Michele and Jake - Scripps Seaside Forum
We talked about how they are very goofy together, are very lovey-dovey, and had been together since high school. They wanted to write their own vows, and did not want something traditional and that they may have seen before, like a sand ceremony or a unity candle lighting. No problem - I have lots of other ideas that others won't have seen! We also talked about how the two of them were not religious, but there might be some expectations from her Mom's side of the family. We also talked about the unusual fact that Jake would be taking her last name, instead of the other way around, and how we would handle that during the ceremony (such as in the introduction of the new couple at the end).
So, what did we create together? She wanted to include the traditional giving away question for when her father walked her down the aisle. We included a family blessing, honoring and thanking them for all they have done to make Michele and Jake the people they have become - and that it will now be passed on to their own children. They enjoyed the "Art of Marriage" piece, but had me include it as part of the ceremony, rather than having someone else come up to read it. We ended the ceremony with the traditional "you may now kiss your bride" and then ended it with the kiss, rather than any introduction, since they didn't want to make a big deal in front of everyone of his changing his name to hers. As long as I am sure to warn the musicians or DJ of our ending with the kiss rather than an intro, so they knew when to start the recession music, it doesn't feel awkward in the slightest to do it this way.
For their vows, we started with a handfasting ceremony, which includes six sets of questions/vows, with the "binding" of their linked forearms with a ribbon after each set. Their two mothers took part in this with us, as they each brought up three ribbons, and helped me do the binding. One of the wonderful things about the way we do this version of the handfasting has to do with the way we wrap the ribbons. At the end, after I explain that the knots of this binding are not from the ribbons, but rather are from their vows and their actions, they pull their hands through, with the ribbons, and that "ties the knot!" Beautiful, meaningful, fun, and something folks aren't likely to have seen before! We then went right into their own beautiful and touching vows, which were kept as secrets from each other until that moment, followed by a statement of intent question to each of them. This combined their desire to write their own vows and speak from their heart, but also to still say "I do!" during their wedding.
And, as always, the ceremony included stories from their homework assignment for me, allowing everyone there to really celebrate the relationship, and now they knew even more about who they are together!
There was a great team for this wedding! Check out the gorgeous pictures below from Bryan Koci of Red Tie Photography! I think he did an amazing job of capturing their fun, sweet, loving relationship.
Thanks again, Michele and Jake, for the amazing honor of being a part of your celebration and therefore your marriage! Wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness!
Wedding Planner: Amy Vargas of First Comes Love
Photographer: Bryan Koci of Red Tie Photography
Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum
Ceremony Music: Caprice Strings
DJ: DJ Average Joe of JMC Events
Florist: Blush Botanicals
Caterer: Culinary Concepts
Cake: Flour Power
Rentals: Concepts Event Design and Classic Party Rentals
Transportation: Elite Image Limousines
Photo Booths: San Diego Photo Booth Rentals
Make-up: AC Makeup
Hair: Beauty Ever After
