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Get Married for $99 / Renew Your Marriage Vows for $99 The fee to officiate any type of ceremony, any day of the week is $99 The fee to officiate any type of ceremony on a holiday or holiday weekend is $99 There is a $1 per mile travel fee (one way) to any location that does not have a Venice, FL address. Yes, I will travel to Sarasota or Siesta Key or Boca Grande or Englewood or Nokomis or Osprey. There's nothing quite like getting married or renewing your wedding vows in paradise! Beach theme ceremonies, Christian Ceremonies, Interfaith Ceremonies, Non-religious Ceremonies, Romantic Ceremonies and Spiritual Ceremonies (mentions God). Yes, I have done many "short notice" ceremonies. In Florida, only ONE signature is required on the Marriage License, the officiant's signature. I have performed many "just the two of us" ceremonies.

Monday, December 31, 2012

December 31, 2012


On the 31st day of December the following couples exchanged wedding vows . .

Cristine C Stefko and John K Bona

Jennifer L Blackburn and Donald S Miller

Melanie B Scolnick and Robert M Flickinger

December 31, 2012

N is for new.  New furnishings for your new home.  Before you walk into the home furnishings department of a store or into a furniture store you, as a couple, should decide what type of home you want to create, what type of furniture you like (or don't like), and what, if any, furniture you plan to bring along or use from your previous apartment or home.

December 31, 2012


This Bride loved to baked cookies during the holiday season so the theme of her surprise December bridal shower was "Baking holiday cookies with Amy."  Each guest was asked to bring a batch of "Cookies Swap" treats plus that cookie recipe and then some type of gift associated with baking cookies (cookie cutters, parchment paper, rolling pin, pot holders, etc).  Each guest was given a large decorative box as they departed so they could take some of the assorted cookies home with them.  What a great theme for a bridal shower!

Find holiday cookie recipes, fun tips and print-at-home tools for your cookie swap at http://www.DominoSugar.com

Sunday, December 30, 2012

December 30, 2012

Whether you are going on your honeymoon by train, plane, bus or automobile here's an easy snack to pack.  All of your favorite munchies in one container . . potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn clustered with thick chocolate and chewy carmel.  Ymmmmmm

This product can be ordered by calling 888-473-8659 or  by clicking on http://www.FunkyChunky.com

December 30, 2012

M is for Marriage License.  Before you said, "I do."  a couple must apply for a Marriage License.  So, before you walk into the County Courthouse to apply for that Marriage License you should be aware of what you will need.  In most states you will need at least one form of photo identification, a birth certificate and/or a passport, and proof that you are not married (previous partner's original death certificate or original divorce dissolution).  I strongly suggest applying for your Marriage License at least two weeks in advance, if possible, of your wedding date in case something goes wrong.  And, yes, I know of at least two examples of "something going wrong."

And here's another bit of advice . . you need to create "a will" to protect your new partner.  And creating "a last will and testament" before your wedding date is a very good idea, especially, if there are children, property, and large savings accounts involved.


Saturday, December 29, 2012

December 29, 2012

On the 29th day of December, Shannon M Easter and Nicholas R Simonson exchanged wedding rings.

December 29, 2012

L is for lingerie.  Traditionally, the Bride was presented with an assortment of beautiful lingerie at her bridal shower.  And either the Bride's Mother or the Groom's Mother presented the Bride with a matching peignoir (a loose fitting coat) and gown set at the lingerie shower to take on her honeymoon.



December 29, 2012




What a great take home favor after your holiday wedding reception or renewal of vows dinner. 

 You can make them in advance of your event and put them in the freezer
 or you can purchase an assortment of decorated cookies from your favorite bakery.

Friday, December 28, 2012

December 28, 2012

K is for kitchen.  Small kitchen appliances, kitchen tools, and kitchen accessories.  Your bridal shower or wedding gift registry should reflect your current lifestyle.  If you like to bake cookies then you will need some cookie sheets, a food processor, a hand or standing mixer, mixing bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, oven mitts and cookbooks.

December 28, 2012

A gift card for holiday ornaments or even a tree is the perfect bridal shower or wedding gift for a couple who are getting married during the holiday season.  Deck the halls with bright shiny ornaments and twinkle lights.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

December 27, 2012

J is for jewelry.  Traditionally, the Bride and Groom give each other gifts of jewelry as wedding gifts to each other.  The Bride is usually given a pearl necklace or diamond earrings to wear with her bridal gown and the Groom is given engraved cufflinks or a watch.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

December 26, 2012

Mary Ann Santiago and Arne M Johnston said, "I do" on the 26th day of December.

December 26, 2012

I is for invitation.  An invitation to an engagement party or to a wedding ceremony or to a wedding reception or to a renewal of vows dinner is considered "social" stationery.  Social stationery should not have a commercial or business look, the envelope should be handwritten or printed with a "handwritten" looking font.

December 26, 2012

Say "Thank You" to your parents or your Maid of Honor or the Aunt who is helping you plan your holiday wedding and reception with a box of Godiva chocolates.

This custom assortment can be ordered in three sizes . . 8 or 16 or 32 pieces.

For more information about creating this custom assortment of chocolates and truffles go to http://www.Godiva.com or

visit Godiva.com/locations for the retail boutique locations and exclusive products.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

December 25, 2012

Serve your favorite holiday treats as dessert at your December or January engagement party or wedding reception.  These holiday baking mixes can be made in advance, frozen and then served at your event.  The baked goods can also be put into decorative bags and given out as favors to your guests.  These baking mixes can be purchased through Stonewall Kitchen.

Stonewall Kitchen has a large variety of cupcake, fudge, pizzelle and cookie mixes.  Everything from chocolate peppermint fudge to whoopie pies to s'mores brownies.

These items can be ordered through http://www.StonewallKitchen.com 

December 25, 2012

What a great wedding gift for a Bride and Groom who just moved into a new home.  Deck the halls with a Balsam Holiday Wreath with a big red bow.  This item can be purchased via The Vermont Country Store.


This is item # 61133

.  The wreath comes with an over-the-door hangar and measures approximately 24 inches in diameter.
This item can be ordered through http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

or by calling 800-564-4623

Monday, December 24, 2012

December 24, 2012

The "12 Days of Christmas" Tea Towel Set is a perfect Thank You gift for the person who hosted your bridal shower or engagement party during the holiday season.  This lovely set (three different designed towels) can be ordered via Stonewall Kitchen.

The towel set is item # 600953

It can be ordered via http://www.StonewallKitchen.com

or by calling 800-207-5267

December 24, 2012

A ring that sparkles hidden in an assortment of Godiva chocolates equals, "We're engaged!"



This LUXURY BOX EMBELLISHED WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS can be obtained from Godiva.
It is item # 75957.  The box holds two layers of chocolates and truffles.  The chocolates can be ordered via
http://www.Godiva.com or by calling 800-946-3482.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

December 23, 2012

On the 23rd day of December, Mary Ann Santiago and Arne M Johnston became a "Mr. and Mrs."

December 23, 2012

When you host a bridal shower or wedding ceremony or wedding reception or renewal of vows dinner at your home during the holiday season your front door should be "warm and welcoming" to your guests.

The "Cordless Square Wreaths on Ribbon" and the "Artisan Christmas Soldier"
 decorations can be purchased from
http://www.GrandinRoad.com

or by calling 800-491-5194

Saturday, December 22, 2012

December 22, 2012

What Bride and Groom wouldn't like to have holiday decorations as a wedding gift?

This beautiful ornaments can be ordered from Frontgate, outfitting America's finest homes since 1991.


or call 800-626-6488

Thursday, December 20, 2012

December 20, 2012

What adorable table favors for a November or December or January engagement party or wedding reception or renewal of vows party.  These items are available through Stonewall Kitchen.

Pure 100% Grade A Medium Amber Maple Syrup

Polar Bear bottle is item # 553675

Gingerbread Boy bottle is item # 553509

Penguin bottle is item # 553676

These items can be ordered via http://www.StoneWallKitchen.com

December 20, 2012

Every memorable event has a WOW factor, and this could be your WOW factor for a holiday engagement party or wedding reception or renewal of vows dinner or an open house for the Bride and Groom's new home.  This Gingerbread House can be obtained from Stonewall Kitchen.

Assembled Gingerbread House is item # 552195

Kit (you assemble) is item # 552196

These items can be ordered through http://www.StonewallKitchen.com

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

December 19, 2012

A great way to end your overnight PJ bachelorette party is with homemade pancakes and real maple syrup.
And here's the best part . . it's something that can be done quite easily and quickly.

The pancake mix and the 100% pure Vermont maple syrup can be ordered through the Vermont Country Store.

The pancake mix comes in buckwheat, buttermilk or whole wheat.

 The maple syrup is available in several different size bottles.

You can order these breakfast items via http://VermontCountryStore.com

December 19, 2012

The combination of colorful serving dishes and an assortment of holiday themed desserts are the perfect ending for an at-home engagement party or bridal shower or wedding reception.  These holiday serving dishes can be ordered through Grandin Road.

The High Heel Serving Tray is item # 36265 and the High Heel Cake Plate is item # 36264.

These items can be purchased through http://www.GrandinRoad.com

or by calling 800-491-5194

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

December 18, 2012

If you hosting a bachelorette PJ party in December, here's all the snacks you'll need.  This item can be ordered in a six tier or seven tier size from the Popcorn Factory.  Add a couple of classic holiday movies and you've got the perfect party for the Bride and her friends.


The Ornaments Tin and Towers can be obtained via http://www.PopcornFactory.com 

or by calling 800-541-2676

December 18, 2012

What a great wedding gift for a Bride and Groom who are fans of Starbucks coffee and Tazo teas.  These items can be purchased via Wine Country Gift Baskets.  You can purchase these red basket of goodies at http://www.WineCountryGiftBaskets.com or by calling 800-394-0394

This is item # 613.
 The basket also includes hot chocolate, cookies and two Starbucks coffee mugs.

Monday, December 17, 2012

December 17, 2012

On the 17th day of December, Betty J Kluka and Robert E McKenna Jr said, "I do."

December 17, 2012

If you are a couple who like to entertain, especially during the holiday season, then you should add a set of whiteware to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  This Cafe Collection can be ordered from Stonewall Kitchen.  Item # 5623155.

This 16 piece set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, four cereal bowls and four mugs.  Made of porcelain ceramic, the strongest ceramic available but light in weight, it will not absorb liquids or flavors and will not stain.
Dessert plates and soup bowls are also available.

December 17, 2012

What a great table favor for an engagement party or bridal shower or wedding reception or renewal of vows event that takes place in December.  These glass candy canes are available in several colors.  Ornaments and teardrops are also available from Tazza Glass.


For more information about this beautiful art glass go to http://www.TazzaGlass.com

or call 440-570-7172

Sunday, December 16, 2012

December 16, 2012

Now what guest wouldn't like to see a gold box tied with a red ribbon with Godiva chocolates inside at their place setting?  These "perfect for a holiday engagement party or wedding reception" Gold Party Favors can be ordered with a 2-piece or 4-piece chocolate assortment.


These items can be ordered via http://www.Godiva.com

or by calling 800-946-3482

December 16, 2012

Need a gift for a bridal shower taking place in November or December?

Know a Bride who loves to decorate for Christmas?

Looking for a jack and jill shower or wedding gift for a Bride and Groom who love antiques?

These red and green velvet and felt stockings can be obtained from GrandinRoad.

Item # 62013


or call 800-491-5194

Saturday, December 15, 2012

December 15, 2012


Snowflake cookies . . what a great idea for a December engagement party or bridal shower or wedding reception dessert. 

December 15, 2012

Do you know how to pack and mail a box properly?  Whether the item is a bridal shower gift being sent to the Maid of Honor or a wedding gift being returned learn how to send the item so it is received in good condition and properly identified (inside and outside the box).

Friday, December 14, 2012

December 14, 2012

Don't forget to add holiday theme items to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  If you are getting married during the holiday season or just "crazy" about Christmas than here's some items to add to your "wish list."  These red and green Mosser Glass items can be ordered through the Vermont Country Store.

These items can be ordered through http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

or by calling 800-564-4623

December 14, 2012

Need a wedding gift for the December Bride and Groom who have everything?

This illuminated tabletop ceramic Christmas Tree can be purchased through the Vermont Country Store.


This is item # 25121.  It is 13.5 inches tall.

http://www.VermontCountryStore.com or call 800-564-4623

December 14, 2012

Obtain gift cards at a discount or "sell" the gift cards you don't want at http://www.plasticjungle.com.

Many Brides and Grooms receive gift cards they will never use so having the cash to get something they really want is an alternative.  Check out PlasticJungle.com for buying and selling deals.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

December 13, 2012


Do you know how to set a dinner table?  Whether you are setting the table for two people or twelve people, you should know where to place the knives, the forks, the spoons, and the glassware.  Don't know where to find examples?  Go to department or speciality stores where fine china and stemware are sold.  There's also lots of examples by the manufacturing companies that produce dinnerware like Lenox on the internet.  Your dinner table should always be pleasing to the eye.

December 13, 2012

Sometimes just a tiered tray of dessert truffles makes the perfect dessert after your holiday engagement party or wedding reception.  These truffles can be ordered from Godiva.


To ordered an assortment of truffles go to http://www.Godiva.com
or call 800-946-3482

Some of the flavors are:  Chocolate Lava Cake, Creme Brulee, Chocolate Eclair, and Red Velvet Cake.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

December 12, 2012

H is for honeymoon.  Before you decide to travel by land or sea or air you should discuss your honeymoon plans with a travel agent.  A well-informed travel agent will point you in the right direction and share their past travel experiences.  Not only can the travel agent help you with package deals, seasonal rates, and travel locations but they can also provide you with information about obtaining a passport plus recommend appropriate luggage or suitable accessories and/or clothing for the trip.

December 12, 2012

If you've got a variety of empty bottles and some candles, then you've got the beginnings of a great centerpiece or focal point.  These empty bottles become candle holders with some wrapping paper and ribbon.  What a great idea for an at-home engagement party or ceremony or reception. 

December 12, 2012

Don't forget to add a variety of holiday linens (tablecloths, napkins, hand towels, kitchen towels and placemats) to your bridal shower or wedding gift registry.  These weave reversible tablecloths, napkins, and placemats can be ordered from the Vermont Country Store.


 Various sizes of square, oval, oblong, and round tablecloths are available
These items can be ordered through http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

or call 800-564-4623

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

December 11, 2012

On the eleventh day of December, Chloe C Kolody and Casey L Wydra became Husband and Wife.

December 11, 2012

G is for gowns, bridal gowns.  Every woman is beautiful when she walks down the aisle in a bridal gown.

December 11, 2012

Need something cute to wear to a December bachelorette pajama party?

Know a Bride who is crazy over Christmas?

Know a Bride who is going someplace cold to go skiing on her honeymoon?

These red flannel PJs can be ordered through The Vermont Country Store.

These Lanz Printed Flannel Ski PJs are item # 62591
This item can be ordered through http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

December 11, 2012

Your Matron of Honor (and only attendant) has "a little black dress."  And when she adds this red jacket and a pair of red shoes, she has the perfect outfit for you December wedding.  This open weave jacket can be purchased from Acorn On Line, telephone number 888-870-8047.


This jacket is item # 16655.

It can be ordered through http://www.AcornOnLine.com


Monday, December 10, 2012

December 10, 2012

Serve these beautifully crafted petits fours with coffee and tea at your December engagement party.

Divine Delights Petits Fours are "A Taste of Heaven."

These can be ordered through http://www.DevineDelights.com
or by calling 800-4-Heaven

December 10, 2012

Need a gift for your bridesmaids?

You love your flower girl, and you want to give here something very special, so she will remember walking down the aisle at your December wedding?

Your future Mother-in-law has gone beyond the call of duty in helping you, and you want to say "Thank You."




Today's charms are tomorrow's heirlooms.

Rembrandt Charms offers thousands of handcrafted charms in silver and gold.

Available at your local retail jewler.

December 10, 2012

F is for Father . . Father in law . . and formal wear.  Yes, all the men in the wedding party should wear the same level of formality of wedding day apparel as the Groom.  Every man looks handsome in a tuxedo!

Sunday, December 9, 2012

December 9, 2012

Don't know what to buy the December Bride and Groom who have everything?

Need a Thank You gift for the lady who hosted your December bridal shower?

Know a Bride who is just crazy about Christmas?

These Holiday 2012 Tea Towels (set of 3) can be ordred from Stonewall Kitchen.


Item # 600954 (set of three)

http://www.StonewallKitchen.com



December 9, 2012

Here's a cute and clever way how to create place cards and/or table cards for your holiday wedding reception or renewal of vows dinner.  And here's the best part, your guests have a personalized ornament to take home (and you don't have to buy a table favor).



Sharpie Metallic Marker.

Great on dark surfaces.


December 9, 2012

Who said boutonnieres have to be a flower?

The Groom said he wants something different, well here's different!

Yes, Santa Claus and tuxedos go together during the holiday season.

This Classic Santa Pin (that lights up Santa's nose) can be ordered from the Vermont Country Store.


Item # 45735 Santa Light Pin

This item can be purchased through http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

or call 800-564-4623



December 9, 2012

E is for etiquette, etiquette that applies to engagements, pre-wedding events, wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Etiquette means "applying common sense" to the scenario.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

December 8, 2012

The following couples were married on the 8th day of December . .

Patricia A Desanctis and William J Cook Sr.

Marcella S Becker and Kevin P Stitzel

December 8, 2012

D is for down comforter.  And who wouldn't like to receive one as a bridal shower or wedding gift?

December 8, 2012

Need some accent pieces for your wedding reception tables? 

Want to add a little something to the decorations on the mantelpiece when you renew your wedding vows?

Looking for the perfect decorative item for the foyer for you holiday at-home wedding or reception?

These items can be ordered from ACORN ON LINE.

The Berries and Greens Oil Candle is item # 16820.






December 8, 2012

Pair this red sequinied cardigan with a black skirt or a black dress and you have the perfect outfit for your holiday engagement party, rehearsal dinner or morning after brunch.  The Bride should always look and feel special!

And here's the best part, you could also wear this red cardigan when you go out to dinner on Valentine's Day.

December 8, 2012

Have your bridesmaids wear a gold sequined top with a winter white or black shirt and they've got a lovely outfit for your holiday wedding.  And here's the best part, it's definitely something they can wear again!  Lots of appropriate tops can be found at http://www.AugustSilk.com






Friday, December 7, 2012

December 7, 2012

On the seventh day of December Christine Woods and Michael Whitacre said, "We do."

December 7, 2012

C is for champagne flutes.

Let's toast the Bride and Groom!

Let's toast to years of joy and happiness!

December 7, 2012

What a cute bridal shower or wedding gift for less than $15!


This wedding cake ornament can be personalized with wedding date and names.

Item # 342572 can be ordered from Miles Kimball



December 7, 2012

A wedding gift should reflect the Bride and Groom's lifestyle. 


Know a Bride and Groom who loves "the great outdoors"?

The gift card is item # HK233T

The gift card can be ordered by calling 800-541-3541 or

Thursday, December 6, 2012

December 6, 2012

B is for bridal shoes

C is for comfortable and classy bridal shoes

and D is for don't forget to bring along an extra pair or two for dancing

December 6, 2012

Three magical words put together . .

CHOCOLATE   GODIVA   SANTA



Looking for a cute table favor for your holiday wedding reception?

The Santas are available in Dark or Milk Chocolate. 
Milk Chocolate is item # 75986
Dark Chocolate is item # 75999

These items can be ordered through http://Godiva.com 

December 6, 2012

Looking for a bridal shower gift for a Bride who is getting married in December or January?

The Traditional Granny Gown is item # 14235 and the Sleep Cap is item # 14238.

These items can be purchased through the Vermont Country Store.

http://www.VermontCountryStore.com

or call 800-564-4623

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

December 5, 2012

Need a WOW factor for your for your Renewal of Vows ceremony?

Looking for the perfect decoration for your mantlepiece for your at-home wedding ceremony?

These Dover Antique Gold Candlesticks and Canterbury Candle Rings can be purchased from GRANDINROAD.


Candlesticks (set of five) are item # 46434

         Candle Rings (set of five) are item # 46435

These items can be ordered through
http://www.Grandinroad.com

December 5, 2012

Don't know what to get the bridesmaid who is always late to social engagements as a Thank You gift?

Need a gift for a Bride and Groom who like to travel?

How about an alarm clock!  R i n g!  R i n g!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

December 4, 2012

Tis the season to get engaged . .

Do you want to select your own sparkler?

Would you prefer to be completely surprised?

Or would you rather give him serious hints of what type or style of engagement ring that you prefer?

December 4, 2012

Want to decorate your holiday wedding ceremony or reception entrance with something that will catch your guests' eyes immediately?



This lovely fresh holly wreath can be ordered from Stonewall Kitchen. 

The wreath comes in two different sizes, 18 inches and 24 inches.




Monday, December 3, 2012

December 3, 2012

Blooming potted plants make beautiful centerpieces at winter wedding receptions.

The Red Lion Amaryllis and the Ziva Paperwhites bulbs
 can be ordered from Stonewall Kitchen.  White amaryllis bulbs are also available.

Place your order via http://www.StonewallKitchen.com

December 3, 2012

Thinking about printing your own wedding invitations?

Are you planning on addressing your wedding invitation envelopes on a printer?

Are you planning on creating your own menu cards for your reception table?

May I suggest the HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One to make this project faster and easier?



Sunday, December 2, 2012

December 2, 2012

Don't forget to add a Cuisinart Blender to your bridal or wedding registry.  It's a kitchen applicance you can't do without.

December 2, 2012

Looking for a camera to take on your honeymoon?  Start with NIKON

December 2, 2012

Know a Bride and Groom who are moving into a new home this holiday season?

Need a gift for one of your co-workers who is having a surprise bridal shower in December?

What couple wouldn't like an assortment of jewel-toned holiday ornaments as a bridal shower or wedding gift?

This item can be ordered from GRANDINROAD, call
1-800-491-5194 or go to http://www.GrandinRoad.com.

The 18 piece "Jeweled Romance Ornament Collection"
is item # 62019.








Information provided by:  Simple Seaside Ceremonies
                                       Venice, FL
                                       941-412-4114
                                       http://www.SimpleSeasideCeremonies.com