Obtaining a Marriage License in Florida

Here's a bit of information about securing a Marriage License in Florida Most of you may know this already, so it is a refresher. ALL of the Florida Resident couples that utilize the services of LovingUnity receive the Marriage Preparation Course which will enable them to receive a discount of $32.50 off the cost of the marriage license. Not only is the discount great, but it gives couples time - 4 hours in fact - to spend time going over important details of the important matters in a relationship. The course covers raising children or not, financial dealings, managing family and step family issues, general communication, religious views and practices,resolving conflicts, and the expectations of the couple in marriage.

Here's what you need to know about getting a Marriage License in Florida:

• You do not have to be a resident of Florida. The 3 day waiting period is waived for those who reside outside of Florida. Both Bride and Groom must present proof of residency from another state, such as your drivers license.





• Picture ID, and your Social Security Card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.





• Regarding previous marriages, the date of your divorce, or date of spouse's death must be supplied. A certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.





• Regarding the Waiting Period, there is no 3 day waiting period for those Florida couples who have taken the Marriage Prep Course within the last 12 months. There IS a 3 day waiting period for couples who have not taken the course.





• Fee: $93.50 Those couples who have completed the course are entitled to a discount - the fee would be $61.00.





• Under 18, if under 18 but older than 16, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is deceased, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under age 16, the license must be issued by a county judge with or without parental permission.

Fantastic Association of Bridal Consultants Florida Conference

When I am not officiating weddings, commitment ceremonies, renewals, or memorial services, I try to keep current with the wedding industry. This weekend, I have had the opportunity to attend and participate in the Association of Bridal Consultants Southeast Regional Meeting in St. Augustine. The title of the conference was Exploring the Past, and Building the Future. This is a time where I get to hear fresh ideas, meet bridal consultants from the region, and learn from experts in a variety of fields.

The general session today was called "Destiny - What's yours?" presented by keynote speaker Linnytte Richardon Hall, the Wedding Diva, from Who's Wedding is it Anyway from the Style Network. She was fantastic!! The general session was "Shining Bright and Standing Out" presented by Ana Cruz. You may know Ana from AnaCruz.com She is known also from Who's Wedding is it Anyways?" Both beautiful women had presentations that taught us how to value our professions, how to manage our lives and businesses with elegance and integrity. I will post about these glorious woman at a later time, but wanted to just give you a glimpse into the quality of speakers I had the privilege to enjoy.

The workshops I attended in the afternoon on Saturday were "Branding Yourself to Stand Out in the Social Network Ocean" by David Hanscom. WOW, I have so much still to learn! That is why I will always continue going to conferences to keep sharp. Another session I attended was "Cashing In on Customer Service" presented by Elisa Delgardio of A Flair for Affairs. It is always a constant reminder to treat your clients as you would wish to be treated, from first contact to last. The third session today was "2010 Internet Strategy For Your Business" with Joe Lemire of Elyk Innovation, Inc and Chris Kennelly of Kinnetic Productions. I just need to make some YouTube videos for my website or blog!

The evening dinner was at the beautiful Casa Monica. The Swinging 40's offsite event! It was a beautiful hotel, very historic, reminded me of a Spanish Castle, old World, and the meal was wonderful. After the meal, we were treated to a Ghost Tour. The trolleys took us to St. Augustine lighthouse, and to the oldest jail in America. We were entertained by Charlie, one of the ghosts of the past at the jail. Such a busy day!

Tomorrow, we have our general session "Etiquette and Service Revival" presented by Sandra Monahan.Master Bridal Consultants.

I am so glad that I have the opportunity to attend and learn, and I have so many new, exciting ideas for my couples. It is also great to meet and greet other wedding professionals to share so many awesome ideas. I am proud that being a Wedding Officiant in this Industry has been my D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.

Antique Cars and Weddings? Of course!!

If you just love antique cars and weddings, then this is the mix for you!!!

Jennifer and Richard had selected the Crown Plaza for their wedding and just before the wedding, the location closed!! Without missing a beat, they and their wedding planner, Patricia White Davis, located the Four Points Sheraton in Leominster, Massachusetts. The hotel could not have been more accomodating. Kathy, the Banquet Manager, and Joanne the Wedding Hostess, did an incredible job with such short notice and made Jen and Rich so happy and relieved. It could not have been more beautiful! Jenn was so beautiful and Richard was smashing, and the smiles were beaming as they shared their vows. Rev. David Bishop of LovingUnity.com officiated the wedding. They had chosen a religious ceremonny and the bride entered after the reading of Genesis, Chapter 2. In addition to the wedding and reception, the highlight was having their photos taken next to an antique custom automobile. They had planned to ride off into the sunset but the downpour of rain prevented that, but you will see from the pictuers, it was a fabulous car. Enjoy! Congratulations Jen and Rich!

Reiki Infused Custom Wedding for Jaclyn and Greg

I was thrilled when I was contacted by Jaclyn who wnted to have a Reiki inspired wedding. Jaclyn is a Reiki practitioner, as I am, so it was fantastic to work with her to create this unique and beautiful ritual. The weather was not cooperative at the beginning of the ceremony, while we were staking out the four directions, and smudging the area for the couple. The clouds were dark and threatening, but Jaclyn and Greg were determined to be married at Crescent Beach in Maine. Gondiva brought the couple into the area with the blowing of the Conch shell to the four directions. Everyone donned their umbrellas, and the beautiful bride, and handsome groom arrived all smiles. After smudging the area, a group meditation and energy share took place, and an explanation of the elements was provided to the guests. As the couple exchanged the vows they had written for each other, the rain stopped, and a magnificent rainbow appeared. It was if it was on command! The rainbow yet again reminds us that even if there are storms in life, there are always rainbows that can follow. It was so beautiful and was a great backdrop for their wedding photos. After the wedding, the couple was gifted with a Conch Shell from Gondiva, and Greg was successful in being able to blow the shell after only a few attempts! Such a beautiful couple, such a unique ceremony, and I was so very honored to be asked to work with them and create the ceremony of their dreams. Congratulations Jaclyn and Greg, may you be blessed forever.