What about a Processional? For a beach wedding, we prefer to set-up the B&G (and BM's/GM's if any) standing in place before the start of the ceremony. We do this to ensure the best angles for photography and simply because it's easier. Most times, especially if there are only 1 or two BM/GM, we suggest they stand out of the actual ceremony and to the side or with the guests because it makes for better photos of the B&G during the ceremony (believe us, it does). Walking up to the ceremony spot in a processional makes your wedding more like a traditional wedding. Normally, for a traditional wedding, you would have a instruction/rehearsal day before the wedding day for which you would be charged at least as much as for the ceremony (actually takes more time than a ceremony). Unless you really want to pay for a rehearsal on another day (we don't suggest it) we/you can arrive 15 minutes early and we can do it before the ceremony. We charge a small fee for this extra time and instruction required of the officiate and photographer. FYI: If you are having only 1 BM/GM, we don't charge for this service.
Can we exchange special vows/words in our ceremony? Yes. Let the minister/officiate know when you are being given instructions prior to the ceremony that you have special words to share with each other. If you want to express special sentiments to each other, you may of course do so. We usually have couples do this during the lei exchange, but up to you. FYI: As a matter of official duty and the law, the minister is required to ask you, "Do you take ______ to be your wife/husband?", and hear your response.
Is it possible for us to not see each other before the ceremony? Yes, we can accommodate this request for most all locations. Have the groom let the officiate or photographer know you want to do this. Make sure you get there early enough so that both parties are ready to go at the "meet" and coverage start time on our contract. The groom and officiate will walk out to the ceremony spot and the bride will follow shortly thereafter. We'll stage the bride about 10 to 20 yards from the groom who will be facing away from the bride so she's "out of sight" :). When the bride starts in, the groom can turn around and... "surprise!" FYI: The tradition is that neither bride or groom see each other until the church door is closed and locked behind them... so they can't get away! :) How do we feel about it? We're on the beach, there are no doors, do you really need to "not see each other"? Haha, OK, no worries.
Can we include cultural traditions in our ceremony? Yes. You can add your own personal or cultural traditions but, let us know before we make your contract so we can schedule appropriately.
Can we approve the ceremony words and what's said? No. We don’t share samples of ceremony words for review, approval, or for any other reason. Mainly because the officiate may be replaced before your wedding. Additionally, our officiates have a framework and their own ceremony and actual words spoken will always vary depending upon the specifics of your wedding. No worries, all of our officiates perform a ceremony with nothing that would be objectionable to the average person. It just wouldn't be truthful to send you ceremony words and say, "this is your ceremony" knowing that it will be different. If you want to remember the exact words spoken, a video coverage is the best.
Can we include our children? Yes. We don't have any set way to include children, so let the officiate know and he'll include them as he see's fit. Let us know on the Order Form and we'll try to use our officiates who are best at this. FYI: One of the best and simplest ways to include them is a lei presentation or sand ceremony. FYI: We suggest that you do not have any children standing with you throughout the entire ceremony. Having anyone stand with you affects your photos. Many times, even adult bridesmaids/groomsman don't pay attention so, imagine with children. Up to you though, they're your photos.
Can we tell the officiate what to say for our ceremony? No. You can't tell a church priest what to say and neither will our officiates allow it. If you want a officiate or minister to recite a ceremony that you wrote or copied from the Internet, you'll need to use another website. FYI: You can share personal sentiments during the ceremony or add cultural elements to your ceremony with our agreement no worries but, telling the officiate what to say is not going to happen.
Can we meet or speak with the Officiate before our wedding day? We do all direction and coordination with our officiates and they do it our way, so if you have any questions, direct it through our website. We do not allow clients to speak with any of our vendors and it's not part of our agreement with our vendors i.e. they're not paid to spend time talking too or emailing back and forth with our clients. Most importantly, and what makes it irrelevant is that there's the possibility that a vendor may be replaced. If you are having a wedding at a hotel or estate which will require more instruction for a processional, your bridal party, and your family, you might want to schedule a traditional rehearsal on another day, let us know. FYI: There's a website which accuses other websites as being plastic "MacWedding" companies and continues to say that the most important parameter in choosing a wedding company is being able to speak with the officiate to see if you have "chemistry" are of the same "spiritual frequency". Rubbish... and very creepy! Our people are all personable and likable, and we wouldn't use any others.
Can we get a copy of the ceremony after the wedding? No, and for many of the reasons above. None of our officate's have written copies of ceremonies and ceremonies vary from wedding to wedding so what's said at your wedding would not be the same and once it's done it's done. If you want to remember the exact words spoken, a video coverage is the best.
Can we use our own Officiate/Minister? We will allow a family member to perform services for your ceremony within DNLR permit rules and under the direction of our coordinating lead vendor, our photographer. We may allow other ministers. We can give you a credit of $75 for using your own officiate. The requirement for your marriage license will be your officiates responsibility. Please be aware that not using our officiate may affect the performance and outcome of our other services which rely upon the officiate knowing what those vendors need to do to perform their services at the highest level and how we describe, mainly how your ceremony photos and video look. FYI: It's not a problem to have others participate in the ceremony as co-officiate without having them to actually "officiate".