Sunset times are usually important for your outdoor and beach weddings, especially when it comes to photography. There are two things to remember when planning a sunset wedding… 1) The rate at which the sun will drop: During the Spring and Fall months, like April and October, the sun will actually appear to drop quicker than during the summer months. So when the sunrise/sunset calendar says 7:59 PM it mean that at 8:02 PM the … Continue reading →
I am sometimes asked “Where at the beach is the best place to have the wedding?” The answer to that depends on if you are staying at a condo or other lodging along the beach and if you’re asking about the Alabama, Mississippi, or NW Florida beach. Usually, the best spot is right where you are lodging because it is easiest to use the beach area out behind your condo/hotel/house. Everyone on the beach respects a … Continue reading →
The Covenant Marriage Ceremony is a lot like a Vow Renewal ceremony in that it is all “in the eyes of God” rather than in the eyes of the state. With recent changes in state marriage laws I am now happy to offer a Covenant Marriage Ceremony for Christian brides and grooms who meet the requirements as listed below. The Covenant Marriage Ceremony is a “church” ceremony not a “civil” ceremony, it is a ceremony … Continue reading →
If you need some edits like cropping, rotating, and brightness adjustments on the photos either I took or my daughter took, please contact me. We include all photos taken, both the edited and the unedited, on the USB that we provide for you. When you get your USB you will be able to see the cropped and original photo, you’ll see the turned photo, and the brightness adjusted difference in the photo. Brightness adjustments are … Continue reading →
You will need a marriage license from the state in which you plan to get married in, before I can officiate your wedding. The marriage license gives me the legal authority to officiate and make your union legal. NEW IN 2018: Some states like Texas, and some counties in Tennessee and Arkansas have begun issuing marriage licenses to their citizens that are valid for solemnizing (legal term for ceremony officiating) within any state in the … Continue reading →
Over the years I have officiated weddings along side a family member of friend whom the couple wanted involved in the ceremony, but who couldn’t officiate because of not being church ordained. Most of these individuals have been a godly family member or a friend who was active in their Christian church or was in the process of going to seminary. In all these weddings they were someone who the bride and groom recognized as … Continue reading →
Getting married in the state of Alabama is now a little different than it use to be. The traditional marriage license has been replaced in Alabama by an affidavit document system, which means a couple will need to receive paperwork from any Alabama county courthouse, then get a Notary of Public to verify signatures, and then return that paperwork to the courthouse records division to register themselves as legally married. The proper paperwork is available … Continue reading →
Here are a few videos available on my YouTube channel. If you visit there you’ll find a few more, including several that our more current. If you click the “More Information” link on the top right hand corner of the video it will give you an overview of the clip.
Continue reading →On this page, I’ve posted a portion from my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” on 3 ways to do your vows. You can use these to adapt, customize, or to get you thinking about creating your own. Also, as you scroll down you’ll find a list of verbs you can use to help you in your vow writing exercise. If you have any questions in your process I will be happy to help! Just contact … Continue reading →
As far as the general order of the ceremony, there are 6 parts: Presentation of the Bride, Introduction to the Ceremony, Exchange of Marriage Vows, Exchange of Wedding Rings, Special Feature (sand ceremony, unity candle, etc.), Pronouncement of Married Couple. You can read more about these in detail in my book “Simple Wedding Ceremony Planning Guide” or just ask me! Traditional Vows… You have some options with your vows, which you can simply respond, … Continue reading →
If you are blending families with your new marriage, it can be important to include some type of blended family ceremony – if it is appropriate and will not cause any backlash with an ex-spouse and your future relationships. Over the years I have seen some good ways to include step-children and some not so good ways to include step-children into your wedding ceremony. A “blended family ceremony” is simply a little something extra to recognize and include step-children. … Continue reading →
If you want to add a nice meaningful touch to your wedding ceremony, consider adding a sand ceremony. It is popular down here on the beach and is much like the unity candle ceremony that you may have seen in a church wedding. The idea behind it goes back to biblical times when covenants were made between two parties and the blending of each parties’ sand indicated their pledge to the covenant they made. Just as it would … Continue reading →
I realize that brides like a “sunset” wedding, and they are beautiful and have a certain romantic appeal, but there are some things to consider if you are wondering about the pros and cons of choosing to start your beach wedding in the morning, afternoon, or evening… SUNRISE: A sunrise or an early morning wedding is awesome. It is peaceful, beautiful, and very intimate. I’m a guy, so I like mornings. However, planning a sunrise … Continue reading →
Including a simple communion service as part of your wedding ceremony is not only acceptable, but an ideal way to include an important biblical element in the ceremony. Annually, I probably get about 8 to 10 requests for including communion as part of the ceremony. During a wedding ceremony, communion fits best just after the rings are exchanged and is appropriate for either just the bride and groom, the bride and groom and their children, … Continue reading →
