Author: Loretta Jay

LGBTQ+ Welcoming Officiants

Having the right marriage officiant for your ceremony is important for all loving couples. This is especially true for same sex, queer, transgender or non-binary couples. While marriage equality is the law of the land, sadly some vendors didn’t get the message. Feeling safe and supported when planning your wedding is a must. Therefore, when selecting the person to lead the ceremony, it is reassuring for couples to know that they are welcomed and accepted before that first inquiry. Feeling Safe and Supported There are two aspects for consideration. First of all, it is vital that the JP or notary welcome all loving couples. […]

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 […]

Marriage Ceremony Repeat

Celebrations During the past year wedding ceremonies changed. It wasn’t a choice – COVID forced couples to reckon with what is most important. The answer is simple. Love.  Hopefully you followed our advice to postpone the mega party and have two wedding celebrations: an intimate ceremony first, and then a larger affair later. Happily, later is almost here! As our communities receive vaccinations and it becomes safer to gather, celebrating with loved ones is becoming a reality. The Ceremony Therefore, the next question is, How to handle the ceremony?  There are many ways to think about this. Of course, one option is to skip […]

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

Gay couple with a Justice of the Peace

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 […]

Legal Marriage vs Marriage Ceremony

A common confusion when getting married is the distinction between the ceremony and the legal act of marrying. When we think of weddings, we tend to think of the legal and the ceremonial as being intertwined and integral to each other. While this is typically the case, it doesn’t have to be. Just the Paperwork Each state has very specific laws about who may officiate a marriage. There are also other technical details associated with the marriage license process. Similarly, each state determines what the officiant and couple need to say – or more accurately, what they don’t need to […]

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 […]

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 […]

Love Prevails: Getting Married in the Age of the Coronavirus

All you need is love

Social Distancing None of us has experienced what our country, and the world, are facing right now. Fear and anxiety are natural emotions. Add a wedding plan into the mix, and it is understandable if emotions are high. Many couples are postponing their mega-celebration or opting for an intimate ceremony outdoors. For others, the venues have taken the initiative and closed shop, taking the decision-making out of the couples’ hands. For all, these are trying times, when thoughts about the common good must prevail over our personal desires. Safety First First and foremost is safety. At the beginning of the […]

Five Reasons Why a JP is Right for You

Engaged to be Married? Looking for that perfect officiant? We’ve got five reasons why a JP is the way to go! Deciding on what type of wedding officiant to solemnize your marriage can feel overwhelming. There is the religious route – but that isn’t for everyone. A friend? Nah. We’ve written about the many problems when an amateur gets involved. But a Justice of the Peace? Indeed, they offer the best of all worlds. These are the five most common reasons couples choose a JP as their wedding officiant. Read on, to know for sure if a JP ceremony is right for you. […]

Wedding Canopies

Chuppa

Canopies are popular for secular wedding ceremonies. Saying vows under a canopy is a well-loved tradition, embraced by both secular and religious ceremonies. Using some type of a cover over the nuptials provides a beautiful focal point for the ceremony, and creates an opportunity to personalize the space. Canopies provide a wonderful base for floral decorations. Pick the blooms that mean the most to you, and coordinate them with the rest of your wedding theme. Whether it is symbolism or beauty, let your creativity take over the decor that suits you. Chuppas In the Jewish tradition, the chuppa (or huppah) provides a […]

Have Your Cake And Eat It Too!

So, you are thinking of having a friend or family member officiate your wedding. That is, well, okaaaay. Kinda. Sort-of. Maybe? If you are determined to go down this path, we encourage you to hire a professional to make sure that at the end of your ceremony your marriage is legal. Yes, that is right. Legal. This is because up to 90% of amateur officiants make serious mistakes that can jeopardize health insurance, buying a home, or dare we say – divorce settlements. In the age of internet officiants, your bestie from college might seem like the way to go. […]