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FAQ
The following are the most common questions I encounter.
"Now that Blogging is so popular... do you have a Blog?"
I do it is located at Joy Filled Weddings Blog Spot. Feel free to visit me there. If you scroll down you will see Weddings 2007 and Weddings 2008. With Permission from couples I will start featuring their pictures on the Blog.
"What kinds of services do you perform?"
I officiate the following type of marriages;
Civil Union, Re-commitments, Vow Renewals, Non-denominational, Traditional, Interfaith, Intercultural, Humanist or Spiritual Ceremony. Domestic Partnership Commitments Ceremonies Same-Sex Marriages. I can also officiate ceremonies in Spanish.
"Where do you perform them?"
I'm delighted to perform services wherever you would like to celebrate your union. I serve the San Luis Obispo County and Fresno County areas.
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"Our belief is....more spiritual than religious - not religious at all - members of two different religions
can you still marry us or is that a problem?"
I can marry you, that is absolutely not a problem. We are all children of One God living in the same Universe. and all faiths and belief systems leads us back to our Heavenly Creator.
"We want to get married, but not with a marriage license... can you still marry us?
Of course... we can celebrate your commitment with a ceremony that reflects a traditional marriage ceremony, the only difference is that you are not legally married in civil union therefore the law will not consider you married, but in your hearts that moment will live forever.
"Why does it cost so much for 20 - 30 minutes of work?"
It is completely understandable for couples and their guests to assume officiants earn an unusually high amount of money for simply prompting the couple through their vows and pronouncing them husband and wife, but that is only part of the story the most visible part.
Competent officiants invest time before the wedding gathering the pieces together and ensuring the desired flow of the ceremony is there. Time may be spent helping the couple customize vows, decide between a unity candle or a sand ceremony, and/or writing the opening words, a homily and a blessing. Ceremony composition is far more time-consuming than the joyful occasion itself.
Officiants are often present well before the service to calm nerves or confer with a wedding consultant, the photographer, and other wedding vendors. We are usually asked to stay for a portrait photo....sometimes waiting for a long receiving line to conclude or family portraits to be taken first.
Officiants in California are also responsible for ensuring accurate completion of the marriage license and submitting it to the appropriate county Clerk Recorders Office. There are travel and/or postage expenses associated with this responsibility.
Wedding officiating is a business with accompanying expenses. Officiants must advertise, maintain home offices, have internet access, make long-distance phone calls and travel to the ceremony among other costs.
Your officiant is a professional every bit as much as your caterer and your photographer.
"What is the best way to reach you?"
With a variety of intermittent appointments, the most reliable means of communication is thru email. This also allows for a written record of expectations. I am more than happy to speak with you over the telephone but may need to schedule a time to speak with you uninterrupted.
559-363-2802
joyfilledweddings@gmail.com
"What are your office hours?"
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays (officiating weddings) 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sundays (Attending church/meeting with couples and sometimes officiating at weddings) 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Although ministers have "office hours" that does not necessarily mean they will always be immediately available. Office hours indicate the times they try to be available to take calls and exchange email, but of course, ceremonies and other appointments also occur at these times. If you are unable to reach me, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
"How involved will you be in my ceremony?"
That depends completely on your needs. Some couples want to have complete control over the content and simply desire their officiant show up and lead the service. Others would prefer the celebrant be integrally involved in designing the flow of the service and delivering a short marriage sermon. My rates are reflective of a wide range of needs and budgets.
"How will you be dressed?"
The attire of the celebrant is dependent upon the tone and content of the ceremony. I have a variety of clerical robes, formal suits and casual professional attire. I work with the couple to blend with the feel of their unique service. I can assure you however, that I will be attired.
"Are we obligated to invite our officiant to the rehearsal dinner and/or reception?"
In the past, the officiant was routinely invited to the rehearsal dinner and the reception. But unless the couple has developed a special bond with their officiant, such invitations are no longer expected although certainly appreciated. Please do not expect your officiant to stay unless a specific invitation has been tendered. Invitations indicate courtesy and eliminate awkward situations and schedule conflicts.
I like attending rehearsal dinners since they provide me with an even better opportunity to get a feel for the family and their needs, but would probably not stay for very long.
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