One of my favorite things about a home wedding is that they will never again be able to look at that spot in the yard without it speaking of the promises that were made there.Love is grand no matter how big or small the wedding. Isn't is true that the best wedding you were ever at was because of how much you love the couple getting married?
Q: "How do we know that you are authorized to marry us?"
A: The City of New York is the only place that makes officiants register and if you would like to check with them I am officiant number 9484. This means I can also marry you in ew York City if you wish!
Q: “How long have you been an officiant for?”
A: Since 1997 I have married hundreds of happy couples. The last 10 years have made me knowledgeable yet still enthusiastic about every ceremony that I perform. I am recommended by top locations and work well with other vendors as your team, to give you the best of what everyone has to offer. You are the only stars on your day, we just help you shine!
Q: "Do you require premarital counseling?"
A: No. I believe that in searching for the key components to your ceremony, what are the things you want to promise and be promised on your wedding day... what do you love most about one another... that the writing process itself encourages you to discuss many of the things spoken of in counseling, only in a more natural manner. Every relationship is as unique as the couple themselves and far be it from me to ever try to tell you what will work for you
Q: "What kinds of ceremonies do you perform?"
A: All kinds! Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, Baby Blessings, Vow Renewals, we can even create something new for unique occasions! We call them "Couple Centered Ceremonies" because we keep all the traditional aspects that you are connected to and toss out the things that make you cringe. We are well versed in religious aspects, culturally considerate and have the ability to turn your thoughts and feelings into a ceremony that will make everyone present feel closer to you and to one another by sharing a side of you and your relationship that they wouldn't see on any other day.
Q: "We are... a. Second Marriage Catholics
b. of Different Religions
c. More Spiritual than Religious
d. Looking for a Justice of the Peace style Civil Ceremony
e. planning to include Multi-Cultural aspects
f. planning to Include Our Children
.... Is this a problem?
A: No. It is a blessing to know who you are and what is important to you. Everything that is important to you is important to me if I am to help you create a ceremony that celebrates your life and your love.
Q: "We think we want to write our own vows but aren't sure is this ok?"
A: Of course it is! There are many ways to do this and I am here to help.
Q: “How closely do you schedule your ceremonies?”
A: I never schedule closer than 3 hours apart.
Q: “How early do you arrive?”
A: 45 minutes - 1 hr. before your scheduled start time.
Q: "What do your typical services include?"
A: My services are all taylored to fit your needs and usually include:
A meeting where we talk about what you want your ceremony to be like. What's important, what's not, things you want to include, things I should steer clear of...
My turning what you say into a 1st draft and emailing it to you. This I do without obligation to you because I want you to see how I work and what I can do before you make a final decision to hire me. This partly because yes, I am that confident in what I do, and partly because I really want to make sure that you feel that I am right for you. I feel as though a little piece of me stays with every couple that I marry, and it is important to me that you feel good about having that kind of relationship with me.
The changes and fine tuning that make the draft into your ceremony.
All the email and phone support you need.
On the day of the wedding I get to the site 45 minutes to an hour early to make sure that any one who has a part is comfortable, and to coordinate with the other vendors and such.
I bring my own PA It is all wireless & smaller than my pinky nail. So there's no ugly turkey leg of a microphone stuck in your face or for you to have to hold, and your guests will hear you doing your vows not me. (make sure to check your hall and DJ that they are not charging you extra. Some halls add an additional $200.00 for this)
You get a copy of the final printed ceremony all in a book with the pretty Certificate of Marriage, that doesn't get you medical insurance or obligate you to the marriage penalty on your taxes, but at least you don't have to wait for it to come in the mail. The real reason I started making these is because the Nassau and Suffolk license has no place for the Bride and Groom to sign on the day. Your applying for it is your signature. So if you want the traditional signing the license with the Best Man and Maid of Honor pictures.... well then you just have to fake it with an ugly piece of paper, so why not make a pretty one?
I sign and process the real Marriage License
You get a copy of the Marriage License for your records (and to bring on the HM for free stuff) and I keep one here on file
Q: “What about the rehearsal?”
A: If we do a run through on site the day of the wedding, usually an hour before, this is included in my base price. If not on the day of then it is an extra charge for the extra time it will take. Many times my couples are comfortable enough with the draft that they do not need a rehearsal. I myself think it is a good idea if there are small children in the Bridal Party. Often the Matra-d handles all the ins and outs of a run through and if there are no moving parts to the ceremony, then I am strictly ornamental. If this is the case then you don’t really need me, but I will do what ever it takes to make you stress free as a couple can be.
Q: "We have our Marriage License.
Can we come over and get married now?"
A: Believe it or not the answer is usually Yes! If not for right for now, then at least something close to now. If I am unavailable one of my associates will be happy to marry you. As one of the few coupes who truly do require only 20 minutes of time the fee this service is only $75.00.
Q: “What do you wear?”
A: I usually opt for a plain black judicial style robe. I have other colors, colored stoles and I am comfortable in a dress or decked out for a theme wedding. So what I wear is what you want me to wear.
Q: “We read online that it is an insult to tip the officiant. Is this true?”
A: No it is not an insult but it is not required either. Professional Officiants vary in quality of service just like any other vendor. Some keep their costs down by rushing in and out, performing the bare minimum required by law to increase the volume they can do in a day. Some other officiants in all price ranges bend over backwards to spend the time and effort that it takes to give you the wedding of your dreams. I believe that anyone who goes above and beyond should be rewarded in some way and those who don’t should not be.
Q: “What do you need to know from us to check your availability?”
A: Date, Time and Location. Please feel free to call me any time!
516-785-4191
Anytime!
