Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I am licensed and ordained to perform all sacred acts of the ministry. I officiate wedding and vow renewal ceremonies, commitment ceremonies, baby blessing ceremonies and other life event services

Q. Are you willing to perform a ceremony at a non-religious site?

A. Yes. I have performed many of my ceremonies in outdoor settings as well as in community centers and libraries.

Q. What is your attire for the ceremony?

A. I am flexible and can alter my attire to fit my couple's preference; i.e. robe, suit, dress, etc.

Q. Are you flexible in the wording used throughout the ceremony, including the vows?

A. Yes, very much so. I custom-write each and every one of my ceremonies and they are tailored to fit the couple's personalities and belief structure. They can be religious, non-religious, spiritual, or somewhere in between. I am able to provide Traditional and Contemporary Vow Samples that my couples can choose from and if they want to mix and match or write their own vows, that is always a welcome choice. Or, if there is something special that you would like to incorporate into your vows but are just not sure how to say it, I can custom write a vow that fits you perfectly, one that says exactly what is in your heart and one that has never been expressed by another.

Q. Do you have a list of readings pre-selected, from which the couple must choose?

A. While I have reading samples that I am always willing to offer my couples, they are always free to include anything they like in the ceremonies. Some have chosen to include special readings that mean a lot to them and others have chosen special scriptures that they would like to include.

Q. How long are your ceremonies?

A. The length of the ceremony depends completely upon the amount of detail that the couple wants portrayed. Ceremonies that include add-ons; i.e. unity candle, sand ceremony, box ceremony, etc. will typically be a little longer, and if the couple wants to include personalization that will make their ceremony unique and meaningful to the two of them, that, too, goes into the total length of the ceremony. Typically they range from 20-45 minutes.

Q. Do you require premarital counseling?

A. No, I do not require premarital counseling. However, if a couple wants counseling, I am always happy to provide that at no charge.

Q. Are you willing to perform pre-ceremony rehearsals?

A. Yes, I offer pre-ceremony rehearsals to my couples and can direct them proficiently with or without the assistance of a wedding coordinator. I am quite experienced in this area and while I realize that not all couples require a rehearsal, I am always available if they do.

Q. Do you supply a sound system?

A. Yes. I have an excellent wireless PA system that I bring to all of my ceremonies. The ceremony is the most important part of the wedding day and when a couple spends their hard earned money to have the ceremony they want, I want to make sure that guests are able to hear the words that are being spoken. I wear a lapel mic and also have a hand-held mic that can be used in the event that the couple chooses to have a friend or family member participate in the ceremony. I can also mic my couples so that their vows are heard, as well. Whether or ceremony is indoors or outside, making sure everyone will be able to hear your vows is one thing you will never have to worry about.

Q. What kind of advice would you give me in searching for a wedding officiant?

A. Don't settle for less than you deserve. Your wedding is a special day, a day that you have looked forward to all your life and it should be everything you ever dreamed it could be. Take the time to find an officiant who will listen to you, what you want your ceremony to look like and then put it together for you in a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It's your wedding and it should be a reflection of you and the precious gift of love you have found in one another. Each officiant has their own style and personality and what might be right for one couple might not be right for another. For me, I have a sincere drive to fulfill the calling that God placed upon my heart to love others. I use the gifts that He gave me in order to accomplish that mission and I believe this is the #1 reason why I go the "extra mile" and work so hard to make my ceremonies exactly the way my couples want them. I have a sincere desire to serve others and to make them happy and I'm never happy until their ceremony fits them perfectly. I never settle for less and you shouldn't have to either.

Q. What have you done that sets your services apart from the rest?

A. I am always trying to find new ways to serve the couples who contact me. In addition to the numerous wedding ceremonies I performed this year, I built an outdoor area at my home where I officiate short and sweet ceremonies. Many times couples just want to be legally married, but at the same time want more than what is typically offered in the county courthouse. In these cases, a ceremony at my private venue is the perfect choice. I built three separate locations, each beautiful in their own way, where couples can come to my country home, pledge their vows and be legally married in 20 minutes or less .Whether they choose my backyard gazebo, rose garden or arbor by the brook, their ceremony is surrounded by peace, tranquility and all the wonderful sights and sounds that nature has to offer. It's not always about the bells and whistles, love and marriage is a matter of heart and in these situations, my countryside location provides the perfect venue.

Q. If you were me, what do you wish I knew about what you do? Any inside secrets to share?

A. If I were a couple looking to hire the perfect wedding officiant, I would want someone to tell me that not all wedding ceremonies are created equal and neither are the officiants who perform them. Weddings do not have to be cut and dried; they can be fun, enthusiastic and full of life... a real celebration of love rather than just an event that accomplishes a mission.

Q. What important information should I have available when I contact you?

A. When a couple contacts me for information concerning my pricing and availability, I always like to find out when and where they want to hold their ceremony and what they would like their ceremony to include. Beyond that, I gather all the information I need from just talking with them. We not only discuss their goals and plans for their wedding, but we talk about things that make their love and relationship special. and what marriage means to them individually and as a couple. After the initial meeting and booking, I prepare a draft based upon the things we have talked about and send it to them for approval. That draft is then edited as many times as need be to make it absolutely the best it can be.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I offer a uniquely crafted ceremony that is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the love that is written within the hearts of the couples I work with. Many times couples know how they feel but have trouble putting those feelings into words. That's where I come in. Writing and public speaking are my strong points, so when it comes to writing and officiating wedding ceremonies, I am in my element. My ceremonies are never "canned" and no two are ever alike. They are unique, meaningful and totally reflective of the personalities, wants and desires of the couples I work with.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I am passionate about love and marriage and I love the fact that I can share my passion with the couples I work with. Writing and officiating wedding ceremonies is much more than a business for me... It is a calling. I find it enjoyable because I get to meet a lot of different people and it is inspiring to be able to write about the special gift of love my couples have found in one another. I impart a piece of myself with every ceremony I write and am never satisfied until they fit my couples perfectly. I always go the "extra mile" to make my ceremonies special and it doesn't end with the ceremony. I always add some extra-special touches after the fact that leave the couples with wonderful memories and for me, that's what it's all about.

Q. Are you willing to travel?

A. Yes, I travel all over the East Coast performing marriage ceremonies and distance is not a factor. Travel costs are added into my fees, as well as lodging costs if I am required to stay over night due to a Rehearsal or an evening ceremony. All fees are discussed openly and agreed upon before the booking.

Q. Does my ceremony have to be religious?

A. Absolutely not. Even though I am a Minister, I have never considered myself religious. I am, in fact, spiritual because for me, it's all about the relationship I have with my Creator. I tailor my ceremonies for the couples I work with and they can be religious, non-religious, spiritual or anywhere in between. I write ceremonies for people from all faiths, backgrounds and walks of life, every ceremony is as different as the couple it represents.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Anyone who knows me very well also knows that the beach is my favorite vacation spot in the whole wide world. I love watching the waves, feeling the mist of the water kissing my skin and by the time winter is done, I'm more than ready to get my feet in the sand. I had a busy spring last year and as the summer months approached, I was hoping for a break so that I could make my way down south. Then out of nowhere, I get a call from a bride who wants me to do a wedding for her at Isle of Palms, SC. The truly ironic thing was that this is EXACTLY the same beach that I had dreamed of going to. She booked me for her wedding, and before I knew it, I was on my way. I not only got to spend time at the beach, I got to meet and spend time with a truly great couple. When I entered the venue and spoke with the bride, her mother came up to me holding a Bible. She said that the Bible had been held by each and every bride in her family for the past 50 years and that the minister who officiated each of the weddings had signed their name in the Bible. She asked if I would make it a part of the ceremony and if I, too, would do her the honor of signing my name. I was both humbled and honored, and so very thankful to have been chosen for that specific moment in time. It's a memory I will never forget and some might ask... Was it coincidence or divine planning? I choose the latter. Life is good... God is AWESOME! :)

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Everything I have ever done in life has brought me to where I am right now. From my admin experience to the inspirational speaking that I have become known for, it has all culminated in a calling that I absolutely love. Each and every one of my ceremonies are written with love, passion and a desire to make the wedding breathtakingly beautiful. Each and every ceremony is delivered with heart and reverence, and the people I work with are much more than clients. I take a vested interest in each and every one of them and want the best not only for them, but for their marriage. I give it my all and my prayer is that my passion and love for marriage spills out on everyone it touches.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. It's really kind of funny how it all came about. I was ordained in 2006 and in 2010 my niece called me and said "Auntie Pam, aren't you ordained?" I said yes, and then she proceeded to tell me that she was getting married and wanted me to officiate her ceremony. Up until that time I had done a lot of speaking, had done a few funerals, but hadn't given much thought to weddings. I talked with her, found out what she had in mind for her ceremony and then sat down with pen and paper. Writing it came as natural as rain and when it was finished, I amazed even myself. :) After waiting for what seemed months, the ceremony time finally approached. I will never forget driving to her home in North Carolina, three states away, full of excitement... full of nervous anticipation... and then it happened. I lost my voice. Whether it was allergies, a sudden case of stage fright or purely Laryngitis, the bottom line was that I couldn't talk and then fear set in. As worried as I was though, the ceremony went perfectly. I had my trusty amp and lavalier mic attached to my dress and I was good to go. As I delivered her ceremony, I realized that I had not only found my voice, I realized I had found my passion. I have been married for 42 years and love and marriage is as important to me as the air that I breathe. I know that marriage is not always easy and yes, it takes work, but when love is at the core of it, marriage works.

Q. Have you done a wedding ceremony that you are particularly proud of.

A. Yes. This past weekend I officiated a wedding for a truly special couple. She is from Pennsylvania and he is from Kenya. When I met with them they asked if I could include something in the wedding pertaining to his culture and I was happy to oblige. As I began to delve into the ceremony and what I wanted to say about this couple, I did a lot of research to find out all I could about his heritage. The end result was something that I was extremely proud of and to say that the couple was happy would be an understatement. Their wedding day went off without a hitch and everyone loved the ceremony I wrote for them. Meeting and interacting with his family was a true blessing and I have never in my life seen a couple more in love than these two. Each and every couple I work with blesses my life in a unique and special way. They all have their own wonderful qualities and when the wedding day is over, the memory remains engraved in my heart forever.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes. I am constantly taking refresher courses in an attempt to become more proficient in what I do. I have become best of friends with the premier wedding sites and bridal magazines because I am always seeking to better myself and what I do. My goal is to provide my couples a quality product, quality experience and enough fantabulous, wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Q. Do you have a complicated pricing system for your service?

A. My pricing system is not difficult, but prices vary depending upon the ceremony package that is chosen. Fees are structured to support time dedicated to writing and designing the ceremony as well as travel costs in getting to and from the couple's venue. I custom-write each and every one of my ceremonies and no two are ever alike. This means that every ceremony is one of a kind masterpiece, totally unique and that there will never again be another one exactly like it. The fees are usually as stated on my webpage, but since every ceremony is unique, please e-mail me for a quote. Please be assured that all fees will be discussed openly and agreed upon prior to booking and there will be no hidden charges. No matter which ceremony package you choose, please be assured that I will do everything within my power to make your ceremony totally stress free so that all you have to do is smile, say "I do", and enjoy your day.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. I have been told that my greatest strength is my ability to interact with others, to hear not only the words they say, but to also listen to their hearts. I believe that I have an unlimited capacity to love and it shines through in the way I interact with my couples.

Q. Do you write and officiate Inter-Faith Ceremonies?

A. Yes, I am always happy to write and officiate an Inter Faith Ceremony. Everyone has their own beliefs when it comes to expressing their spirituality, and celebrating those beliefs in a custom-written Inter-Faith Ceremony is something I am proud to offer my couples. The Bride and Groom's individual beliefs are highlighted in such a way that neither is diminished but rather enhanced by the other, rendering a sense of total peace, well-being and great happiness. I will work with you to create a ceremony that fits you and your ideas perfectly. I will gather information from you concerning your heritage, your belief structure and will research many avenues I have at my disposal to come up with readings, prayers, and other information that will enchance the beauty of your ceremony. Your background, your heritage and the beliefs you stand on make you the special person you are and I will do everything within my power to make sure they are given the greatest honor.

Q. Do you write and officiate Theme weddings?

A. Yes, I absolutely do. Many times couples want their ceremony to highlight a special concept of how they want their wedding to be, or a family heritage/tradition that they would like to honor. The theme's inspiration can come from the bride or groom's childhood, career, favorite foods, favorite music, nature, anything they want. This type ceremony also gives couples the opportunity to highlight their family heritage, culture or special holiday in a way that is beautifully unique, love-inspired and totally unlike any other. When writing a theme ceremony I work with my couples to create a ceremony that fits them and their ideas perfectly. I will gather their thoughts and research many avenues I have at my disposal to come up with a ceremony that is a true tribute to the ideas or traditions they want to celebrate. And if they want to include a special add-on, I work with them to create one that is unique and different, perhaps maybe one that is merely an idea written in their mind. I then put their thoughts on paper and transform those ideas into something truly beautiful.

Q. My pets are a big part of my family and I would very much like to include them in my wedding ceremony. Is that possible?

A. Yes, this is absolutely possible and, in fact, one of my couples had their dog walk up the aisle with their two sons. He was dressed in a tux right along with the other guys and it made for a really special event. It's your wedding, your special day, and we can include anything that would make it unique and meaningful to the two of you.

Q. Both my fiance and I have been previously married and would like to include our children in the ceremony. Is that a problem?

A. Absolutely not. Many ministers will not marry a couple if they are living together or have been previously married. I have no such stipulations and am happy to write and officiate your wedding ceremony. Blended Families offer wonderful opportunities to increase the number of loving relationships we have in our lives and they also provide an opportunity to turn an ordinary wedding ceremony into an incredibly special memory. I can custom-write a ceremony that will not only incorporate the love you have for each other, but one that will showcase your children and make them a very important part of your wedding day. I have several add-ons that you might choose to include that will allow your children to be a part of your ceremony and I can even write special vows for you to say to your children.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. I am currently working to expand my knowledge of different customs, faiths and traditions so that I am better able to write ceremonies that correspond with the needs of everyone who might have the occasion to contact me. My goal is great customer service under any and all circumstances and I never want to be found lacking in my ability to provide what my couples want, expect and rightfully deserve.