L 
Ben and Kat enjoying their moment. They totally enjoyed being engaged in the process!
Once the ring is "on the finger," as my mother used to say, "what now?" First of all just savor the moment and your deepened connection. Hand- in- hand you are approaching a glorious threshold. Make way for the Country of Marriage!
But for those of you who want to dive right in, I discovered Martha Stewart check list. She suggests securing the officiant midway down her to do list. Now I'm not one to argue with Martha, but without the ceremony and the person to preside, you don't have a wedding. You may have your wedding coordinator, your venue, your guest list, your attendants and your date set, but if you cannot find an officiant for that date, you don't have a wedding.
This is even more pressing if you are planning a wedding on Cape Cod, during the summer, on a weekend!
I have known at least one couple who looked up from their cake tasting, to see my card hanging on the wall of the bakery.
"OMG" they exclaimed, marzipan dripping, "We don't have anyone to marry us!"
They called right from the bakery - Cottage Street Bakery. I was actually available. We had a great laugh. And despite everything I've just said about planning ahead, I've done some last minute weddings that were fabulous! I feel there is a divine wedding planner who sends me the greatest, most loveable and fun- loving couples.
Here is what Martha has to say on what to do when. Here the link for the complete to do.
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/313017/wedding-101/@center/272419/youre-engaged
Start with the timeline Think about the type of wedding you want——formal or informal,
big or small——and the time of year you want it to take place.
- Set budget.
- Hire wedding coordinator, if desired.
- Compile guest list, and organize addresses.
- Finalize wedding date.
- Reserve ceremony and reception sites.
- Choose attendants.
- Order dress and accessories, including veil and shoes.
- Book officiant.
- Book caterer.
- Order wedding cake.
- Book florist.
- Book music for ceremony and reception.
- Book photographer and videographer.
- Plan and book a save-the-date cards, if using
I am big on having time to get to know you as a couple. It is important that your wedding celebrant/ interfaith minister/ officiant shares a common sense of ceremony and humor! So congratulations, every blessing and best wishes as you start your wedding planning.
Enjoy being ENGAGED in the process!
Kathleen -Your Wedding Officianado with a smile.
In September of 2010 Ben and Kat were wed...there is no better follow-up than this photo with their sweet baby boy, Milo!
This idea of being Totally Engaged came out of my last blog. I was talking about what comes next after he or she pops the question and the answer is yes! This Cape Cod Wedding officiant's advice is to let it sink in. Enjoy the moment. Then get busy with a few things on your list. Venue and officiant come to mind especially if you are getting married on Cape Cod in the summer.
Traditionally it fell to the groom to find the minister or wedding officiant. That happens about a fourth of the time now. I read somewhere that most brides do quite a bit of browsing during breaks at work when they begin planning their weddings I was advised not to put music on my website for just that reason.
Some grooms also want to be totally engaged in the process of the planning...it really doesn't need to be a chore. I think I can safely say at that first meeting we usually have a good time.
Don't be afraid to ask questions and interview officiants to see if you are sympatico.
So enjoy the process become totally engaged.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 8:42PM 
Anthony Joseph and Teruko begin their beguine at Land's End on Cape Cod. A perfect blending of Japanese Zen Italian love and beauty. Thank you Julia Cumes for your beautiful photography. Thank you Terri and TJ for the pleasure of presiding over your nuptials on that gentle May Cape Cod day. Truly a beautiful beginning at Land's End Inn. 
