to express your values, your beliefs, your commitment,
your connection with family and friends
A UNIQUE, DISTINCTIVE CEREMONY -- FOR THE TWO OF YOU AND FOR THOSE YOU LOVE
Not for the sake of being different, but to share with friends and family your commitment to them and your affection for them. It is important to acknowledge to them the importance of their presence at your wedding, and also to ask them for their continued love and support. We think guests are grateful to be asked ("Do you promise to support and love this couple in the years to come?" "WE DO!") -- this puts into words their reason for being at your wedding.
COMPONENTS THAT REFLECT THE TWO OF YOU
Inclusivity: Every part of your wedding ceremony offers you the opportunity to make your families and guests feel welcome, feel a part of your wedding. We'll talk about the "circle of family and friends," because it is important to make everyone feel "a part of the circle" in your wedding -- to symbolize their part in the circle of your life together in the years to come. We can do this by such details as where you stand during the ceremony, how you choose to share parts of yourselves, and how you incorporate family and friends into the ceremony. For more about this, click the link (Your Wedding Ceremony as a Circle) at left.
Readings: Poetry or inspirational readings that have special meaning for you, and which you want to share with family and friends. (Don't be put off when we say "inspirational" -- we've had readings from Winnie the Pooh, Dr. Seuss, and e. e. cummings. If it inspires you, it'll work.) We urge that you ask friends and family members to do readings, to make them feel that they are really part of the wedding.
Testimonials and statements by bride and groom, by family and friends. Whatever form these take, they always make a wonderful impression on the guests. Everyone feels closer because they have been included in a sharing of inside information about the couple and the families.
COST AND AVAILABILITY
Free telephone (919-484-2795) and/or e-mail consultation with either Chris or Kay.
E-mail us (or phone if you prefer) to set up an appointment.
Our first meeting involves no cost or obligation -- in fact, we won't even let you make a commitment at this meeting. We will talk for about an hour about all the options and possibilities for your ceremony, and then we will send you off to discuss between the two of you as to whether you want either of us to perform your ceremony. If either of you has the least uncertainty, we urge you to check with one or two other officiants, compare, and then make your decision. (We think it's important that you choose an officiant that you are completely comfortable with.) Only after you get back in touch with us -- a few days or a week or so later -- do we have a commitment. (Some couples have gotten back to us a month or more later -- but we don't recommend delaying that long, because our calendar can fill up.)
All-inclusive fee (one or more consultations, development of individualized ceremony, participation in rehearsal and wedding) is $420 -- our basic fee of $400 plus $20 which we will send to the Register of Deeds for two certified copies of your marriage license (plus a small travel charge if your wedding location is beyond the Triangle area). (If the bride is not changing her name or you do not want certified copies at this time, our total fee is only $400.). IF YOU ARE ON A LIMITED BUDGET, we will work with you -- please click here. Please click here for detailed Fee Schedule.
We will also gladly proof-read or edit your wedding program and other printed materials.
Though we are primarily wedding officiants, we will be happy to offer ideas on wedding locations or other aspects of your wedding planning that you may have questions about.
If either of us were to be incapacitated or otherwise unable to perform a wedding, the other is also ordained and could ably fill in.
Click on the NAWO logo in the upper left corner of this page for helpful information from the National Association of Wedding Officiants -- of which we are3 enthusiastic members.
For a directory of all the other things you might need for your wedding, click here for Carolina Wedding Directory
www.weddinggazette.com Transform your wedding inspirations into reality with helpful articles on wedding flowers, bridal showers, wedding favors, making a budget, dealing with Mom, and more. Free newsletter contains wedding trends, tips, shopping, and advice.
www.theknot.com A wide range of services for anyone planning a wedding.
How we can help you make your wedding ceremony special:
1) Our ceremonies are integrated and thematic. They express the importance of families and friends -- to let them know they are not just "spectators."
2) We want to help you build in this important message throughout the ceremony, in a number of different ways.
3) We work with you to be sure that every aspect of the ceremony (not just the words) contributes to the message you and we are trying to communicate. It matters how seating is arranged, where and how you stand, how and when people enter, etc.
4) We work with you to deal with "problems" or "issues" that you are afraid will complicate your wedding. (Usually these "problems" can be dealt with more easily than you thought, and can become positive features of your wedding.) Here are some, with links:
