Every couple I have the pleasure of working with has a different wedding in their minds, which is what makes my job so interesting! Whether it's an elegant affair for a large group -- a medium-size party for special family and friends -- or a small, intimate gathering for just the bride and groom, and maybe a few others, every single wedding deserves to have a wedding ceremony that is perfectly fitted to the couple, and their desires.
I wanted to blog today about a number of intimate weddings I've performed recently, some of which involved working with couples from out of town, and in some cases, out of the country! It's so much fun to work with a couple from a long distance, then get the honor to not only meet them in person, but be a part of such an important day in their lives.
For most of the intimate ceremonies I perform, I have the pleasure of working with a great photographer and good friend, Celeste Sheaffer of Celeste's Photography, who specializes in intimate ceremonies. She has a friendly and gentle manner that enables couples to be comfortable, which allows her to get great, personal shots!
Gina & Phil are from New York State, and were looking for a small, personal wedding where they could include their own vows that would express their feelings for each other. On a warm August day at the beautiful International Palms Resort in Orlando, they shared some of the most heartfelt vows I've ever heard in all my years of officiating! With only two other family members on hand, they had the wedding of their dreams -- gentle, intimate and joyful!
A few days later, a couple from Liverpool, England, Kacey and Chris, tied the knot at beautiful Gemini Springs Park in DeBary. I offer a package that includes officiant and photography services, which is exactly what they were looking for! They enjoyed the natural beauty of the park, and then headed back to the resort area for the rest of their stay.
And a few days later, another couple from the UK, Jennifer and Terry, were married at beautiful Leu Gardens in Orlando, with only her parents and sister in attendance. Although the day was hot, they enjoyed the gardens and their ceremony, which included a Blending of the Sands in Terry's favorite soccer team colors!
And, last but not least, Carla and Matt had an amazingly beautiful, humor-and-pun filled, joyful ceremony at Kraft Azalea Garden in Winter Park, with only their family members in attendance. The park is right on a lovely lake and has gigantic oaks and a pillared arch that's just perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Each ceremony was small in attendance, but large in heart -- and here's a fact I saved until the last of this blog post -- the reason that I have a soft spot for intimate ceremonies is that my husband and I eloped, with just the two of us and our officiant, way back in 1974!
Until next time ...
