You have,
now we do.
Deciding to say “you will” is the start of a wonderful journey towards your marriage. Beyond the when, the where and the guest list, there’s a small process to step through. I’ll make it as fun and painless as possible. It’s all about you and ensuring your ceremony is everything you want it to be.
The Process
1 We have an Initial Chat.
You’ve done your research and you think I could be your person. You contact me with saying just that. We arrange to meet in-person.
We meet online or face-to-face for 45 mins (at no cost). We chat about your why, when and where your wedding will be, who will be there, what you want to achieve. And a bit about the vibe – relaxed, in nature, traditional, reflecting your culture.
It doesn’t have to be fully formed, just the feel. I’ll ask a few questions and outline the process of working together to achieve your goals. I send a follow up email capturing what we’ve discussed. Then the ball’s in your court.
2 First Date.
3 Team ‘Pen + You’.
You say yes. I say, I do. And we’re a team! At this stage we’ll do a bit of business, including the process of applying for your marriage licence and when. I will invoice you for 50% of my fee. And then we we’re on a roll to the w-day with a timeline of things to do.
4 Love Story Gems.
We meet again. If you don’t have much time, want to keep it simple, or aren’t in the same city or in New Zealand yet, we can do this online or by email.
If we’re meeting in person, we’ll have a more wide-ranging chat about your love story, what’s important to you, and what’s not. We can talk about ideas you have for your wedding – poetry, readings, music, rituals, special people, your vows. Also flow logistics on the day. I’m looking to gather not only wonderful life and love nuggets from you, but a better sense of the vibe so I can start to think how things will knit together and shape your ceremony.
This is where I share what I’ve synthesised from your inputs and wishes with some of my suggestions into a ceremony. We’ll discuss what’s working and what needs tweaking and polish it so flows beautifully and feels authentically yours. At this stage, I not only want you to be feeling super excited, but clear about how things are going to unfold on the day.
5 Polish the Gems.
6 Nixing the Nerves.
Rehearsing is the best way to do this. We meet at the venue within a week of your big day and go through the whole process. This will probably involve others working with you –your wedding planner, sound people, photographer/ videographer, and family. It’s our collective opportunity to iron out any kinks to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day.
It’ll also go a long way to boosting your confidence and sense of calm. You’ll know I’ve (we’ve all) got you when you’re a bit overwhelmed by emotions on the day.
It’s your big day. It’s pretty common to be feeling a bit jittery. I remember feeling like that too. But be assured that we’ve done the work we needed to get here. I’ll be there early doing final checks and I’ll be there guiding you every step of the way.
Before we’re done with your ceremony, we’ll be signing the official paperwork with your witnesses, then coming back to introduce you in your new capacity as partners-in-life. Then it’s party time!
7 Show Time.
8 Completing the Circle.
After the magic has happened, I’ll send your paperwork to the officials, and follow up at an agreed time (not on your honeymoon) to see how everything went for you, finalise payment and tidy up any loose ends. Then we bid each other a fond farewell as we sail off into the sunset – and maybe each send a postcard from time to time. :)
Let’s find a time to talk.
Let’s make a time to talk about your wedding ceremony. It’s obligation free and a great opportunity to start clarifying your thoughts.
