Planning a wedding can feel daunting under the best of circumstances. Now more than ever, when COVID guidance changes by the day, having a strategy to keep your cool is so important. Flexibility is the name of the game. This will allow you to move fluidly, keeping everyone safe and yourself calm. Prioritize Think about what you need to have to make your day the way you want it. When making choices, focus on what is most important: the love between you and your betrothed. Some serious soul-searching might be in order as you make difficult decisions. When you remember that […]
COVID-19
Are You Vaccinated?
Whoa! Careful here. We don’t want to be rude, but… Asking Wedding Guests COVID Questions Since the coronavirus pandemic made its unwelcome appearance in our lives last year, we are in new territory. Now, we need to think about who will attend the big day in a whole new way. Beyond budgets, valuing guest safety also influences who is invited. More importantly, let’s give consideration to how they are invited. This means thinking about all guests. Loved ones with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk of contracting the virus, even if they are vaccinated. In contrast, attendees who […]
Cupid’s Tango
Valentine’s Day. Loved as a favorite day of the year, or dreaded as a forced Hallmark event, the day conjures up emotion in many of us. But once we look past its commercialism, there is a quaint innocence to Cupid’s special day that is deserving of a deeper delve. In addition to being one of the most popular days to become engaged, it is a popular wedding day, too. There are many ways that the day of love can inspire your special day! Cupid Cupid is the god of love, attraction, desire and affection – perfect themes to introduce into your […]
Wedding Ceremonies that Unite and Heal
One of the most significant parts of planning your wedding ceremony is determining what is said. You can write your own vows or ask your Justice of the Peace (or notary) to do so. Or, do it together! Professional marriage officiants are adept at talking with couples to elicit just the right information to be incorporated into the ceremony and achieve your vision. If you are struggling, they’re available to help you find your voice and create messaging that is all you! Let the Sun Shine In After a year of hardship and loss, consider your ceremony and its significance. […]
You’re Engaged! Now What?
Engagement season is between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, with most happening during the month of December. While this year was unlike any other, when it comes to couples falling in love and planning their lives together, we expect the engagement trend to continue! If this is you, Congratulations! On one hand, it is an exciting time! On the other hand, it can also be a bit overwhelming. We can help! What to Do There are so many decisions to make and being in the midst of a pandemic complicates things. Your first decision is how soon to tie-the-knot. Putting off […]
Outdoor Winter Weddings
Weddings don’t have to wait, even during the pandemic. They just need a little extra planning, especially because social distancing guidelines are ever changing. To be safe, the best bet is to have your wedding ceremony outdoors. Yes, even during the winter months! To be successful, the trick is to think through potential contingencies. Dress for the Day There are no rules about wedding attire. Sure, formal-styled sleeveless dresses were in vogue, but this is 2020-2021. Let’s be practical. Select an outfit that goes with your theme and location. Wear long sleeves If you do go the formal wedding gown […]
I Do. Again and Again!
Are you a bride or groom having to choose whether to move forward with your wedding plans? Have you had to postpone and reconfigure? If your answer is Yes, you’re not alone. Two Ceremonies Pandemic or not, couples have been celebrating their love and commitment more than once for a long time! In 1983, I got married in California. That is where I lived at the time. However, most of my family and friends were in New York. Want to know what we did? We married twice! Two ceremonies, one on each coast. Double the fun, double the gifts, double […]
Spontaneous Weddings
I absolutely love being spontaneous! And, an added bonus, it takes the edge off of planning for months and months for an extravagant wedding. As a Justice of the Peace I have been asked to officiate many small, intimate ceremonies, especially during COVID. Many couples need to switch gears and do not want to wait. Frequently, it is a last minute decision. They prefer to keep their original date, and have the ceremony at an uncrowded, open space location. The trick is to be flexible. You are with your love, so just make sure it’s a legal ceremony (don’t forget […]
How To Live Stream Your Wedding
You have dreamed of this beautiful and romantic time your entire life. Regrettably, the pandemic has changed your plans. Rules that limit the size of gatherings are currently in effect. Even when they are lifted, your vulnerable loved ones still may not be able to attend ceremony. In reality, couples have always had to limit the number of guests they invite to their wedding. In the past, guest lists were limited by the couple’s budget and the venue’s capacity. The good news is technology now enables you to invite everyone that you care about. Now more than ever, people have virtual guests […]
Six Degrees of Separation
2020 Spring & Summer Weddings Even with these challenging times, your wedding can still be intimate and memorable. With beautiful green lawns, and flowers exploding with color, spring and summer offer a wonderful wedding backdrop. Things to keep in mind… With many businesses and town halls closed to the public, be sure to check out our tips on navigating marriages during the pandemic. This will help expedite the process. Location, Location, Location If you’re thinking about a spring or summer wedding, one of the best venues can be your own home. It’s easy to control social distancing and other safety necessities. In […]
The Value of a JP
More than the Pronouncement In the beginning, “Yes, I will marry you!” Then the fun and a lot of fretting began! You are now planning the wedding of your dreams and everything costs A LOT! Your rings have been chosen with loving care. You are on the hunt for the perfect venue. The most fabulous wedding dress and/or special outfit has got to be found. At any cost! The flowers…oh the flowers! DJ? Band? Or both? You must have the Venetian dessert table – nothing less will do! You are ready to spare no expense for your perfect day. That […]
Love is Stronger than COVID-19
Marriages are About Love COVID-19 is proving that marriages really are all about love. Delaying the big shindig, couples are working with their justices of the peace and getting creative, marrying despite, and oftentimes, because of, the uncertain times. Mariel Mingola and Ryan Rowell found their Justice of the Peace, Angie Scraders, on findaJP.com. The couple had plans for a ceremony and reception, but now, because of the coronavirus, it will be just them. And soon. They didn’t want to wait. JP Angie found an out-of-the-way, scenic spot at a local park for an intimate ceremony. Mariel and Ryan postponed […]