Beach Bride’s ISSUE 1 | JULY 2015
FASHION | REAL-LIFE WEDDING | BEAUTY & PLANNING | HONEYMOONS
How Do You Find The Best Beach
Wedding Service
Marriage License Information
How Do I Get a Marriage License?
GUIDE
ASSATEAGUE STATE AND NATIONAL BEACH WEDDING PERMITS The Planning of Your
WEDDING DAY
Make Your Wedding Truly Memorable
WHO WILL MARRY YOU?
2 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
Contents
ENJOY THE PLANNING ...
04
HOW DO YOU FIND ...
07
ASSATEAGUE STATE ...
10
MAKE YOUR WEDDING ...
12
MARRIAGE LICENSE ...
14
ARBORS, CANOPIES, ...
16
WHICH BEACH ...
18
“Since destination weddings usually host about one half the amount of a usual guest list, ..
This is a BIG DEAL, and one of the most important decisions you can make as ...
Weddings are allowed at both the state and national parks on Assateague. You will ...
We know you want your gown to be gorgeous, your flowers beautiful, and your ...
Maryland requires that a marriage license be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s ...
When you have spent years dreaming about the beautiful wedding you have always ....
Saturday Evenings GO VERY QUICKLY so the moment you decide that you want a ...
WHO WILL MARRY YOU?
20
OCEAN CITY WEDDINGS ...
21
Choices abound, as a new ‘Wedding Ministry’ has blossomed. Wedding Officiants, ...
In addition to beach weddings for traditional couples, do you perform same-sex ...
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 3
Enjoy the Planning of Your Wedding Day ‘May your celebration of love, begin at waters edge - and your passions flow as the waves ebb against the shore.’
“S
ince destination weddings usually host about one half the amount of a usual guest list, you save money by inviting only those you truly want to share your special day.” I have seen that sentiment posted in many beach wedding social media sites. Actually you may find just the opposite to be true of Beach Weddings. Couples have found that their friends and family who love them, use their wedding week or 4 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
weekend as a wonderful reason to get away to the beach for the weekend and 95 - 100% of those invited, may show up to celebrate with you. So plan small if that is what you want - or have a tropical wedding celebration to be talked about for a long time to come! Whether it is going to be just the Two of you, or 150 of your closest family and friends with you - a wedding ceremony and celebration on the beach is a joyous way to be different. Just use your common sense as you
talk with the wedding services in the area where you want to be married. Keep these things in mind: Are you responded to quickly, and all of your questions are answered? Are welcomed to ask more questions anytime – at no cost to you ? Does the person on the phone give you help and suggestions without pressuring you to sign a contract right away ? If you feel comfortable with the personality on the other end of the line -
then you should use your own best judgment. Go with the business that fits what you are looking for - the way you want your Beach Wedding to be. After all, it is your wedding, and you need someone locally to help you fulfill your vision of your wedding on the sands of Ocean City, Maryland. ‘May your celebration of love, begin at waters edge and your passions flow as the waves ebb against the shore.’ Pastor Mary Welcomes Love to Ocean City! To find out more about weddings on the beach in Ocean City, go to: Ocean City Weddings. To get answers to your questions, email Pastor Mary PastorMaryMazzullo@gmail.com
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 5
6 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
How Do You Find The Best Beach Wedding Service For
Your Beach Wedding? This is a BIG DEAL, and one of the most important decisions you can make as you begin to plan your Barefoot Beach Wedding. If you live in Ohio, and your dream wedding is at the Beach on the East Coast, you need to find someone you can trust, to help you make the best decisions, and guide you in the direction that will make YOUR dream a reality. First - call the Chamber of Commerce that is local to where you will be married. Tell them what you have in mind, and ask for a suggestion of who they know that comes well recommended. You may even receive the names of two or three services. Then you can compare properly, and get a feel
for who will suit your needs. Email them as well as talk with them to get the best feedback for yourself. Does the Beach Wedding service you are looking at, change their prices to charge weekend couples more than weekday weddings? Consider this: Why should a weekend ceremony be more expensive? The majority of couples want to be married on a weekend. It takes the same time and setup either day.
found that all of our wedding couples plan for exactly what is needed, then the extra money they have is for their fun in town after the wedding. Ocean City Weddings are so much fun. Celebrating your love on the beach in a location that is familiar and has good memories is the best! So, ask questions when you are sending emails.
What I believe is – It is crucial to the couple’s planning, to be up front about all costs involved. Couples coming in from out of town have budgets, and don’t want costly surprises. I have
I always ask my couple to take some time together and do this ~ Close your eyes….. Imagine your wedding day together on the beach. Now keep your eyes closed and talk to each other. What do each of you see? It may sound silly, but trust me – you will be surprised. There will be similarities, there will be differences in what each of you envision. That is the point. Blend both of your visions together, to create exactly the wedding ceremony / celebration that is perfect for both of you! And let me know how it works for you when you do this. It’s fun. More importantly – it helps you understand what you can do together to make your ceremony what each of you wants it to be. Do you want to write your own vows? Is your Minister willing to allow this, or is their ceremony nonflexible. This is something you will want to know before you reserve their services. Can you include additional ceremonies into your wedding, such as the
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 7
Beach Unity ceremony, or the Rose Ceremony? Will you be able to ask a friend or family member to participate by reading scripture or a favorite poem? Do you have a talented musician who wants to play music and/or sing to you on the beach? Then be sure the Wedding Pastor is gladly open to any changes and additions. I prefer to have my couples let me know exactly what they want in their ceremony. Most of the time, they are quite happy with the celebration wedding ceremony I have created, and they want it exactly as is! And that’s fine, because I wrote it to be perfect the way it is – or enhanced by the couples wishes. Beach Brides also need a photographer to capture their wedding moments. Sometimes a couple may want a relative who has a good camera to take the pictures of the day. Let me tell you why that may not be your best choice, after having seen couples who “wish they would have” after the fact. It is understandable, especially in this economic climate we are
8 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
experiencing, to want to save money on the cost of a wedding. And you ARE doing that, by choosing a Destination Wedding to Ocean City. Using a friend or family member as your photographer may not be a good idea because: Their photos can turn out great of family events, but they aren’t trained in what to capture at a wedding. There are details that a wedding photographer will automatically capture that a novice won’t even think of. Beautiful decorations captured artistically, the emotions on the faces of guests as they are caught up in the wedding are just a couple of tiny details that a family member or friend may not get, as they are also watching the wedding. You want everyone you love, to be there to enjoy your wedding day – not work it! Those are just a couple of hints as to WHY you want a seasoned Beach Wedding Photographer there capturing your wedding day. Our Beach Brides receive all of the images that were captured during their wedding ceremony, to keep
forever. Each of our wedding couples will not only have all of their photos, but they also get to choose when they want to have them printed, how many they want printed, for whom they want to print them, and in what sizes. Our Brides receive a shared copyright release from the photographer. You will have a written copyright use so that you are not questioned or refused printing when you go to have your photos printed. The photographer will also have those rights retained in case they want to show them as their work, or use in a competition. The goal of all Beach Brides should be to have the most relaxing and fun – sentimental and romantic wedding possible in the beaches of Ocean City! Your memories should all be wonderful and positive as you look back on your wedding day. Your Wedding Day should be perfect for you. We look forward to making that so. Be thorough as you examine all costs and benefits involved. No surprises are a good thing. Contact Pastor Mary: PastorMaryMazzullo@comcast.net
Beach Brides also need a photographer to capture their wedding moments. Sometimes a couple may want a relative who has a good camera to take the pictures of the day. Let me tell you why that may not be your best choice, after having seen couples who “wish they would have” after the fact. B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 9
Assateague State and National Beach
Wedding Permits W
Click here to find out more about weddings at the state park of Assateague.
Assateague State Park (on the north end of the island) allows weddings and other special events on the beach in the Day Use area, however any areas of the beach are not sectioned off for such events. Access to the beach must be available to the general public at all times. Permits are not required, but guests are asked to contact the Park’s Headquarters at :
Special events are prohibited within National Park Service areas without a permit. Requests for special events within the National Seashore must be made in writing, using the Special Use Permit Application Form. A $50.00 application fee is the minimum fee charged. Additional costs will be billed at the termination of the permit. Performance bonds and liability insurance may be required. Please allow adequate time for processing and mailing permits-a minimum of 10 business days. An area at North Ocean Beach in Maryland has been designated for special events, such as weddings and beach parties. Call the ranger station of the National Park Service at 410-641-3030 for more information.
eddings are allowed at both the state and national parks on Assateague. You will need a permit and there may be some rules to follow. Make sure you get your permit a few months in advance.
(410) 641-2120 ext. 10 at least a week in advance of the event.
For additional information regarding permits and specific requirements or questions send an email with your questions to PastorMaryMazzullo@gmail.com
1 0 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 11
MAKE YOUR WEDDING TRULY MEMORABLE Judith Sherven, PhD and Jim Sniechowski, PhD
We
know you want your gown to be gorgeous, your flowers beautiful, and your party joyous, and they will be.
But will your guests — will you — remember those things several weeks later? As disappointing as this may seem, that’s not what people will be talking about even the day after. Nor is it what you’ll be talking about over dinner together on your first wedding anniversary. It›s your unique ceremony, your special vows, your creative personal touches that will make your wedding unlike any other. That›s what will make your wedding exceptional and truly memorable. That›s what people will talk about for months afterwards. 1 2 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
When you express your unique one-of-a-kind love in front of those who’ve come to witness your transformation into a new life, it reinforces their certainty that you know what you are doing, and you are ready for marriage. That’s the kind of teary-eyed joy your guests want to feel about you and your future together.
Why? Because they will have been touched. They will have been moved by the depth of your heartfelt commitment, your vulnerable, emotionally sweet connection. So, what feels right for you? What will express your special love, publicly demonstrating the real romance you share? Perhaps you’d like to write secret love letters to each other and read them during your ceremony.
You might want to share some of your favorite memories of each other from the early weeks of your budding love. Your vows could include a few reasons why you love each other. When you express your unique oneof-a-kind love in front of those who’ve come to witness your transformation into a new life, it reinforces their certainty that you know what you are doing, and you are ready for marriage. That’s the kind of teary-eyed joy your guests want to feel about you and your future together.
And those are the kinds of treasured memories you and your guests will talk about for years to come. If you’re ready for a wedding guide that honors both bride and groom and gives you permission to create the wedding of your dreams from engagement through the honeymoon, Judith & Jim invite you to download a 2-chapter excerpt from their latest book, The Smart Couple’s Guide to the Wedding of Your Dreams. Just go to: smartweddingcouples.com B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 13
Marriage License Information How Do I Get a Marriage License?
M
aryland requires that a marriage license be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the county where the marriage is to take place.
It is recommended that you contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office in the county where you plan to marry as each county has different fees.
The Requirements for Worcester County are as Follows •
Only one of the parties needs to appear
•
The fee is $35.00 cash (or money order) only.
The Following Information Must be Provided by Either the Man or the Woman •
The full name of each party.
•
The place of residence of each party.
•
State or Country with providence of birth of each party.
•
The age of each party ID is required for both parties (Driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport).
•
Whether the parties are related by blood or marriage, and if so, the degree of relationship.
•
The marital status of each party.
•
Whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage (to include a copy of any divorce decree).
You will be given three copies of the marriage license, which the official performing the ceremony will complete. Instructions for completion and distribution are on the copies of the license. If you would like a civil ceremony, please note that there are no justices of the peace in Maryland. Only the Clerk of the Circuit Court, or an appointed, designated Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, or a judge may perform civil ceremonies. If it is not convenient to visit the Clerk’s Office in the county where the marriage is to take place, you may apply for a license using a Non-Resident Marriage Affidavit form for Worcester County. This form must be taken to the Clerk of the Circuit Court or comparable official where you reside. A “comparable official” would be a public official in the State, County, or Province where you reside who issues marriage licenses or performs the same duties as the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Maryland. A notary public’s affidavit is not sufficient, since that official, although a public officer, does not perform the same duties and is not comparable to the Clerk of Court in Maryland. Please call the Clerk’s Office for more information. In Worcester County, the Clerk of the Court and his designated deputies perform civil ceremonies at the Courthouse between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of Holidays. Appointments are required. Upon request, the Clerk of the Court will perform civil marriage ceremonies in the circuit court’s wedding chapel. The fee charged for a civil ceremony is $25.00 cash only.
Certified Copies of Marriage Licenses
•
The social security number of each party. (note: this will be kept in a secure area of the computer and will not be made available for public inspection)
Certified copies may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office or you may request a certified copy by mail. Mail your request to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Marriage Records Department, One West Market Street, Room 104, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
•
Copy of final divorce decree, if applicable.
Please Include in Your Request
The license is issued at the same time the application is taken. The license will reflect an effective date and time at 6:00 a.m. on the second day after issue, and will be valid for 6 months. This means that for a Saturday wedding, you must apply for a license no later than the close of business on Thursday.
•
Names of individuals at the time they were married.
•
Date of Marriage.
•
A check or money order in the amount of $5.50 for the certified copy, made payable to “Clerk of Court.”
•
Your return address.
For further information on obtaining a copy of a marriage license or questions about civil ceremonies, please call the Clerk’s Office at 410-632-5500. 1 4 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 15
Arbors, Canopies, Dance Floors and Chair Rentals for Your Wedding Day
W
hen you have spent years dreaming about the beautiful wedding you have always wanted to have – sometimes it is hard to think about only having friends and family gather with you at waters edge for your ceremony without any accessories to dress up your location. You may be inviting a lot of guests even if it is on the beach, and you want your guests to be comfortable, and their
1 6 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
surroundings enhanced. Sometimes you really want just the perfect arbor to surround you much as an altar would be your stage in a Chapel. For YOUR beach wedding you just want more than sand, sea and sky! Obviously there is just no realistic way to bring all of these items to
Ocean City for your wedding, from your home town – no matter how close it is! So who do you turn to when you need help you make your vision become a reality? There are Party Rental Centers who cater to exactly these needs for you. They will deliver and set up archways and walkways, dance floors and chairs for your wedding
celebration. Doing your homework ahead of time will give you an incredible experience for your wedding. The designs that are portable now – for beach or even lawn weddings are absolutely gorgeous. I absolutely have a favorite of columns. I recently saw a wedding columns arbor setup that was spectacular! It was a unique design, and could encase the entire wedding party, or be open to hold the couple and Officiant, so that all of your family and friends can gather around to witness your ceremony. If I were to do it all over again – I know exactly the one I would choose. There are some weddings that immediately after the ceremony, are heading somewhere else for the celebration with guests. Many locations you choose will have everything you want, already at hand. However, some will not have everything you would like to decorate with. Or you may have something different in
mind. This is another time that a Party Rental place will come in very useful to you. They will be able to fill in with everything that you need. If you are planning a reception at a different location, you will need to know what they have on hand already that you can use, then work with the party rentals to fill in the blanks. Remember to let them know if there are any special requirements. Always be clear about the details of your arrangements – ask questions– and if you don’t understand exactly – ask again. How far in advance they will be doing delivery and setup. Be sure they are handling setup. I had one company leave all the chairs and arbor at the beach walkway, and the wedding party was setting it up when they should have been getting ready.
If you are having item delivered to another location, be sure to arrange that someone will be there to unlock the door to let them in for setup. Double check all prices and amounts of chairs, tables, etc. so that you have the amount needed, not more or less. Ask you representative to fax you a receipt with all items clearly listed. Then CHECK IT!! People can make mistakes, even when using a computer. Every single detail can be planned from your hometown by phone. When you arrive you can be assured that all will be in place and ready for you to just walk out into your wedding – all set up and waiting for you. How wonderful is that?
To contact Pastor Mary directly – PastorMaryMazzullo@comcast.net B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 17
Which Beach Wedding Service DO You Use?
S
aturday Evenings GO VERY QUICKLY so the moment you decide that you want a Saturday night prime time ceremony, Book It Right Away! With Ocean City Weddings it won’t cost you any more than a weekday ceremony - you just want to make sure you have the prime choice of dates and times. Weekend sunrises go quickly too, so reserve them as soon as you know. You should expect to have a couple of choices of wedding services in a Beach Town. Competition is a good thing. It keeps us all on our toes, providing the absolutely best experience for each and every couple who chooses our beautiful beaches for your wedding celebration.
1 8 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
A well prepared yearround local beach wedding service, who is well staffed for a short summer wedding season, is going to be an excellent choice for you. We welcome comparison of our services to those of anyone else. It is YOUR day. You need to choose the service that feels right to you personality. Speaking against a competitor on social media is not an accepted practice for a reputable business, and is generally
because of envy. Steer clear of someone who stoops to that tactic. We absolutely will never be negative about our competitors. We are all here to serve, with good intentions. Having created the first Beach Wedding Service for Ocean City Maryland 17 years ago, I can tell you that I truly love the fun of preparing a memorable wedding day for the couples who flood to our area for their wedding day.
Pastor Mary
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 19
Who Will Marry You?
C
hoices abound, as a new ‘Wedding Ministry’ has blossomed. Wedding Officiants, Celebrants, Clergy, Ministers, Wedding Pastors – so many terms for the person who will perform your wedding ceremony. A Destination Wedding on the Delmarva Coast is a dream of many couples. As you plan from your out of town/state location, take some time to choose your Officiant. The Minister will be important in setting the stage for your Wedding Day. Websites abound with Ordained Officiants. The details of what they offer should be clearly listed for you to read, as you consider which Minister could be the perfect fit for your wedding ceremony. Communication is the key. Pick up the phone and discuss your perfect wedding ceremony. Can you listen to the delivery of their ceremony? Will they adjust it to your requests if needed? An Officiant should be flexible to your wishes and beliefs. If you want friends or family to take part and do a reading for you, or play guitar and sing during the service, your Minister should gladly add in those requests that make your wedding unique and reflect your personality. Making your ceremony enjoyable for you and your guests begins your marriage with wonderful memories. The perfect Wedding Officiant will add to the beauty of your Wedding Day.
2 0 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
Marriage is not about religion, Atheists marry. Marriage is not about procreation. The infertile marry. Marriage is not about finance. It can weave poverty. Marriage is about love. That’s it. And that’s beautiful
Ocean City Weddings Maryland and Delaware Beach Weddings
FAQ
In addition to beach weddings for traditional couples, do you perform same-sex ceremonies and vow renewals? Yes we do ! We were the first, and still among the few in Maryland who have always welcomed same sex couples for commitment ceremonies 15 years ago and now - Finally - Wedding Ceremonies. Vow Renewals are quite popular at the beach, and we love those too. We can also partake in a surprise Beach Proposal, including props, decor, photography and coordination of the surprise for your partner.
We have always welcomed Couples in Love - Period.
D
o you offer discounts for Military Weddings? Active Duty Military receive a 10% discount on the base package price. Proper identification must be presented at time of reservation.
W
hen is the best time to have a Beach Wedding in Maryland and Delaware? The most popular times of the year for an east coast Maryland or DelawAare beach wedding are April- November, with the most ceremonies being held from May through September. Friday and Saturday evenings are the first to fill up. We suggest early morning
and evening ceremonies to avoid crowds and hottest temperatures of the summer. You can certainly get married anytime of the day, morning, noon or evening but coordinate with us so we can optimize the lighting for your photography. We do NOT charge extra fees for Saturday weddings, though we do charge a $100 holiday fee for certain holidays like Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day, etc.
H
ow soon should we reserve our date and time for our Beach Wedding? We will reserve your date up to a year in advance. Your retainer will secure your date and time. For our most popular months (June
through August), you may need to plan 3-9 months in advance. If you make a decision on short notice that you want to be married on a Maryland or Delaware Beach, just send us out an email or leave a voice mail. We can always fit in another ceremony. “Spur-of-themoments-Ceremonies” are a lot of fun. We often have ceremonies planned two days ahead.
W
here is Ocean City Weddings located? The office is located in Salisbury, Maryland. We will be there for your wedding ceremony (vow renewal, etc.) on any of the Maryland and Delaware Beaches, from Assateague Island National or State Seashores on the southern end, to Ocean City, Fenwick Island
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 21
MD. or DE., Bethany Beach, Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach and all the way up to Broadkill Beach, DE.
done we have only experienced cheers and applause from people on the beach - and that includes same sex ceremonies.
H
s there a permit required to get married on the beach?
ow do we Reserve our Maryland or Delaware Beach Wedding, Vow Renewal, Surprise Engagement or Photo Shoot? Once we have together decided on the package that is best for you, as well as your preferred date and time, we will confirm the availability. There is a Reservation Form will be emailed to you as soon as you request one. Simply fill it in and return to our address. We accept personal checks and credit cards through PayPal. A retainer is required with your Reservation. When received, we reserve the date and time specifically for you. This retainer is non-refundable. Your final balance is due 30 days prior to your event. Payment in full is required if you are scheduling less than 30 days ahead. Yes. All beaches in Maryland and Delaware are public beaches so we cannot reserve any part of the beach. If you are concerned about crowds, the shoulderseason months of April and May/ September and October would provide you with not only less people but also typically nice weather. Even during our busiest tourist months, most people leave the beaches by 5-5:30 pm, so the evening weddings typically have less people on the beach (still lots on the Boardwalk). We can recommend some beach locations that may be less crowded. Rest assured, in all of the weddings that we have
2 2 | B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E JU LY 2 0 1 5
I
Some beaches require a permit, and may or may not require a fee. We will send you the list of locations available and fees associated with each beach town location. These fees are the responsibility of the couple. This information is on our website. Ocean City, MD. does not require a fee, but requests a permit be applied for. This only helps the couple so there are no event conflicts. We recommend Ocean City, as there is no fee, and there are miles of beach locations to choose from for your ceremony.
W
ho performs the ceremony?
Pastor Mary – or an affiliated Ordained Officiant, hand selected by Pastor Mary and the Ocean City Weddings team. Our Officiants are ordained as Non-Denominational, so that they can welcome all religions, and perform Civil ceremonies as well. We prefer to have the flexibility to design the ceremony that each couple chooses, without restrictions.
W
hat does the ceremony consist of? Our Ocean City Wedding Officiants ceremonies are updated and more currently phrased version of traditional vows. Your ceremony is presented as personally as possible, from your Officiant.
Your ceremony is worded to share a romantic exchange of your chosen ceremony and vows. You can choose a Minister Only ceremony or for a small additional fee, include the Rose Ceremony, Beach Unity Ceremony or the Blessing and Tossing into the Sea of Seashells. The Blessing of the seashells includes all of our guests, as everyone will enjoy joining you at the water’s edge to toss the shells in the ocean after your ceremony as a way of blessing your future. We give you a list of vows to choose from, or you can write your own and then you have the option of repeating your vows after the officiant or reading them to one another from a printed script. Our ceremony & ceremonial rituals of the Rose Ceremony, Beach Unity Ceremony and Seashell Blessings are only available with use of our provided officiant.
C
an we hire only an Officiant, without decorations and photography? Absolutely! Our officiant will host your marriage or vow renewal ceremony and file your marriage license, if applicable, after the ceremony. We will be glad to meet you at the location of your choice. Setups are not available for Minister Only ceremonies.
C
an we write our own vows?
Yes, we encourage couples to be creative and personalize it as much as you like. We also send a list of various wedding vows, ring vows and vow renewals to choose from upon receiving your reservation and retainer.
C
an we have a friend read a poem? Yes, you can have a Friend/ Family member read a poem, sing, or lead in prayer. Please make us aware of this special request in advance so we can coordinate it with the officiant for a smooth ceremony.
C
an our ceremony be customized to include friends, family and children? Most definitely. You may choose your own ceremony inclusions. All inclusions/additions must be sent to us in a minimum of 14 days prior to your ceremony so that we can work it into the creation and printing of your ceremony that you are given as a keepsake of the day. Feel free to include ring bearers/flower girls and boys, attendants, special tributes, etc. Should you need a personal consultation with our officiant for a customized ceremony, we can arrange that for a fee of $150. It’s all about you, so personalize it and make it yours!
H
ow do we get fresh flower bouquets?
We provide suggestions of local florists in our Tried and True dependable Vendor List.
W
ho takes the photographs and what will our picture package consist of?
All of our Ocean City Weddings Vow Renewal and Wedding Ceremony packages include photos taken by our team of professional free-lance photographers. We currently
have a team of 5 photographers who have each been with us for 3 to 14 years. All photography packages include an edited folder of your photos (with copyright release) to download and print as you wish, when you want and in the sizes you prefer for each image. We do not have a predefined package of sizes and amounts, and no requirements to purchase any images from us in the future. You can share your photos with friends and family, by simply giving the same link we have sent to you. Your completed edited folder of wedding photos will be delivered to your Inbox for download, approximately 3 weeks after your event. That’s right, unlimited wedding photos! We strive to provide our clients with quality photos… however weather conditions may affect the outcome. If you are scheduled for a sunset wedding and arrive more than 15 minutes late, the amount of pictures able to be taken will be compromised. Additionally, current clients may hire our photographer for special sessions while you are in town - for engagement photos, pre-wedding photos, family sessions on the beach, reception photography and even “trash the dress” sessions (which of course we have great fun with!). Upon booking with us, let us know your interest in any of these special sessions and we’ll customize a discounted quote for you. Our incremental photography services ARE available for hire without a signed service agreement for a ceremony. Refer to our Photos page for more details on these sessions. A photo CD may be requested for a $100 fee.
W
hat is the copyright release? Per US copyright law, as your wedding photographer, Ocean
City Weddings owns the copyright to your images. We provide you with the copyright release, which allows you unlimited personal use and reproduction of your pictures. You can put them on a website, Facebook, email them to friends and family and print them in the sizes that matter most to you. We also retain full rights. You may not sell these images.
C
an we provide our own photographer? Yes you can. Please let us know who you will be using. We know most of the local reputable photographers, and will guide you away from any we personally feel may not be the right fit for your celebration. Additionally, Ocean City Weddings has the right to take photos of all setups and the couple as well, for our own use. Photographers can be very costly, and photo turn around times can extend up to 3 months, so research the details before you commit to this independent route. If premium photo quality is your highest priority, we encourage you to interview a professional photographer. There will not be a price reduction for declined use of our provided photographer in our wedding packages. Our hand selected photographers are wedding photography professionals, and will give you the best experience you can imagine – your photos will be wonderful!
There are more questions to ask than we can answer here. Send an email with your specific questions to: PastorMaryMazzullo@gmail.com
B E AC H B R I D E ‘ S G U I D E J U LY 2015 | 23
Contact Us
Web: www.yourwebsitecom Mail: yourwebsite@site.com