Weddings are beautiful moments filled with love, joy, and cherished memories. As you embark on your journey of planning your special day, it's crucial to choose a skilled wedding photographer who can capture the essence and emotions of the celebration. Wedding photography plays a vital role in preserving the precious moments that you'll treasure for a lifetime. In this blog post, we'll share valuable tips and insights to ensure that your wedding photography is a true reflection of your love story and captures the magic of your special day.

Find the Right Photographer: 

The first step to achieving memorable wedding photography is finding the right photographer who understands your vision and style. Research and review portfolios to find a photographer whose work resonates with you. Schedule consultations to discuss your expectations, wedding details, and desired photography style. Choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and confident, as this will greatly impact the overall experience and the quality of the photos.

Communicate Your Vision:

Openly communicate your vision, preferences, and must-have shots with your photographer. Share your wedding day timeline and any specific moments or details that hold special significance to you. This will help the photographer capture the essence of your love story and ensure that no important moments are missed. Clear communication is key to achieving the desired results.

Schedule an Engagement Session:

Consider scheduling an engagement session with your photographer before the wedding day. This provides an opportunity to establish rapport, get comfortable in front of the camera, and understand each other's working style. Engagement sessions also produce beautiful photos that can be used for save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, or guestbooks.

Plan a Shot List:

Create a shot list with your photographer that includes must-have shots and specific groupings or combinations of family and friends. Discuss any cultural or religious traditions that you want to be captured. While it's important to have a shot list, also allow room for spontaneous and candid moments that capture the true essence of your wedding day.

Capture the Details:

Weddings are full of intricate details that make the day uniquely yours. Ensure that your photographer captures the smaller details, such as the rings, bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations. These shots add depth to your wedding album and evoke beautiful memories of the thought and care put into every aspect of your special day.

Embrace Candid Moments:

Some of the most cherished and authentic photographs come from candid moments. Encourage your photographer to capture candid shots of you and your loved ones throughout the day. These genuine moments of joy, laughter, and tears will evoke emotions and bring back the memories in years to come.

Be Present and Relaxed:

On your wedding day, be present in the moment and let go of any worries or stress. Enjoy the celebration with your partner, family, and friends. When you're relaxed and in the moment, your true emotions shine through, and your photographer can capture the genuine beauty and happiness surrounding you.

Utilize Natural Light:

Natural light can work wonders for wedding photography. If possible, choose a venue or schedule parts of the day that allow for ample natural light. Soft and diffused lighting creates a romantic and ethereal ambiance that enhances the overall aesthetic of the photographs.

Incorporate Unique Locations or Settings:

Consider incorporating unique locations or settings for your wedding photoshoot. Whether it's a picturesque outdoor landscape, an iconic landmark, or a sentimental location, these settings add depth and significance to your photographs. Work with your photographer to identify locations that hold special meaning to you as a couple.

Have Fun and Trust Your Photographer:

The most important tip is to have fun and trust your photographer. Let go of any worries and enjoy the day to the fullest. Your photographer is there to capture the moments and tell your love story through their lens. Trust their expertise, guidance, and creative vision to deliver photographs that reflect the magic and emotion of your wedding day.

Memorable wedding photography preserves the cherished moments of your special day, allowing you to relive the joy and emotions for years to come. By finding the right photographer, communicating your vision, planning and embracing candid moments, and trusting the process, you can ensure that your wedding photography captures the true essence of your love story and the magic of your wedding day. Invest time and care into selecting your photographer and collaborating with them to create a collection of photographs that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Weddings are a celebration of love, unity, and the joining of two individuals on their journey through life together. Throughout history, weddings have been accompanied by rich and meaningful traditions that add depth and symbolism to the ceremony. These timeless wedding rituals connect us to the past, honor our cultural heritage, and create a sense of continuity. In this blog post, we'll delve into the beauty of tradition, exploring some of the most beloved and significant wedding rituals that have stood the test of time.

The Exchange of Rings:
The exchange of wedding rings is a universal symbol of love and commitment. This timeless ritual represents the eternal bond between the couple, signifying their promise to be there for each other through all of life's joys and challenges. As the rings are exchanged, couples often recite vows or words of endearment, sealing their love and devotion.

The Unity Candle Ceremony:
The unity candle ceremony is a beautiful and symbolic ritual that represents the merging of two families into one. Typically, the couple's mothers light two separate candles, symbolizing the families they come from. Then, the couple takes the lit candles and together lights a larger candle, symbolizing the creation of a new family unit. This ritual signifies the unity, love, and support that will guide the couple's future together.

The Handfasting Ceremony:
Originating from ancient Celtic traditions, the handfasting ceremony involves binding the couple's hands together with ribbons or cords. As their hands are joined, the couple makes vows of commitment and promises for their future. The act of binding their hands symbolizes their union and the everlasting bond they share.

The Breaking of the Glass:
A cherished tradition in Jewish weddings, the breaking of the glass holds deep symbolic meaning. Towards the end of the ceremony, the groom stomps on a glass wrapped in a cloth, breaking it into pieces. This act represents the fragility of life, a reminder to cherish each moment, and the irreversible nature of the marriage commitment. The shattering of the glass is often followed by joyful celebrations and the exclamation of "Mazel Tov!"

The Jumping the Broom:
Rooted in African and African-American cultures, jumping the broom is a powerful tradition that symbolizes sweeping away the past and starting a new chapter in the couple's lives. As the couple jumps over a broom together, they metaphorically enter into a new phase of their journey, leaving behind any obstacles or hardships they have faced.

The Circling of the Fire:
In Hindu weddings, the couple participates in the Saptapadi or the Seven Steps ceremony. As part of this ritual, the couple walks around a sacred fire seven times, each step representing a vow they make to each other. This symbolic act signifies their commitment to love, trust, mutual support, and the seven sacred vows that will guide their marriage.

The Tossing of the Bouquet and Garter:
A lighthearted tradition that adds a playful element to the reception, the tossing of the bouquet and garter is a fun way to involve single friends and guests. The bride tosses her bouquet, and the woman who catches it is believed to be the next to marry. Similarly, the groom removes the garter from his bride's leg and tosses it to a group of unmarried men. This tradition is said to bring good luck and excitement to those participating.

Timeless wedding rituals have the power to connect us to our cultural heritage, bring depth and symbolism to our ceremonies, and create a sense of unity and continuity. These traditions have stood the test of time, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the commitment we make to our partners. Incorporating these rituals into our modern weddings allows us to honor the past while creating cherished memories for the future. Whether you choose to embrace a traditional ceremony or add your own unique twist, the beauty of tradition lies in its ability to unite couples and create meaningful moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.

How to Register and Perform a Wedding in Every State

Are you an ordained minister with Open Ministry and ready to perform a wedding, but unsure about the specific requirements for each state? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of the requirements for registering and performing a wedding in every state in the United States.

Before we dive in, it's important to note that the specific requirements can vary by state and can change over time. We recommend checking the most up-to-date information on the state's official website or with the appropriate authorities.

Here's a general overview of the requirements for registering and performing a wedding in each state:

• Alabama: To perform a wedding in Alabama, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people and signed by the couple and the minister.
• Alaska: In Alaska, you must obtain a marriage license from the marriage license bureau and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Arizona: To perform a wedding in Arizona, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county recorder. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Arkansas: In Arkansas, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• California: To perform a wedding in California, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Colorado: In Colorado, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Connecticut: To perform a wedding in Connecticut, you must first obtain a marriage license from the town clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Delaware: In Delaware, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Florida: In Florida, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Georgia: To perform a wedding in Georgia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people and signed by the couple and the minister.
• Hawaii: In Hawaii, you must obtain a marriage license from the department of health and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Idaho: To perform a wedding in Idaho, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Washington D.C.: In Washington D.C., you must obtain a marriage license from the Marriage Bureau and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• West Virginia: To perform a wedding in West Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wyoming: To perform a wedding in Wyoming, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Illinois: In Illinois, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Indiana: To perform a wedding in Indiana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Iowa: In Iowa, you must obtain a marriage license from the county recorder and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Kansas: To perform a wedding in Kansas, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Kentucky: In Kentucky, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Louisiana: To perform a wedding in Louisiana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the clerk of court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Maine: In Maine, you must obtain a marriage license from the town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Maryland: To perform a wedding in Maryland, you must first obtain a marriage license from the clerk of the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, you must obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Michigan: To perform a wedding in Michigan, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Minnesota: In Minnesota, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Mississippi: To perform a wedding in Mississippi, you must first obtain a marriage license from the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Missouri: In Missouri, you must obtain a marriage license from the circuit court and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Montana: To perform a wedding in Montana, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Nebraska: In Nebraska, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Nevada: To perform a wedding in Nevada, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least one person.
• New Hampshire: In New Hampshire, you must obtain a marriage license from the town or city clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least one person.
• New Jersey: To perform a wedding in New Jersey, you must first obtain a marriage license from the municipality clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• New Mexico: In New Mexico, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• New York: To perform a wedding in New York, you must first obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least one person.
• North Carolina: In North Carolina, you must obtain a marriage license from the register of deeds and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• North Dakota: To perform a wedding in North Dakota, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Ohio: In Ohio, you must obtain a marriage license from the probate court and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Oklahoma: To perform a wedding in Oklahoma, you must first obtain a marriage license from the court clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Oregon: In Oregon, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Pennsylvania: To perform a wedding in Pennsylvania, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Rhode Island: In Rhode Island, you must obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• South Carolina: To perform a wedding in South Carolina, you must first obtain a marriage license from the probate court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• South Dakota: In South Dakota, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Tennessee: To perform a wedding in Tennessee, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Texas: In Texas, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Utah: To perform a wedding in Utah, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Vermont: In Vermont, you must obtain a marriage license from the town clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Virginia: To perform a wedding in Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the circuit court. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Washington: In Washington, you must obtain a marriage license from the county auditor and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• West Virginia: To perform a wedding in West Virginia, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, you must obtain a marriage license from the county clerk and have the ceremony performed by an authorized minister. The ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people.
• Wyoming: To perform a wedding in Wyoming, you must first obtain a marriage license from the county clerk. Then, you can perform the wedding ceremony, which must be witnessed by at least two people.

In conclusion, registering and performing a wedding in each state in the United States can vary in terms of requirements and procedures. As an ordained minister with Open Ministry, it's important to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in each state where you plan to perform a wedding. By following the guidelines and requirements, you can help the couple celebrate their love and commitment in a meaningful and legally recognized way.

A summer wedding is exciting, no matter when it is - be it in June, July, August, or even late September. When you have a summer wedding it allows you the ability to imbue your ceremony with fun themes. On most summer days you’ll be able to capitalize on sunshine and good weather. You could plan your location at a beach or park and incorporate time-honored summer festivities. In our experience, it's why most couples tend to have ceremonies and get married during the summertime.

Since so many of our ordained ministers find themselves performing summer weddings. You’ll want to make sure that your officiant or you yourself have completed the ordination process and received any credentials needed to perform the ceremony. If you haven’t considered a summer wedding, we offer you the following ideas that we think will assist with the warmer weather.

Since not every couple has a wedding planner, we thought we would also share ideas for your ceremonies, appetizers, décor, libations, and refreshments.

Keeping in theme, seasonal décor is a must-have when curating your event. However, one factor to not overlook is your guests' comfort. We have included ideas that can help your family and friends stave off the heat. From décor to a little practical advice, our Summer Wedding Themes has great information for you to consider.

If you’re looking to plan your summer wedding, feel free to get inspired by any of the ideas below. 

Table Fans:

If your ceremony will take place in an outdoor area without shade, you'll need to find another way to help your guests beat the heat.

Stylish Sunglasses:

You can find hundreds of different varieties of sunglasses if you want to go funky, classic, modern, or retro. A few pairs of vanity shades on the table can add fun style to your theme!

Fan Placement Settings:

Depending on your region, summer weddings can get hot! You can incorporate paper or hand fans as décor on your tables to dual serve you and your guests. If it gets hot they can simply use one of the fans on the table to help cool down. You could choose custom printed ones with the couples' names, the ceremony date, or other information for your special day. This can also serve as a personalized commemorative gift. 

Light Colored or Non-Matching Dresses:

While not a décor, if your in-season colors are pink-and-white you can incorporate pastel-colored bridesmaid gowns. It’s easy to mix and match different color shades to keep your theme and color palette visually appealing. You can also match bouquets! Lighter colors will help keep you cooler on a hot summer day! The lighter colors help reflect the sun’s rays. Consider beige and sand, almond and clay, or russet and sepia gowns for your bridal party. Just know that the more thoughtful the attire the more comfort you can provide for your party on a hot day.

Welcome Gifts, Bites & Drinks:

You can always welcome your guests to your wedding by providing summer-themed gifts and seasonal drinks. Consider iced or blended fruit-based beverages, snowcones/snowballs, shaved iced, or frozen pops could also be fun to offer. Your attendees will thank you for the welcome goodies!

Hors d'oeuvres & Libations:

Another fun option for summer events is incorporating fruits into your décor, they add flavor and pops of color wherever you decide to have them. During those hot summer days, fresh or frozen fruits can help add a little extra refreshment for your guests.

Infused Water Station:

Water is the spice of life, during those hot summer days, it’s also a necessity. That doesn’t mean that you need to just serve plain water. Adding sliced cucumber and sprigs of mint will elevate your water stations to the next level. You can also try citrus fruits, such as blood orange, grapefruit, and pineapple. Some great water-infused combinations are strawberry and sage for a sweet earthy taste, or lavender and rosemary for a sophisticated herbal flavor, or blackberry and basil for a fresh fruity style. 

Cocktails:

During those hot summer days, lighter libations will add an extra flair to your event and cocktail hour! You can try doing rose wine with floating petals. For extra hot days, you might want to opt for frozen daiquiris or margaritas! Get creative and think outside the box to create unique and tasty options for your guests to enjoy.

Watermelon:

Sliced and speared watermelon on sticks is a great treat for your guests and also hydrating! You might even want to freeze it to add a little more of a cooling effect. Try watermelon cubes for a quick easy bite.

Oranges:

Freshly sliced and drizzled with sugar or cinnamon, orange slices add spice and color to your appetizer table. Most local stores will have a few different varieties of oranges to choose from, you can select navel, mandarin, or blood orange. Consider dehydrated sugared slices for another option.

Apples:

Fresh apples are a delicious treat for summer weddings, a clean and crisp crunch from a gala, or even the tart punch from a granny smith apple. As a tip, you can mist vinegar on the slices to help keep them from rusting (aka turning brown).

Strawberries:

Everyone loves strawberries! A platter of fresh trimmed strawberries is always a crowd-pleaser. You can even kick it up a notch by adding in a chocolate fountain next to the platter for extra decadence. 

Kumquats:

A sweet citrus fruit often neglected is the kumquat. You can create a nice display with these tart and tiny fruits. They can be eaten whole with little to no prepping, just a little wash and display!

Fruit Platters:

Mix fresh and dried summer fruits, crackers, nuts, jams, and other delectables to create centerpieces for your tables or for tray passing. This is a great way to infuse the colors, flavors, and beauty of our summertime favorites.

Dessert Table:

Have some fun creating a beautifully decorated table for all your summertime treats and sweets to delight your guests! Choose a palette and displays to match. Include flowers for pops of color and decor to stylize the setting. 

Popsicles:

Fruits and fun cocktails aren't the only summer drinks. You can bring some of that childhood flair and fun-ness by serving popsicles. It’s easy to make homemade popsicles. There are fast molds you can use or you can even just freeze a mixture of sugar water, and fruit juices as ice cubes. Consider adding real fruit for extra delight. If you are using sticks you can have custom messages printed or written on the popsicle sticks. The sky’s the limit!

Ice Cream:

A no-brainer for your summer wedding event is ice cream. You could incorporate your wedding cake with a form of ice cream. Sherbets are a great non-dairy option for guests. Ice cream, as it's not only tasty but will also help beat some of the summer heat.

We hope these ideas inspire you and help you to create a most memorable and fun summer wedding!

Outdoor weddings. There’s a huge trend for outdoor weddings in 2021 and that won’t change, even as the weather cools. From garden fetes to tented ceremonies and celebrations, the open crisp air is really the place to be. Plus Mother Nature really likes showing off in the fall so there’s less work to do when it comes to décor. Have your guests get cozy with lots of twinkly lights and plush furnishings. 

TIP to ensure your guests are comfortable, set up a welcome table with coffee and offer fall colored blankets or wraps, to help fight off any chills.

Bold fall color palettes. Rich sapphires, Burgundy reds, and emerald greens, as well as earth tones like sienna, amber, and brass are on trend for fall. It is all about being bold, bright, seasonal and a bit unexpected. 

Think complimentary- 

Cornsilk + Fawn + Kombu Green 
Rose Dust + Tumbleweed + Mn Blue 
Sugar Plum + Coral + Light Salmon
TIP Check out some great color palettes here
https://venngage.com/blog/fall...

Seasonal suits.
Grooms wear is getting funky fresh these days! Think perfectly tailored suits in jewel box shades like rust, scarlet, teal, or aubergine. If you don’t want to wear a full color-blocked suit, a velvet jacket in one of these shades is a stylish and seasonally appropriate alternative.

Dried flower arrangements. 
Yes we have been seeing dried flowers blow up over the last few years and this trend is continuing in 2021. Florists are getting very creative with their arrangements and making extravagant truly beautiful centerpieces. Picture a  fabulous centerpiece with preserved brown sunflowers, braided wheat, and rust-colored leaves. 

2021 is turning out to be a wonderful year full of amazing ceremonies and we can't wait to share Winter wedding trends in our next blog!