For God so loved the world…..and especially you
The Importance of a Professional Wedding Officiant
by Terry Perez
Brides and grooms often overlook the importance of the person actually conducting their wedding ceremony. They place great care in a place, date, and time, but do not consider that the ceremony will not go forward without an officiant.
The person you choose to conduct your ceremony is the person you are counting on to share your vision, personalize your vows, and finalize your special day. This industry often goes unchecked because a lot of officiants are ministers and Justices of the Peace, which people simply assume are always professionals. The truth is, while the vast majority are, some can have questionable reputations in the industry just like any other business. The stories of showing up late or not at all, answering cell phones during the ceremony, refusing to customize your ceremony and vows, getting your names wrong, or countless other mistakes are endless and an absolute nightmare for any bride and groom.
Before you book your officiant, know what to ask and what to expect for your money. Officiant fees can vary between $150.00 to $450.00 so make certain you know what you are getting. A higher price does not always mean a better officiant so be prepared when you interview them. Once you have established a date, time and place for your wedding, it's time to look for a wedding officiant. Start looking early as the best officiants, like the best vendors, tend to get booked quickly. See how much "control" your officiant allows you over your ceremony. Does your officiant insist on a religious ceremony? Are you getting a "fixed text" wedding -- that is, a "word for word" style ceremony that is read for every couple? How much choice are you given in putting together your ceremony? Will your officiant help with advice in writing your own vows? In giving you suggestions for readings and ceremony ideas?
An officiant should have no problem giving you references. If they do, don't walk...run away! An officiant should always return your calls, answer your e-mails, and be available to you for all your needs. They should also be at your ceremony early to go over things and make sure there are no problems. Ask what will happen if your officiant has an emergency on your special day. Do they have a replacement? Who is this person and will they be able to step in at the last minute if need be?
Your payment is probably non-refundable so make certain you get your questions answered and feel comfortable that your officiant shares your dream of the perfect ceremony.
Finally, did you know you can get married at the airport, in a park, your favorite restaurant, in a skating rink, the top floor of a building that overlooks the city, or anywhere else you desire? Well you can. So consider what your day means to you and follow your dream!
by Terry Perez
Brides and grooms often overlook the importance of the person actually conducting their wedding ceremony. They place great care in a place, date, and time, but do not consider that the ceremony will not go forward without an officiant.
The person you choose to conduct your ceremony is the person you are counting on to share your vision, personalize your vows, and finalize your special day. This industry often goes unchecked because a lot of officiants are ministers and Justices of the Peace, which people simply assume are always professionals. The truth is, while the vast majority are, some can have questionable reputations in the industry just like any other business. The stories of showing up late or not at all, answering cell phones during the ceremony, refusing to customize your ceremony and vows, getting your names wrong, or countless other mistakes are endless and an absolute nightmare for any bride and groom.
Before you book your officiant, know what to ask and what to expect for your money. Officiant fees can vary between $150.00 to $450.00 so make certain you know what you are getting. A higher price does not always mean a better officiant so be prepared when you interview them. Once you have established a date, time and place for your wedding, it's time to look for a wedding officiant. Start looking early as the best officiants, like the best vendors, tend to get booked quickly. See how much "control" your officiant allows you over your ceremony. Does your officiant insist on a religious ceremony? Are you getting a "fixed text" wedding -- that is, a "word for word" style ceremony that is read for every couple? How much choice are you given in putting together your ceremony? Will your officiant help with advice in writing your own vows? In giving you suggestions for readings and ceremony ideas?
An officiant should have no problem giving you references. If they do, don't walk...run away! An officiant should always return your calls, answer your e-mails, and be available to you for all your needs. They should also be at your ceremony early to go over things and make sure there are no problems. Ask what will happen if your officiant has an emergency on your special day. Do they have a replacement? Who is this person and will they be able to step in at the last minute if need be?
Your payment is probably non-refundable so make certain you get your questions answered and feel comfortable that your officiant shares your dream of the perfect ceremony.
Finally, did you know you can get married at the airport, in a park, your favorite restaurant, in a skating rink, the top floor of a building that overlooks the city, or anywhere else you desire? Well you can. So consider what your day means to you and follow your dream!
Dealing With Stress on Your Wedding Day
by Tim Brown
Stress. It seems to be something that can eat away at all of us. It's how you handle the stress that matters and that's one thing I hear from all the couples I shoot.
"Tim, you kept us on the up and up at times when we were really heading down."
Or, another time when I got, "Tim, you took all of the worries and concerns away and let us enjoy what was ours, the day."
I guess it was then that I began to realize just how much stress couples go through. Did I go through that same stress on my wedding day? I don't recall, but I do know it was a great day. So as your day gets closer, don't let the worries or concerns bring an extra weight to your shoulder. Try not to put to much time emphasis on certain aspects of your day. It will all happen and chances are pretty good it will not begin to happen until you're there anyway.
Take a couple minutes to take it all in. From waking up through the reception. Just take it in. Don't worry if the limo arrives somewhere around 10 minutes late, or if the sun is out or not. It just happens that so much of your day is out of your control, so stop and ask yourself, "why do I have to control this?" The answer, you don't.
Let your day unfold and realize that it will be beautiful no matter what the weather, no matter what happened to the dress or maybe just a necklace. Don't worry if you're 10 minutes late to the ceremony, it's your day! Why should you worry or stress at all? YOU SHOULDN'T!
So you've done what you can do, let everyone else worry for you now. It will all be beautiful. But don't forget to stop and take that beauty in. I recently had a bride that decided a videographer was something she didn't need only to later say, "oh my god, I didn't see this or that".
I'm not saying to hire a videographer. What I am saying is to just stop. Go into a corner and look around. Look at all the smiling faces, the tears, the laughter and all the little things you put time into. Look at it all and take it in, hold it near and know that this day, YOUR DAY, is a beautiful thing!
by Tim Brown
Stress. It seems to be something that can eat away at all of us. It's how you handle the stress that matters and that's one thing I hear from all the couples I shoot.
"Tim, you kept us on the up and up at times when we were really heading down."
Or, another time when I got, "Tim, you took all of the worries and concerns away and let us enjoy what was ours, the day."
I guess it was then that I began to realize just how much stress couples go through. Did I go through that same stress on my wedding day? I don't recall, but I do know it was a great day. So as your day gets closer, don't let the worries or concerns bring an extra weight to your shoulder. Try not to put to much time emphasis on certain aspects of your day. It will all happen and chances are pretty good it will not begin to happen until you're there anyway.
Take a couple minutes to take it all in. From waking up through the reception. Just take it in. Don't worry if the limo arrives somewhere around 10 minutes late, or if the sun is out or not. It just happens that so much of your day is out of your control, so stop and ask yourself, "why do I have to control this?" The answer, you don't.
Let your day unfold and realize that it will be beautiful no matter what the weather, no matter what happened to the dress or maybe just a necklace. Don't worry if you're 10 minutes late to the ceremony, it's your day! Why should you worry or stress at all? YOU SHOULDN'T!
So you've done what you can do, let everyone else worry for you now. It will all be beautiful. But don't forget to stop and take that beauty in. I recently had a bride that decided a videographer was something she didn't need only to later say, "oh my god, I didn't see this or that".
I'm not saying to hire a videographer. What I am saying is to just stop. Go into a corner and look around. Look at all the smiling faces, the tears, the laughter and all the little things you put time into. Look at it all and take it in, hold it near and know that this day, YOUR DAY, is a beautiful thing!
God’s Plan for Marriage
Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
“A man doesn’t own his marriage; he is only the steward of his wife’s love.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole (Ed Cole)
Walking with the Master Ministries
Registered with Volusia county for marriage counseling for discount on license and 3 day waiting period
David Smothers and Toni Smothers are both ordained Ministers - Dedicated to serving out GOD in any way they can .
Chose male or female Officiant.
Pool side weddings at my home for small wedding parties.
Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
“A man doesn’t own his marriage; he is only the steward of his wife’s love.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole (Ed Cole)
Walking with the Master Ministries
Registered with Volusia county for marriage counseling for discount on license and 3 day waiting period
David Smothers and Toni Smothers are both ordained Ministers - Dedicated to serving out GOD in any way they can .
Chose male or female Officiant.
Pool side weddings at my home for small wedding parties.
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David & Toni
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David & Toni
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Review: ****
Donna Motley
- David was very professional, on time, and helped in every way he could. He was very patient with us as we kept changing our vows. I would highly recommend him to be your officiate for your special day.
Vicki M. on September 1, 2015 - 5/5 stars Wedding Officiant Verified Review
My experience was amazing. I would recommend him for anyone Who is getting married. He definitely went above and beyond with helping me and dealing with my constant changes. I doubt you'll find a better price than his as well.
Caitlyn K. on August 24, 2015 - 5/5 stars
David did an excellent job for my marriage. Very easy to get along with and very helpful.
Clarence T. on August 24, 2015 - 5/5 stars Wedding Officiant Verified Review
PERFECT!!
Candice T. on August 14, 2015
Donna Motley
