What is a custom wedding ceremony?
A custom wedding ceremony is designed and created
especially for you, using your ideas and our suggestions to develop the
wedding of your dreams. Using components from any one or several
different traditions, I will work with you to make that dream ceremony
a reality. Your wedding ceremony is your special event, and everything
will be done the way you want it. Whether traditional, contemporary,
liturgical, or modern, yours will be the final decision. I don't
use phrases like "it's supposed to be" or "it has to be" a certain way.
Your ceremony is done your way.
How is the ceremony developed?
I will meet with you to develop the ceremony you desire, providing assistance in choosing readings,
music, finding any equipment or supplies, and choosing other wedding professionals
for your event. Whatever your desire, I can assist you in developing the ceremony of your dreams.
Do we have to belong to a specific religion?
No, you do not. I will work with you in an atmosphere
of acceptance and celebration, and will take your concerns and beliefs
into account when planning your ceremony.
What if we don't regularly attend church?
That is not a problem. I believe that regular
church attendance is not a requirement for me to perform your wedding.
If you are not attending regularly because you haven't found the right
church yet, I can help you to find a church that will meet your expectations
if you desire. You may just not wish to attend church. That
is fine as well.
My fiancé and I are of different faiths. Is this
a problem?
I can help you to develop a ceremony using traditional
components from ceremonies of each of your faiths if you so desire.
There is no requirement to be of the same faith.
Do we have to go through counseling?
Although counseling is offered, it is not required.
There is no program, course, or workshop that you have to attend before
I will perform your wedding.
What if one or both of us are divorced?
I place no restrictions on providing his services
based on previous marriages and divorces. There is no need for an
annulment or other such church recognition of divorce in order for me to
perform your wedding.
Can we include our children in the ceremony?
There are many festive methods of including children
in the ceremony, including mention in vows and inclusion in joining and
ring ceremonies. I can discuss these with you during planning stages.
Can we include other family members in the ceremony?
I encourage the participation of friends and family
in the ceremony, and can suggest many ways to have the special people in
your life involved in this special event.
What about step-parents?
More often than not these days the consideration of
step-parents of the bride and groom or parents' significant others must
be taken into account. Remember, this is your special day, and your
wants and desires will direct the development of your ceremony.
Are there any restrictions on readings or music?
Readings and music can be taken from any source, religious
or secular. You make the final decision on everything.
How do you dress when performing the ceremony?
This is your decision as well. I can dress in
full ceremonial vestments, a shirt and collar, a suit, a shirt and tie,
or casually, depending on your wishes. It's your wedding, it's your
decision!
Are you licensed to perform weddings in my location?
I am fully licensed and ordained to perform weddings
in all of New York State.
How long have you been a minister?
I have been involved in ministry since 1985.
About how many weddings you do per year?
Currently I perform about 100 weddings per year.
What training have you had?
I have served as pastor at several churches and currently
provide outreach ministry and offer informal fellowship in the western
and central New York State area. My training includes a Doctor of
Divinity degree and a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies. I have also studied
the wedding customs of many religions and cultures.
Will you go to my location to do a ceremony?
I will travel to any location within central and western
New York State, including Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, Niagara Falls,
the Finger Lakes, and the surrounding areas.
What type of ceremonies will you perform?
Any type of ceremony is fine with me.
How long do your ceremonies last?
Your wedding ceremony can last as long as you wish.
I have done ceremonies that have lasted anywhere from a few minutes to
over an hour. It is your choice. Basic/civil ceremonies last
about 3 minutes, standard ceremonies about 10. Custom ceremonies
are designed to your specifications. For custom ceremonies I will
arrive 30 minutes before ceremony start time, and schedule ample time to attend to your ceremony.
What are your rules as to photography ?
I have no personal restrictions, but will consult
with you and your photographer and other wedding professionals to help
in the planning of all services.
Do you have ceremony samples?
See the links at the right hand column and the top
of this page.
