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 |
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 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 |
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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 |
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 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. |
Beach Maid of Honor Dresses under $100
| Posted on 13 June, 2017 at 13:37 |
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 Engaged, setting the date, sendingt save the date, who will be in the wedding, wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and the list goes on. You have decided on a beach wedding (so the look can be a bit more casual.) So next , you have been asked to be a brides maid at your family or friends wedding, the first thoughts for some is OOOOOOOOOO my another brides maid dress. Commonly these days, more times than not, you have been asked to expense your own dress, yet the bride has decided what she wants her maids to look like. It may be color or style or anything along these lines that determine what you have to choose from. Often I've heard the discussion, "well I want something that I can wear again, not just another dress stuck in my wardrobe." Then of course there is the brides maid that been asked to be part of several different wedding through out the year, oh my how these darn dresses get expensive. Here is an article by Kendel Maxwell, at independent writer for Wedding Wire.com, with suggestions for fun and flirty dresses that accommodate may body shapes and sizes. The key in deciding dresses for your Maid of Honor or Brides Maids is a dress that compliments your day's look, the style can be worn by each of your chosen maids and lastly but kindly remember that is could be something that will be worn again. Here is the link for Ms. Maxell's article: |
To Cupcake or Not..This is the question
| Posted on 2 May, 2017 at 18:31 |
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Gone is the day where 2,3,4 and more multiple tiered wedding cakes are your only solutions to the wedding day celebration cake.  this site has a lot of nice visuals to help you with ideas regarding displaying your cupcakes. Pictures of Wedding Cupcakes (nice ideas)  |
Wedding Ceremony 101
| Posted on 2 May, 2017 at 18:22 |
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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. |
Bridal Shower Ideas
| Posted on 27 April, 2017 at 2:09 |
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 Yes, the Wedding Shower Season is upon us, especially if your Bride/
Couple have a late spring, early summer wedding coming up. You, as a
dear friend and/ or family member want and may feel responsible to hold a
wonderful, lovely shower with Guest, Fun, Gifts, Elegant yet
Affordable.It use to take a lot more imagination and
finances to pull off the most memorable shower your Bride/Couple will
want to remember. Yet, in this day and age and by the grace of the
internet, today there are so many great ideas out there to help create
that memorable day. Remember, utilizing these tips and tricks, along
with delegating to others, who often would love to help with a piece of
the shower yet don't have the time to pull the whole event off
themselves (even if it is to borrow something they have that you need
for this day) can be the difference of enjoying this journey or
resenting it (counting the days till it's over). From a small and intimate gathering to a larger one. With some good planning initially this day can even be enjoyable for you.  Below you will find some great short articles to assist you with the special day: How to throw a fiesta to remember—and keep your wallet intact By Marisa Klein| The Frugal Girls Blog Heidi and Others Written for Costco by Sharon Naylor By Jacqueline Curtis |
Beach Wedding Locations in Orange County Ca
| Posted on 27 April, 2017 at 1:55 |
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 Our southern West Coast Beaches
are sought 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. |
Lavendar- Summer wedding thoughts
| Posted on 17 March, 2017 at 15:16 |
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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.  |
Printable Wedding Party Duties
| Posted on 10 March, 2017 at 22:53 |
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Well the wedding plans have begun. The Bride and Groom have decided on you as part of their wedding party. Every position within the wedding party has its own responsibility and anxiety over this now granted position..lol  Ann Momber has simplified this for you with her checklists. Remember less is more and these simple yet profound lists will help. The following list are also within her article: |
