

See for yourself the difference an experienced Wedding Celebrant can make for you; click on any of our links to learn more about our other Officiants, our Consulting Services or contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation to begin planning your very own Dream Day Wedding: 269-274-1362.

A kind considerate soft-spoken man with a gentle nature who loves people, Rev. Russo is a great choice for couples who want the same hand-crafted ceremony, planning sessions, personal attention and service and yet prefer a male Officiant to perform their intimate marriage or commitment ceremony in the Southwest or Eastern Michigan areas.

Click on any of our links to learn more about our other Officiants, our Consulting Services or contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation to begin planning your very own Dream Day Wedding: 269-274-1362.

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