Affinity Celebrations has extended its network to seven officiants this week! Marcina has joined us as an apprentice. She will work with Rev. Christine for the remainder of this wedding season learning the ropes. Next year Marcina will begin officiating with her own clients, with oversight from her mentor.
Marcina is a full-time student at Wright State University, finishing her bachelor's in Physical Rehabilitation. She is the proud parent of Trey, a vivacious and very smart 13 year-old.
We wish Marcina every success as she learns to become an Affinity Celebrations Officiant!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Congrats to Melissa & Johnny
Congratulations to Melissa & Johnny! Married Aug. 1st. This couple has an interesting story ...
They met 23 years ago as teenagers. They share three children. Their relationship has had its ups and down, just like any couple. After living together for four years, they decided to marry. The ceremony was held at the Bride's parents' home, under the tree where they first kissed 23 years ago! It was a small, private, family ceremony with about 40 guests.
The couple wanted a simple ceremony that didn't sound "churchy". They wanted a blessings, but no preaching. Rev. Christine assured the couple that no one from Affinity Celebrations "preaches" about anything. The couple created a beautiful ceremony that outlined the story of how they met. It was unique and beautiful!
They met 23 years ago as teenagers. They share three children. Their relationship has had its ups and down, just like any couple. After living together for four years, they decided to marry. The ceremony was held at the Bride's parents' home, under the tree where they first kissed 23 years ago! It was a small, private, family ceremony with about 40 guests.
The couple wanted a simple ceremony that didn't sound "churchy". They wanted a blessings, but no preaching. Rev. Christine assured the couple that no one from Affinity Celebrations "preaches" about anything. The couple created a beautiful ceremony that outlined the story of how they met. It was unique and beautiful!
Best wishes for many wonderful years together as husband, wife, and family!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Pagan Ceremony For Brett & Amy
Congratulations to Brett & Amy! They were married on July 25th, 2009 at the Dayton Art Institute, Gothic Cloister, Dayton, Ohio. Rev. Linda officiating.
This couple reserved with us 11 months in advance. They wanted a truly unique ceremony that was spiritual & non-Christian. When we first heard the phrase "Pagan ceremony", we weren't sure what to expect. None of our officiants is Pagan; however, that didn't prevent us from working with the couple to create the ceremony they envisioned.
The ceremony focused on the four elements: Air, Water, Earth, Fire. The couple had four friends participate in reading the ceremony. Each Reader stood at the four points on the compass (North, South, East, & West) and spoke about each element. The officiant & couple stood in the middle of a circle, surrounded by their family & friends. Very non-traditional & quite beautiful. This intricate set-up made the guests feel like they were taking an active part in the ceremony instead of being spectators & just watching.
Congrats to Brett & Amy! Best wishes for many wonderful years together as husband, wife, and family!
This couple reserved with us 11 months in advance. They wanted a truly unique ceremony that was spiritual & non-Christian. When we first heard the phrase "Pagan ceremony", we weren't sure what to expect. None of our officiants is Pagan; however, that didn't prevent us from working with the couple to create the ceremony they envisioned.
The ceremony focused on the four elements: Air, Water, Earth, Fire. The couple had four friends participate in reading the ceremony. Each Reader stood at the four points on the compass (North, South, East, & West) and spoke about each element. The officiant & couple stood in the middle of a circle, surrounded by their family & friends. Very non-traditional & quite beautiful. This intricate set-up made the guests feel like they were taking an active part in the ceremony instead of being spectators & just watching.
Congrats to Brett & Amy! Best wishes for many wonderful years together as husband, wife, and family!
Dr. Seuss Vows for Casey & Kyle
Congratulations to Casey & Kyle! They were married in a private ceremony on July 25th, 2009 at Cox Arboretum, Dayton, Ohio. Rev. Christine officiating. The rain held off; however, the couple did have a rain location scheduled just in case.
Casey & Kyle wanted a light-hearted, non-religious ceremony. After reviewing the ceremonies we have & also searching the Internet, they chose vows in the spirit of Dr. Seuss. The vows are intricate with a lot of back-and-forth between the officiant & the couple. It was a complete surprise to their 15 guests. Everyone had a great laugh and the couple was able to have the light-hearted ceremony they wanted.
Congratulations and best wishes to Casey & Kyle for many wonderful years together as husband, wife, and family.
Casey & Kyle wanted a light-hearted, non-religious ceremony. After reviewing the ceremonies we have & also searching the Internet, they chose vows in the spirit of Dr. Seuss. The vows are intricate with a lot of back-and-forth between the officiant & the couple. It was a complete surprise to their 15 guests. Everyone had a great laugh and the couple was able to have the light-hearted ceremony they wanted.
Congratulations and best wishes to Casey & Kyle for many wonderful years together as husband, wife, and family.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
How Soon Should We Reserve a Wedding Officiant?
We are amazed at the number of couples who wait until 6-8 weeks prior to their wedding to reserve a wedding officiant, minister, or celebrant. While in the off-season (November - March) this usually isn't a problem, we recommend meeting and reserving your officiant 6 - 12 months in advance.
Why reserve an officiant 6 - 12 months in advance?
Reason #1: Your officiant serves as the "master of ceremonies" for the wedding, similar to the DJ at the reception. If you wait to reserve, you may feel pressured by deadlines to reserve with someone who really doesn't fit your personality. Also, your officiant may not share or support your vision of your wedding ceremony. Interviewing and reserving in advance ensures you have hired a wedding professional who will serve your needs, not his/her own.
Reason #2: Ensure that your officiant has a "reserve" officiant or "back-up" minister in case of an emergency. Let's face it: Life Happens! Your wedding ceremony should not be affected by an emergency with your officiant, such as: hospitalization, death in the family, etc. For every couple reserving with Affinity Celebrations, we have a reserve officiant scheduled in case of an emergency on your wedding date.
Reason 3: Some officiants reserve multiple weddings on the same date. If you wait until the last minute, you cannot ensure that your wedding won't be #5 on that date for your officiant. Affinity Celebrations Wedding Officiants reserve only one couple per officiant per day. That ensures that should any last minute issues appear causing a delayed start-time, your officiant will remain on-site and NOT rush off to perform another ceremony.
Also, we want to be at our best for your ceremony. If you are ceremony #5 for us on a particular day, we will be exhausted from the other weddings and your ceremony will sound scripted and bland.
Don't wait until the last minute to reserve your officiant. Similar to venues, florists, DJs, & musicians, the best officiants are usually reserved months in advance of your wedding. Don't get stuck with a mediocre officiant when you have time to search for one of the best.
Why reserve an officiant 6 - 12 months in advance?
Reason #1: Your officiant serves as the "master of ceremonies" for the wedding, similar to the DJ at the reception. If you wait to reserve, you may feel pressured by deadlines to reserve with someone who really doesn't fit your personality. Also, your officiant may not share or support your vision of your wedding ceremony. Interviewing and reserving in advance ensures you have hired a wedding professional who will serve your needs, not his/her own.
Reason #2: Ensure that your officiant has a "reserve" officiant or "back-up" minister in case of an emergency. Let's face it: Life Happens! Your wedding ceremony should not be affected by an emergency with your officiant, such as: hospitalization, death in the family, etc. For every couple reserving with Affinity Celebrations, we have a reserve officiant scheduled in case of an emergency on your wedding date.
Reason 3: Some officiants reserve multiple weddings on the same date. If you wait until the last minute, you cannot ensure that your wedding won't be #5 on that date for your officiant. Affinity Celebrations Wedding Officiants reserve only one couple per officiant per day. That ensures that should any last minute issues appear causing a delayed start-time, your officiant will remain on-site and NOT rush off to perform another ceremony.
Also, we want to be at our best for your ceremony. If you are ceremony #5 for us on a particular day, we will be exhausted from the other weddings and your ceremony will sound scripted and bland.
Don't wait until the last minute to reserve your officiant. Similar to venues, florists, DJs, & musicians, the best officiants are usually reserved months in advance of your wedding. Don't get stuck with a mediocre officiant when you have time to search for one of the best.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Congrats to Brad & Erin, Married June 20th
Brad & Erin were married on 06/20/2009 at Country Club of the North in Beavercreek. Congratulations & best wishes for many joyous years together as husband, wife, and family!
Christine of Affinity Celebrations Wedding Officiants officiated. She is a co-founder of Affinity and has been working with couples since 2001.
Pam Vitale is the Catering Director at CC of the North. She was invaluable with solving last-minute glitches and changes at the ceremony site. The unparalleled teamwork of Pam (Country Club), Andi & Christine of Affinity Celebrations, every glitch was solved immediately and the Bride and Groom were unaware of any issues.
Each couple working with Affinity Celebrations Wedding Officiants has an officiant and assistant on-site for both the rehearsal and wedding. This teamwork ensures a smooth rehearsal and prompt solutions to any last-minute issues, without alarming the Bride, Groom, or wedding party.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Feedback From A Wedding Client
This just in from Robin & Scott, married by Rev. Christine on 06/06/2009. This is posted on Christine's LinkedIn profile.
Robin writes: "Christine was everything we were looking for and more. From the beginning, she made it clear that she was available for as much or as little assistance as we needed. Christine did a wonderful job of guiding us through the creation of our ceremony, allowing us the flexibility we desired yet making sure all the details were covered. She is delightful to work with, very professional, and went above and beyond to help my husband and I create our ideal wedding ceremony. We highly recommend Christine to any bride and groom who are looking for their own unique ceremony.
Top Qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative"
Robin writes: "Christine was everything we were looking for and more. From the beginning, she made it clear that she was available for as much or as little assistance as we needed. Christine did a wonderful job of guiding us through the creation of our ceremony, allowing us the flexibility we desired yet making sure all the details were covered. She is delightful to work with, very professional, and went above and beyond to help my husband and I create our ideal wedding ceremony. We highly recommend Christine to any bride and groom who are looking for their own unique ceremony.
Top Qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative"
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