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Stoddard: Posted on Sunday, December 04, 2011 5:57 PM
Looking for an unusual, distinctive venue for your wedding?
Check out the Methuen Memorial Music Hall, www.mmmh.org The building houses “The Great Organ”,
once the largest organ in the country and is truly spectacular. The hall was
designed by the English architect Henry Vaughan, who began the Washington
Cathedral, and will impart dignity and grace to your ceremony.
I officiated at a wedding there in October. The acoustics
are fabulous and the staff of volunteers does a wonderful job. Your guests are
certain to be wowed by the surroundings and having an organist playing for them
is special. |
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Stoddard: Posted on Thursday, September 22, 2011 1:01 PM
I often get asked whether rehearsals are necessary. They are certainly not necessary for me. I am comfortable walking into any venue and performing a wedding.as is often the case for the small, intimate weddings where I meet the couple for the first time. Earlier this week I performed a lovely wedding at a beautiful horse barn -- no bridal party and with a simple, beautiful ceremony, no rehearsal was necessary.
But for larger weddings I love to have a rehearsal. The rehearsal allows us to accomplish many things, but most importantly, everyone involved is much calmer for the wedding as all know where to go and how to stand. |
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Posted on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 1:43 PM
I hate to say no, but it seems that I am saying that a lot
these days. “I’m sorry, but no, I am not available for that date.”
I am often asked how
soon one should book a Justice of the Peace. The simple answer is as soon as
you have selected a date and determined a venue. Too often the JP is the last
person booked, behind the photographer, DJ, caterer, and even the florist. Yet
the person who is marrying you is keystone in your wedding ceremony. Don’t you
want to have the person who is your first choice rather than the person you
have to take? |
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Stoddard: Posted on Wednesday, June 08, 2011 11:37 AM
To be successful, your wedding does not have to be in the
swankiest, and most expensive, hotel in Boston. Thankfully, there are many
beautiful venues throughout Massachusetts, some free, to hold your wedding. Following,
in no particular order, are a few of my favorite non hotel venues, some well-known,
some not, some geared for large ceremonies, some only for small, some
expensive, some inexpensive or free. Most can be seen on my website on the FAQ page
The Fruitlands Museum, Harvard – gorgeous views of the
Nashoba Valley |
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Stoddard: Posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011 8:57 AM
The best part of a meeting for me comes at the end. That is when I'll find out about you and your relationship. I'll learn about the journey that has brought you to this exciting time in your lives. I'll try to find out what makes your relationship unique and learn some of the special stories that characterize your relationship. These stories could be about your how you met, your first date, an interesting proposal, or something funny or important that has happened to you together.
I particularly enjoy this aspect of being a Justice of the Peace, for it takes me back to my roots as a counselor, learning and understanding about people. |
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Posted on Tuesday, March 08, 2011 1:09 PM
I usually meet with couples at our home in Littleton. In
warm weather we sit outside in the gazebo overlooking our waterfall and ponds,
accompanied by a greyhound or two if you are comfortable with dogs; in cold
weather we sit indoors in our living room.
I start by finding out your wedding plans. Normally I’ll
know the date and location, but I’ll want to learn the specifics – the time,
whether you are planning a rehearsal, the size and makeup of the wedding party,
the anticipated number of guests, and anything special that you are planning such as the mentioning of important people in your lives who will not be there. |
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Stoddard: Posted on Friday, February 25, 2011 1:13 PM
I am often asked whether a consultation (meeting) is necessary before the wedding. The simple answer is that no, it is not necessary. Officiants often arrive at a ceremony never having met the couple and always try to make their wedding beautiful.
But to have a truly special ceremony, meeting with your officiant is definitely advisable. The meeting allows us to get to know each other, to begin to plan your ceremony, and to answer any questions that you may have. Most importantly, it allows me to learn about you and the special aspects of your relationship. |
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Stoddard: Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2011 11:40 AM
Outdoor weddings have become quite popular in New England. But outside weddings have their own special challenges. You always need a back up plan in case of rain. And you have to consider how your guests will hear the ceremony,especially if the wedding is large, as the ambient noises outdoors can be difficult to overcome.
The best solution is a wireless lapel mike, usually worn by the officiant but strong enough to pick up the bride and groom and virtually invisible in your pictures. A hand held wireless mike can work, but it will tie up one of the officiant's hands and can be a bit awkward. |
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Stoddard: Posted on Wednesday, January 05, 2011 2:38 PM
Weddings can be tremendously expensive and I am always looking for ways to help my clients save money. Hiring competent amateurs rather than expensive professionals is one way. Consider, for example, having an art school student majoring in photography to be your photographer. Recently I have had the pleasure of working with Mass Art sophomore, Brie Burkhart. Brie is a brilliant photographer and because she is just starting out, her rates are more than reasonable and her pictures are fantastic. She is innovative and creative and will do a wonderful job for you |
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