Final Ceremony...for now

Last year, I took on a new position with added responsibilities.  Because of this, I am no longer booking weddings.  While I love performing weddings, I am simply no longer confident in my long-term weekend availability.  Without knowing exactly what my availability is six months to a year in advance, I am not able to confidently reserve wedding dates.  So after six years of officiating and performing close to 100 wedding ceremonies, I presided over my final wedding in June.  Cheers to Mikki and Jake for a happy and love-filled life together!

I extend my deepest gratitude to the couples who have invited me to share their wedding day with them.  It has been my honor being a part of their truly joyous occasions.

Congratulations to all of them.  I wish you all the very best married life can offer!

Our Services

A wedding ceremony is rarely "cookie-cutter." Nor should it be. The ceremony is one of the few opportunities for you to place your own stamp on the wedding day. People sometimes lose sight of the fact that there are actually few things that must legally be said during the service. These statements take all of a couple minutes to say, leaving the rest of your ceremony up to you. Many couples do like the traditional format of the wedding ceremony, but even within this structure, there are ways to make it your own. This is the part of the process that I have the most fun with.

By learning more about you and your fiancé, I am able to recommend unique elements, phrasing, and symbolism for your service. Of course, this is all done while keeping the focus on a tasteful and elegant wedding. Once in a while, I will be asked to perform a purely traditional service. In this case, the format and script of the ceremony are already set-in-stone. While I am willing to accommodate this request, it has become more and more rare as couples seek to add a spirit of specialness to their ceremony. Regardless of whether you wish for a heavily scripted affair or a classic traditional service, I will work to ensure your day is special and unforgettable.

Packages*

Basic ($200) - Designed for couples who wish for a quick, simple 10-minute ceremony, this service includes performance of the ceremony and filing of the completed license. 

Standard ($375) - This service includes performance of the ceremony, customized ceremony scripting, couple consultation, and filing of the completed license.

Grand ($550) - The most popular of services - includes full rehearsal, performance of the ceremony, customized ceremony scripting, couple consultation, and filing of the completed license.


*A note on fees: Additions to these services can be arranged and negotiated as all weddings are different and each couple is unique. The Grand, Standard and Basic service packages do not include transportation and a flat transportation fee may be applied, but will be discussed with the couple during the initial consultation.

A City Wedding: Hyatt at the Bellvue - Ayla & Ben

Wedding Reception at Hyatt at the Bellvue - Jennifer Childress Photography

A beautiful wedding at a beautiful venue!  Last week, I had the pleasure of performing a wedding at the Hyatt at the Bellvue.  It was a wonderful experience.  The staff and coordinators were extremely gracious and professional.  I saw first hand that the couple did not want for a thing.  At one point, it was getting a bit warm in the room where the ceremony was to be performed.  The staff immediately requested for the heat to be lowered.

Part of the reason it was getting toasty in the room was the number of lit candles.  There was a beautiful and elegant walkway created by lit candles with glass surrounds.  Candles filled the fireplace making for a very warm and inviting setting.  The candle light helped to show the masterful ceiling and wall details.  It was simply stunning.

I managed to stay for the cocktail hour and had a wonderful time chatting with the friends and family of the Bride and Groom.  The food was delicious!

So if you are thinking of an urban venue with class and elegance, you may want to think of the Hyatt at the Bellvue in Center City Philadelphia.

Congratulations on your wedding, Ben and Ayla!  It was truly my pleasure performing your ceremony.

A Certain Tux for a Certain Groom!

There is a saying, "If the shoe fits, wear it."  Turns out the same applies to your tux.  Gentlemen, different shapes call for different styles.  Use this handy style guide to help you select the ideal tuxedo for your body type. 

Men, weddings are not just about the gown.  Show yourself off by looking your best.  You deserve it too! 

Click here for the tuxedo style guide.

Autumn-ize Your Wedding!

Our good friends at The Knot took some time to profile four couples who incorporated colors and decorations to properly represent their Fall themed weddings.  Well, it's that season so I'm pleased to share this video with you.  Keep in mind that we still have some availability for the Fall wedding season.  If you are still in need of an officiant, send an email or give a call!

A Labor Day Engagement

Our friends over at The Heart Bandits has four great reasons why you should turn your Labor Day weekend into your engagement weekend!  I say, why not? 

Click here to check out their post.

To all of those who are getting engaged or married this weekend, Congratulations!

Hurricane Irene Rescheduling

Well, Irene is on her way and she is set to ruin many a wedding day.  For those of you who will have to reschedule your wedding, Joyous Occasions is happy to help!  If your original officiant is no longer available for your new date, we are happy to step in.  If we are available, we will provide a $100 Irene discount to our Grand and Standard packages.  After all Irene has done to destroy your initial plans, the least she can do is provide you with an extra $100 in your pocket.

Be sure to mention Irene and your rescheduling efforts so we can properly apply the discount. 

Summer Weddings = Summer Flowers

What are the best flowers to have at your wedding?  Well, our friends at The Knot believe it depends on your wedding date.  Seasonal flowers are the best way to go to ensure you have a stunningly beautiful floral perspective for your ceremony.  With summer approaching, click here to see what summer flowers are must-haves at your summer wedding.

Great Easter Engagement Ideas!

Thanks to our friends at EHow, you can plan a wonderful Easter Engagement!  To see some wonderful engagement ideas, click here.  Make your Easter holiday one to remember.

Happy Easter Everyone!

A Valentine's Day Engagement

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days of the year to pop the big question: Will you marry me? About.com has some great suggestions on how to go about it. Be creative! It is a moment you will remember for the rest of your life!

http://weddings.about.com/cs/weddingbands/a/ProposeIdeas.htm

A New Year, A New Marriage

I would like to congratulate Mike and Ana for becoming husband and wife on New Year's Eve. It was a wonderful ceremony in Center City Philadelphia. The Loews Hotel was perfectly appointed for a celebration of love, hope and promise as this couple boldly and lovingly declared their vows to one another. I'm so pleased they asked me to officiate their wedding. What was even better for me is that only two months prior, I had the pleasure of performing the wedding ceremony for Ana's brother, Rich. Rich and Jess, it was a pleasure to see you both again!

Mike and Ana, congratulations! May 2011 be the best year of your life followed by even better years to come.

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. The dinners and parties have ended, and the gifts have been opened. But for many, there is still much work to do. This is because many grooms-to-be choose the holiday season to give the special gift of an engagement ring. To all of the couples who got engaged this Christmas - Congratulations! To those who have yet to pop the question, New Years Eve is coming! Have a safe and happy New Year everyone!

A Thanksgiving Wedding

The holiday season is upon us and people are getting married during this time of family and friends. Thanksgiving is a very popular wedding weekend. To all those couples starting a new life together this coming weekend - Congratulations!!! You will have much to be thankful for as the years go by.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

The Enagement Season is Upon Us!

It is hard to believe but Thanksgiving is coming soon. With it begins the marriage proposal season. Between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, 40% of engagement occur. Selecting the right officiant is a very important part of any wedding plan. Here are some tips courtesy of eleGALA.com.

Before the big day, ask your ceremony officiant these questions to determine whether s/he is open to your ideas.

You will meet with your officiant or potential officiants before your wedding to discuss the ceremony and any pre-ceremony requirements - and ultimately decide if the three of you want to work together. It’s best to come prepared with some qualifying questions.

Questions to Ask Your Ceremony Officiant:

Are there any pre-wedding requirements, such as counseling?

What is the ceremony fee?

Is the officiant open to any personal ideas for ceremony? For instance, is he or she open to non-secular wedding vows, weddings readings or wedding songs?

Will the officiant give a sermon or a speech?

Will you have input in the ceremony, and will you be allowed to review the sermon or speech beforehand?

Are there any ceremony site restrictions such as flash photography, videography, music, dress code?

What items does the ceremony site/officiant provide, and what must you bring yourself? (pews, isle runners, microphone, etc.)

What will officiant wear?

What time will he/she be available for rehearsal?

Should you bring your marriage license to the ceremony, or will you sign it beforehand?

Other Things to Consider Before Hiring an Officiant

Demeanor – His or her personal demeanor should reflect the mood you envision for your reception. Some are light and jovial—often interjecting sermons/speeches with bits of humor. If you envision a more formal and solemn affair—you may object to this style.

If you don’t already have a relationship with this person—consider whether you like his/her style and whether you would enjoy working with this person. Remember—your officiant performs the most important service at the wedding. He or she is the one who will officially pronounce you man and wife, which is the sole reason for the big event in the first place (don’t lose sight of this!). You should feel comfortable inviting this person to share such an intimate moment in your life.

Your officiant can offer guidance along the way—spiritual and non-spiritual, such as resolving family conflicts etc. Don’t hesitate to speak with your officiant regarding these personal matters.

I am happy to address any of these questions. Good luck with your engagement and wedding planning. I'm looking forward to assisting you!

Another Wedding Season Coming to an End

It is hard to believe that April is now five months past. Another wedding season is coming to an end and it has been a memorable one. Great wedding location favorites were experienced again this year - Hartefeld National & Ridley Creek Park and Mansion. In fact I'll be closing out the 2010 wedding season at Hartefeld National in late October.

New favorites were found. These are places I highly recommend. Venues such as Cescaphe Ballroom, the Curtis Center, and Brandywine Manor House all provide for beautiful and elegant ceremonies. Whether you are looking for a grand celebration or a simple ceremony, these venues have exactly what you need.

So for everyone planning a 2011 wedding event, give these places a look. Also, give me a call or send me an email. I'm happy to help you craft your wedding ceremony.

Meanwhile, cheers to all the 2010 newly weds! Now bring on 2011!

A Great Start!

Well, the 2010 wedding season officially kicked off this weekend. Congratulations to Andrew & Laura and Tim & Kate. The two couples shared the same wedding weekend but in very different ways.

Andrew & Laura were married in Center City Philadelphia at the Double Tree Hotel on Broad Street. It was a full ceremony complete with a wine blessing and a beautiful version of Unforgettable sung by Laura's cousin, Amanda. After they were officially pronounced husband and wife, they took in the sights via horse-drawn carriage. They returned shortly thereafter to join their guests at their reception.

Tim & Kate has a simple, yet meaningful ceremony in LOVE Park, directly in front of the LOVE statue. It was a location that meant a great deal to this couple, and they had a beautiful day for it.

Congratulations to these special newlyweds!

Romance Year Round

Well, another Valentine's Day has passed and based on the number of couples who have contacted me this week, cupid has been very busy! Valentine's Day is one of the most popular engagement days of the year and for good reason - it is a day for romance. But, there is no reason why February 14th should hold a monopoly on romance. Successful marriages embrace romance year round. I've posted a link over on Joyous Occasions Facebook page to an article that provides some helpful tips on year round romance. Visit the page and check it out. It might give you some ideas or confirm that you and your love are on the right track.

For those of you who are newly engaged, Congratulations! I'm looking forward to working with you.

Happy Holidays!

On behalf of all of those associated with Joyous Occasions, I wish you a very Merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and the very best this holiday season has to offer for you and your family.

This time of year is a time to cherish those you love. It is also one of the most popular times to pop the question - "Will you marry me?"

Best wishes to all the newly engaged couples this holiday season. Enjoy this special time of year.

I'll see you in 2010!

Home Weddings: Sean & Jessica; Alejandro & Julie; Thomas & Feruza; Thomas & Xia

What a wonderful summer it has been! I have had the opportunity to preside over some truly wonderful ceremonies and work with great couples. Now the fall begins, and I have several weddings that will be performed at tremendous facilities like Hartefeld National and Longswamp Bed & Breakfast.

But I wanted to take a moment to reflect on one of the most meaningful and appropriate settings for a wedding ceremony - your home! A home wedding is a great alternative to a more grand affair. Your home is certainly more affordable and provides for a comfortable, warm and loving setting. I have performed many home weddings and four this summer. Each time I step into a home, I am struck by the warmth and love that surrounds the couple.

As the saying goes, "Home is where the heart is." For a wedding ceremony, where matters of the heart are front-and-center, the home is a perfectly appropriate setting.

Ridley Creek Mansion and Grounds: Ed & Laura

Another wonderful setting for a wedding is Ridley Creek State Park in Media, PA. Not only does it offer wonderfully wooded grounds for a beautiful outdoor wedding, the Mansion is an ideal setting for an intimate ceremony. The platform staircase provides for the perfect ceremony spot as your guests surround you on multiple levels of platform spaces. The lighting is ideal for crystal clear pictures and the acoustics provide for a wedding ceremony heard at perfect pitch.

I performed Ed & Laura's wedding at the Mansion in early August. While the original plan called for an outdoor wedding, the Mansion served as the backup venue. It was an ideal setting with friends and family surrounding them while they recited the vows and performed the rites that united their lives and families.

I'm very pleased I was able to be a part of it. This couple is truly in love and equally devoted. Cheers to Ed & Laura! Oh, and cheers to their flower girl, Jenna, who did a great job! Nicely done, Jenna!