One: Confirm the date
Phone / email me to set a date and time and confirm this by paying the deposit.
Two: Ceremony Planning
Make a time to meet with me to explore the shape of the ceremony. If you live outside of Cape Town we can do that by email / skype. We will consider its length, overall feeling, level of formality, as well as the values and qualities you want to honour. We will choose symbols to reflect the meaning you want to celebrate. We can include any special readings / vows and people who you would like to participate in the ceremony.
Three: Ceremony Order of Service
I will take the “raw material” from our planning and draft a unique Ceremony Order of Service which I will email to you for your feedback. We will “bounce” the Order back and forth until we all feel that we’ve got a tailor-made Ceremony that will best express your meaning in this important moment in your lives.
Four: Couples Coaching (optional)
We all have inherited models to review, patterns of relating to reflect on and dreams to set on their way. If you wish to use this opportunity to invest in such work, please arrange this with me. If you live out of Cape Town, I do coaching by Skype.
Five: Paperwork and Documentation
I will send you a form which you need to fill in and return to me with the required documentation which the list explains fully. Please note that I am not permitted by law to officiate at a marriage for which I do not have all of the required documents, and if I receive them too late then you end up watching while I fill in forms instead of drinking champagne and laughing with your friends!
Six: Prenup / Antenuptial contract (optional)
Although optional, this is highly recommended for a number of reasons. If you are going to have a marriage contract then it must be signed prior to your marriage and a letter from the Notary Public given to me.
Seven: Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal (optional)
If you would like to “practice your moves” then please co-ordinate with the venue and book that time with me for the week prior to your wedding. Although it can be fun and helps some people to settle their nerves, others find that a dress rehearsal detracts from the Big Day. Note that there are additional costs for time and travelling.
Eight: The Big Day
I will be at your wedding venue in good time to co-ordinate with the musicians, photographers, venue co-ordinators, etc. and set out the documentation. We will share the beautiful ceremony with your family and friends.
Nine: Marriage Certificate
I will give you the handwritten Abridged Marriage Certificate at the ceremony. If you require and Unabridged Marriage Certificate and / or Apostile for overseas purposes I can apply for this on your behalf and post it on to you when it is processed.
Ten: Have fun and cherish each other
Being married is such a wonderful opportunity. It can be the best fun. But it doesn’t happen by accident and it requires constant investment. So go for it – love, enjoy and cherish each other.