FAQ
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and where you are licensed? I am a registered nondenominational officiant, licensed through the Universal Life Church, available to help create the wedding ceremony of your dreams in and around New York City and Fairfield County, CT.
How will you work with us to create the wedding ceremony of our dreams? You have already done the hardest part... finding each other! In getting to know you as a couple, I will work with you to create a personalized ceremony full of the traditions and words you want to include and nothing that turns you off. Nothing would please me more but to have your guests walk away from the ceremony thinking they learned more about you and your relationship and to have you walk away confident in building a marriage on the foundation of the words spoken at your wedding. As such, I will meet with you in person (or on Skype if that is more convenient) to discuss the particulars of your wedding and ask you to tell your story to me so that I can learn what is most important to you. I am a journalist by training so I think of this part as an informal "interview." Of course I will be available by phone and email for any questions you may have leading up to the big day.
What kinds of weddings do you perform? I'm interested in all weddings big and small, formal and intimate, indoor and outdoor, and I wholeheartedly support marriage equality.
Are you willing to incorporate any religious traditions into our ceremony? Most definitely. I am Jewish, but not a rabbi, so I have the most experience with Jewish wedding traditions. That said, I would be happy to incorporate traditions from other religions into your ceremony as well and explain them in a way so that all guests will understand and appreciate.
Do you have a set script you follow at each wedding you perform? While I'm more than happy to provide a template and suggestions of how to fill it, I will take the time to craft every element of your ceremony so that it incorporates everything you want, and nothing you don't.
Do you require premarital counseling? While I don't require it, and am not qualified to do so myself, I believe that premarital counseling or at least reading "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman would be a great foundation to get yourselves started on.
How long are your ceremonies? This depends on the number of readings, traditions, length of vows, but somewhere between 10-30 minutes typically.
Do you allow couples to write their own vows? Definitely! Nothing personalizes a wedding more than this and I'm happy to help you as you craft this vital part of your ceremony. I offer basic tips for this for all of my clients who ask, but I also offer comprehensive vow writing and editing services as well.
What is your attire for the ceremony? I don't have a strict wedding outfit, but I generally stick to a navy or black dress. I would be happy to talk with you to see what you prefer.
How far will you travel to my ceremony? I typically perform most weddings in and around NYC and Fairfield County, CT, but my fee varies depending on how long it will take me to get to your venue. There is no additional charge for any venue within 20 miles of Zip Code 06824 (Fairfield), but for those further away, the following fees will apply: $50 for mile 21-34, $75 for mile 35-49, $100 for mile 50-74, and $150 for mile 75-100). If your venue is not located within 100 miles of Fairfield, CT, I'm still willing to work with you, so please contact me to discuss.
Do you have a Facebook page? I do! Please visit: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbyyael
How can we get in contact with you? Please email me at weddingsbyyael@gmail.com or call me at 661-644-0337.
I look forward to celebrating your special day with you!