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It’s a very positive and joy-filled experience. It’s a celebration of two individuals who share love, respect, and commitment. It really lightens my heart to be able to help them declare that love publicly in a wedding ceremony.
What is your preparation process?
I meet with each couple a minimum of three times, sometimes more. It can be online or an in-person session. I’m a former journalist and broadcaster, so I love hearing people’s stories. I start gathering as much information about the couple as I can including how they met, funny things that happened during their dating years, how their engagement day unfolded, and even some details about their pets. All my ceremonies include a small portion of the couple’s love story. It lets everyone in on what led to the couple standing in front of me to be married.
Why are stories important to include in a wedding ceremony?
Every couple I marry has many stories, but the story they will remember and treasure the most is their love story. We all remember things best when they are under emotional circumstances. That’s why people remember their first date, their first kiss, and details about their marriage proposal. It’s my job to tease out the right information, so that I can share a slice of that love story in a 20-minute ceremony. It makes each ceremony special, and above all, unique.
You are very passionate about encouraging couples to write their own vows. Why is that?
In my opinion, vows are the most important words spoken in the ceremony. They are very specific and heartfelt promises the bride and groom make to each other about the spirit and tone of their life together as a married couple. I encourage couples to embrace this one opportunity to speak directly and honestly to the one they love, using their own words.
Do you help brides and grooms write vows?
I am always available to assist the bride and groom with composing their vows. In most cases my role is simply to add a bit of polish to their personal prose. I provide the couple with a worksheet to help them get started with the writing process. It includes prompts that are designed to ignite some reflection on the personal things they’d like to say to the love of their life. It’s important that they speak from the heart. There’s also reminder to include three key words somewhere in their vows: I love you. I always recommend that couples read their vows from paper rather than trying to memorize them. Memorization adds an extra layer of stress and pressure and may take them out of the moment.
How do you feel after officiating a ceremony?
You have been part of a couple’s lives for a short period of time. In fact, you’ve helped them write a very significant chapter in their life story. There's both a pride and joy in that. At the conclusion of each ceremony, I'm always riding on a high with the couple. It positively changes your mindset to be in an atmosphere of love, happiness, and hope. Marrying couples is good for the heart, and a wonderful thing to be a part of.