Wedding legal talk and vow ideas..=
/Superior CourtHOW IT ALL WORKS.........SUGGESTIONS AND IDEAS WITH INFORMATION ON THE LICENSE TOO
Planning Your Ceremony ..>..>..>..> ..> ..>..>..>..>..> ............
My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a watered shoot;
My heart is like an apple tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickest fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles the halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.
To Love and To Cherish
Many couples find the traditional exchange of vows and rings profoundly moving and eternal. Others are inspired to combine tradition with unique contemporary dedications of love and commitment while other couples choose to write their own wedding vows to convey their feelings for each other and to express the love that unites them. Whatever you choose depends upon what best suits your personalities and are, of course, beautiful and special ways to express your love and promises to one other. I have a contract to send you if you decide you require my services. It is a simple one and will be mailed to you to reserve your day. I am available to answer any and all questions......even if you do not use me, I will still try to have answers for you and calm your nerves. If you need to reach me, my email is [email protected] ___________________________________
Involving Children
....There are many meaningful ways for couples to include their children in their wedding ceremony: in the lighting of the Unity Candle, as a reader, as an attendant and witness, or as the ring bearer or flower girl. Some couples choose to give their child a ring or small gift immediately following the exchange of rings and vows, together with a hug and perhaps say a short statement letting the child know that he or she also is now part of the new family. Children can also escort the bride forward and give the bride away - this role is usually reserved for the father; but today both mother and father together, stepfather, relatives, or children can play this important role. .. _____________________________________________ ............Involving Family and Friends
Some couples pass the flame to represent the unity and support of family and friends for their marriage while others break bread and share wine as an act of sharing and caring. Couples can also give special recognition to their mothers: they may involve mothers in the Unity Candle ceremony; read something special to their mothers; or give their mothers each a bouquet of flowers or a rose as a token of their love and appreciation. Couples are welcome to invite friends and relatives to do readings, present a commendation, light candles, share their musical and vocal talents, etc. I have a ceremony that will include the children, and name them one by one, if you would like to use that. ____________________________________________________ .... ..........
..Meaningful Traditions
Couples are welcome to include the lighting of the Unity Candle in their wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two lives. Brides and grooms can invite their mothers or fathers to come forward to light the bride's candle and groom's candle while others present their mothers with roses during the ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to light candles to represent their unity in supporting the couple in their marriage. Some couples break bread and share wine (wine ceremony available) as an act of sharing in a modern or traditional version of the age-old Eucharistic tradition. ______________________________________________ Unity Candle Ceremony
............The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. The center candle is also called the 'Marriage Candle'. The bride and groom can have their parents [often the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom] come forward to light the side tapers as a symbol of the two families coming together as one. At this point, some couples choose to present their mothers with a rose. If you wish, the best man and the maid of honor, other representatives of each family, or the officiate can light the tapers. Or, you may light the tapers yourselves from a candle on the altar. If children are involved, there is an additional smaller candle for each child. The Bride and Groom light these candles, and then all together light the center Unity Candle. Couples who would like to honor the memory of loved one may wish to light a memorial candle.
The Sand Ceremony
symbolizes the same thing as the Unity Candle but is perfect to use when an outside ceremony is scheduled and it may be windy (which will blow out the candles!) . It consists of different colors of sand and containers. One center container (the biggest and in the center) will hold all the sand added to it. On the side of the big container/vase ar the individual sands each in their own small container/vase. One for bride, in her own color, one for groom, in the color he chooses, and others if you need to represent each child (if you have any) in their own colors. They are all poured into the larger center vase when asked during the ceremony individually, which represents the life being mingled into each of the others........and each can see the layers (or mixtures) of sand; which shows they are part of the whole. Very nice! It is something you can keep also and store in full view on a shelf, etc for a reminder of this special day. GOOGLE that too under Sand Ceremony wedding and read more about it. Less expensive too! Those candles can be pricey!! Be sure too to have a table ready to set the sand vases on so you will be able to pour the sand in quickly and easily and that the center vase you buy has a wide enough opening to be able to pour into.
Water Ceremony_
Is very similar to the sand ceremony except you use one green vase of yellow dyed water and one vase of blue dyed water to pour into the larger center vase; which will make "green" all the colors are symbolizing specific things and how two lives (yellow and blue) will make one new life (green". Very pretty and less messy and works great when it is windy outside ; candles blow out and sand may fly so this is extra nice!_____
Spirituality
............Couples who are not familiar with traditional religious customs, but would like to honor their marriage vows and make spirituality a meaningful part of the ceremony, are welcome to discuss an alternative order of service with me I will gladly guide you and help you decide how to personalize rites or religious elements in ways that you find meaningful. For example, couples may want to include the lighting of a Unity Candle in the wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two lives. Or the bride and groom can present a beautiful rose to each other, giving recognition to the new and honorable title of "Husband and Wife". (This Rose ceremony available. Just GOOGLE to Rose Ceremony Wedding and read how it works and what it symbolizes). ______________________________________________
Borrowing from native spiritual traditions, couples are most welcome to invite two or four sponsors chosen by the bride and groom to help the couple throughout their marriage by giving the couple spiritual and marital guidance should the need arise. Sponsors for this role can be a married couple whom the bride and groom admire and hold in high esteem. _________________________________________ First Things First... ............Two of the most important things you need to do once you have finalized your wedding date are: book the Officiate and reserve the ceremony site. You can reach me day and night at 209-658-0404 or email me at [email protected]. I will be delighted to discuss your marriage service with you. Please complete the contract I will mail then return it to me [it is a very simple form] This information is for you and me to keep in touch with each other and to protect your appointments. You can choose readings for your ceremony; write your wedding vows [if you choose] and arrange to have music for the ceremony. You must obtain a marriage license. Other important things to do: prepare the necessary documents if you intend to change your name; and after your ceremony, order certified copies your "Registration of Marriage" document within fifteen to twenty working days. An extra fee for this and it varies from county to county; generally around $15.00 for each one. ________________________________________________
Obtaining a Marriage License A Marriage License must be purchased before two people can marry. The license does not mean that you are married, but that you MAY GET married. A license is purchased at the County Clerks Office/Superior court Mon thru Fri during regular business hours. You must both be there to sign the license. You both will be asked to provide identification and proof of age for both the bride and groom. Information required with identification will include: ............
§ Full name, including given names ....
§ Age ....
§ Marital status ....
§ Current address ....
The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county The license does have an expiration date so purchase your marriage license accordingly. For more information, call me to further assist you. Call the County Clerk to verfiy hteir own license pricing as they are all different. ______________________________________________
I will be honored to serve as your wedding officiate at your location of choice. Absolutely anywhere can be your hearts' desire! Some ideas to consider for your wedding location:
............ · at any outdoor locale such as the beach or public park;
§ at a resort, country club, inn or luxury hotel; ....
§ outdoors in a forest glen; ....
§ in a historical home with scenic grounds or a garden; ....
§ at a museum or art gallery; ....
§ aboard a train or airplane; ....
§ outdoor sunset wedding; ....
§ under the wide-open starry skies [very romantic!]; ....
§ at your own home - for a lovely and very personal home wedding; ....
§
____________________________________________________________________.. ..
........ .... ....
............
Cross-Cultural and Ethnic Celebrations
Contemporary weddings that blend two or more cultures may be as subtle as a couple with Irish and Scottish heritage, or as dramatic as a couple who grew up on different continents.
Some couples choose to blend their heritages together for a totally unique ceremony and a special experience for everyone attending. Your heritage and personalities are what makes you unique: it is also a gift you can share with your guests and a way to unite families together. Let your wedding an extra special experience for everyone attending! Jump the broom weddings are popular now too. Google that and check it out! Usually done for African American weddings. ______________________________________________ ............
For Those who March to the Beat of a Different Drum...
§ Medieval Wedding Ceremony: choose Celtic Music; have a harpist or live Minstrels playing; have fresh flowers in your hair; and travel in a horse drawn carriage. (see Peppermint Creek Carriages in my blog!)....
§ All Dressed Up: invite your wedding guests to dress in Medieval clothing or as characters from your favorite era, opera, fairytale, book or movie. ....
§ Celebrate a Harvest festival or Autumn splendour wedding. ....
§ Celebrate a winter wonderland wedding. ....
§ Invite a string quartet, jazz trio or choir to perform. ....
+ Your dog as ring bearer.
+ As a movie star. (see castle or Limo -inside cab ceremony)_________________________________________
............General Chronology of Events Location outside of Church building will dictate variances and modifications. Some stages are non-essential and modifications can be made. § Ushers seat the guests [Prelude playing] ....
§ Mothers / Parents / VIPs enter [Special music begins] ....
§ Parents of the Bride and Groom are seated ....
§ The Celebrant and Groom enter and proceed to the front ....< P>
§ The Bridal party enters and proceeds to the front ....
§ The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front, and are seated ....
§ Music concludes for bridal party ....
§ The Celebrant asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride ....
§ Music begins for the Bride's entrance [Processional music] ....
§ The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom ....
§ Bride's music concludes. ....
§ Opening commentary ....
§ "Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and Groom ....
§ Special music [musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance] ....
............The Marriage [Traditional or customized] ....
§ The Prayers ....
§ The Blessing of the Marriage and the vows exchanged....
§ Bride and Groom light Unity Candle or perform Rose Ceremony [if included] ....
§ The Peace blessing....
§ Introduction of the new couple by the Celebrant ....
§ Recessional music begins - Bride and Groom exit ....
§ Bridal party exits and forms reception line
__________________________________________________....
A Few Suggestions for Music... Wedding Music (this in either a CD or cassette but you must provide the player) - I can provide some of these choices, these are only here as suggested recordings for you to check out and listen to at your leisure- § Johann Sebastian Bach - Air on the G String from Orchestral Suite No.3 in D ....
§ Pachelbel - Canon in D ....
§ Franz Schubert - Ave Maria, Op.52 No.6 [D. 839] ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach - Jesu bleibet meine Freude from Cantata, BWV 147 [Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring] ....
§ Wagner - Bridal Chorus [Wedding March from the Opera Lohengrin] ....
§ Mendelssohn-Bartholdy - Wedding March ....
§ Jeremiah Clarke - The Prince of Denmark's March [Trumpet Voluntary] ....
§ Tchaikovsky - Romeo And Juliet [Love Theme] ....
§ George Friedrich Handel - Water Music Suite [Air, Processional, Adagio, Andante] ....
§ George Friedrich Handel - Royal Fireworks [Processional] ....
Sacred Arias and Choruses ............ § Johann Sebastian Bach - Bist du bei mir [You are with me] ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria ....
§ Franz Schubert - Ave Maria ....
§ Faure - Pie Jesu [Gentle Jesus] ....
§ Cesar Franck - Panis Angelicus [O Lord Most Holy] ....
§ Mozart - Ave verum corpus, K.618 ....
§ Mozart - Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165
________________________________________________....
Keepsakes
............In addition to your legal documents, I give you a beautiful certificate in either English or Spanish (or both!) which is suitable for framing.. You may also wish to have your own keepsake Unity Candles ready to light on your special day. Some couples choose to print programs for their wedding ceremony; have wedding guests sign and write thoughtful words in a guest book or on a photo mat surrounding your favorite engagement or wedding picture; or to publish announcements in the local newspaper.
Planning Your Ceremony ..>..>..>..> ..> ..>..>..>..>..> ............
My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a watered shoot;
My heart is like an apple tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickest fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles the halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.
To Love and To Cherish
Many couples find the traditional exchange of vows and rings profoundly moving and eternal. Others are inspired to combine tradition with unique contemporary dedications of love and commitment while other couples choose to write their own wedding vows to convey their feelings for each other and to express the love that unites them. Whatever you choose depends upon what best suits your personalities and are, of course, beautiful and special ways to express your love and promises to one other. I have a contract to send you if you decide you require my services. It is a simple one and will be mailed to you to reserve your day. I am available to answer any and all questions......even if you do not use me, I will still try to have answers for you and calm your nerves. If you need to reach me, my email is [email protected] ___________________________________
Involving Children
....There are many meaningful ways for couples to include their children in their wedding ceremony: in the lighting of the Unity Candle, as a reader, as an attendant and witness, or as the ring bearer or flower girl. Some couples choose to give their child a ring or small gift immediately following the exchange of rings and vows, together with a hug and perhaps say a short statement letting the child know that he or she also is now part of the new family. Children can also escort the bride forward and give the bride away - this role is usually reserved for the father; but today both mother and father together, stepfather, relatives, or children can play this important role. .. _____________________________________________ ............Involving Family and Friends
Some couples pass the flame to represent the unity and support of family and friends for their marriage while others break bread and share wine as an act of sharing and caring. Couples can also give special recognition to their mothers: they may involve mothers in the Unity Candle ceremony; read something special to their mothers; or give their mothers each a bouquet of flowers or a rose as a token of their love and appreciation. Couples are welcome to invite friends and relatives to do readings, present a commendation, light candles, share their musical and vocal talents, etc. I have a ceremony that will include the children, and name them one by one, if you would like to use that. ____________________________________________________ .... ..........
..Meaningful Traditions
Couples are welcome to include the lighting of the Unity Candle in their wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two lives. Brides and grooms can invite their mothers or fathers to come forward to light the bride's candle and groom's candle while others present their mothers with roses during the ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to light candles to represent their unity in supporting the couple in their marriage. Some couples break bread and share wine (wine ceremony available) as an act of sharing in a modern or traditional version of the age-old Eucharistic tradition. ______________________________________________ Unity Candle Ceremony
............The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. Two taper candles, representing the couple as individuals, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. The center candle is also called the 'Marriage Candle'. The bride and groom can have their parents [often the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom] come forward to light the side tapers as a symbol of the two families coming together as one. At this point, some couples choose to present their mothers with a rose. If you wish, the best man and the maid of honor, other representatives of each family, or the officiate can light the tapers. Or, you may light the tapers yourselves from a candle on the altar. If children are involved, there is an additional smaller candle for each child. The Bride and Groom light these candles, and then all together light the center Unity Candle. Couples who would like to honor the memory of loved one may wish to light a memorial candle.
The Sand Ceremony
symbolizes the same thing as the Unity Candle but is perfect to use when an outside ceremony is scheduled and it may be windy (which will blow out the candles!) . It consists of different colors of sand and containers. One center container (the biggest and in the center) will hold all the sand added to it. On the side of the big container/vase ar the individual sands each in their own small container/vase. One for bride, in her own color, one for groom, in the color he chooses, and others if you need to represent each child (if you have any) in their own colors. They are all poured into the larger center vase when asked during the ceremony individually, which represents the life being mingled into each of the others........and each can see the layers (or mixtures) of sand; which shows they are part of the whole. Very nice! It is something you can keep also and store in full view on a shelf, etc for a reminder of this special day. GOOGLE that too under Sand Ceremony wedding and read more about it. Less expensive too! Those candles can be pricey!! Be sure too to have a table ready to set the sand vases on so you will be able to pour the sand in quickly and easily and that the center vase you buy has a wide enough opening to be able to pour into.
Water Ceremony_
Is very similar to the sand ceremony except you use one green vase of yellow dyed water and one vase of blue dyed water to pour into the larger center vase; which will make "green" all the colors are symbolizing specific things and how two lives (yellow and blue) will make one new life (green". Very pretty and less messy and works great when it is windy outside ; candles blow out and sand may fly so this is extra nice!_____
Spirituality
............Couples who are not familiar with traditional religious customs, but would like to honor their marriage vows and make spirituality a meaningful part of the ceremony, are welcome to discuss an alternative order of service with me I will gladly guide you and help you decide how to personalize rites or religious elements in ways that you find meaningful. For example, couples may want to include the lighting of a Unity Candle in the wedding ceremony to symbolize the union of two lives. Or the bride and groom can present a beautiful rose to each other, giving recognition to the new and honorable title of "Husband and Wife". (This Rose ceremony available. Just GOOGLE to Rose Ceremony Wedding and read how it works and what it symbolizes). ______________________________________________
Borrowing from native spiritual traditions, couples are most welcome to invite two or four sponsors chosen by the bride and groom to help the couple throughout their marriage by giving the couple spiritual and marital guidance should the need arise. Sponsors for this role can be a married couple whom the bride and groom admire and hold in high esteem. _________________________________________ First Things First... ............Two of the most important things you need to do once you have finalized your wedding date are: book the Officiate and reserve the ceremony site. You can reach me day and night at 209-658-0404 or email me at [email protected]. I will be delighted to discuss your marriage service with you. Please complete the contract I will mail then return it to me [it is a very simple form] This information is for you and me to keep in touch with each other and to protect your appointments. You can choose readings for your ceremony; write your wedding vows [if you choose] and arrange to have music for the ceremony. You must obtain a marriage license. Other important things to do: prepare the necessary documents if you intend to change your name; and after your ceremony, order certified copies your "Registration of Marriage" document within fifteen to twenty working days. An extra fee for this and it varies from county to county; generally around $15.00 for each one. ________________________________________________
Obtaining a Marriage License A Marriage License must be purchased before two people can marry. The license does not mean that you are married, but that you MAY GET married. A license is purchased at the County Clerks Office/Superior court Mon thru Fri during regular business hours. You must both be there to sign the license. You both will be asked to provide identification and proof of age for both the bride and groom. Information required with identification will include: ............
§ Full name, including given names ....
§ Age ....
§ Marital status ....
§ Current address ....
The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county The license does have an expiration date so purchase your marriage license accordingly. For more information, call me to further assist you. Call the County Clerk to verfiy hteir own license pricing as they are all different. ______________________________________________
I will be honored to serve as your wedding officiate at your location of choice. Absolutely anywhere can be your hearts' desire! Some ideas to consider for your wedding location:
............ · at any outdoor locale such as the beach or public park;
§ at a resort, country club, inn or luxury hotel; ....
§ outdoors in a forest glen; ....
§ in a historical home with scenic grounds or a garden; ....
§ at a museum or art gallery; ....
§ aboard a train or airplane; ....
§ outdoor sunset wedding; ....
§ under the wide-open starry skies [very romantic!]; ....
§ at your own home - for a lovely and very personal home wedding; ....
§
____________________________________________________________________.. ..
........ .... ....
............
Cross-Cultural and Ethnic Celebrations
Contemporary weddings that blend two or more cultures may be as subtle as a couple with Irish and Scottish heritage, or as dramatic as a couple who grew up on different continents.
Some couples choose to blend their heritages together for a totally unique ceremony and a special experience for everyone attending. Your heritage and personalities are what makes you unique: it is also a gift you can share with your guests and a way to unite families together. Let your wedding an extra special experience for everyone attending! Jump the broom weddings are popular now too. Google that and check it out! Usually done for African American weddings. ______________________________________________ ............
For Those who March to the Beat of a Different Drum...
§ Medieval Wedding Ceremony: choose Celtic Music; have a harpist or live Minstrels playing; have fresh flowers in your hair; and travel in a horse drawn carriage. (see Peppermint Creek Carriages in my blog!)....
§ All Dressed Up: invite your wedding guests to dress in Medieval clothing or as characters from your favorite era, opera, fairytale, book or movie. ....
§ Celebrate a Harvest festival or Autumn splendour wedding. ....
§ Celebrate a winter wonderland wedding. ....
§ Invite a string quartet, jazz trio or choir to perform. ....
+ Your dog as ring bearer.
+ As a movie star. (see castle or Limo -inside cab ceremony)_________________________________________
............General Chronology of Events Location outside of Church building will dictate variances and modifications. Some stages are non-essential and modifications can be made. § Ushers seat the guests [Prelude playing] ....
§ Mothers / Parents / VIPs enter [Special music begins] ....
§ Parents of the Bride and Groom are seated ....
§ The Celebrant and Groom enter and proceed to the front ....< P>
§ The Bridal party enters and proceeds to the front ....
§ The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl enter, proceed to front, and are seated ....
§ Music concludes for bridal party ....
§ The Celebrant asks the audience to rise and welcome the Bride ....
§ Music begins for the Bride's entrance [Processional music] ....
§ The Bride and her escort enter, and are met by the Groom ....
§ Bride's music concludes. ....
§ Opening commentary ....
§ "Declarations Of Intent" by Bride and Groom ....
§ Special music [musical interlude, or musical and vocal performance] ....
............The Marriage [Traditional or customized] ....
§ The Prayers ....
§ The Blessing of the Marriage and the vows exchanged....
§ Bride and Groom light Unity Candle or perform Rose Ceremony [if included] ....
§ The Peace blessing....
§ Introduction of the new couple by the Celebrant ....
§ Recessional music begins - Bride and Groom exit ....
§ Bridal party exits and forms reception line
__________________________________________________....
A Few Suggestions for Music... Wedding Music (this in either a CD or cassette but you must provide the player) - I can provide some of these choices, these are only here as suggested recordings for you to check out and listen to at your leisure- § Johann Sebastian Bach - Air on the G String from Orchestral Suite No.3 in D ....
§ Pachelbel - Canon in D ....
§ Franz Schubert - Ave Maria, Op.52 No.6 [D. 839] ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach - Jesu bleibet meine Freude from Cantata, BWV 147 [Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring] ....
§ Wagner - Bridal Chorus [Wedding March from the Opera Lohengrin] ....
§ Mendelssohn-Bartholdy - Wedding March ....
§ Jeremiah Clarke - The Prince of Denmark's March [Trumpet Voluntary] ....
§ Tchaikovsky - Romeo And Juliet [Love Theme] ....
§ George Friedrich Handel - Water Music Suite [Air, Processional, Adagio, Andante] ....
§ George Friedrich Handel - Royal Fireworks [Processional] ....
Sacred Arias and Choruses ............ § Johann Sebastian Bach - Bist du bei mir [You are with me] ....
§ Johann Sebastian Bach-Charles Gounod - Ave Maria ....
§ Franz Schubert - Ave Maria ....
§ Faure - Pie Jesu [Gentle Jesus] ....
§ Cesar Franck - Panis Angelicus [O Lord Most Holy] ....
§ Mozart - Ave verum corpus, K.618 ....
§ Mozart - Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165
________________________________________________....
Keepsakes
............In addition to your legal documents, I give you a beautiful certificate in either English or Spanish (or both!) which is suitable for framing.. You may also wish to have your own keepsake Unity Candles ready to light on your special day. Some couples choose to print programs for their wedding ceremony; have wedding guests sign and write thoughtful words in a guest book or on a photo mat surrounding your favorite engagement or wedding picture; or to publish announcements in the local newspaper.