Prologue

For the better part of two years I've been telling myself that I would start a blog on my website and after dozens of lists of possible topics and trying to figure out the right strategy I've decided to jump in and just do it! There's no real strategy here. This is going to be a "stream of consciousness" sort of thing in which I'll share the things that I've learned from almost 25 years of performing marriage ceremonies of every type and style that you can imagine. Most importantly, however, I don't want to be the proverbial "tree falling in the forest" and babble on and on about things no one cares about. Instead, I want to know what engaged couples care about. I want to address the questions that you have about planning a ceremony and how to choose an officiant to help you through that process. You don't have to be one of my couples. If you're reading this blog post and there are things you'd like for me to discuss, then post them!

Here's a list of the topics that I plan to discuss (in no particular order) and I hope that you, the reader, will add to the list in the comments.

• The 5 things you should consider in choosing an officiant.

• Do we really need a rehearsal?

• What is the difference between a non-denominational and a non-religious wedding?

• What if I don't like traditional vows but I'm too scared to write my own?

• What is a unity ceremony/ritual and how do I decide whether to use one in my ceremony?

• Do I really need an ordained officiant to perform my ceremony? Can I just have a friend to go online and get ordained?

• How to prepare for an initial conversation with a potential officiant.

I'm also going to post a series about the different parts of the ceremony and why they're important. For example, check out the post where I discuss what's known as the Declaration of Intention. You might be surprised at what you read!

AND - I plan to blog about each and every ceremony that I perform from now on so that you can see what happens in real weddings with real people.

So, what are you waiting for? Give me your thoughts! Ask your questions!

A picture perfect garden wedding at The Women's Club of Raleigh from November, 2017.