Marriage commissioner

I now pronounce you ... ready for some laughs

Sometimes in life, things don’t always go as planned or how we’d like … if you know what I mean.

Flower girls can do the darndest things

Flower girls can do the darndest things

Take weddings for example.

A wedding is one of the most significant celebrations a couple can experience. It’s a time of love, a time of commitment, and sometimes a time for a little bit of an oopsie!

As a marriage commissioner in Lethbridge, I will often advise couples not to be surprised if things don’t go exactly as they hoped. One of the secrets to a successful ceremony and reception is being able to roll with punches, so to speak. Enjoy a laugh if there are goof-ups. I can promise you it’s better than getting upset and allowing little things to cast shadows over your special day.

Officiating at weddings in southern Alberta, I have seen a few surprises along the way that resulted in some laughs – unity candles that wouldn’t stay lit, flower girls screaming and crying all the way up the aisle, sound systems that wouldn’t work.

But I’ve been fortunate enough not to experience the funny moments in these wedding videos.

http://bit.ly/wedgoofs

I hope you have a chuckle or two and if you are looking for a marriage commissioner in the Lethbridge area, I would be honoured to serve as your officiant.

Take care.

A Winter Wedding

Norland Historic Estate, Dec. 30, 2017

Norland Historic Estate, Dec. 30, 2017

The lane leading up the estate. Just about picture perfect for a winter wedding.

The lane leading up the estate. Just about picture perfect for a winter wedding.

The New Year rolled into Lethbridge with record cold temperatures and lots of snow. So much snow I had to store some of it in banks. Snow banks. Along my driveway. Yeah, yeah. That’s a groaner, for sure. But you get the idea.

Still, the weather wasn’t enough to deter weddings in Lethbridge. We Lethbridge marriage commissioners are kind of like the U.S. Postal Service; “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays this marriage commissioner from the swift completion of his appointed rounds." So, on Dec. 30, 2017, I was off to the Norland Historic Estate for a wedding ceremony in an incredible setting. www.thenorland.com/

The interior is really well-lit and has a simple, yet elegant feel to it.

The interior is really well-lit and has a simple, yet elegant feel to it.

Sometimes I am asked about wedding venue options in Lethbridge. To be honest, choosing a location can depend on so many variants that it’s difficult to actually recommend a specific one. It really is dependent on what each particular couple is looking for.

A noticeable trend during the past wedding season was the great outdoors. In 2017, I performed ceremonies in backyards, on farms, at acreage sites and in Indian Battle Park. Of course, at this time of the year an outdoor wedding may not be all that practical. I suppose if everyone bundled up it could be doable. Something around a bonfire with lots of hot chocolate, coffee and tea would be an idea!

However, the Dec. 30 wedding for Kimberly and Don was, as noted, at the Norland Historic Estate … and it was rather a spectacular setting. The house, itself, dates back to 1909-1910. Originally a farm house surrounded by bald prairie, it’s location is now beautifully treed and feels quite elegant.

It was actually my first ceremony at this location, but I have two and possibly three weddings there already set for 2018. I’m looking forward to seeing it in the summer, surrounded by green rather than white! In either colour, I have a feeling the Norland Historic Estate is a pretty unique venue.

Whatever venue you have planned for your 2018 ceremony, it would be my honour to serve as your marriage commissioner and work with you to provide a unique celebration of your special day. If you like to reach out to me, Let’s Chat!