FindaJP Blog

Jumping the Broom

Posted on February 28, 2022 | Author Loretta Jay

Incorporating family or cultural rituals into a wedding ceremony connects the past with the future. While there are many different traditions to choose from, one in particular has significant meaning for African American heritage: Jumping the Broom. It is a noun, identifying the practice. In addition, it has also taken on meaning as a phrase signifying marriage. For instance, We’re going to jump the broom! This is similar to, We’re going to tie the knot! History The jumping the broom lore varies. Some suggest it is a ritual from the British Isles, others say it is from Ghana. Similarly, some […]

Special Wedding Dates

Posted on January 20, 2022 | Author Loretta Jay

It is understandable why certain wedding dates have unique appeal. For starters, special dates are easy to remember. (Hint – hint, come anniversary time.) When the numerical dates are symmetrical, there is a comforting aspect, too. Finally, not to be under-valued, well-balanced numbers can look smashing on wedding invitations or keepsake items. Plus, they are fun! Twosdays: 2/2/22 or 2/22/22 If your lucky number is two, February is the month for you! February 2nd rolls right off the tongue. And, for a double-special date, February 22 even falls on a Tuesday – making it a Twosday Tuesday! Palindrome Wedding Dates […]

Winter Solstice Weddings

Posted on December 14, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

Starting your journey as a married couple on the first day of winter holds special meaning. December 21 is the winter solstice. It is also the shortest day of the year (for those in the northern hemisphere). Therefore, it is the longest night. Crisp air. The potential for a snow-covered backdrop. An appreciation and celebration of light and life! Vows and Poetry Solstice weddings can feel fresh and magical. They offer perfect opportunities to recognize life cycle traditions, and our connections to the earth and sun. Celebrate nature. If you have a December wedding planned, your Justice of the Peace […]

Wedding Planning with Kids

Posted on November 30, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

If you have children – the under 18 kind – then when you get married, the kids are part of the package. Bringing two families together is at the heart of all marriage ceremonies. When there are children involved, especially if those kids are not of the union of the couple getting married, then there is special significance to the ceremony. Deciding how to include your children in the wedding ceremony can be fun, and something that you can do together. Venues Choose a location where the kids will feel comfortable. Naturally, their ages will influence your decision. A backyard […]

On-Time Ceremony

Posted on October 27, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

There are those who are on-time, no matter what. And then, well, there are others who try to squeeze in one more activity before the next scheduled event – and this pushes them off schedule. Make note. Your wedding is not the place to be a tidsoptimist, or a time optimist. In other words, don’t be late because you think you have more time than you actually do. Being tardy can make you feel unnecessarily stressed. On the other hand, being on time for your wedding ceremony shows you care about and respect the people who are there. This includes […]

Be You – Tradition be gone!

Posted on September 30, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

Your wedding ceremony is all about you and your partner. Making sure it reflects your vision is the most important. It is your wedding, after all. So the rules are — There are no rules! Focus on what makes you happy. And then do it. Money Doing it your way may mean forgoing the financial benefit of someone else footing the bill. But, what if that generous contribution also means that you are stressed out and the day is not what you’ve envisioned? Or, even worse, it feels inauthentic. Well, it may be time to rethink the arrangement. “The Walk” […]

Small Wedding Trend

Posted on August 30, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

Sometimes, making do with less is more! Initially the coronavirus pandemic forced couples to rethink their wedding plans: live streaming the ceremony; nuptials outdoors no matter the weather; pared down guest lists. Of all of these wedding features, having fewer guests seems to be here to stay. What we’ve realized during this time is that small weddings keep us safe and so much more! When not trying to accommodate a large crowd, the newfound extras can be spent on what really matters to you. Small Wedding Benefits Recognizing all the good that comes from a micro-wedding isn’t so hard. For […]

Flexible Wedding Planning

Posted on July 29, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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 […]

LGBTQ+ Welcoming Officiants

Posted on June 29, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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?

Posted on May 30, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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

Posted on April 8, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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

Posted on February 14, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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

Posted on January 8, 2021 | Author Loretta Jay

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. […]

Jumping the Broom

Special Wedding Dates

Winter Solstice Weddings

Wedding Planning with Kids

On-Time Ceremony

Be You – Tradition be gone!

Small Wedding Trend

Flexible Wedding Planning

LGBTQ+ Welcoming Officiants

Are You Vaccinated?

Marriage Ceremony Repeat

Cupid’s Tango

Wedding Ceremonies that Unite and Heal

Get New Posts?

Recent Post

Categories