We'll start at the beginning!

Arbor or Arch:  is used to create a focal point where vows will be exchanged during a wedding ceremony.  In the Jewish faith, the arbor/canopy is known as a Huppah; in Hindu weddings, it's known as a Mandap.  DIYers, visit this site for arbor and arch ideas and craft instructions.

Congratulations! If this topic interests you, I'd imagine you are newly engaged. After putting together your spending plan, you'll next begin the process of gathering information to find and book your ideal venue. The Internet will allow you to get the first level of your choices narrowed down, those that fit within your spending plan and those that do not. Keep in mind that if you're planning your wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area during the months of May, June, September and October you'll pay premium pricing because these months are considered peak wedding months--venues and professional service providers are most in demand and simple economics come into play! December can also be expensive only because you may also be competing with companies who are also booking venues for their holiday parties. Which day of the week you book your wedding is also a factor that affects your pricing. Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Sundays are second in expense to Fridays and Saturdays. If most of your wedding guests are local, you might want to consider a week-day evening wedding, with daylight savings time, a summer mid-week wedding may be ideal for you. Wedding 'high' season will likely be very different if your thinking about exchanging your "I Do's" in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or other international destination. Need an experienced thought partner as you start this process? Contact me, I'm happy to help. I Do X Two - Wedding Planning/Coordination/Officiant Services.

It's no surprise that the San Francisco Bay Area remains a top "Destination Wedding" locale.  Though California does not require you to be a U.S. Citizen to grant you a marriage license, you will need to check with your country marriage officials/registers to determine if the marital paperwork we provide you will be sufficient, or if an Apostille is needed.

What's an Apostille?  It's a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of 1961.  

I've officiated ceremonies for a few couples who are UK residents, and happily arranged to get the requisite Apostille document up at our state capital.  How can I be of service to you?  

For all you DIY Brides...do you have red or white in your wedding decor color scheme?  Then head to Michael's for huge savings TODAY....yes, most of what they have are Christmas colors but if you are using Red (maybe a Valentine themed wedding) or white (wintertime or anytime) even green it's a great opportunity to pick up decor items you need at 50 to 70% off.   Don't forget to pull up Michael's online for their coupons.  Happy shopping!

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I Do x Two - Wedding Coordination & Officiant Services
Saundra Anderson
cell/text:  510-813-2749

Yes, I'm a Star Wars fan!  
I remember standing in a very, long, long winding line in Westwood when it was first released.
Loved the story, the characters and the imagination of it's creators.  
Happier still that decades later, my son and his buddies became fans too,
starting with Star Wars Legos.

With the upcoming Star Wars:  Episode VII release of The Force Awakens,
I expect that a few brides and grooms will incorporate their love of this epic series--
may be you'll hear the Star Wars movie theme as the Groom's procession music,  
or see lots of Luke and Princess Leia cake toppers, perhaps the lead singer of their wedding band dressed as a wookie, a waiter as an ewok, or C3PO costumed bartender alongside a statue of R2D2.  
Maybe a few brides will splurge on these pumps featuring light saber heels 
to surprise and delight her groom and the other guests!   
​Find these gems on ThinkGeek.com

May the Force be with you!

A heartfelt "thank you" to all our veterans--words inadequately express our gratitude for your service!

There are no licensing or certification requirements in the wedding industry and as a result you'll see a myriad of various titles--wedding planner, "day of" coordinator, wedding director, wedding stylist, wedding decorator and more.

As a wedding coordinator, our work actually begins BEFORE your wedding day!  A professional could not be expected to show up 'cold' on your wedding day and know what's going on.  An experienced coordinator needs to be able to manage the events of your day with seamless execution so she/he will need to meet with you before your wedding day; and later visit your ceremony and reception sites and know the 'house' rules of the venue you've chosen.  

A professional coordinator also needs to have reviewed the contracts you've signed with each of the wedding professionals you've hired to cover your day--photographer, videographer, cake designer or bakery, caterer, florist, musicians and/or DJ, photo booth company, etc.  A professional coordinator will also create your wedding event timeline and share it with these same team of professionals to ensure each provider is in agreement with the time required to arrive, unload, set-up, do what they do best, pack-up and leave within the contracted time required by your venue.  And that 's just what needs to be done BEFORE your "Big Day".  

A professional coordinator is the sole point-of-contact for all the professionals you've hired once your wedding day arrives.  She or he is in communication with all service providers, is on-site to receive them and handle any issues that arise and coordinate the events of the day to the timeline agreed to by all parties.  

Most brides will admit that something doesn't go according to plan on their Big Day--usually it's small stuff but occasionally it's something big.   Just imagine, would you really want problem phone calls while you're getting hair and make-up done?  for example, your florist's vehicle broke down?  Or the deluxe port-a-potties you rented for an outdoor reception aren't working?  or, the venue has called and the cake is now more than an hour late and the bakery isn't answering their phone?

OR would you prefer to hear about any issues AFTER your wedding, when you can respond by saying, "really?  THAT happened?  I had no idea" and laugh about it--and you CAN laugh because your Coordinator took care of it seamlessly.

Your Wedding Day should be spent enjoying every minute of it, not getting problem phone calls or resolving issues--wouldn't you agree?

For additional wedding roles, check out this article from Bride's magazine--click here​

I Do x Two - Wedding Coordination & Officiant Services
cell/text:  510-813-2749
idoxtwo@gmail.com

As a Bay Area Wedding Coordinator and Officiant, I have received many inquiries from local couples who assume because San Francisco City Hall is a public building they can sh0w-up, find a spot within the picturesque and historic Rotunda to exchange their "I Do's" without a paid reservation or permission.  Wishful thinking!!

True, San Francisco City Hall is indeed a public building, but to have a wedding there does indeed require a paid reservation and adherence to their documented process.

Below are a few helpful hints and links to information that isn't easily found on the San Francisco County Clerk-Recorder's website at first view:

Plan early - City Hall is a very popular venue for locals, but the competition for a wedding date extends to couples worldwide.  Since there is no requirement to be a U.S. citizen to marry here, many couples from around the world plan their vacation here and a SF City Hall wedding too!

Personalized Wedding Ceremony - If you prefer a ceremony that reflects more of your cultural, spiritual or religious beliefs then you should hire an officiant to officiate your ceremony instead of utilizing City Hall staff.  NOTE:  You'll still want to reserve space for your ceremony when you apply for the license.

Guest limitations - You are limited to six guests (other than the couple marrying) and that includes your photographer and children too.  More than six guests?  There are a few affordable week-day options within City Hall that permit a larger number of guests:

• The Mayor's Balcony
• 4th floor, North & South Galleries
• Further details can be found by clicking here which connects you to the SF County Clerk's site
• There is also a Saturday Wedding Package, details of which can be obtained by clicking here,  another page within the SF County Clerk's site.

I Do x Two - Wedding Coordination & Officiant Services
cell/text:  510-813-2749
​idoxtwo@gmail.com