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Amanda shares a memorable wedding story where the mother of the bride was significantly intoxicated during the ceremony, offering thoughtful reflections on how alcohol impacts wedding celebrations.

• The mother of the bride had consumed too much champagne during morning preparations
• She treated the wedding ceremony like a call-and-response church service, vocally responding to the officiant
• The groom responded to the situation with remarkable grace, telling his embarrassed bride "She's our family"
• Alcohol is deeply embedded in American celebration culture, particularly at weddings
• Different drinking patterns often emerge between bridesmaids (mimosas, white claws) and groomsmen (shots, beer)
• Legal concerns arise when wedding participants are too intoxicated - couples cannot legally consent to marriage while drunk
• Practical tips for managing alcohol at weddings include limiting quantities, choosing pre-portioned drinks, and assessing your guest list
• Amanda suggests June might become "the month of we listen and we don't judge" for the podcast

If you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast, just send an email to [email protected], and if you're ready to inquire about officiating services for your own big day, you can reach me at [email protected].

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

We celebrate 11 years in the officiating business by sharing milestones in our podcast journey and revealing the scams targeting wedding vendors. This bonus episode combines gratitude for our growing international audience with practical warnings about common industry fraud schemes that nearly ended our career.

• Our podcast has reached 622 listens across 22 episodes with international listeners from the Netherlands, Estonia, Australia, Lebanon, Brazil, Germany, Turkey, and Italy
• Preparing for an upcoming wedding marathon of six ceremonies in 36 hours
• Warning signs of wedding vendor scams include rushed timelines, no consultation calls, and payment amounts that exceed quotes
• Detailed account of a check fraud scam where we were asked to deposit an oversized check and forward money to other "vendors"
• Tips for wedding professionals to protect themselves from fraud through contracts and verification processes
• Advice for couples on researching vendors thoroughly and recognizing suspicious behavior

If you have questions you'd like answered on the podcast, send an email to [email protected], and if you need officiating services, reach out to [email protected].

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

Ever wonder where wedding officiants draw their ethical lines? That dilemma sits at the heart of this raw, unflinching look at one of my most challenging ceremonies - a wedding where the groom showed up sporting a fresh black eye.

The journey began with troubling signs: a bride who initially canceled because "the groom hit her," only to reconcile weeks later claiming a "misunderstanding." As someone educated in domestic violence dynamics, I found myself wrestling with whether to proceed. When I arrived at the venue (a converted auto body shop rather than the originally mentioned Knights of Columbus hall) to find the groom visibly injured, that internal struggle intensified. The flimsy explanation that "decorations fell on him" didn't match what I observed, yet there I stood, facing a profound question: Was this my place to judge?

My guiding philosophy as an officiant has always been meeting couples where they are without imposing personal judgments. I've conducted ceremonies in prisons and commitment ceremonies for couples awaiting divorce decrees. Yet this situation pushed me to define clearer boundaries. It taught me that maintaining professional distance is sometimes necessary - I don't need to befriend every couple or track their marital outcomes. While I maintain firm limits (I won't marry teenagers or people to their pets), I recognize that adults make their own choices, however questionable they might seem to outsiders.

What lines have you drawn in your professional life? How do you balance judgment with respect for others' autonomy? I'd love to hear your thoughts on navigating these murky ethical waters. Share your experiences or reach out if you'd like some Wedding Wearer swag - I'm always thrilled to connect with listeners!

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

Have you ever witnessed a wedding officiant roar like a dinosaur during the ceremony? In one of my most memorable weddings, that's exactly what happened - and it wasn't even planned! I share the delightful story of arriving at what appeared to be a traditional wedding only to discover everything from the centerpieces to the place cards featured elegant rose gold dinosaurs, inspiring an impromptu prehistoric declaration of love during the vows.

This episode dives deep into the art of wedding personalization and finding that sweet spot between honoring the sanctity of marriage while authentically representing each couple's unique personality. I explore different levels of customization - from subtle "sprinklings" to going "whole hog" - and why the most impactful personal touches often happen organically in the moment. You'll hear why I embrace the "yes, and" philosophy from improvisation, supporting couples who want to incorporate their own special elements without compromising the ceremony's integrity.

My greatest reward comes when guests say, "That ceremony was them" rather than just complimenting my performance. A truly successful wedding ceremony gives attendees insight into why the couple loves each other while foreshadowing their marriage journey ahead. Whether it's changing lyrics to "The Ratlin' Bog" during a ring exchange or adding dinosaur references for paleontology enthusiasts, these personalized moments create ceremonies that feel authentic rather than formulaic. What unique elements would you include in your perfect ceremony? Subscribe for more stories, tips, and inspiration for creating wedding moments that roar with personality!

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

Weddings are days full of emotions, especially nerves, and as an officiant I often step in to calm anxious couples, attendants, and family members before the ceremony begins.

• Nerves stem from the significant time, money, and planning invested in creating the perfect day
• Helping calm nerves can involve everything from reassuring flower girls to tying ties for shaking fathers
• Humor, particularly "clean dirty jokes," can be especially effective with nervous grooms
• The "12-inch pianist" joke has become my go-to for breaking tension with groom's parties
• An unexpected encounter with a curious 10-year-old boy added an extra layer of humor to the joke
• Situational humor must be appropriate to the audience and consider religious and family dynamics
• My philosophy: "If you can laugh at yourself, you'll be fine; if you can allow others to laugh with you, you'll be great"
• Flexibility to add or remove elements from the ceremony in the moment enhances the wedding experience

Send me your favorite "clean dirty jokes" that might work for wedding day situations via email at [email protected] or reach out about officiating services at [email protected].

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

What does a wedding officiant actually bring to your ceremony? In this celebratory bonus episode marking over 500 listens, I'm unzipping my officiating bag to reveal the essential toolkit that helps me navigate wedding days with confidence and composure.

From the moment I arrive at a venue until the final signature on your marriage license, my trusty black bag (emblazoned with "and so the adventure begins") contains everything I might need to handle any situation. You'll discover why I always pack protein drinks and snacks, how my elaborate binder system preserves memories of every ceremony, and why I carry backup unity elements like hand-fasting cords that have saved the day when last-minute inspiration strikes.

The wedding world is full of surprises - like the Irish grandmother who inspired an unplanned hand-fasting ritual at the rehearsal dinner, or the melted Hershey Kisses that create havoc at the bottom of my bag. I'll share my biggest officiating challenge (correctly identifying townships for marriage licenses) and my dream of creating a specialized app to solve this common problem for wedding professionals.

As my podcast journey continues to evolve alongside my officiating career, I'm grateful for each listener who's joined me since launching in January. Whether you're planning your own wedding, work in the industry, or simply enjoy wedding stories, I hope this peek behind the curtain gives you appreciation for the preparation that goes into making ceremonies appear effortless. What items would you suggest I add to my officiant toolkit? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we continue this adventure together!

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

Unexpected moments can define our professional boundaries. After officiating a beautiful ceremony for Amanda and Tito, I found myself unexpectedly called upon to deliver the reception blessing—a task that had specifically been assigned to the bride's uncle. Three Jolly Rancher cocktails deep and with absolutely no preparation, I somehow managed to cobble together a meaningful blessing that incorporated Bob Dylan lyrics and brought the house down.

This pivotal experience transformed how I approach my role as a wedding officiant. While I once eagerly attended receptions as a young professional looking to network (and yes, enjoy free food and drinks), this unexpected spotlight moment forced me to reconsider where my professional responsibilities begin and end. The incident raises fascinating questions about vendor boundaries at weddings: When is it appropriate to have a drink? What happens when you're asked to perform duties outside your agreement? How do you maintain professionalism while still honoring the celebratory atmosphere?

The wedding industry presents unique challenges for setting boundaries. Unlike typical 9-to-5 jobs, weddings blur personal and professional lines in ways that can catch even experienced vendors off guard. Whether you're planning your own wedding or work in the industry, this story offers valuable insights about clear communication, setting expectations, and handling those inevitable unexpected moments that make each wedding uniquely memorable. And for those curious about that Jolly Rancher cocktail that played a supporting role in this tale—you might just find the recipe in our show notes!

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

Part two of what should be called "A Few Drinks In", Amanda reflects on her wedding day eight years later, sharing intimate details and offering wisdom for couples on maintaining their connection through life's challenges.

• The ceremony and vows were the most special moments, creating an intimate connection while being surrounded by loved ones
• The unity box included a private note for their daughter, creating a meaningful connection between their wedding and their child's future
• Using her parents' wedding song for the father-daughter dance created a profound connection with Amanda's late father
• DIY elements and personal touches reflected both families' cultures and personalities
• Family support was evident as both sides had already bonded through their daughter before the wedding
• Staying present and intentional about observing special moments helped create lasting memories
• Regular date nights are essential for maintaining connection after children, careers, and other responsibilities
• Tito's advice: "Continue to water your tree of marriage - even if the tree gives you fruit, you still need to water it"

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

This episode could have been best described as "a few drinks in".

Bride Amanda joins Amanda as she shares her wedding journey, from meeting her husband on Tinder to planning their family-centered celebration while juggling nursing school and a newborn daughter.

• Meeting online after a friend convinced her to try Tinder in Rehoboth Beach
• Knowing immediately he was "the one" - telling her sister she would marry him after their first date
• Getting engaged in a hotel when her now-husband waited on one knee for her to come out of the bathroom
• Planning a wedding while in nursing school with a newborn baby
• Creating DIY centerpieces and decorations that family members still display in their homes
• Incorporating navy and gold colors to balance masculine and feminine elements
• Making family the central focus of their wedding celebration
• Finding meaningful ways to honor absent loved ones
• Managing the challenges of narrowing down a 150-person guest list
• Getting invaluable support from her twin sister and grandmother throughout the planning process

Join us for part two of this interview coming soon, where we'll dive deeper into the details of Amanda's special day. If you haven't already, listen to "The Wedding Where I Cried" episode for more context about this memorable celebration.

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.

Send me a message or any questions!

I share the story of the wedding that made me break my professional composure and cry during the ceremony. This emotional experience changed how I approach my role as an officiant, allowing me to be more flexible with ceremony scripts and more authentic with showing emotions.

• Young couple incorporated their two-month-old daughter into the ceremony
• Bride wanted special tributes to her late father throughout the wedding
• Days before the wedding, bride discovered a 20-year-old message from her father in a book
• The quote perfectly captured the moment of creating a new family while honoring her father's memory
• Reading the quote during the ceremony led to tears from everyone, including myself
• This experience taught me to balance professionalism with authentic emotion
• Changed my approach to writing ceremony scripts, now keeping them digital and editable until the last minute

What are some emotional wedding moments you have experienced? If you're planning your wedding, consider how you might incorporate meaningful quotes or tributes from loved ones who can't be present.

Support the show

Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at [email protected]. Any links referenced are on linktree.