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. 

I had this idea last year of #elopenotbroke. You see, I'm big on not going into debt for well, anything. And anything includes your wedding. Don't get me wrong I love a big wedding with all the fanfare and you can totally have that if you desire, but save and spend wisely and don't go into debt. Moreover, you can have a lovely small intimate wedding for much less an investment. 

There are so many great ways to host your wedding nowadays and so many labels for it, intimate wedding, micro wedding, elopement, small wedding, tiny wedding, you get the idea. 

The idea is that you can keep your guest count small - think 20 or less and still have amazing venue, food, music and flowers and not go broke or completely stress out over the idea of planning this big large wedding. 

I love the idea of small weddings so much that I've pivoted the focus of my business to just that...small weddings. 

My ceremonies can still include all the personal and lovely details you like. We can create a wedding ceremony that is filled with laughter, love and shines a light on your love story, or we can keep it simple and more streamlined. 

Whatever your desire for your wedding ceremony, I can meet it! 

Saving those hard earned dollars while getting married is easier than ever! Simply Elope! Yes, eloping is possible and easy and economical. 

Did you know most courthouses in Michigan no longer perform marriage ceremonies? And, if the courthouse wedding is possible you will have to wait your turn...sometimes months. 

So, why not elope in Michigan and do it your way. Just pick the place, it could be a local park or your favorite restaurant, even many proper wedding venues will host your elopement ceremony if you do it on a weekday. So elope in Michigan on a Monday at noon - gather your closest friends and family or keep it simple and just ask two witnesses to come along and get married for less. 

The cost of your marriage license is around $25, the cost for me to officiate is around $200 - and that my friends is the bare minimums - $225 and you are married your way!! Now, you can always book a venue, grab a cute bouquet and maybe find that perfect little dress and suite and don't forget a photographer to capture your wedding day. These things can all be done for your elopement ceremony and still keep it under $1000...easy! 

Email me, nicholebert@gmail.com and we'll get the details ironed out. 

Getting married without going broke. Yes, it is possible to marry the person of your dreams and stay on budget, or get married on a very low budget and save those dollars for the honeymoon or house or blah - student loans. 

#elopenotbroke

Elope not broke! That needs to be your motto. You can have a beautiful, authentic, personal wedding ceremony and not break the bank. Let me tell you how. 

Elope in Michigan! Yes, you can elope, you can elope this week or next or a month from now. Michigan elopements allow you to focus on your love and your marriage. Eloping is mean to be simple and stress free. 

One, gather your tribe, your closest family and friends keep the list short, think around 10 people. 

Two, decide on a elopement venue or location. You can be inside or outside, use your favorite park or restaurant, the key is to keep it simple, don't over think it. 

But, here's the secret, call your favorite wedding venue, and ask about getting married on a Monday - at noon! Tell them you only want use of the venue for one hour - see what the rate is - it's a steal I promise! Because...you only need the space and 10 chairs, your not bringing in floral and vendors and food just you, your favorite ten people...that's it!

Three, pick a photographer - yes, this is a splurge item but in my opinion any wedding day needs amazing photos and there is one way to do that - hire a great photographer or...get your tribe to buy their services as your gift! 

Four, grab your marriage license; you gotta make that elopement legal. 

Oh, and fifth and final step...hire me. We will craft the most dreamy, personal and loving elopement ceremony. 

Boom! There you go, your hitched. 

You can always go to your local favorite restaurant to celebrate or head back to your house to celebrate your elopement with champagne and crackers and cheese. Whatever way you choose to get married make your marriage personal and all about your love.