Rev. Fuller's Wedding Blog

September 03rd, 2015

8/27/2014

Alison and John: Florida Oceanfront Oasis in May

7/16/2014

I thought I had officiated ceremonies in pretty much every possible Brevard County venue, so I was a little skeptical when Alison and John told me where they were getting married. I was immediately impressed when I arrived at the Beach Place Guesthouses. What a lovely gem by the sea along A1A in Cocoa Beach!

The owner was so very helpful and pleasant when I arrived for both the rehearsal and the ceremony the following day. He obviously takes pride in maintaining a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing property.

John and Alison's May 31st wedding was a bit on the breezy side, to say the least. Fortunately any truly inclement or blisteringly hot weather stayed away for the festivities. The ceremony was held on one of the ocean view decks, which I consider the perfect spot for a beach wedding. You can hear the sound of the waves (and the wind!), smell the salt air, and enjoy the beautiful view...but are spared sandy feet for the rest of the evening.

Their secular ceremony was one of the most beautiful I've possibly ever witnessed. They read their vows to one another, and I don't think there was a dry eye there...including mine!

Alison and John included the Fisherman's Knot ceremony. They must have put in some serious practice time, because they tied the knot flawlessly. In more ways than one! I don't recall a single hiccup with any part of their ceremony.

Alison's two bridesmaids, one her daughter, were hilarious and kept me in stitches whether they intended to or not. And one of John's men reminded me of the stand up comedians that run rampant in my own family. This was one of those weddings where I felt right at home!

It was also a pleasure to work with accomplished wedding professionals. Christine of Jeff Carr Photography captured their day beautifully despite hair, veil, drapery, and more blowing wildly in the high winds.

The bride made many of the amazing touches I saw on the tables set for the reception, and was attended by two fantastic ladies from Mobella Events hired for day of coordination. They deserve accolades for being not just so helpful and organized, but they took their wind combat duties very seriously.

Congratulations John and Alison!

Photo Attribute: My gratitude to Jeff Carr Photography for the lovely photos!

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Brandye and David: Hilton Elegance in March

5/1/2014

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I don't think I will ever get tired of gray and orange as a color theme for a wedding. And I'm not much of an "orange person." This combination just seems to work so well, especially against the sand, blue, and green backdrop along Brevard County beaches.

David and Brandye were married at the Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront on March 14. They were an absolute joy to work with. This was one sweetheart of a bride!

Their non-denominational ceremony included a lovely memorial candle lighting, blessing of the hands, sand ceremony, and communal pledge of support. I doubt there was a dry eye amongst the guests. This was one of those ceremonies where I saw constant movement with tissues dabbing at moist eyes. Love that!

Photo Attribute: Gift from the Bride

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Natasha and Tyler: Vintage Charm at Front Street

2/18/2014

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Natasha and Tyler were married Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Front Street Civic Center in Melbourne on an absolutely spectacular winter day. I suppose that phrase might raise some eyebrows from the blog readers hip deep in snow right now, but it was indeed a beautiful evening in many ways.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Tyler and Natasha in my marriage education class. They are absolutely adorable and have amazingly infectious smiles. You cannot be in the presence of either one of them for terribly long without breaking into a grin yourself.

I am glad they secured my services before I made the decision to stop accepting new weddings for awhile. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this for the world!

Natasha planned a vintage garden party themed wedding with the help of Ms. Shirley Todd of Serendipitous Events. There were a lot of adorable little touches like the mens' caps and the ladies' gloves. Some of which managed to switch places on a few of the couples when the wedding party made their grand entrance into the reception.

Natasha and Tyler included a Wine and Letter Box ritual in their non-denominational wedding ceremony. They used a bottle of wine from Chicago where they first met for an added personal touch.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father and the couple were attended by a maid of honor, four bridesmaids, a best man, five groomsman and a cute flower girl who flat out refused to recess back down the aisle with the extra groomsmen. The black, ice blue, and white color scheme made the red flower touches by Design of the Times really pop.

Natasha and Tyler invited my husband to accompany me and urged us to stay for the reception as well. I am very touched by their graciousness and generosity. We had a fabulous time and almost fell out of our chairs laughing at the entrance of the wedding party. I loved the choice of "Ain't Misbehavin'"for their first dance. Perfect touch! And you know you're going to have a good time when DJ Shane is the entertainment....and eat well when Chef Anthony of Renaissance Catering is in charge of the food. Their fajita bar may seem something of an odd choice for their wedding theme, but all bets are off when it comes to eating at a garden party. And it was yummy!!

Christine at Jeff Carr Photography was the professional photographer for Natasha and Tyler, but these are not her work. My husband's handiwork allowed me to blog about their wedding faster than usual. I will absolutely point people to Christine's work when the pictures are ready though. I know about a little surprise for the bride that I am hoping to share with others since it will probably result in some pretty funny pictures. I walked into a hilarious scene with the groomsmen when I arrived on site. No spoilers for now, but if you're at all curious you'll have to check out the sneak peek album on their Facebook page in a few weeks. Maybe Christine will include one of those shots...we shall see.

Best wishes to you Tyler and Natasha!!!

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No Easy Way to Say Farewell

1/29/2014

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The final piece fell officially into place this morning, so it is time to make the formal announcement. Although it has happened fairly gradually over the last four years, the change feels somewhat abrupt when I sit down to make the announcement.

We do tend to raise our eyebrows when someone resigns "for family reasons," don't we? But since I am not a political appointee I expect more people will take my word for it. My children have all reached the age where they are involved in multiple activities, especially in the evenings and on the weekends. I have uttered the phrase, "I can't. My kids have soccer." too many times for me to count! The eldest is also off to college in the fall of 2015, so my time with him is limited. Especially considering how much time teenagers give to their parents anyway.

I was recently presented with a career opportunity that allows me to spend more leisure time with my husband and sons, as well as prepare for when these three adorable boys become handsome young scholars...and the price tag that inevitably comes with that transition.

I have, therefore, decided to resign from the ministry and move on to new endeavors. This is not to say I will never return to ministry...never say never..., but probably not until at least 2021 when my youngest packs up his teddy bear and moves into a dorm. Did I just say 2021?!

I am, of course, fulfilling all of the officiating obligations already on my calendar and may entertain the idea of officiating a special wedding from time to time. My legal authority to solemnize marriage isn't changing, so a "you officiated my brother's wedding," or "we're willing to pay your way to Honolulu" may win me over. (Oh, and soccer players or weddings held on a soccer pitch are guaranteed special consideration.)

But I will no longer be actively promoting my services as an officiant or accepting general inquiries, though I will speak with couples who have been referred to me. I will try to be of assistance if my schedule permits.

I have converted my website to one that I hope will provide assistance to both officiants and their clients alike. I remain available for writing, coaching, and mentoring. I will probably continue to add to the blog from time to time so do feel free to contact me with questions and suggestions.

I want to express my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to the 489 couples who have thus far trusted me with their wedding ceremonies. It truly has been an amazing honor!

Here are the names of some officiants, alphabetical order by company name, who serve Brevard County and Central Florida.

Shannon Perez: Florida Beachside Weddings
Dona Grigsby: Love is a Beach Wedding
Renee Silverman: A Lovely Ceremony
Rev. John Bennett: New Path Ceremonies
Teresa Dyer: North Brevard Bridal Services

Many happy returns!
Ann

In my natural habitat...surrounded by soccer players.

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Kristen and Anthony: A New Year Starts at the Crowne

1/23/2014

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Kirsten and Anthony were married at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront on Friday, January 10. As you can see from the photo above, their red, white, and blue, color scheme worked really well against the backdrop of the Crowne's gazebo. The newly bricked patio makes the venue even more elegant.... though my unobservant nature meant I didn't even recognize the change until I'd been there for about twenty minutes! My obliviousness aside, it really is a big improvement over the grass lawn.

Their ceremony began on time which is standard for a Crowne Plaza wedding. Brides who appreciate timeliness take note. A hotel wedding is far more likely to start promptly than other venues you could choose.

Entertainment: DJ Shane
Photographer: Amanda Stratford Photography

The flower girl almost stole the show. I have never seen one perform her duties with such deliberation and diligence. This adorable little girl stopped and carefully placed the petals exactly where she thought they looked best rather than simply toss and go. She never once looked up to see if anyone was watching her or what our reactions were...and there was plenty of grinning and giggling as she made her way down the aisle.

Not all of the giggling was because of the flower girl. I think Kristen couldn't help chuckling when the microphone setup essentially gave me dubs disease. We could hear the words coming out of my mouth followed seconds later by my voice blaring out of the speakers back near the tiki stage. That was a unique challenge I'd not faced before! I had no way of knowing if I was speaking too fast or too slow, too soft or too loud. No complaints so we'll assume it was just fine. Oh, and the recessional was a rousing piece from Star Wars. Brilliant!

May they always be the best of friends and their love for one another deepen over the years.

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Why Do I Do This?

12/12/2013

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Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Bridget Berner

A friend recently asked why I have officiated weddings for so many years since it takes time away from enjoying a lazy weekend. This email I received from one of my brides may help her understand.

Rev. Ann,
I want to thank you for performing the center of our wedding! You were so professional yet completely personable! I knew from our first conversation that I wanted you to marry us. You were helpful and dependable! Plus, your blog and web site has great advice and tips. Our guests asked if I had known you for a while, and they were surprised to find out that we only knew each other from a distance. Thank you from the bottom of my very warm and happy heart. - BMB

That's why! (Though there is something to be said for lazy weekends too.)

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Kimberly and Jeffrey: A Blustery Day at the Beach

12/4/2013

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We are usually blessed with pretty mild weather towards the end of November, but alas a fair bit of wind and rain made its way into our area on Sunday, November 24. The Vista Pavilion at Pelican Beach Park was a little too exposed to the elements to hold the ceremony in the original location. Fortunately, a more sheltered pavilion was available which enabled us to have the ceremony and reception at the same park, so all turned out quite well.

It was also touch and go whether the bride's son would be available with the SpaceX launch imminent. He was able to attend the wedding which I know was far more important to Kimberly than which pavilion we stood under.

Kimberly and Jeffrey's wedding was one of my package weddings, and in fact is my last one as I will be referring future requests to Shannon Perez at Florida Beachside Weddings. I enjoy being able to provide a full range of services for couples who want more than a courthouse elopement, but my schedule is just getting too wild to feel like I can exceed people's expectations when I'm responsible for more than the officiating portion of a wedding.

I have developed an amazing degree of respect for wedding planners, florists, bakers, DJs, photographers, etc. over the years. They have such an impact on not just the experience, but the mementos that preserve the memories. It is a tremendous responsibility! Although I have gotten great feedback on the packages I have done, I have to focus on my strengths as an officiant. Don't underestimate what your wedding professionals bring to the occasion and choose them carefully!

Kim and Jeffrey were attended by their children and Jeffrey's niece as a flower girl. The two littlest girls were absolutely adorable and took their responsibilities very seriously by rehearsing in earnest before Kimberly arrived.

The purple and silver color scheme worked out really well with the alternative location in front of the sea grapes which sheltered us from the worst of the wind. I'm not sure the colors would have been as vibrant and striking against the background of a steel gray sky and whitecaps.

Their wedding included a Family Sand Ceremony and a signing of the marriage license while "Marry Me" by Train was played. I actually had two versions of their ceremony on my Kindle since we really did not know whether Kim's son, Joshua, was going to make it until absolutely the last minute.

Their reception included all of the standard traditions: toasts, cake cutting, first dance, and bouquet toss!

I have to thank my husband, Jamie, for graciously agreeing to be my gopher and photographer. He took over 700 photos in the course of an hour, poured champagne, packed and unpacked boxes, and so many other things I probably wasn't even aware of at the time. All of the photos in this post were taken by him, except the portrait on the beach which I took while Jamie was preparing for the reception.

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Jessica and Matt: Letting Their Personalities Shine!

11/18/2013

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I presided at the wedding of Jessica and Matthew at the Azan Shriners Center on Saturday, September 28. It was such a fun ceremony. I adore it when couples make choices for their wedding that reflect who they are, especially when they celebrate a penchant for humor.

I had officiated Jessica's brother's wedding ceremony in September 2012. It was so wonderful to see Craig and Jessica (yes, another Jessica) again. They looked as happy as a bridesmaid and a groomsman a year later as they did a bride and groom. It really is a great joy and a tremendous compliment when someone inquires about my services because they saw me officiate a family member's ceremony.

I was tickled pink when Matthew and his groomsmen started down the aisle to the Imperial March from Star Wars. Complete with a Doctor Who lapel pin, this groom couldn't have been cuter from my perspective. Just call me Her Reverend Nerdiness and we're good.

Matthew and Jessica were attended by a Best Woman, three Groomsmen, a Maid of Honor, and three Bridesmaids. Not only did Matthew appeal to the geek in me, but Jessica's choice of claret colored dresses reminded me of my favorite football club. Sweet!

They combined their marriage vow exchange with their ring exchange. This might strike some as odd, but it works wonderfully well. Jessica and Matthew liked the idea of The Wine Sharing Ceremony, but made it uniquely their own. Preferring beer to wine, why not change it up a bit and use a lager and a stout instead of red and white wine?

On a side note, their wedding rehearsal was held in what has to be the best Man Cave I've ever seen. No way I'm letting my husband see that and get any ideas!

Images courtesy of Jeff Carr Photography.

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Mind the Cars and Kids at a Home Wedding (Part 2)

11/13/2013

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I began this series with "Are Backyard Weddings a Fabulous Idea...or What?" providing a general overview of some of the needs and realistic expectations associated with home weddings. Let's get a little more specific and talk parking and progeny.

Parking

Most homes do not have a key advantage held by houses of worship, hotels, country clubs, and banquet halls. They don't have parking lots!

Immediately is the right time to cultivate good relations with the neighbors. The host should notify everyone nearby regarding the date and time and how many cars to expect. Some neighbors may offer the use of their driveway for guest parking so as not to clog neighborhood streets. It couldn't hurt to ask!

If this happens, I recommend telling specific guests where to park. For example, "Uncle Bob, our neighbors have graciously offered their driveway for parking. When you come to our wedding, please park in the driveway at 125 Main Street."

Make sure the wedding professionals, such as photographer, caterer, officiant, etc. have a convenient reserved place to park and inform them ahead of time what to expect. An exceptionally courteous and helpful touch would be to put out cones with signage for them.

Informing the neighbors has other advantages besides managing parking. If neighbors are aware of a wedding in advance they may refrain from mowing their lawn or bring a noisy dog inside for the duration of the ceremony.

Private home along the river, just gorgeous!

An adorable pout, but is a temper tantrum on the horizon?

Progeny

Kids are adorable, delightful, whiny, sweet, fussy, precious, precocious...and completely and totally unpredictable at weddings. Their regular personality may or may not be what they present to the world during what amounts to a high-anxiety whirlwind of activity way outside their normal routine. Some will adapt admirably...just don't count on it.

Of course, this depends upon their age, gender, temperament, and role in the wedding. Are they the couple's own off-spring? Is the house their own home or somewhere unfamiliar? Are they guests or participating as ring bearers or flower girls?

If children will be present, particularly infants and preschoolers, absolutely take their basic needs into account. Nap and feeding schedules may suit some ceremony times better than others depending upon the children's ages. Sleepy, fatigued, hungry children are monsters! Though truth be told sleepy, fatigued, hungry adults may not be any better.

Cakes are children magnets. If the wedding cake is where small hands can reach it, small hands will reach it. I have seen this happen at not one, not two, but three home weddings. If no one is watching the children, trouble is on the horizon. You can bet on it!

Make certain someone is designated to supervise the kids. They are very often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of a home wedding unless someone is specifically charged with the task of their supervision. Choose someone who has an easy rapport with children, but the authority to keep their exuberance within appropriate boundaries.

If friends and family are going to be too distracted by the wedding, seriously consider hiring a babysitter or professional child care service that specializes in these types of events. I once changed a diaper while wearing my ministerial robes because no one else noticed a toddler with his drawers dragging the floor. And it was one of THOSE diapers.

Proper childcare and supervision is vital to achieving the objective of an "as-flawless-as-humanly-possible" home wedding. Do not underestimate its importance.

Photo Attributes
Bottom Left: Image Courtesy of Simply In Love Photography
Above Right: Image Courtesy of Matt Shumate Photography, Spokane, WA

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Rev. Ann Fuller

The commentary on this blog is my own opinion developed over years of officiating a wide range of wedding sizes and styles. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.
brevardminister@cfl.rr.com

ASK REV. ANN

Photographers: If you recognize a photo used on this blog for which you have not been properly credited, please let me know immediately. I use images in good faith, but the internet being what it is, they can lose their provenance quickly. I am happy to either remove the image or provide attribution.

If you would like me to use one of your photographs, by all means send it to me and I will work it into a blog entry at some point and link to your site.