About
After retiring from a lengthy and satisfying nursing career, I vowed to take time to do more of what I love, and officiating at weddings is high on that list! Having been married to the same good man for 44+ years, I am very much a fan of marriage. I know the joy of having a good partner in life and it thrills me to be present when couples are starting on that same journey.
I am a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a fur-mom. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing my own wonderful children unite with loving, supportive partners, sharing their lives and growing together. I’ve also had the good fortune of receiving the most wonderful gift, my smart and funny and amazing grandson.
I grew up in the Niagara Region, raised my own family in Wainfleet and now live in Norfolk County. I am passionate about life, and I strive to live it to the fullest, no door unopened, no path unexplored. I love to travel and explore the world. 32 countries and counting! I love being in my kitchen; cooking and baking. I enjoy time near, and on the water, especially kayaking. I love to golf, to cycle with my husband on our tandem bike, going to the theatre, live concerts, and watching NFL. My most favourite things are winery lunches, spa days, reading a good book, laughing with family and friends, and snuggling with my most loyal companion, Fergus… my 5-year-old Scottie-poo. And did I mention travel? I love it so much, it’s worth repeating!
I carried over some great assets from my nursing career that have made my transition to officiating very easy: professionalism, patience, great communication, empathy, flexibility, problem solving skills, and attention to detail. I have a great sense of humour, a calm personality, and I keep my commitments! I won’t be late and I won’t be overbooked! I will work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your values, style, and personality as a couple.
I am supportive of every couple that is ready to make a life-long, loving commitment, ready to assist all couples, regardless of their faith or orientation. Whether I am officiating at the most elaborate celebration or a simple elopement, the intention is the same – to witness and to uphold a bond of love, bless it and solemnize it for the government.
It is an honour to guide couples through a wedding ceremony, a pleasure to witness them exchange vows and rings, and a privilege to declare them to be married and I would love to be part of your special day too!
Packages & Pricing
The “City Hall Alternative” ($375)
The “City Hall Alternative” ceremony is perfect for the couple that is eloping or wants to be legally married before a friend/family conducted ceremony or a destination wedding. This ceremony ensures that all the legal requirements of Ontario’s Marriage Act are met, in a simple, no-fuss ceremony. Two witnesses required to be present!
The Short and Sweet Ceremony ($500)
The “Short and Sweet” Ceremony is perfect for the couple that wants a short but meaningful ceremony. The Short and Sweet ceremony is approximately 15 minutes long and allows you to choose the language for your vows, ring exchange, a reading and how you will be introduced to your guests. It’s as simple as that! A final consultation to complete a talk-through of the ceremony is done via Zoom 1-2 weeks prior to the ceremony.
The Classic Ceremony ($750)
The “Classic” Ceremony has all the “bells and whistles”. It includes an in-person rehearsal and access to my e-resources to select vows, readings and personalized language for all components of your ceremony (During our first consultation I will give you a sneak peek of the e-resources). Based on a questionnaire that you complete, I will personalize your ceremony, weaving your story into the ceremony in a way that will inspire you as a couple, leave your guests feeling like we are old friends, and hopefully elicit a few laughs.
With your preferences in mind, I will create a ceremony that reflects your choices, your values and your personalities! Long or short, traditional or contemporary, serious or light-hearted; it will be a ceremony that is uniquely you!
Throughout the process, I will readily make myself available to you, to help guide you throughout the entire wedding ceremony planning process. I will share a copy of your ceremony with you, to ensure that it is exactly as you want. No surprises the day of the wedding; you will know word for word, what I will say on your wedding day!
Wedding Rehearsals ($150)
The wedding rehearsal is ultimately a practice of the wedding ceremony for you and your wedding party, usually held the day (or two) before the wedding day. It’s really about choreography and blocking. None of it is necessarily complicated, but doing a run through before it happens in front of a crowd may help to make you feel more comfortable. A rehearsal is included in my Classic ceremony package.
Details, Details, Details
My ceremony philosophy:
- I believe the ceremony should be a real, authentic celebration of your love and relationship.
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I believe your ceremony should reflect your passions and style, your values and personalities, not mine or someone else’s.
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I believe that while the ceremony can have religious content if you choose, it should not be a promotion of religion.
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I believe that the wedding ceremony is about the couple getting married, not the guests or the officiant.
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I believe in choice and so, I offer couples numerous options for their ceremony elements and language.
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I believe in professionalism at every level; from dress and deportment, to communication, presentation, resources offered, and collaboration with other wedding vendors.
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I believe in the importance and value of great relationships. I love giving the best of myself to couples who are passionate about my role in their ceremony.
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I believe that almost anything goes when it comes to the genre or feel of the ceremony…so be creative!
Couple Reviews
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Vendor Profile : Shirley Kennedy Wedding Officiant
- Waterford, Ontario
- 9056585927
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