Jacqueline Soares,
Non Denominational Officiant
I DoToday.com
I Do Today & Forever More
Officiant for Orange County and Greater Los Angeles
My Blog
Blog
Your wedding ceremony-Your Day, Your Way!!
| Posted on 17 April, 2023 at 8:25 |
comments (436)
|
 Often during the interviewing process (via phone, email or text) I'm asked, "how long or how much time does the ceremony take?", great question. My simple answer is generally 15-20 minutes, yet it will totally be up to you as a couple what you desire within your ceremony and how long you'd like it to be. Remember, it goes so fast the actually day, ceremony and reception compared to all the time and planning you have now invested into this glorious day. Typically, I send to my couples several samples for their review; reminding them to keep in mind they can add, subtract, cut, and paste till they have a perfect sonnet that represents them as an individual and now becoming a married couple. Keep in mind you can write your own vows, we can take something from a poem, a song, a religious reading, etc.. there are no limits when designing your sonnet for your day. There are additional ceremonies within the ceremony too (I will discuss soon in another blog entry) such as rose ceremonies, sand ceremonies, hand ceremonies, Hawaiian ceremonies and the list goes on. Below is a basic guideline so do not hesitate to email or call me for further assistance (click on any of the links below for more information and directions regarding your ceremony): |
How to choose a officiant for your LGBTQ wedding ceremony
| Posted on 29 June, 2017 at 20:01 |
comments (138)
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 As a non-denominational officiant I have had the pleasure and honor in serving all blends of couples who have wedded. My experience is that couples across the board including LGBTQ couples have many similarities when planning their wedding as "traditional" weddings . I emphasize the word traditional because for years the country placed man and a woman as the only couples getting marrying titling them bride and groom (this still could be to your wedding, but it is not necessary always the case in LGBTQ weddings). I personally never fit within the "traditional" mold and it was very important to my calling as a non denominational pastor to be all inclusive and reach all couples of all diversities. For me it's about honoring everyone's partner of choice for their marriage however they identify themselves. Wedding officiant, pastor, reverend, clergy, ect is a required and important piece of your upcoming marriage ceremony. I believe it is my responsibility to honor you as an individual and as a couple within your specific ceremony. In this day and age very often I am interviewed via the phone and emails vs a in personal interview regarding my services and who I am to the couple making the decision (I realize very often my couples are from out of state and time is of essence in making their decision. Personally I have become very comfortable with this process.) First and foremost if you have the time I would encourage you to meet the officiant you are making a decision about. I have written an article Officiant 101 that further discuss this subject. Please do not hesitate to call or email me with any personal questions when considering me for your wedding. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!!! Jacqueline Soares 714.625.7841 The imaged used on this page is from the article: by The Counsel of Trent |
LGBT Wedding- Wedding Officiant Thoughts
| Posted on 13 June, 2017 at 23:57 |
comments (300)
|
 First and foremost, I believe there is no one vendor or DYI tip or trick that is all inclusive of anyone's marriage/relationship preferences. Yet, what is apparent across the board by all couples about to marry is the desire to create a special and magical wedding day. Working with professionals that have your best interest at heart is extremely important. Professionals that bring easy to the couple's wedding day when tempers can be short (you have worked really hard to get here), months of planning is final here and your deep desire for it to be perfect for you and your guest.Over the years I have had the honor in working with couples, partners of all faiths, demographics and individuality. The greatest gift I can give you is my ability to listen to your desires and wants for your wedding ceremony. As non denominational officiant and a woman who believes in relationships of all races, color and preferences, I have come to respect that one must feel comfortable with the vendors they are working with and can easily express themselves with them. It is my honor and job to be able to relay this to your family and guest the day of your wedding through a wedding ceremony designed and focus on you as the couple. In the next few blogs I will give more focus to the LGBT community of vendors, tips and tricks and sample ceremonies in the hopes of helping you with creating the perfect wedding day. I come from a very British household (no I do not have the accent but I have a tendency to sound like I come from New York at times..lol). I had a traditional British-American family for its time, yet not as traditional as many understood, not even myself until I was older. I have personally work with the LGBT community for years teaching life-skills to HIV infected individuals whose population is about 90% gay, lesbian and transgender. This family of individuals shape who I am today and I believe has made me a better person and non denominational pastor/officiant. It is my desire as a woman of God to represent you as an individual who is now becoming a couple within the content of your ceremony. I have a great respect for individuals who respect themselves enough to marry the person they love and would do anything for. I believe marriage is this very gift, it says more than I love you, but I respect you enough to take our relationship to the highest level of involvement. I do believe that marriage for some is a deep commitment first along with a legal document claiming to the world and this government that we are a couple and will live so for the rest of our lives. Yet, I do believe for some this is not as important as the actually commitment each one makes to the other within a ceremony in front of family and friends. I am here to serve your wedding day as your officiant in any one of these capacities. My next blog will focus on LGBT friendly wedding vendors. |
Wedding Ceremony 101
| Posted on 2 May, 2017 at 18:22 |
comments (60)
|
Wedding Ceremony 101 I do today and forever more..  Wedding
ceremonies can be traditional or as unique as each couple. If you want a
ceremony created especially for you, make sure you choose an officiant
who acts as a guide and co-creator, rather then a director.There
is no specific way or design that has to be done within your ceremony.
There are just few standard lines the officiant needs to incorporate
into your ceremony (we will address them later in this article) yet for
the most part it is all about your sonnet from one heart to the other. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the most important things to consider in creating your wedding ceremony? The questions we hear most often are: How long is the ceremony? Typically 15-30 minutes. Do you write the vows or do we? We can yet normally we co-create with the couple giving them samples and choices to help with their decisions Can we use our own vows and readings? Yes. Do I need to remember anything?
We understand you will be tired and nervous all at once when you
finally get to the ceremony part of your celebration. Basically the
answer is no, unless you wish to. Normally the officiant will feed you
your lines and, remember, look at each other when saying the vows not
the officiant. Can a friend or family member do a song or reading? Yes, we encourage involving anyone you wish to make this day special for you and your guest. Do we have to be solemn or can we be light and funny?
Its your day have it your way. If you want it light and funny, make
sure you pick an officiant that can to deliver this for you. Can we use contemporary readings or are religious or scriptural readings required? When it comes to vows and readings there is not one requirement. Be as creative as you like. We just want a simple ceremony.
We have learned that “simple” is in the eye of the beholder. Simple to
one person is 10 minutes of I do’s and you may kiss the bride. To others
it’s more about keeping the ceremony light and not too heavy on the
spiritual side. A Typical Ceremony To give you an idea of how a ceremony might be structured, here is the one of the most common ceremony templates used: Opening Words of the Officiant: This is where we welcome your family and guests The Giving in Marriage : (Optional) The father or family member gives the bride away An Opening Prayer or Reading :
Nice place to have a guest or family member do a favorite reading of
the couples choice. The officiant is also more than happy to recite
your choice of reading or opening scripture. Definition of Marriage Second Reading or Song : (Optional) Very commonly a guest or family member reads or sings a song. Wedding Vows :
Traditional, non-traditional, religious. This is the first time you
will recite a piece to each other with the assistance of your officiant
feeding the lines to both of you. Declaration Of Marriage: "By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you ____________” and the best part for last, “you may now kiss the bride or life partner.” Exchange of Rings: You will choose a ring exchange vow that suits your heart Closing:(Sometimes called a Benediction.) Usually the officiant recites your closing thoughts to the family and guests. :Introduction of Newlyweds: The officiant usually introduces the newlyweds by the married names you are taking. Other Bits of Wisdom You
have worked hard at making this the most memorable day of your life for
you and your guests. Please make sure that they can hear your
ceremony. Your DJ or venue will normally have a wireless mike that the
officiant can use or a microphone that can be set up. Your guests and
loved ones really do want to hear your vows and this allows them to
really be part of your special celebration, the first day of your
married life. Make
sure if there are any special announcements you wish the officiant to
make that you let them know before the ceremony. They can announce this
after you and your wedding party leaves the staged area. There
are many free and paid sites on the internet these days that have
samples of wedding ceremonies. Make sure the ceremony is a true
reflection of the both of you. Your officiant will also be able to give
you sample ceremonies they have already performed, or samples of vows
and readings. It’s your very special day, forever more. |
Lavendar- Summer wedding thoughts
| Posted on 17 March, 2017 at 15:16 |
comments (180)
|
Jordan Strohl, shares lavender wedding ideas. Lavender is a very calming color and fragrance, exactly what the doctor orders in the whirl spin of planning and finalizing your wedding day details. From wedding day attire, table settings, cake and wedding party are included in Jordan's article.  This is a great look for beach weddings. I love this simple yet elegant idea using french maroons. They come in so many colors and can easily be purchased at Costco.  |
Elegant Emerald Green Wedding Details
| Posted on 7 March, 2017 at 19:03 |
comments (29)
|
 This is a lovely little article by Sarah Pierce featured on MyWedding.comEmerald Green can such a classy beginning of spring look or late summer towards autumn.   |
Beach Wedding Locations
| Posted on 27 May, 2016 at 18:20 |
comments (22)
|
 Our southern West Coast Beaches are saught after by many for their wedding destinations. Throughout the years I have had the honor and pleasure working with many couples coming here from out of the area and state. This page is dedicated to your commonly asked question when trying to plan a beach wedding. When deciding on a beach wedding keep in mind there can be permit cost involved and usually a limitation of how many people can be in attendance. If you are planning a small and intimate wedding there are numerous coves and location you can be married at without permit costs. Keep in mind that beaches are public locations and prime seasonal times such as summers can be more crowded than other off season times such as Autumn or Fall. Along our Pacific Coast we have some of prettiest sunsets in the fall. Fall sunsets also come earlier, whereas in the summers sunsets could be as late as 8'o clock. Click here to find out the sunset time for your wedding day. |
Officiant 101
| Posted on 20 February, 2016 at 13:35 |
comments (22)
|
Officiant
101 Your
ceremony is the spiritual heart and soul of your wedding day. Many
couples initially are intimidated when interviewing an officiant; however,
remember this is your special day. Before you identify officiants to interview be clear as a couple
what you are looking for. Deciding what is important to you is the first step
to identifying the right person for your ceremony. Before meeting with the
officiant take time as a couple to discuss what you are looking for and the
questions you need answered. Here are some tips on what to consider:
The ideal situation is to meet personally
with the officiant. This allows you as a couple to become acquainted with the
individual. Things to consider during the interview:
Last but not least a few titles that wedding officiants go by
and there meanings: Wedding officiant, Celebrant- individual who has been registered
or ordained to perform weddings. |
Wedding Ceremony 101
| Posted on 3 February, 2016 at 12:30 |
comments (18)
|
Wedding Ceremony 101 I do today and forever more… Couples
are surprised to find there is no mandatory design for a wedding
ceremony. Ceremonies can be traditional or as unique as each couple;
it’s your day – you can have it your way. Although
there are a few standard lines an officiant needs to incorporate into
your ceremony, for the most part it is all about your sonnet from one
heart to another. If you want a ceremony created especially for you,
make sure to choose an officiant who acts as guide and co-creator,
rather than a director. Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the most important things to consider in creating your wedding ceremony? The questions we hear most often are: How long is the ceremony? Typically 15-30 minutes. Do you write the vows or do we? We can, yet normally we co-create with the couple giving them samples and choices to help with their decisions. Can we use our own vows and readings? Yes. Do I need to remember anything?
Basically, the answer is “no” unless you wish to. We understand you
will be tired and nervous all at once when you finally get to the
ceremony part of your celebration. Normally the officiant will feed you
your lines and please remember look at each other when saying the vows,
not at the officiant. Can a friend or family member do a song or reading? Yes, we encourage involving anyone you wish to make this day special for you and your guests. Do we have to be solemn or can we be light and funny? It’s your day - have it your way. If you want it light and funny, make sure you pick an officiant who can deliver this for you. Can we use contemporary readings or are religious or scriptural readings required? When it comes to vows and readings there is not one requirement. Be as creative as you like. We just want a simple ceremony.
We have learned that “simple” is in the eye of the beholder. Simple to
one person is 10 minutes of I do’s and you may kiss the bride. To others
it’s more about keeping the ceremony light and not too heavy on the
religious side. A Typical Ceremony To give you an idea of how a ceremony might be structured, here is the one of the most common ceremony templates used: Opening Words of the Officiant: This is where we welcome your family and guests. The Giving in Marriage : (Optional)The father or family member gives the bride away. An Opening Prayer or Reading :
Nice place to have a guest or family member do a favorite reading of
the couple’s choice. The officiant is also more than happy to recite
your choice of reading or opening scripture. Definition of Marriage : (Optional) The officiant can define the marriage with your choice of words. Wedding Vows :
Traditional, non-traditional,religious. This is the first time you will
recite a piece to each other with the assistance of your officiant
feeding the lines to both of you. Second Reading or Song : (Optional) Very commonly a guest or family member reads or sings a song. Exchange of Rings : You will choose a ring exchange vow that suits your heart. Closing: (Sometimes called a Benediction) Usually the officiant recites your closing thoughts to the family and guests. Declaration Of Marriage: "By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you____________” and the best part for last, “you may now kiss the bride or life partner.” Introduction of the Newlyweds: The officiant usually introduces the newlyweds by the married names you are taking. Other Bits of Wisdom You
have worked hard at making this the most memorable day of your life for
you and your guests. Please make sure that they can hear your ceremony.
Your DJ or venue will normally have a wireless mic that the officiant
can use or a microphone that can be set up. Your guests and loved ones
really do want to hear your vows and this allows them to be part of your
special celebration, the first day of your married life. Make
sure if there are any special announcements you wish the officiant to
make that you let them know before the ceremony. They can announce this
after you and your wedding party leave the staged area. There
are many free and paid sites on the internet these days that have
samples of wedding ceremonies. Your officiant will also be able to give
you sample ceremonies they have already performed, or samples of vows
and readings. Make sure the ceremony is a true reflection of the both of
you. It’s your very special day…forever more. Jacqueline has officiated weddings and celebrations of life since 2006. She is a non denominational pastor by title , yet assist couples of all types of theory, spirituality and thought, emphasizes the couple and their personal relationship verse religion or necessarily traditional wedding ceremonies. October 2008 revised and printed 2016 |
Double Wedding Casting Call
| Posted on 15 September, 2015 at 0:15 |
comments (57)
|
Wedding Couples, Family and Friends to the newly engaged couple/s- Please pass this onto to them. It may be a unique and creative way to have the wedding of your dreams. My late husband and good friends of ours decided to share our wedding day together. It was the best! We both knew many of the same family and friends so it made perfect sense. It was such a great adventure and so much fun doing it with another bride/couple. We had our own bridesmaids and groomsmen, we shared the main cake and had our own small cakes, shared the cost of food, decorations and such. Please read on: (by the way congratulations, with care, Jacqueline):  This is Carter Palmer,
casting producer based in Los Angeles for Maverick TV. Our company produces the
show “Chrisley Knows Best” on USA Network. http://www.mavericktvusa.com Right now, our company
is casting a brand new TV docu-series about BRIDES getting married next year,
for a major cable network. We’re exploring the topic of “JOINT WEDDINGS". We’re
looking for 2 couples willing to get married at the same time on the same day –
that know each other and decide to share the day together. We believe that combining forces AND budgets, these
brides can have a bigger, better wedding. These brides could be best friends,
sisters, relatives etc. We’re looking for individuals open to this idea. Our show will also enhance the
couple’s wedding day with certain details – with a minimum of $10,000 used for
the wedding from our team. I’ve attached our show’s flyer here. We would love
for you all to share the flyer– through your client base, through social media
– really any way you all are comfortable with? Also – please let us know if
there’s any couples we should speak with? I’m reachable here through email and
by phone:Tel: 424.732.6312. We can also discuss
having you all as part of the show! Thank you so much in
advance! We hope to find some deserving couples together and help give them a
unique, special, over the top wedding day! Best, Carter Palmer Casting Producer All3 Media America Tel: 424.732.6312 |