Casual Elegance

My husband and I wanted our ceremony to be special (Afterall that’s the whole reason for the big day!).And we couldn’t be happier that we found Ed to officiate. In terms of the ceremony, we knew what we didn’t want (something generic, quick and impersonal) but we knew very little about what normally happens/what could happen as part of a wedding ceremony. Ed made a series of comprehensive ‘planning’ documents available to us, which clearly outlined the various options available to us (references to God or not, readings, prayers, vows etc.) These documents were so helpful and made the whole process of picking and planning a customised ceremony so easy! Ed was so accommodating and flexible with us – wanting to simply ensure that our ceremony was the best possible representation of us as a couple. On the day itself, Ed was incredible. As ours was a destination wedding, we didn’t get the opportunity to spend a lot of 1:1 time with our vendors before the big day. That can be a worry, especially when you want a personalised experience. But every single person who attended our ceremony remarked on how well Ed seemed to know us! From our various interactions (over the phone, via e-mail, filling in questionnaire’s about each other, attending our rehearsal etc.) Ed was able to build a beautiful, meaningful and very personal ceremony for us. We were totally immersed in each other and the moment, because of the beautiful words he spoke and the way he delivered them. A thoroughly lovely man, a consummate professional and a genuinely calming presence Ed was an integral part of our day! I will remember him and the beautiful ceremony he created for us, forever! Ed is exactly the type of person you want guiding you through one of the most important moments of your life!

Pastor Ed was recommended by our venue. I read the positive reviews online, so I felt comfortable with this. I emailed Pastor Ed 6 months before our wedding...no response. I emailed again 2 months before our wedding...no response. Checked in with our coordinator and she said she'd reach out to him again and that we would receive a package 1 month before wedding to fill out separately so he can get to know us and cater the ceremony to us. 1 week before the wedding I emailed again...you guessed it, no response. Finally we received a call 2 days before the ceremony. He left a voicemail stating he thought he emailed us, "but in any case, I can cater the ceremony any way you'd like." I immediately called back, but no answer. I left a voicemail requesting a call back and to send the package via email because I never received anything-NO RESPONSE. The morning of our wedding we decided to stop stressing about the fact that Pastor Ed had been completely unresponsive - whatever was meant to be was meant to be. When we arrived at the venue, thankfully Pastor Ed was there! He said, "Sorry I haven't been able to get back to you, it's been a busy week." Not sure where the apology was for the past 6 months, but at this point I was so relieved we had an officiant, I didn't care. Pastor Ed asked me if there was anything we didn't want in the ceremony and if we were okay with humor. I told him we'd prefer a non-religious ceremony and that humor was fine. He then advised that we practice our first kiss before the moment. That was it. No further questions/discussion. I guess since Pastor Ed has been doing this for a long time, he is able to wing it. The entire ceremony he made stuff up saying "I spoke with the bride/groom about__ and they told me__". It all was lies, but at least it sounded good. The end of the ceremony he forgot my husbands name while introducing us as husband and wife and mumbled some random name. We're relaxed, easy going people, but this was unacceptable service.

Something about him was so soothing to me on my biggest day! We could have been so nervous but he kept us calm. He spoke to us a few days before and the morning of and gave us really good tips about how to prepare and what to expect. He tried to get to know us before so he would know what to say on the wedding day and he nailed it. He had wonderful messages of love, so good, that my bow husband wants to watch our video to take notes on the things he said! We were so happy! Thank you, Pastor Ed!

Pastor Ed was phenomenal! He was so kind and caring. Each one of my wedding guests complimented us on our pastor. We had many guests who could not attend, so when they watched our wedding video and saw Pastor Ed, they had nothing but great things to say. He truly is one of a kind and he made our wedding the best wedding I could have ever imagined. Thank you Pastor Ed for doing such a wonderful job! We are forever grateful! Ciara & Nick