|
|
...changing the way brantford & area brides plan weddings... |
|
JOIN | VENDOR REVIEWS | WEDDING SHOPPE | TIPS&TRICKS | CHAT | MAGAZINE | BRIDAL NEWS | LINKS |
|
|
|
...changing the way brantford & area brides plan weddings... |
|
JOIN | VENDOR REVIEWS | WEDDING SHOPPE | TIPS&TRICKS | CHAT | MAGAZINE | BRIDAL NEWS | LINKS |
|
|
vendor reviews: ministers & officiants
• up-to-date tips and events emailed to you each month • hands-free chat boards registration and set-up • photo avatar for chat profile • free advice from the experts at any time with any problem • enough local tips and information to save you about four months worth of work!
|
Reviewing Lori Siska, Officiant of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies
Lori Siska of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies has been an officiant since 2001, personally officiating over 400 weddings and has played the organ at over 400 weddings. Lori performs non-denominational ceremonies in English or French. Regardless of the high number, each ceremony is unique. Lori has done traditional ceremonies, ceremonies that incorporate blended families, multi-faith ceremonies, and more. We found Lori at a London bridal show and have since spent several hours chatting with her about her approach to ceremonies, her goals for the future, her ideas on how to make each ceremony special...
Dedication Lori will do whatever it takes to make your ceremony speak for you, for your heart. She has married couples in every possible location, from extravagant to a simple backyard wedding. "I like to provide people with another option who want to make their marriage legal but who don't want to go to city hall." She even keeps a decorated archway with flowers in her yard for that very reason. Each ceremony is as meaningful as the couple is looking for.
"I've even married people within twenty-four hours after they've contacted me," Lori explains. At the same time, she has also driven over five hours to perform a ceremony. She is obviously dedicated to marrying couples who are dedicated to each other and ready to make the commitment.
From organ-playing to officiating Lori used to be involved in weddings in an entirely different way than she is now - playing the organ. It was one wedding officiant in particular that made Lori change her career path. "I feel like I was born to do this very job." With her husband often helping at most events, Lori feels confident and settled in doing what she loves.
In order to be able to perform ceremonies in Ontario, you have to be licensed through the government and through an organization such as a church. Lori is a clergy member of the All Seasons Church of Canada. Lori performs weddings for people from any race, culture or religion. She also enjoys performing same-sex ceremonies, "I often find that these ceremonies are much more emotional and full of genuine sentiment. These guests have chosen to be there and it is not because of any tradition that has told them that they should be at this wedding."
A certified bridal consultant Proving Lori's dedication to weddings further, she has been certified as a Bridal Consultant since 2006. Lori uses her professional wedding expertise to help the bride and groom in the months leading up to the wedding day. The cost for her consultant services is 10% of your total wedding budget - which she helps you to develop. "I help because I can, because each wedding is important to me, not because it gives me a reason to charge an additional fee," explained Lori. As a full-time consultant, Lori does the footwork and research surrounding your specific vendor needs so that you have great resources and invaluable advice to help you plan your own wedding.
An open attitude It was definitely Lori's open attitude that not only brought us to her, but also kept us interested in her services. If you're looking for an officiant who is warm, caring and open to your own story as a couple, Lori is the one, "I won't turn anyone away who comes to me and says that they want to get married. I think everyone has the right to be married." Lori doesn't only tolerate differences between couples, she embraces them making each wedding 100% unique.
"I once was asked to perform a Jewish ceremony! I'm not a rabbi but I did my best!" With research and help from the families of the couple, Lori pulled together a Jewish service that was appreciated by the entire congregation. Lori will work within whatever type and style of ceremony you are looking for. She has even performed an outdoor ceremony in the snow! Lori firmly believes that it's your wedding and it should be exactly as you want it to be. She won't impose any of her standards on your ceremony but she has great ways to make your ceremony unique if you are looking for ideas.
Lori told us that she often does short ceremonies for couples who are planning a destination ceremony but want to have done the 'legal' stuff here first before the trip. Others that come to Lori are immigrating to Canada to be with their future spouse and plan to have a more culturally traditional ceremony later. No matter your personal situation, Lori will tailor a ceremony that is fitting for you.
Legalities, paperwork & expenses Lori knows better than most, that getting married comes with its fair share of paperwork - particularly in the case of destination weddings. Getting married 'abroad' means different legalities, paperwork requirements and expenses, and often involves filing the marriage licence upon your return home to Canada. "I can help couples save hundreds of dollars and a LOT of paperwork hassle. I most often perform the ceremony in Canada before the couple leaves for their destination wedding. They have a wedding ceremony in the destination location and ultimately are able to come home with the knowledge that they are legally married and their documents are in proper order." Lori says all she needs is a marriage licence and two witnesses and she's happy to perform the service.
Your many options... Lori's bilingualism allows you to have your ceremony conducted in English or French, and because of the similarities in language, she often performs Latin-American weddings as well. Your options by no means end at language with Lori. She encourages her couples to be as creative as they would like, so any idea you may have for your ceremony is welcomed.
Lori has researched a diversity of wedding traditions and can add those unique touches that make your wedding truly special. She has performed ceremonies where the guests each held a stone. During the ceremony they would infuse the stone with happy thoughts for the couple. At the end of the ceremony, the stones are collected and presented to the couple. Your wedding isn't just about legalizing a relationship, it is also a great way to create meaningful memories for all who attend. And just in case, Lori always brings a box of tissue! She finds that couples never have it when they need it.
Location, location, location... Lori enjoys and encourages holding your wedding ceremony in a unique location - great for photos, memorable for guests, and a great way to choose a location that is meaningful to you as a couple. Some of Lori's suggestions are: on an airplane, in a horse drawn sleigh, on a boat, on a bicycle, on horseback, in your own home, at an art gallery, on a basketball court, by a waterfall, at a castle, at your cottage, on a farm or ranch, in an orchard, at a Renaissance fair, at sunrise or sunset, at a winery... There are also many more ideas on her website at www.romanticweddingceremonies.com.
Simple pricing Pricing for Lori's services is straightforward and simple. She charges $350 for a ceremony and if you'd like to have a rehearsal with her, it is an extra $125. Her price remains the same regardless of the time of year - whether it's a holiday or not. Lori finds that many couples are choosing to get married in smaller weekday ceremonies.
Depending on where your ceremony is located, you may have to budget extra for her travel charges which are $40 per hour. To book your date, she requires a deposit of $100 that is non-refundable. She does ask that you pay your outstanding balance at least one week before your wedding date. With everything else you've got to worry about on the day of, this is actually a great idea! All prices are subject to the addition of GST.
Expanding the services Lori has responded to the needs of her couples. If there's something you're looking for, Lori may be able to help you out or at least recommend someone who can! She has designed marriage certificates, including one for kids to sign as a family certificate (how sweet is that?!), and other keepsakes are available. Lori is also a Canadian distributor for 'The Family Medallion' line of jewellery. This jewellery is used in ceremonies where the bride and groom have children. The Family Medallion is symbolic of a new family coming together, and is given to the children in the ceremony itself. Lori also offers an online store called Ceremony Keepsakes where you can shop from the comfort of your home and have wedding accessories sent right to you. Lori also sells customized wedding invitations and is a certified Massage Practitioner.
"I enjoy weddings so much that I want to be involved in all parts of them...," says Lori. She loves getting involved in many aspects of the wedding.
• Lori recommends booking 6 to 9 months ahead of your wedding date, or longer depending on the season of your date (especially summer to fall). Some 2008 dates are still available. • Lori performs an average of 80 to 100 weddings per year. • Lori requires a $100 deposit non-refundable to secure your wedding date for her services. • Your balance must be paid in full one week prior to the ceremony. • Pre-marriage counseling is not a requirement to be married by Lori. • Lori will dress as requested or appropriate for the location - anything from uniform, to formal, to casual. • Lori will travel within Ontario for your wedding ceremony (charges may apply at $40 per hour), and she also does destination weddings.
Contacting Romantic Wedding Ceremonies To contact Lori Siska for information or to check if she's available for your wedding date, you can call her at 519-680-2429, or toll-free at 1-866-651-0165. She is also available by email at lori@romanticweddingceremonies.com. You can also take a look a her website for some sample ceremonies and more unique wedding ceremony location ideas at www.romanticweddingceremonies.com.
- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca * Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies. |
contact theweddingring.ca
Copyright 2007 Wedding Ring Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Lori
of Romantic Wedding
Ceremonies gives equal ground to all couples,
traditions and marriages
When you book
with Lori, she'll give you sample ceremonies that you can
choose from, or she'll help you develop exactly what you're looking for. Beyond
conducting the ceremony, Lori also organizes
the key people on the wedding day and ensures that you and your groom are ready
and prepared just before the ceremony.
detailsdetailsdetails