1.In which states and communities are you licensed to officiate ceremonies?

I am a professional wedding officiant and am commissioned in the whole state of Florida to perform ceremonies or solemnize vows and to notarize documents. I will go to any state or country to perform a non-legal ceremony such as a vow renewal, commitment ceremony or divorce ceremony as long as travel fees and accommodations are paid for in full up front.

2.Can we read or hear your ceremony before our wedding day?

Absolutely! I usually include a minimum of 3 ceremonies (after your deposit has been paid) to choose from based on the information you give me regarding the type of ceremony you want, your personality or beliefs. I also supply additional vows, readings, and unity choices if applicable. You also get a final copy by email on or before the wedding day as a keepsake. Express Ceremonies excluded.

3.Will you allow us to write our own vows?

Yes. I ask all clients if they would like or feel comfortable saying a few words one to another. In some cases I encourage members of the family or bridal party to participate in a short reading if they are comfortable doing so. It breaks up the ceremony and adds additional meaning to it. This is totally up to you and based on your comfort level. Remember I will be there to help you no matter what you choose.

4.Do you have a back up officiant on call, in case of an emergency?

Yes, I have 1 English speaking male. My husband, aka The Hubs. I also refer clients to other officiants in their area if I am already booked or if the venue location is more than 100 miles away and/or the client does not want to pay the additional travel and incidental fees. Please be advised when you are referred to other officiants, you will be subject to their fees as my fees are still lower than most officiants.

5.Do you normally attend the reception?

ONLY upon invitation of my couple and based upon my availability. I do get regular requests to attend receptions ( I love food and cake) and am honored to be invited.

6.How long does the ceremony usually last?

You have a choice of the length of ceremony, again based on your individual taste, comfort level, budget and needs. I have ceremonies from 5 minutes to 45 minutes. I am available to do longer ceremonies. Premium ceremony price applies as minimum price point. Please remember that if you have a bridal party their entrance and exit can add 5-15 minutes to the total time of ceremony portion. Additional speakers can add 5 minutes or longer and songs can add 5-10 minutes as well.

7.Will you marry couples of different faiths or previous divorce?

Absolutely. I am not hindered by my client’s beliefs. I will marry you as long as you have a legal wedding license and I believe you are doing it for love. I will not perform ceremonies for persons looking solely to get papers as it is a big problem in Florida. These arrangements usually end in divorce and/or broken homes and bitterness. I have talked to enough people on a daily basis getting divorced. My goal is to help balance the scale. I will also perform ceremonies for those that have already been legally married, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, including same sex ceremonies. I do not judge you based on how many times you have been married or even if you are expecting. I am here to help you have a wonderful wedding ceremony.

8.What documents do I need to bring to our first meeting?

Always bring, your valid state id or passport. Your marriage license, if you have it at that time, your wedding survey, any ideas or questions, the love of your life, your deposit and a positive attitude.

9.How long after the ceremony do you file for the official marriage license?

Generally No later than one to three calendar days after the ceremony. (The state allows up to 10 calendar days after the wedding). I will also email the couple a scanned copy for use if you are trying to add your spouse on health benefits usually within 48 hrs of the ceremony upon request. Most companies only give a 30-31 day window for Qualified Status Changes. *also referred to as Life Events or Mid Year changes.

10.What kind of pre-wedding counseling is required, if any?

There is no pre-wedding counseling required in Florida, however I am a big advocate of it. I can only suggest you do it. I don’t offer it. It is your marriage, your commitment, your decision. I am not licensed to provide it, but have access to an extensive list of providers that are accepted and approved by the courts right  here on my website. In the state of Florida, they only require a four hour course. However there are providers that offer a series of classes that may extend for several weeks. Find what fits best for you. Taking a pre-marital course also allows you to get a marriage license without waiting for three days if you are a resident of Florida and discounts the cost of the license by about $32. More on Pre marriage courses.

11.How many weddings do you officiate a year?

I officiate wedding ceremonies in addition to working from home promoting and reviewing books for authors and being a care giver to my MIL. I average around 30-50 or so a year. As my business grows, so will the number of ceremonies, however, I will not book so many as to lose the quality that should be given to each couple. I do not book more than two a day if extensive travel is involved. The most weddings I have performed in one day was 4.

12.How far are you willing to travel? Is there a travel fee?

I can only perform legal wedding ceremonies in Florida. So I can go as far as is feasible for both the customer and myself within this state. Weddings outside of the Metro Orlando area may have travel fees if I must travel 20 miles or more. I will usually only travel up to 150 miles to do a wedding in the state of Florida. Incidentals will apply. For non legal ceremonies, (vow renewals, ceremonial weddings,commitment ceremonies, etc) as far as my client needs me and is willing to pay.

13.What is your event cancellation policy?

No money back policy for cancellation of ceremonies within 8 weeks or 2 months of the requested service if said cancellation is initiated by the customer, for any reason. Cancelled ceremonies from 9 weeks  prior is subject to a cancellation penalty of ½ of amount paid not including the deposit. Full money back if I cancel and cannot find a replacement officiant.(Refund to be issued within 14 business days of cancellation if requesting money order or within 5 business days if by PayPal- Paypal fees are not refunded).Deposit is non refundable. The amount available to be refunded is any amount paid in addition to the deposit only. Unless supplies were purchased. If supplies were purchased then the cost of the supplies will not be refunded if I cannot return them for a refund.

14.What is your customer satisfaction cancellation policy?

TBD. If you are married at the end of the ceremony or a ceremony has been performed, my obligation has been fulfilled.

15.What are your standard payment terms?

Credit cards are accepted thru PayPal invoicing or PayPal Now only in USD (fees are the responsibility of client} for any and all fees incurred, services requested and/or received from I DO Weddings by Sheri for your ceremony, no later than 48 hours prior to start of ceremony. Checks are never accepted. Money orders and cashier’s check, are also accepted, but not preferred. Gifts are always appreciated and Gratuity is also appreciated and  is accepted in (USD) cash.

16.What makes you different from other local wedding officiants? Why should someone hire you?

I love performing weddings, talking to my couples and sharing in the excitement of a romance that is ready to take that important step. I am easy going and let the customer stay in control of their ceremony. I give my couples the opportunity to create a personalized memorable ceremony and not just listen to a bunch of words that have no meaning to them. This process is more time consuming and emotionally charged than just reading whatever I want for the customer, but the outcome is lovely and the couple comes away happy. I am flexible and helpful and many times go the extra mile to help with making their day as special as it can be. I offer alternative solutions to alleviate stress about budgets like keeping my prices slightly lower than the national average and offering payment plans. I like to keep things simple, fun, yet professional. Your day and your decision to make a life long commitment to another is important to me. I will not take your day lightly because when you come to me for services it will hopefully last for a lifetime. I research ways to incorporate things that are part of who you are as a couple and as individuals. My heart goes into each ceremony I perform. And Last, but certainly not least, My prices are extremely affordable for the quality of service and expertise you are provided.

17.I also perform ceremonies and provide photography for same sex (LGBTQIA) couples. Stress free and judgement free.

You will receive the same amount of time, understanding, love and professionalism I put into all of my ceremonies. I will take into account not only your personalities but your gender association if applicable. I may ask additional questions to make sure that you are properly represented and appreciated throughout the ceremony we create together. I don’t know everything so please feel free to educate me on anything that you feel is necessary and relevant to your wedding ceremony.

18.What is your availability?

I am available currently everyday to perform weddings. To ensure you get the day you want please book as soon as you have your date set. I am booked months to years in advance for weddings and would love to be a part of your day.  I usually answer phone calls between 10am – 6pm. If I don’t answer the phone, please leave a message or go ahead and fill out the wedding request form. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Deposits: Are non-refundable…No exceptions. Deposits start at $100.00 plus the PayPal fee

Scheduling Ceremony Time: I am available to perform most ceremonies with a start time between 10 am EST to 7:00 pm EST. Elopements and Very Intimate Weddings are generally scheduled earlier in the day because larger ceremonies tend to be scheduled later in the day. Ceremonies requested and /or started between 9 pm EST- 8:30 am EST are subject to a $75.00 non-refundable convenience fee and travel distance is limited.

Consultations – Consultations are no longer done in person. To help reduce my carbon footprint consultations are done by video and/or phone

Late Fees: To help me keep my prices reasonable and affordable it is necessary for my time to be respected as well as the time of your guests. Any start time later than 15 minutes than the time booked will result in a $50 per 15 minutes late fee charge. I will not start the ceremony until the fee is paid. Refusal of payment will immediately terminate my services for your event and void any refund of monies paid. You may change your start time up to 48 hrs prior to the ceremony date if I am not booked immediately after or before your ceremony. You may also pay a refundable late fee of $50 upfront that will cover you for 1 additional hour of time if you believe you or your guests will be late. If your ceremony starts on time you will be refunded the $50 through PayPal within 24 hrs of your ceremony.

Cost of your Ceremony: My Ceremony costs start at a very affordable $225.00(USD). Please review the Ceremony page for price options. You are paying for a minimum total time of up to 2.5 hours of my time to perform your ceremony, including arrival and departure, in addition to day of preparation time. This is usually inclusive of driving time, arriving up to 60 minutes early and leaving up to 30 minutes after the ceremony, and getting the marriage license signed. Non-ceremonies are a max of 15 minutes on site. If travel time is extensive then that will be factored into the overall cost.  The fees paid also cover the cost of doing this business: licenses, training, officiant attire, advertisement, website, domain upkeep, the cost of internet, pc programs, mobile devices and pc, travel, consultations, emails, text messages, phone calls, the time it takes preparing the ceremony, editing it to fit your day, social media networking, the filing of your marriage license, and the associated postage and supplies for the filing of the license and indirect yet expected costs of dry cleaning, travel expenses, car maintenance (just to name a few things). Prices are subject to change. With the average cost of ceremonies now between $500-$800 Nationwide. My prices are very economical and therefore nonnegotiable. If my prices are not in your price range please find a service provider who is.

If you are paying a discounted rate for any part of my services, or a charge is being waived, you void any and all refunds of money paid. This is non-negotiable.

Non-Ceremony Option: This is not a ceremony. It's the basic legal words and the signing and notarizing of your marriage license. I will not dress up in a suit or robe or anything that costs me money to dry clean. This can be done sitting down. It is a brief 5-7 minutes meeting. This option has strict limitations and strict travel distances. Available on a case-by-case basis. Pricing starts at $99. Only the couple may be in attendance.

NON- Wedding Ceremonies: (End of Life /Celebration of Life/Letting Go Ceremonies): The End of Life ceremonies or Celebration of Life ceremonies (primarily funerals or memorials) for someone special who has passed. Religious, Spiritual and Non-religious ceremonies available. Best for those with no church affiliation or who have chosen cremation for a loved one or pet. Letting Go Ceremonies focus on releasing of painful, negative, hurtful, habits regrets for the living.

Duties for your Dollars: Please do not expect me to do manual labor, such as setting up chairs, arches, helping dress you or your guests or bridal party. Nor will I provide food/refreshments, serve or seat your guests, cover any of your wedding costs, or waive any contracted fees for service. I will not do informal rehearsals for free right before the wedding or help you line up your wedding party if I have not been hired to do a rehearsal or any such act as fitting for a wedding coordinator or planner if I am not paid and under contract to do so. Any pictures taken are also not available for free. They are for sale to you and your wedding guests and used at my discretion for the purpose of marketing my business. I may share watermarked ones for free for you to use on social media at my discretion.

Contract:Refusal to sign a contract or return it does not negate any of the items listed in the contract. Acceptance of me performing the ceremony, verbally, by text, or by email,  doing a rehearsal, signing the license and/or taking pictures binds you to all rules set forth in the contract including payment. If full payment is not made by the agreed upon due date prior to your first event, you are not booked and I am not under contract to show up. You may also be subject to a cancellation fee up to the amount of the services I would have provided. Please read your contract. Please be confident in your decision when you make the payment to book me that you are ready and secure in your relationship to have a wedding. If you have questions please ask. If you have doubts about your partner please work them out prior to contacting me for service. I have no hidden fees. During and after the consultation I restate, verify  and verbally ask that you understand the costs of my services and reinforce that information in writing with emails, a separate PayPal invoice and/or receipt and quote to use for your records. Please be mindful that changes to what was originally agreed upon,(ie: changes to venue location, additional ceremony options, additional guests, day of the week, and time changes) can result in additional fees being incurred.

Payment Plans: Please understand that I offer payment plan options as a courtesy and am under no obligation to do so. I understand that you may have many expenses when planning a wedding. If your wedding is several months away, then it is a good way to keep your budget manageable. I work out a payment schedule and present it to you by email to inform you when the payments will be due. Acceptance of the scheduled payments is binding. You may pay off the balance early.  You may not skip or reschedule payments then ask to pay the payment in full inside of the normal required due dates (30 days prior to the ceremony for non -Florida residents or 14 days prior to the ceremony for  Florida residents). Any rescheduled or missed payment dates are subject to a $25 late fee penalty for each late or missed payment. Late and missed payments are considered a breach of contract resulting in nullifying my requirement to show up at your event and nullifies any refund whatsoever on any paid monies. Failure to pay timely also reverses any discounts applied and only payment for the full current priced services will be accepted if you wish to still use my services.

Booked: Contract signed and returned, Verbal, email or texted agreement to use my services  and all monies received and paid in full

Reserved: This is covered by your non-refundable deposit. This simply holds your date and time and does not allow me to schedule anyone else during your time. The time scheduled usually is 1-2 hours prior to and 1-2 hours after the start time of your ceremony depending on the location and services requested. Reserving your date means I will refuse other ceremony requests during that 3-4 hour period surrounding your start time. Making it impossible to recover any lost income due to the time being unavailable to other clients should you change your mind.

Clergy: I am now an ordained marriage minister through AMM. Please note I have had no formal theological training. I do not have my own church congregation or my own church where I can perform the ceremonies. I am also a notary. I will and do perform religious ceremonies that I feel comfortable performing and have no issues with providing prayers or religious readings during the wedding ceremony that are within my scope of knowledge and comfort level.

Notary: I will marry you and your soon to be spouse if all legal paperwork and my requirements for service have been met, paid for and booked. It is not my business, nor do I have an opinion on whether this is your first or fifth marriage, whether you are expecting or never want children, if you are a couple of different faiths, different cultures, the same gender or if yow are newly divorced. All that is important to me is that you truly love the person you are asking me to perform the ceremony for. I will also perform civil, secular, spiritual, same sex weddings, and non recognized ceremonies such as vow renewals, divorce ceremonies and  commitment ceremonies.

Rehearsals: Start at $125 for 1 hr of time and may include a minimal travel fee depending on location. We should be able to go thru the entire ceremony at minimum 2 times.This includes lining up, processional, and recessional. (everyone needs to be on time) If time permits or I feel  that there is cause for additional practice, then I will request more than 2 trial runs during the same session. Your wedding is important and you have done a lot of planning, so it is important that all of the key members of your bridal party know their role with confidence. Please wear similar shoes to those you will be wearing in the wedding, so you have real world experience in how it will feel on the day of the wedding. If not all parties can be available for the rehearsal it is fine and advised to bring in replacement walkers. Consider recording the rehearsal for those that cannot make it so they can see what is expected of them. Also this may be the first time you have seen relatives, friends or others in person for a while. It is recommended to have your party arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to get a chance to do a meet and greet and welcome and hugs and get that out of the way so it does not take out time from the rehearsal. If you prefer to do the rehearsal on your own, you can pay a $20 fee for instructions on how to run a rehearsal and conduct it on your own.

Refunds: Cancelled ceremonies 45 days in advance of booked ceremony date are eligible for 50% of the cost of ceremony minus the deposit amount. (Deposits are usually $100) (Deposits for Holiday ceremonies are $150). Refunds are paid by PayPal, money order or cashier’s check only within 14 business days of cancellation.

Coordination: is no longer offered as a stand alone service. Please hire a licensed professional to assist with your wedding planning and day of needs. I do offer a wedding pros page to assist destination couples and first time couples find vendors and suggest options for issues or questions they may have regarding their day.

Courtesy: Please remember at all times that we are in a business relationship and I expect to be treated professionally and friendly at all times leading up to and  during your event. If you have concerns please relay your concerns to me directly so I have the opportunity to work with you towards a resolution. I will maintain a professional, yet friendly demeanor as well. I truly enjoy performing weddings and getting to know my couples. I am not in this just for the money. This is my sole source of income and not just something I do on the side like many officiants. Just like you would not expect to work for someone that does not pay you; the same courtesy applies to my business. I thank you in advance for any gifts or tokens of appreciation and future referrals received. Your day should be spectacular, meaningful and enjoyable for you and your guests.

Payment: Acceptable forms of Currency- US DOLLARS ONLY Acceptable forms of payment- PAYPAL CASH, CREDIT, CASHIER’S CHECK, MONEY ORDER. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL CHECKS BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS NON NEGOTIABLE. You are responsible for the current PayPal fees of $4.88 and up per transaction. PayPal fees are cheaper than paying our Florida sales tax of 6.5% and I do not charge a 20% hospitality service fee or include an 18% gratuity fee like many vendors who service tourists and provide destination (vacation) services. If you have agreed to a payment plan, all payments must be made timely. Remember, a $25 late fee will be incurred for missed and late payments and will be seen as a breach of contract and nullify my obligation to show up to your event and any money paid will not be refunded.

Gratuity/Gifts– {Per the Knot and Weddingwire} – Just like with your other pros, tipping your wedding officiant is optional—but expected. Typically, $50 to $100 is standard for wedding officiants, $100-$300 for clergy and you can give it to your officiant when you pay them in full or just before or after the ceremony. Standard Gratuity, (18% or higher) Hospitality (Service Tax 20%) and Florida’s tax of 6.5% Is NOT charged on any of my services, Although I still pay income tax. While not included in the price, gratuity and gifts are always welcomed and extremely appreciated.   I also love cake, so cake, cupcakes, or gift certificates to Sweets or local cupcake shops are also appreciated. I also love cultural mementos from my couples who come from other countries. Cash, Gift cards for Amazon, Xbox or Xbox Live memberships, Google Play or Barnes and Nobles are also accepted and appreciated.

Pricing Culture: My pricing for ceremonies and photography are purposefully set at a price point that is considered affordable and just a bit lower than most industry standards to avoid unnecessary haggling. Lower pricing does not indicate lower quality. My costs are set to be affordable for the majority of professional working class couples. This is my only source of income so I cannot afford to negotiate pricing. I by no means live a lavish lifestyle. The prices you see are the prices for the service offered. Prices and rules are subject to change annually.

Discounts: I do offer a 10% discount for active military personnel and military vets. Proof of military employment or past military employment must be shown to get the discount. Discount applies to booked ceremony price only.

My Equipment: I use a high end Samsung Tablet and Kenneth Cole portfolio to perform weddings along with a high end blue tooth speaker carried in a leather attaché bag. If you or your guests damages, steals or ruins my equipment, or my equipment is stolen or damaged while at your event, you will be responsible for the complete retail cost to replace said items(s) and any subsequent court fees to obtain said costs.

Vendor/Venue Disclaimer: As always it is your responsibility and decision to work with the vendor and venue of your choice. I DO Weddings by Sheri will not be held liable for, mediate disagreements or become involved with any dispute you may have with the vendor or venue you choose. Submission or suggestion of vendors or venues for you to choose from also does not guarantee or endorse their availability, quality, prices or service to you. I do not get paid by any vendor or venue to refer or push their services.

Referrals:  I also offer a 5-10% referral gift up to 30.00 to anyone that sends me a couple that books a ceremony or photography with me. Vendors are welcome to enter into a in-kind referral agreement.

CEREMONY DEFINITIONS

Civil Ceremony- a non-religious simple legal ceremony

Elopement Ceremony- when a couple runs away to get married -just two people

Micro Ceremony - A ceremony with the couple and up to 4-6 guests 

Very Intimate Ceremony- A ceremony with the couple and no more than 10 guests

Intimate wedding ...usually 30 or fewer people 

Medium-sized wedding ...usually 50-80 people

Large wedding... usually  around 100-150 people

Grand/Lux/Upscale wedding... usually 100-600 people in attendance,(but can be less). The ceremony will be lengthy with additional entertainment, celebration activities can span several days and the day is opulent in all aspects

Ambush and Surprise Weddings- only one person knows about the wedding. (works best if you have at some time talked about getting married and the other party agrees but no date has been set) The ones I have done have been successful and so much fun!

Vow Renewal weddings - range from just the couple to hundreds of guests and are for reaffirming the original vows and love the couple still has for one another. More times than not it is a celebration of longevity, having a tiny first wedding, wanting a fun non-traditional (ie: themed wedding), or after an indiscretion has happened.

Traditional Religious Ceremony-This ceremony has bible-based words, prayers, and strict rules for how the ceremony is performed and what is included based on the belief system the couple follows

Non-Traditional Religious Ceremony- religious ceremony with a touch of your own uniqueness, additional readings, and traditions, such as hand-fast ceremonies

"Spiritual but Not Religious" Weddings- for those that believe in a higher power, being, or energy and may not actively attend a house of worship or subscribe to traditional thoughts on religion

Non-Religious Weddings-This is a ceremony that has no religious wordings, prayers, or traditions

Interfaith Weddings- This ceremony combines aspects of both couples faiths or beliefs

Mixed-Orientation Weddings- One partner no longer identifies as heterosexual or as cis gender

Same-sex, Same Gender, Gay Weddings- Both people identify as the same gender 

Disclaimer/Non-Liability Statement

Photography is available upon request and subject to contract, photographer waiver and prices in addition to your ceremony prices, if applicable.

*I am an amateur photographer, not a professional photographer.

Please view pictures on my sites and social media to get an idea of the type and quality of pictures you will receive.

I DO Weddings by Sheri/Sly Thomson Photography/SL Thomson Photography/ SL Thomson Wedding Photography reserves the right to use any and all pictures (taken by me, persons employed by me or volunteering to photograph weddings, events or background) for promotion of my business, website, and abilities without permission or compensation to the parties.

I DO Weddings by Sheri/ Sly Thomson Photography/SL Thomson Photography/ SL Thomson Wedding Photography/ SL Thomson Pet photography retain full ownership, all intellectual and copy rights to photos taken.

*Consideration will be given if the client(s)/customer(s) requests that their images not be used online or on certain social media sites.

TIMING: Please allow a minimum of 4 weeks for processing pictures. (although most pictures are received in under 2 weeks) You will be notified by email, text or phone upon completion of pictures. Expect much longer process time in the height of wedding season June-October and January – March. Because I do some weddings and end of life celebrations on weekdays with most weddings and photography on the weekends I can be booked solid with weddings, photography appointments, bridal and vendor consults for weeks at a time.. Please understand this may increase your overall processing time. I will give your pictures the appropriate amount of time necessary to do my best work. I do not send your pictures out to be edited. I do all of that myself. Sneak Peek Pictures-(When Available) I will try to release a few sneak peek pics of your event within 24-72 hours up to a few days of your event to share across social media and with friends. Real Wedding couples may see a Wedding Element Collage- 3-5 pics. You will be emailed the same or can copy it from social media. Most sneak peek pics will be duplicated. One without my logo for personal use and one will have my logo to share on social media. Please post logo’d or watermarked pictures across the internet to avoid your pictures being used maliciously or for free by others trying to sell them or claim as their own. I retain full ownership of pictures and they may not be used for commercial purposes or be sold. Photography Release is available upon request in instances that photography service is booked. Permission to Print(limited Licensing) is also available upon request if your local Walgreens, CVS, Walmart or Quality online or local photo-lab (check out https://www.mpix.com/) requires you to present a document granting you the right to make copies, print or create personalized items of your event such as calendars, mugs, wall art,post on your social media (with logo or photo credit)etc. for personal use only. Please email me (if I have photographed your event) and I will send one within 48 hrs of your request by email. 

The photography fee pays for blocks of time on location to take pictures (when applicable-outside of performing ceremony) and/or additional person employed to photograph event. Cost of in post work editing, the supplies, programs and equipment purchase and maintenance of said supplies, equipment and programs used for taking and preparing your photos. Photos will be available to you by zip file delivered in an email. Due to mail delivery issues with customers not getting the usbs which were usually accompanied by gifts, I have stopped utilizing the mail to deliver pictures. 

IMPORTANT

You will need to have a pc, laptop, tablet or mobile device that has between 2-4 GBS of space available to download your full resolution images. Larger weddings may need up to 8GBS of space available or an 8GB or Larger USB. File downloads can take up to an hour or more. Have patience. You will need to extract the files and save them. I use windows , Google and Android software. I do not use Apple products (MAC or iPhone) so I do not know what the equivalent measures would be. Intimate wedding clients will receive the uncompressed photos by zip file through email, or a series of emailed pictures through direct email or dropbox.

Note: Couples- please research photo poses that you would like to duplicate or use for inspiration to make it easier to have a nice variety of pictures. Couples tend to stand huddled up and use the same poses over and over again so trying this method should help. It also takes less time than trying to get you into poses. You can use pinterest or do a google search for poses. Consider your location when choosing poses.

If you use apple products please click here for instructions on downloading your pictures

My Equipment: I use a Canon DSLR with Canon lenses, flashes and accessories that are carried in a Canon camera bag, A puma bag and Tamron lens bag which are all expensive to say the least. If you or your guests damages, steals or ruins my equipment, you will be responsible for the complete retail cost and any subsequent court fees to obtain said costs.

TOU Wedding content information provided on this site is used for recreational and inspirational ideas for planning your events. You shall not duplicate or copy the website, you shall not copy or duplicate or benchmark or create any derivative of  the name I DO Weddings by Sheri for means of professional sales or business or to confuse visitors into thinking you are me or my business.

Submitting your wedding to Real Weddings: Currently I am only accepting weddings that I have performed. You will receive a separate questionnaire to fill out to provide content and give credit to the vendors you used and want to give credit to. Starting in June 2014 Real Weddings posts will be  done within 6 months of the wedding (to give time for the photographers and video vendors to get pictures back to the couple if I have not taken photos). This way content and inspiration will be fresh. Please inform me if you are interested in sharing your wedding story.Submitting your wedding to Real Weddings

POST LIABILITY  Any information on any post shared on this website is to be taken at your own risk.  I DO Weddings by Sheri, Sheri Thomson, Sly Thomson Photography or weddingsbooksnwine, Weddings Books & Wine or weddingsbooksnwine.com are not liable or to be held responsible for any unfavorable, detrimental or damaging information provided on any post or page of this or related or linked to websites, products, offers or services. Once you have visited this website and/or any page on this site, you are held to and bound by all rules and liability statements.

*All information shared on the Wedding Day Fit posts is not a substitute for your health needs or the care for or from a licensed healthcare provider. Please always refer to your own doctors and practitioners for health advice before starting any fitness, health, weight loss  or nutrition plans. I DO Weddings by Sheri and any website links posted or suggested are not held liable for the accuracy of the content posted therein and are not in any way liable for incorrect or harmful information. By clicking links or following content information found on this site and any linked content, you are doing so at your own risk and are fully accepting the outcome of such be it good or bad. You are also solely responsible for following any terms of condition set forth on the linked sites whether you have read this statement or not.

FTC AFFILIATE STATEMENT  Some blogs or posts I post offering products and sales from major retailers and wedding suppliers are affiliate marketing. These posts usually have affiliate links that may compensate me a small percentage if you click on them and make a purchase. Advertisements on the sides of pages and posts are also affiliate links. Posts that are solely offering a product or service for the purpose of affiliate marketing are usually marked with a pink flower icon and a short FTC statement at the bottom. *Promotions are usually affiliate offers. Links and pictures in these posts if clicked on will take you to offers. If you make purchases after clicking on the offer, I may be compensated a small percentage. I am not responsible for any actions or purchases, disputes or claims that may arise from such action. 

Death is a part of everyone’s life. Many times however, there may not be any affiliation with local churches or organizations, or the desire to grieve publicly in a funeral home or church. Many do not have sufficient funds to do a traditional funeral which may cost upwards of $7000.00. Other people may choose cremation and are looking for alternative ways to mourn, celebrate or recognize the passing of a loved one, anniversary of a death, family pet, or time period in their life where there was a loss, or change.

THE PROCESS

After you have found a location or venue, (available for graveside services and ash releasing ) I will speak to the family and or representatives to try to get a feel for the person. I may ask for social media pages, obituary write ups and just general questions about the life they lived, including cause of death. Then I will work with you to create a ceremony along with an order of ceremony filled with beautiful words and poems, encouraging words or what ever tone you decide is best, along with room for speeches, video or picture tributes, music, candle ceremonies, or other ceremonies of your choice. There will be tears.

End of Life Ceremonies and Celebrations

$350-$500

Adult, Family Member, Child, Friend

Religious, Non Denominational

Ceremony follows a more traditional route, utilizing candle lighting, and extinguishing, prayers, speeches, poems, songs, music

Non Religious

Ceremony follows a more traditional route, utilizing candle lighting, and extinguishing, speeches, poems, songs, music, etc. Void of religion, religious acts or rhetoric

Alternative and/or Spiritual

(General)-non belief specific or Earth, Zen, Culture based

Family Pet

$250

Pets are a huge part of our family fabric, bringing joy and happiness. Their passing can be as emotionally devastating as any other loss