How long have you been officiating wedding ceremonies and why? I was ordained in October 2007. I officiated my first wedding two months later. I found that there was a need in the area. Several brides told me they couldn't find a pastor available to perform their ceremony on their date. I enjoy seeing the happiness in the bride and groom's faces as they go through the process of the ceremony. I enjoy knowing that I am part of their wonderful day, making sure it starts with a ceremony they will remember and their guests enjoy.
Can you tell me what sets you apart from other ministers? I am non-denominational. I like to get to know the both of you and add personal stories about you to the ceremony. I let you choose several parts of the ceremony, including the vows. You are welcome to write your own vows, if you so desire. I create several photo opportunities for your photographer and/or videographer. I have special ways of including family members and guests in the ceremony, in a group way, so everyone feels they are part of your ceremony. I want people to be talking about your ceremony, in a good way, long after it's over.
Can we write our own vows? Yes. I just request that you allow me to read your vows before the rehearsal.
Do you use the word "obey" in the wedding ceremony? No. I do not use it and I will not honor requests to add it to any ceremony.
Do you have to ask, "Is there anyone here who has reason why these two cannot be lawfully joined? Speak now or forever hold your peace." No. It is not something required by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Do you attend the rehearsal? Yes. If you have a scheduled rehearsal please tell me the date and time. I attend a rehearsal for 90 minutes.
I have family members who want to read a poem or scripture verses, do you allow that? Yes, I encourage family members to be included in your ceremony.
I don't want a deeply religious ceremony, but I don't want a civil ceremony either. Do you have something in between? Yes. Most all of my ceremonies are the in-between type. It consists of: the welcome, giving of the bride, scripture reading, the message and 2 prayers, exchange of vows, then exchange of rings and a blessing on the couple. I want you and your guests to feel comfortable at your wedding. I will not give a sermon or do an altar call. The wedding ceremony is all about you, how you met, about love and to ask God to bless you. We can discuss how you would like your ceremony done when we meet.
How soon do I get my marriage license back from you after you sign it? I need it to change my name on my driver's license and social security card. That's a good question. --- I don't give the license back to you. I mail it to the courthouse that you obtained it from. It has to be filed with them in order to be valid. You may request a certified copy of the license from the clerk of the court for a fee. It is usually available 7 - 10 days after the ceremony. If you'd like, I would be happy to go in person to the Montgomery County or Radford City Courthouse and obtain 2 certified copies for you and send them to you, instead of mailing it right after the ceremony. There is a fee for this service.
I'd like to meet with you, to get to know more, before I book. Can I schedule an interview with you? Yes, I'd be happy to meet with you in my office in Christiansburg, VA. There is a couch and table so we can be comfortable. It is less than a mile off of I-81 and just two turns on main roads.
How do I go about booking you? You can book me using my on-line booking page. Or you can call me to have a contract mailed to you. NOTE: I must receive a signed contract in the mail with a paid retainer for me to hold the date for you. I recently had a bride submit the booking form to me - over the internet- but never sent a signed contract or a retainer. Then one week before the ceremony she backed out stating they had someone else to officiate the ceremony. I no longer can hold dates without a contract and payment. I apologize, but there are other brides who are requesting my service. Some brides book me six months in advance and I have to be fair to everyone.
How can I find out if my day is available? You can click on my Availability Checker and find out! You can also e-mail me. Fill out my contact form.
I want a civil ceremony and I'd like to do unity candles to show a symbol of our love. Can I do that? If you want a strictly civil ceremony, unfortunately I am unable to do unity candles with that type of ceremony. Unity candles are a Christian symbol and symbolize the Holy Trinity. Therefore, if you'd like to do a special symbolic event, perhaps you'd like to write your own vows, perform the Unity Sand ceremony, or have a family member read a poem. I'll be happy to help you find something special.
My photographer want's to walk all around during the ceremony to get all the pictures I want. Do you allow that? The photographer should not be distracting. Walking around in front of your guests, standing behind me, and drawing attention away from the ceremony, in anyway, is disrespectful not only to you, but especially your guests. I do allow them to walk around the outer edges of the guest's chairs, and off to a 90 degree angle (either side) from my point of view. (This is 180 degrees both ways). However, even for an out-door ceremony, I want the guests paying attention to the two of you, not your photographer. This rule is about respect for you and your guests. -- We can discuss this further if you feel you have a special shot that he/she needs to get. Please know that many pictures can be re-staged after the ceremony to get the "perfect" shot. True professional photographers re-stage parts of the ceremony to get the perfect shot. I find amateur photographers run back and forth during the ceremony trying to get too much, too fast. I speak with all photographers before the ceremony and let them know they are to respect the guests, the bride and groom. This isn't about me, but I have overheard comments from guests in the past who felt they missed the ceremony because the photographer was a distraction.
How much do you charge in travel fees, to do a ceremony outside of your local area (Radford and Montgomery County)? To travel to Giles, Pulaski, Floyd and other counties, for drive times under 40 minutes the charge is only $20.00.
How long have you been directing weddings? I have been directing weddings since 2003. I started directing weddings because several brides, whom I personally knew, asked me to direct their weddings. In the beginning, I "shadowed" several wedding directors. Then a good friend of mine, who took the course for becoming a wedding planner, had me help her at a couple of weddings. I realized that I was good at directing weddings and I enjoyed being helpful. I did not wake up one day and decide to become a wedding director. There was a need from friends and brides who trusted me. It grew faster than I could do on my own. I have several assistants, when needed.
Why do you offer wedding directing with your officiating of the ceremony packages? In 2007, when I was the officiant at the ceremony and no longer the wedding director, I realized that a lot of time wasn't be used efficiently. Some brides had not hired a wedding planner or "Day of Director." The bride and/or her friend were trying to direct the rehearsal and they were having trouble and getting frustrated. ~ Also, some of the wedding directors were new at this position and were were making things up (in other words: doing the planning at the rehearsal). They were asking the bride "Do you want to do this or that" nearly for every single portion of the ceremony. Most rehearsals were going 2 + hours. I realized I didn't have this much time to give to a rehearsal and most people were anxious to get to the dinner. When I was the professional director we were done in under 90 minutes. Now, as the minister and the professional director, we are done with the rehearsal in less than 1 hour. I find that doing both saves everyone time. I do all the planning a week or two before the ceremony so there is no planning at the rehearsal. --- ALSO PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND. -- I have had brides decline my help because the venue has a "wedding director". What they really have is an employee who books weddings at the venue and they don't know about the planning part, only the directing of what they "Normally" do at that venue. Have a no obligation interview with me to see if I can be of help. If I let you be the ceremony director, will I loose all control over my wedding ceremony? No, of course not. I want you to tell me your plans, your dreams, your vision of your wedding ceremony. I will talk with you several times to learn what you do want in your ceremony and what you do not want. I want to know any special requests you wish to have incorporated into the ceremony. Do you have anyone who is reading a poem or scripture? Are you having a soloist, or someone playing an instrument? I will take your direction and then organize it at a meeting with you, at least 2 weeks before the ceremony. Then I will direct your rehearsal. You have control over your wedding. I am simply following your plans and requests and making your dream wedding come true.
Can you offer "Day of" Directing or are you strictly the rehearsal director only? Yes. I can offer "Day of..." directing, too. I have several people on my staff and we work together to assist your photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ (band), and venue staff. We are there for your guests, the wedding party and most importantly: the two of you. We make your guests feel comfortable and assist them with any questions they may have. We notify the venue if there is something that might need attention. We carry an emergency kit that someone might need: from a mending to a medical emergency and lots in between. We have a list of what we provide, and it's available to view at our meeting. We can book you up to a year in advance and have several meetings in person or on the phone. Then, about 2 weeks before your ceremony, I will have created a detailed itinerary and we go over it, to confirm your plans. Our staff is not at your ceremony or reception to have a good time. We are working. Don't put a family member or friend in a position of being this person. They want to have a good time at your wedding and celebrate the day with you.
Will you work with vendors I have already found? Yes, of course. I will be happy to work with your vendors. I will call them and go over your plans with them, if necessary. I can also put you in touch with vendors you still need but haven't booked. I can supply at least 3 vendors in the same category so you can interview them to see which one is your best fit.
What do the traditional parts of the ceremonies mean? I have several tips about why we do the "traditional" things at weddings. Why do you use an aisle runner? Why do you have to have the minister give you permission to kiss? Do you know the reason behind the traditional things we do at weddings and receptions? I know the answers. I'd be happy to share them with you. Is the bride escorted on her Fathers right arm, or left arm and WHY??? The bride is escorted on her father's right arm during the processional, and she leaves on her husband's right arm. (Didn't realize this means something? It does). Since 1985 brides have been coming in on their father's left arm - making him "between" the bride and groom before she is given to the groom. There are many ministers today that don't know the symbolism, or realize this is wrong. Also, the bride does NOT go first with the vows or ring ceremony. -- There is a reason for this too. Let me talk with you before hand so you realize, I do know a lot and I'm happy to make your day special by sharing with you my knowledge of tradition and custom. Call me to set up an appointment for a free consultation at my office in Christiansburg. I can then answer these questions as well as any other you may have. We can also set up a phone appointment.
What type of music do you provide with the use of your sound amplification? We use many genres of music. We have the most requested and popular songs used at weddings. We have literally thousands of songs! Or you supply the songs. If you decide to use your own music/CD/mp3 it must be provided at least 3 days before your wedding day. Due to copyright protection laws, we require either the original purchased CD or proof of purchase of a song file (such as a mp3 or wave file) is provided.
I have a couple of ideas and I just don't see this on your web site. Does that mean I have to follow your plans I see here? No. I'm happy that you have ideas about your ceremony and I want to make them come true (if possible) and most of them are possible. So please tell me your special requests and I will work with you to make it come true. If there would be any additional cost I would say so. Many brides have made requests and I was able to help, at no addition charge to their package. Please, please feel free to ask me. I'm here to help you and guide you. I want your wedding day to be the one you are dreaming about and make it a reality!
Do you take credit cards? Yes, we take, Visa, Master Card, American Express and can invoice you via Pay Pal. With Pay Pal you can also use Discover, bank transfer and e-check.
We have a couple more questions. Can we call you? Yes, please do. Call (540-381-2294) or e-mail me to set up appointment for a specific time so we won't be disturbed.
This page was updated on September 2020
This is a video provided courtesy of Asta Productions to hear me as the minister, and how well the sound is of the couple saying their vows. This couple chose to write their own vows. Ask me how I can help personalize your wedding to make it special and full of happiness and emotion.