What is the one piece of advice you would share with other Officiants that helps you create the best, most comfortable & free, most sincere & inspired relationship between your couple and yourself?
Hello and welcome, Carleen! Yes, growing that bond with our couples is fulfilling - I sometimes call it "deeply uplifting." I'm curious to hear more about what methods you use. I like your saying 'mediums' - I'm now wondering about using the various arts to get to know our couples. Interviewing and writing are certainly prominent. What about a couple's drawings, recordings, and more to include in the ceremony, in the reception room, or on the program? Has anyone used visual art during the ceremony creation process?
Hi Carleen, thank you for this wisdom. In forming my officiant's questionnaire, I've been honing in on questions that work with my own writing style and philosophy. I love that we are writers, performers, public servants, and leaders of love in this vocation! The poem you mention sounds like an inspiring part of their ceremony, and great to incorporate your bride's own artistry. Finding out as much as possible about the couple opens the door for such kismet. I'm curious how you use Myspace and Facebook? For research? What's your favorite question on your questionnaire; the one you most look forward to hearing answered? I'd love to hear others' favorite questions from among our group, too! Thanks, again, for joining in here!
I agree with my colleagues in utilizing whatever medium to get to know the couple and develop a good, working relationship. Very often I work with couples via the internet and that first written communication will determine if that couple replies. I offer congratulatory greetings along with information regarding my services which then begins a dialogue that is very warm and open.
In terms of those couples "closer to home", I arrange a personal meeting in my office or the venue of their choice where we can talk. Couples are very open and we develop a relationship that allows me to capture all the information necessary to develop a ceremony that "creates memories to last a lifetime".
Hello and welcome, Alice! Yes, our job is full of tradition and yet, it is necessary for us to be flexible and warmly embrace new technology as officiants: email, tweet, video-chat, podcast, wireless mics, and (the next modality I have not heard of yet!) -- nigh with as much openness as we do our couples! So glad you've joined us!
HI all Officiants
I give out a seven page questionaire . I have been working with and changing these questions over many years . Some of the questions are for him , --some for her . Some for both ,! Always great to see what comes back {AND some are NOT capable of puuting down very much , --sadly , -- Too tough for them to Talk about their feeling s! ,And , -- From many , I am pleased to hear they really enjoyed doing this together . NO , I wouldn't say that it's marriage consulting . , AS , --I do not feel, often , currently that I have been " , INVITED "to take that role in their lives . But yes, I am quialaified wiwh training and yes, somtimes it does lead into paid counselling meetings .
HELLO out there ! Are there any men with us ? I do Hope so ! SARAH BUNNETT - GIBSON OFFICAINT TORONTO >
