An Interview with Ceremony by Crystal 

At Dubsdread Catering we are proud to become dedicated members of your event team and are happy to share our knowledge and experience about planning for your big event, including finding the right vendor partners for your unique needs. Led by owner Crystal Porter, an ordained minister, Ceremony by Crystal is one of our partner vendors dedicated to making your special day perfect. Based in Central Florida, Ceremony by Crystal offers completely customizable and personalized wedding ceremonies in English, Spanish or even Bilingual.

Here Crystal shares her experience and answers to some frequently asked questions: 

1. How long have you been in the industry? 
   I started Ceremony by Crystal in 2018 and all of my previous endeavors prepared and equipped me for this “Wedding Industry” chapter and I’m having a blast! Between TV production experience, being an adjunct professor of communications, plus years of public speaking and teaching prepared me well to transition into officiating. Whether they are many or few at the ceremony, you will find my calm confidence in front of your guests to be contagious.
2. How many weddings do you do annually?
   Even in the middle of a pandemic, I tied 127 knots in 2020. One of my favorite fun facts, was on October 10, 2020 (10/10/2020) I officiated SEVEN weddings in one day! That was a crazy, fun, romance-filled day!
3. What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
   Three favorite moments spring to mind. One, is when I say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife!”, which is the legal terminology required by the State of Florida, and at that very moment you are legally married. Two, seeing the first kiss as a married couple fills my heart with joy! And third is when couples officially ask me to marry them. It is such a huge moment to officiate it and it is an honor to be asked that I do not take lightly. It is a privilege to be invited into the circle of closest family and friends when you make such sweet and precious promises to one another.
4. How would you describe your style? 
   Heart and humor are definitely my style. Relationships are important to me. Spending time getting to know you, your love story and vision for the day, is paramount! The reviews so generously submitted by my couples warm my heart and reflect the connection we form and the fun we have together. A ceremony with no humor is like a cupcake with no icing! YUCKY! I charge extra for boring weddings, just kidding!
5. What kind of packages do you offer? 
   I offer an a la carte system designed to let you create your own package based on your budget and wishes.
6. How far in advance do you recommend couples book their officiant? 
   Typically, clients book me right after they book their ceremony venue. The best officiants book quickly, so don’t procrastinate too long! 
7. What advice do you give to couples when choosing an officiant?
   Read reviews and the replies to the reviews. Look at photos on officiants’ websites, Facebook, Instagram pages. Book an introductory and chemistry-check chat with more than one officiant. Does what you see and hear reflect the energy, style, personality and level of professionalism you are searching for?
8. What is a pet peeve of yours during a wedding?
   Honestly, I don’t have one. There is no such thing as a silly or annoying question, it’s not like planning a wedding or talking to an officiant is something you do every week! It’s all new and you don’t know what you don’t know. I love putting couples at ease and empowering them with information. 
9. What sets you apart from other officiants?
   I’ll bet I’m the only officiant in Central Florida who grew up in South America or was a professional, bilingual, puppeteer for children’s television shows. LOL! Seriously, there are some truly fabulous officiants in our area. I’m honored to know and partner with many of them. Choosing an officiant is a very personal decision, one you each should be completely comfortable with. Couples looking for “heart and humor” in a blond grandmotherly form will be drawn to me.

 Want to learn more about Ceremony by Crystal? Visit her online https://www.ceremonybycrystal.com/

Photos courtesy of Ceremony by Crystal