You've gotten married and now you need to get the legal copy of your marriage license, seems easy enough, but with today's mail delays it's causing a bit of a headache. 

I've heard from the local county clerk's office that they used to receive marriage license's back in about 2 weeks but now it can be double - 4 weeks! 

What's to do? wait it out, sadly there is not much we can do with Covid, we are only allowed to mail things in, some counties are setting in person appointments, however it is my legal responsibility to return your marriage license and the county clerk's office asks that I simply mail them in. 

So, I will be advising couples going forward to wait at least 3 weeks maybe 4 before they can bet their legal copy of the marriage license. 

I will also be offering to send your license back priority mail so you can have a tracking number. The addition fee is $10 to do this. 

Rest assured, you are married and it's just taking a bit longer to get that legal copy of your marriage license. 

Right now having a small wedding is pretty much the only option if you want to get married right now. But I know what you're thinking, I want to wear my wedding dress, I want to eat cake and I want the pictures!! 

Then let's do it, all of it! Put that dress on, grab a cake and hire a professional photographer, schedule your small wedding for sunset and get married. 

I'm all for making your mini ceremony the best it can be and photographing it so you have the most beautiful photos to look at for years to come. 

​Grab your closest people and get hitched! 

If you plan to do a unity ceremony during your wedding ceremony, make it personal. I want your guests to go, yep, this makes sense, this is them! Not...why are they pouring sand in that vase?

You can do whatever you want during your wedding ceremony, it is your wedding day after all, so why not choose a unity ceremony that is a reflection of who you are a couple? 

Like beer or wine? Do a beer or wine sharing ceremony 
Love chocolate? Blend chocolate together 
Nature your thing? Plant a tree 
Sailing or Boating fun for you? Tie the Knot 
Do you collect things? do a rock warming ceremony 

The point is, think about what you love as a couple and incorporate that into your unity wedding ceremony. 

Oh, I almost forgot! No, you don't have to have a unity wedding ceremony at all. 

Here are a few wedding unity ceremonies I've done

Stone Ceremony; A basket of stones are set next to an empty “gathering” container; the guests are asked to hold a stone, wish a kind thought and place said stone into the gathering container, if the stones are large enough the guests may write their name on it. The stones are then set in a place of honor in the couple’s home or garden. During the ceremony the couple will each hold their own stone and think their own kind thought and place them in a container . 

Ring Warming; Your wedding rings are placed in a box or decorative baggie and at the beginning of the ceremony we announce that we will be doing a ring warming ceremony and today as we pass your rings we ask that each person hold the rings, place a kind thought upon them and pass them onto the next guest. When we do the ring exchange we remind the couple that the wedding rings you will wear have been so blessed by each of your guests today and we hope that in years to come when you look at your rings you remember your guests with love and kindness. 

During this ceremony Lyn and Beau will exchange rings. These rings are visible signs of their commitment to one another.
As this ceremony proceeds we ask that you, Beau and Lyn’s community, take part in the warming of the rings. As each of you receives the rings, we ask that you take a moment to wish them health, happiness, and a meaningful life together before passing them on to the next person. When these rings come back to them, they will contain that which is priceless: your love, hope, and spirit.
[GROOMSMAN TAKES RINGS OUT AND HANDS THEM OFF TO CLOSEST PERSON IN FRONT ROW]
Please bring the rings forward.
[GROOMSMAN RETRIEVES RINGS AND BRINGS THEM TO BEAU & LYN]
Wedding bands are visible, tangible symbols of a couple’s commitment and of their emotional and spiritual connection. Many people talk about rings as being a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metals are liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees. The hot metal is forged, cooled, and polished. Something beautiful is made from raw elements.
Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings. It is the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.
Lyn and Beau, let these rings serve as a reminder of the feelings you have in your hearts at this very moment. There are times in life that we tend to focus on the things we have not yet accomplished, there will also be times of great loss. Yet as you look at your wedding band, remember the great gift that you have been given and all that you have in one another. Remember that you have someone to share this life with. Never again will you walk alone.

Wine Box/Love Letter; You are asked to write each other a love letter and bring them on the day of your wedding along with a bottle of wine placed in a decorative box. During the ceremony we explain that the Wine Box should be opened on your 5th wedding anniversary. 
There is only one other reason the box should be opened before your anniversary. If there should come a time when you hit a bumpy road in your relationship, before you give up or make any irrational decisions, open the Wine Box. The hope is that there will never be a reason to have to open the box except on your anniversary! 
If you do hit a rough spot in your relationship sit down together, open the box, uncork the wine and unseal the envelopes that you wrote for one another before your wedding, go to separate rooms and quietly read the love letter. 
Even if you are not seeing eye-to-eye at that very moment, it will remind you of all the reasons you choose this person as your partner and all the things that helped shape the life they've created together. Never take your blessings of being together for granted. 
The romantic sentiments you wrote, the declaration of love, the clear thoughts about why you chose this person as your life partner will help put you back on even ground. This is the perfect ritual to remind you of your wedding day and your intention to love and cherish each other in good times and bad for as long as you both shall live. 

Sand Ceremony; The bride and groom each pour a different color sand from individual containers into one container; thus joining your individual lives together. 

Blaine and Jennifer will commemorate their wedding ceremony with a sand ceremony. 

Your relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two containers of sand; one, representing you Blaine and one representing you Jennifer. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength and character. They can stand on their own and be whole, without the need of anything else. When the two are blended together they represent an entirely new and extraordinary love relationship. 

I invite you to pour your sands now. As the two vials of sand are poured into the third keepsake vase, just as these grains of sand can no longer are separated so shall your love be. 

Unity Candle; two taper candles are lit and the bride and groom each take a taper candle and light one unity candle thus showing your now joined lives. 

Chocolate Sharing; Like relationships and human beings chocolate comes in many different types and flavors. On your wedding day you will each choose your favorite chocolate and you will take a bite of your own piece and then take a bite of your partners thus showing your ability to share in life all that is good and sweet. 

Hand Ceremony; you are asked to join hands as I or someone of your choosing reads the following: 
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.
These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Native American Blessing: ay the sun bring you new happiness by day; 
May the moon softly restore you by night; May the rain wash away your worries And the breeze blow new strength into your being, And all the days of your life May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty.
"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth." "Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives -- remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."

"Tying" The Knot
Many Asian couples, as well as folks with a Celtic background, practice a "handfasting," in which the officiant binds or wraps the bride's and groom's hands together (usually with ribbon or cloth) to symbolize the joining of families and the blending of cultures. It can also express the pure, simple beauty of two souls coming together for eternity.  His mom and my mom will both present us with a piece of thick ribbon - his black and mine white (our wedding colors) and we will then "tie the knot" to represent the two families becoming one. We also plan to hang the knot somewhere in our house and tie a new knot each year on our anniversary in rememberance of our special day. (the ribbons are only going to be about a foot and a half long, so we'll need new ribbons every ten years or so).

The Rose Ceremony
The Rose Ceremony is simple yet profoundly moving. The bride and groom exchange two red roses, symbolizing the giving and receiving of their love for each other throughout their entire married life. The Rose Ceremony also conveys how to use the rose and its symbolism in difficult times in order to forgive each other.

“Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings – which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.

You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman – the title of “husband” and “wife.” For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.
In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing – it meant the words “I love you.” So it is appropriate that for your first gift – as husband and wife – that gift would be a single rose.

Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose – and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.

_________ and _____________, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future – 
whether it be a large and elegant home – or a small and graceful one – that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage – and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.

In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say “I am sorry” or “I forgive you”; “I need you” or “I am hurting”. If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected – for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
That rose says the words: “I still love you.” The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.

__________ and ________, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.”

Unique use of ceremony seating: 
To make our wedding ceremony more unique we placed the guest chairs around us in a circle, with the parents and grandparents behind us in a half circle so they saw our faces and the bridal party standing behind them - the rest of the guests were on the opposite side of the circle behind us. 
We had a chandelier hanging above us that we decorated with ivy and flowers and draping tulle to other chandeliers in the room. We had candles in white bags lining the aisle and candles lit all around the room and the lights dimmed...and just wrote our ceremony with our official together, taking pieces from about three different ones and piecing it together. So the only ones in the middle of the circle was us and the official. And afterward the center of the room became the dance floor, it was great!

Wine Sharing
“Michelle and Sam, will you each pick up your glass and bring to mind your promises, the honor and integrity with you have made them and your shared hopes and dreams… and toast to one another? Couple raise their glasses toast and drink And will you offer of yourself and your promise to the center glass….. Couple pour some of their wine into the center glass If you will now pick up the center glass, the one that was just an empty vessel before the strength of your promises to one another, and drink of one another’s vow, of your shared commitment and take these in that they as your marriage may become a part of who and what you are.” Couple then together pick up the center glass, and drink from it as celebrant continues, “As the wines in the glass have intermingled their essence so do your spirits join as you drink of each others love. Neither of you shall ever again thirst for total Love, understanding, or companionship, for as food and drink nourish the body so does Love nourish the soul. In this manner so shall each of you be as sustenance to the other.”

Jumping The Broom Ceremony - Tradition Jumping the broom is a ritual that goes back in time to the ancestral roots African Americans who wanted to honor their unions when they could not afford to legally marry.  This ritual symbolizes the sweeping away of old former single lives, past problems, and previous cares.  Jumping the broom symbolizes the crossing of a threshold and the leaping of faith into a new relationship.

During the ceremony after pronouncement, the Officiant says: 
Starting a new life with another person requires a "leap of faith. This broom represents a threshold. ____&_____, although still individuals, will begin a new life together. Jumping over the broom represents crossing this threshold into new territory; a life vitally connected to another's. They leave behind the past and jump into the future together secure in their love. The leap they take over the broom is also symbolic.   By taking the leap, they make a gesture of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead, as well as the easy times. Please count with me now and shout with joy as they perform their first act of working together as husband and wife: 1, 2, 3, jump! ~ Hurray!!

Truce Bell Tradition A bell is rung on the wedding day and then placed in their home.  During an argument, one of them can ring the truce bell to remind them of the happiness of their wedding day and to end the disagreement quickly.

To include children: 
Have an older child wheel the baby down the aisle in a decorated wagon. This can be done at the same time that the flower girl and ring bearer walk down. Decorate the wagon with tulle, fabrics and flowers. If your baby isn't big enough to sit up, be sure to put her in something that is secure so that she will not fall out.

While the couple speaks the vows, allow the baby to be a part of it. Present the baby/children with a trinket, such as a small piece of jewelry, to formally show that the baby/children is as much a part of this new union as the couple. 

Recite vows or a poem to the children/baby after you recite your own vows; speak to the love of joining a new family today. 


Let your baby/children help with the sand ceremony. Since a baby cannot hold and pour the sand, designate a special vase just for him. While the mother or father holds the baby, have the wedding Officiant announce that the vase represents him as part of the family. Then the mother or father can pour the sand in the vase for the baby. Save a bit of the sand from that day and keep it in an enclosed vase to display in his room, up high on a shelf, as a keepsake for him to treasure for years to come.

Ribbon Ceremony Angel and John will now share their vows using 5 ribbons. 
The first ribbon is Green, representing the foundations of your relationship and the material world you share together. As you tie the green ribbons onto the other’s wrist, you make these promises:
“You promise to live with each other always and to share all in the material world you have with each other. You promise to be dependable and to aid each other in growing and healing.”  
You may now each take the green ribbon.  
*Angel and John tie green ribbons*
The Orange ribbon represents intellect and communication. As you tie the yellow ribbons onto the other’s wrist, you make these promises:
“You promise to communicate as clearly as you are able, to share your thoughts, hopes and dreams, as well as your fears and insecurities. You promise to be open to hear each other whether the words bear good news or bad.”
You may now each take the orange ribbon.  
*Tie orange ribbons* The Red ribbon represents the passion and warmth in your relationship. As you tie the red ribbons onto the other’s wrist, you make these promises:
“You promise to openly express your love and to share yourself with the other completely.  You promise to love each other unconditionally and without hesitation.  You promise to laugh together in times of joy and comfort each other in times of sorrow.”
You may now each take the red ribbon.  
*Tie red ribbons*
The Blue ribbon represents the emotions and the fresh start in your lives together today. As you tie the blue ribbons onto the other’s wrist, you make these promises:
“You promise to always consider the others feelings when making decisions.  You promise make your relationship a priority above all else.  You promise to both apologize and forgive in every fight as you each play a part in all actions and communications together.”
You may now each take the blue ribbon.  
*Tie blue ribbons*
The White ribbon represents the spiritual and philosophical in life. As you tie the white ribbons onto the other’s wrist, you make these promises:
“As everything in life is a circle, so is your love. There is no beginning and no end. You have been here before, and someday you will return. You are two, and you are the same. Today and forever, with these White ribbons you promise this will never change.”
You may now each take the white ribbon.
*Tie white ribbons*

May we now have the rings?  *Ring bearers (10-year-old and two-year-old) present rings*
May these rings always remind you of these promises you have made to one another.
*Place rings on hands*
Angel, do you take John to be your husband?
“I do”
John, do you take Angel to be your wife?
“I do”
I now pronounce you husband and wife—you may kiss the bride!

So here's the thing, I don't predict our gathering and wedding restrictions getting lifted anytime soon, with that being said, we'll be outdoors this winter! And winter is going to be here sooner rather than later, it's Michigan after all. If I had my way, we would just skip winter, I'm more of a 75 degree and sunny kinda lady. 

Any-who, my point is, if you are holding out and hoping you'll be able to host that amazing 200 person wedding come November or December, I'm just not confident that's going to happen so please start making back up plans now so you don't stress out (even more) waiting. 

I've done some amazing outdoor ceremonies, snow falling, pretty winter blanket covering the ground, teeth chattering, nose running, I've done plenty and they are amazing. But they take careful planning. And only a few venues I know of can do it right. 

So, here's the options we're presented with: 

1. Get married now - yup, push up that date and get married now! Trim the guest list and get under 100 and get married outdoors now. 
2. Plan for an indoor or outdoor elopement style ceremony on your original winter date. And host a post ceremony celebration next winter. 
3. Postpone the whole thing for a date to be determined, maybe late 2021 or early 2022. 

I know it's a stressful time. Heck my son graduated high school this year so we definitely felt the stress ourselves. But with that said, we decided to embrace what we COULD do and go for it and it was fabulous! 

What I'm saying is, now is the time to take action, not wait and see, my personal opinion is that we won't see the restrictions for gatherings and weddings lifted anytime soon, not with winter coming. 

xo, 
Nichole

​Wedding Readings should reflect your love as a couple and should flow with the rest of your wedding ceremony. Be open minded when selecting a reading, something non traditional may be just what you love. 

YES! Did I say that loud enough? Yes, I serve all couples. I am here to support love. I want to celebrate your love with you, I want to see your happy smiles and be a part of joining you in marriage. 

On your wedding day you should be surrounded by people who support you and want to see your love celebrated and shine. I am here to help make that happen. 

I am happy to suggest other amazing venues and vendors that are likeminded so we can help create a wedding day that you will truly feel amazing about. 

Clarkston offers a few options to fit the bill for your small wedding. Let's keep it simple shall we? We can meet at Depot park, where you can reserve the gazebo to assure private use. Here is where you will have your intimate wedding ceremony. Afterwards you can use the park for some really great pictures. 

Head just up the street to where you have a few options to celebrate over dinner or drinks, check out Honcho for the best coffee and taco's around, or maybe the Woodshop to celebrate over a pizza and beer, last up is the Fed, where you can reserve the vault for your private dining experience, any of these spots offer a great option to celebrate your new marriage with your closest family and friends. 

Fenton Michigan gives you that small town feel with big town dining options. Fenton has a few parks that offer a great spot for a small intimate wedding ceremony, check out Mill Pond Park directly in downtown Fenton or just up the street Bush Park.

Once you've had your amazing small wedding ceremony head on over to Andiamo's for an upscale dining experience or perhaps the Fenton Fire Hall is more your style with their insane mac and cheese and smoked meats, oh but let's not forget The Scoop! The newest and cutest little ice cream shop - maybe vows and and a milkshake are more your style! 

The point is to not overthink your small wedding plans, book your ceremony and make a dinner or dessert reservation - married and done! 

Historic Holly Michigan offers quite a few options for hosting your small wedding. The historic Holly Hotel...not a hotel anymore, is an upscale restaurant with first class service and food. The Holly Hotel offers an elopement wedding package that offers an all inclusive wedding package, and you can add on guests to this amazing wedding deal. 

The Holly Vault is also located in downtown Holly, it offers 3 unique sites for weddings, currently, they have set up an outdoor tent to allow you to host your wedding with all your family and friends while following the state mandated guidelines for weddings. 

But what if you want to keep your small wedding short, sweet and very simple? I've got you covered, let's meet at a local park where you can exchange vows and sign your marriage license, after that you can head across the street to Northern Oak Brewery to grab a pint and cheers to your marriage! 

Holly has a lot to offer with its picturesque battle alley, lovely downtown shops and friendly community. Your small wedding will be a memory that last forever, why not make it picture perfect in Holly. 

You've been planning your wedding for a year, heck even longer in most cases and now that the big day is finally arriving, you've learned you must shift gears for your wedding day. 

It is important to ponder what is most important to you in this moment, and know that there is no wrong answer. Perhaps most important to you is getting married this year or maybe the most important part is celebrating that marriage with all of your family and friends. 

So let's take scenario 1 - Most importantly you want to get married this year

If this is you, then shift your mindset to the excitement of getting married in and of itself. Focus on what your ceremony will look like, the words you will carefully choose to hear while standing facing each other. Focus on what is allowed and work within those guidelines. Do you want to stand in a field of wildflowers, do you want to take a city approach? The options are plentiful when your working with a much fewer guest count. You can still have the pretty flowers, music - maybe an autistic guitar will help to set the more intimate mood and even cake and Champagne! Celebrate your love. You can choose to broadcast your small wedding via zoom or Facebook live so that all the people can see you celebrate with you. 

Scenario 2 - Most importantly you want to celebrate with all of your friends and family

If this is you, then...take a deep breath, move your date to mid to late next year. If you choose a date later in this year or early next year you may have to reschedule...again, and let's face it that is simply causing more stress. So, I suggest you just push that date and then refocus on making that new date magical! Embrace the love that will surround you that day and all the hugs you will be able to have and give. 

I know it's difficult right now, trying to decide what to do, I hope this straightforward post helps you think through the fog.