From Jenn, at J Costello Wedding Officiants Let’s talk unity ceremonies—the moment in your wedding where you and your partner symbolically blend your lives into one. Some people wonder… are unity ceremonies cheesy? They can be. But they can also meaningful, heartfelt, and often unforgettable. And in our experience? When done with intention and a […]

Wedding, Wedding Tips

August 19, 2025

Unity Ceremonies: Cheesy or Charming? (Spoiler Alert: We think they can be pretty special)

Planning your big day? One of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in making your marriage legal is getting your marriage license. Whether you’re eloping, planning a pop-up wedding, or preparing for a full celebration, here’s everything you need to know about obtaining a marriage license in New York State—straight from your friends at […]

Wedding Tips

August 12, 2025

How to Get Your Marriage License in New York State: A Guide from J Costello Wedding Officiants

By J Costello Wedding Officiants If you’ve seen The Wedding Singer, you might remember the heartfelt chaos and sweet surprises that come with a wedding day. One takeaway you should steal from that classic rom-com? Practice your first kiss—and your celebratory dip—as you walk back down the aisle! It might feel a little silly, but […]

Wedding, Wedding Tips

August 5, 2025

Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t Skip the First Kiss and Dip!

By J Costello Wedding Officiants Let’s be honest: contracts are not the most exciting part of wedding planning. You’re dreaming about your dress, your playlist, your ceremony, and your cake—not scrolling through fine print. But here’s the thing: reading your contracts carefully is one of the smartest things you can do. Whether it’s your venue, […]

Wedding, Wedding Tips

July 29, 2025

Read your contract (Yes, Every Single One)

By J Costello Wedding Officiants You’ve planned every little detail—from your walk down the aisle to the flowers in your bouquet. But when it comes to your ceremony photos, there’s one tiny tip that makes a huge difference: Ask your officiant to step aside right before your first kiss. It might seem like a small […]

Wedding Tips

July 21, 2025

Step Aside, Officiant!

By J Costello Wedding Officiants With all the moving pieces of wedding planning—seating charts, vows, timelines—it’s easy to overlook one tiny but incredibly meaningful detail: your rings. They’re the symbol of your love and commitment, the star of the ring exchange moment, and the one thing you’ll wear every day after your wedding. That’s why […]

Wedding, Wedding Tips

July 15, 2025

Put a Ring (Polish) on It

By J Costello Wedding Officiants When you’re planning a wedding, it’s easy to get swept up in color palettes, cake tastings, and Pinterest boards. But one of the most powerful tools you have during the planning process? Vendor reviews. Before you book anyone—from your photographer to your florist to your officiant—read the reviews. Then read […]

Wedding, Wedding Tips

July 8, 2025

Read reviews and then read them again! 

How to Write Your Wedding Vows (Without Stressing Out)By J Costello Wedding Officiants If the idea of writing your own wedding vows makes you both excited and slightly panicked—you’re not alone. As a wedding officiant, I’ve seen couples light up when they hear their partner’s vows… and I’ve also seen the last-minute scrambles and writer’s […]

Vow Writing, Wedding, Wedding Tips

June 30, 2025

Start working on your vows – now!  

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