Carolyn Burke STL Blog

Two weddings in one day - both have unique moments.  The first was at noon at Mount Pleasant Winery in Augusta.  The bride and groom were planning a nice event outside - if only it wasn't raining.  At the time, the staff at the winery was not prepared with a contingency plan and the couple was clue-less as well. We decided to have it under a tent that was set up on a terrace deck.  Staff scrambled to set up chairs, an extension cord for a CD player, and beverages afterwards. Once we were ready, a young adult started to sing the infamous song, "At Last" using karaoke.  It was sweet to say the least.  The groom became overwhelmed when it came time for him to "repeat after me" the vows.  I am sure the rain and being married for the first time at 50 years had a lot to do with his feelings at the moment.  I left under the uncertainty of whatever happened next.  I was not sure where the food or reception area was and I had no time to find ...

The practice of not seeing each other before the ceremony was supposedly derived hundreds of years ago while marriages were still arranged by the parents. The father of the bride was reportedly afraid the groom might flee if his fiancée wasn't to his liking.  So they postponed the "unveiling" until the actual ceremony. The bride and groom may wish to see each other before the ceremony. My experience is most couples (90%) steer away from breaking this tradition, there is a solid reason to follow a more modern trend - taking pictures before the ceremony. You might be getting married in a popular location that only allows 2-3 hours at the site. Once you separate a large group of people (specifically family) - that makes it hard to re-group for certain formal portraits of the wedding party and family members. Think about your time-line carefully. If photographs of you as a COUPLE are important, then you need to consider how you are going to spend time with your ...

I had an unusual wedding guest attend a ceremony I performed in Frontenac, Missouri. The groom's brother was not able to be there, so they rigged up a laptop and video camera and the brother and his family were able to witness the ceremony using SKYPE . This is a videophone service that is free. I wonder if skype can be used if the bride and groom cannot be together during the ceremony. For me, as long as they have their marriage licence and two witnesses present on my end of the conversation, I don't see why not. I am willing to do anything different.

Who knew planning a wedding would be akin to staging a major Broadway production? To help out with your co-directorial debut, I have prepared a cross-section of the wedding day cast of characters. (Keep in mind that most roles can be played by either gender, and by as many people as you want.) This is actually a really long post in five parts. So enjoy . . . The Best Man Best Man/Attendant This guy (and rarely gals) acts as groom's valet (personal aide and advisor) through all stages of wedding planning. He's a fashion consultant, bachelor-party master of ceremonies, and commander-in-chief of the groomsmen brigade. His duties include (but aren't limited to): getting the groom to the ceremony on time; giving the officiant his/her fee after the ceremony; signing the couple's marriage license as a witness; and holding the bride's ring at the altar. He also is famous for his toasting skills at the reception. Maid/Matron/Man of Honor Whether she's b...

One of my first ceremonies to take place in the home of a couple was in April 2006. I found the home with no problem and arrived right on schedule. The front room was their family room equipped with a large television and other qualities that make a house a home. The groom had on a black t-shirt that said   The bride had on a white t-shirt that said   And the best man had a shirt that stated, "If I am the Best Man, Why is She Marrying Him?" So, we gather in the front room and the couple and others are asking, "Where do we stand?" I thought the area right in front of the door was nice enough. We all assemble and I see that the TV is still on. I had to request that they turn off the television. They were like, "Oh yeah!". After the ceremony, I asked what they were going to do after this. The groom said, "Let's go to Outback Steakhouse and celebrate." Oh boy......love is blind.