Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor
Lori Siska of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies has been an officiant since 2001, personally officiating over 1000+ weddings and has played the organ at over 400 weddings, too. Lori performs non-denominational ceremonies in English or French. Regardless of the high number, each ceremony is unique. Lori has done traditional ceremonies, ceremonies that incorporate blended families, multi-faith ceremonies, and more. We found Lori at a London bridal show and have since spent several hours chatting with her about her approach to ceremonies, her goals for the future and her ideas on how to make each ceremony special...
Dedication
Lori will do whatever it takes to make your ceremony speak for you, for your heart. She has married couples in every possible location, from extravagant to a simple backyard wedding. "I like to provide people with another option who want to make their marriage legal but who don't want to go to city hall." She even keeps a decorated archway with flowers in her yard for that very reason. Each ceremony is as meaningful as the couple is looking for.
"I've even married people within twenty-four hours after they've contacted me," Lori explains. At the same time, she has also driven over five hours to perform a ceremony. She is obviously dedicated to marrying couples who are dedicated to each other and ready to make the commitment.
From organ playing to officiating
Lori used to be involved in weddings in an entirely different way than she is now - playing the organ. It was one wedding officiant in particular that made Lori change her career path. "I feel like I was born to do this very job." With her husband often helping at events, Lori feels confident and settled in doing what she loves.
In order to be able to perform ceremonies in Ontario, you have to be licensed through the government and through an organization such as a church. Lori is a clergy member of the All Seasons Church of Canada. She performs weddings for people from any race, culture or religion. She also enjoys performing same-sex ceremonies, "I often find that these ceremonies are much more emotional and full of genuine sentiment. These guests have chosen to be there and it is not because of any tradition that has told them that they should be at this wedding."
An open attitude
It was definitely Lori's open attitude that not only brought us to her, but also kept us interested in her services. If you're looking for an officiant who is warm, caring and open to your own story as a couple, Lori is the one, "I won't turn anyone away who comes to me and says that they want to get married. I think everyone has the right to be married." Lori doesn't only tolerate differences between couples, she embraces them making each wedding 100% unique.
"I once was asked to perform a Jewish ceremony. I'm not a rabbi but I did my best." With research and help from the families of the couple, Lori pulled together a Jewish service that was appreciated by the entire congregation. Lori will work within whatever type and style of ceremony you are looking for. She has even performed an outdoor ceremony in the snow! Lori firmly believes that it's your wedding and it should be exactly as you want it to be. She won't impose any of her standards on your ceremony but she has great ways to make your ceremony unique if you are looking for ideas.
Lori told us that she often does short ceremonies for couples who are planning a destination wedding but want to do the 'legal' part here first before the trip. Others that come to Lori are immigrating to Canada to be with their future spouse and plan to have a more culturally traditional ceremony later. No matter your personal situation, Lori will tailor a ceremony that is fitting for you.
Legalities, paperwork & expenses
Lori knows better than most, that getting married comes with its fair share of paperwork - particularly in the case of destination weddings. Getting married 'abroad' means different legalities, paperwork requirements and expenses, and often involves filing the marriage licence upon your return home to Canada. "I can help couples save hundreds of dollars and a LOT of paperwork hassle. I most often perform the ceremony in Canada before the couple leaves for their destination wedding. They have a wedding ceremony in the destination location and ultimately are able to come home with the knowledge that they are legally married and their documents are in proper order." Lori says all she needs is a marriage licence and two witnesses and she's happy to perform the service.
Your many options...
Lori's bilingualism allows you to have your ceremony conducted in English or French, and because of the similarities in language, she often performs Latin-American weddings as well. Your options by no means end at language with Lori. She encourages her couples to be as creative as they would like, so any idea you may have for your ceremony is welcomed.
Lori has researched a diversity of wedding traditions and can add those unique touches that make your wedding truly special. She has performed ceremonies where the guests each held a stone. During the ceremony they would infuse the stone with happy thoughts for the couple. At the end of the ceremony, the stones are collected and presented to the couple. Your wedding isn't just about legalizing a relationship, it is also a great way to create meaningful memories for all who attend. And just in case, Lori always brings a box of tissue! She finds that couples never have it when they need it.
Location, location, location...
Lori enjoys and encourages holding your wedding ceremony in a unique location - great for photos, memorable for guests, and a great way to choose a location that is meaningful to you as a couple. Some of Lori's suggestions are: on an airplane, in a horse drawn sleigh, on a boat, on a bicycle, on horseback, in your own home, at an art gallery, on a basketball court, by a waterfall, at a castle, at your cottage, on a farm or ranch, in an orchard, at a Renaissance fair, at sunrise or sunset, at a winery... There are also many more ideas on her website at www.romanticweddingceremonies.com.
Simple pricing
Pricing for Lori's services is straightforward and simple. Choose from two packages: an all inclusive package $350 which includes all your meetings and planning or one meeting plus day of the wedding package $250 and if you'd like to have a rehearsal with her, it is an extra $125. Her price remains the same regardless of the time of year - whether it's a holiday or not. Lori finds that many couples are choosing to get married in smaller, weekday ceremonies.
Depending on where your ceremony is located, you may have to budget extra for her travel charges, which are $30 per hour. To book your date, she requires a deposit of $125 that is non-refundable. She does ask that you pay your outstanding balance at least one week before your wedding date. With everything else you've got to worry about on the day of, this is actually a great idea! All prices are subject to HST.
When you book with Lori, she'll give you sample ceremonies that you can choose from, or she'll help you develop exactly what you're looking for. Beyond conducting the ceremony, Lori also organizes the key people on the wedding day and ensures that you and your groom are ready and prepared just before the ceremony.
Expanding the services
Lori has responded to the needs of her couples. If there's something you're looking for, Lori may be able to help you out or at least recommend someone who can! She has designed marriage certificates, including one for kids to sign as a family certificate (how sweet is that?!), and other keepsakes are available. Lori also offers an online store called Ceremony Keepsakes where you can shop from the comfort of your home and have wedding accessories sent right to you.
"I enjoy weddings so much that I want to be involved in all parts of them...," says Lori. She loves getting involved in many aspects of the wedding.
The story of you...
Lori offers Heritage Books, which you can choose as a unique wedding album. They showcase the story of not only your wedding day but also you and your family.
In a recent visit with Lori, she told us that she is offering new packages for these books - great for the DIY bride, or brides who got married several years ago and want something different. Lori has a specific website just for these unique books where you can find more information. Click here to check it out.
Lori says...
"One of the most memorable weddings I did was for two dance instructors. After signing the register, they exited the ceremony area with a ballroom dance to Frank Sinatra's 'Dancing Cheek to Cheek'."
Details, details, details
• Lori recommends booking 6 to 9 months ahead of your wedding date, or longer depending on the season of your date (especially Summer to Fall).
• Lori performs an average of 80 to 100 weddings per year.
• A $125 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your wedding date for Lori's services.
• Your balance must be paid in full 1 week prior to the ceremony.
• Pre-marriage counseling is not a requirement to be married by Lori.
• Lori will dress as requested or appropriate for the location - anything from uniform, to formal, to casual.
• Lori will travel within Ontario for your wedding ceremony (charges may apply at $30 per hour), and she also does destination weddings.
In other words...
"... Just want to thank you for your part in our wedding day. We have been hearing nothing but compliments on our wedding ceremony. People are saying that they have never seen such a beautiful wedding, and they loved how it was so unique." - Teresa
"... Just wanted to let you know that the ceremony last night was so beautiful! It's very obvious you love doing them as you did such a wonderful job." - Louise
"... it was a great day!! Everyone commented on the beautiful ceremony and how touching it was and asked me where I found you! Your ideas for the sand ceremony and the rock ceremony were wonderful, and the kids were able to pull it off. Thanks again Lori! You made my day just perfect!" - Mandy
"Wow! My life has changed forever in a most beautiful way! We couldn't be happier - everything was perfect. I can't tell you how many people loved the ceremony and said it was the most intimate and personal ceremony they have ever gone to. They all loved you, they truly believed our connection to you stemmed from a friendship from years past. I guess we were meant to meet you. Lori you are a very special person, don't ever lose that genuine personal touch you add to your ceremonies and the warm connection you make with the audience." - Kevin & Ken
"We are very happy to have met you, and your contribution to our wedding day is rooted fast in our hearts. You are a warm and generous woman and you enabled a very meaningful ceremony." - Jody & Eli
"Thank you so much for everything you did to help make our wedding day perfect. Thanks for being so flexible about the rehearsal plans and for making sure the ceremony went perfectly. We had a lovely day with so many special memories to cherish." - Guy & Emily
Lori Siska of Romantic Wedding Ceremonies has been an officiant since 2001, personally officiating over 1000+ weddings and has played the organ at over 400 weddings, too. Lori performs non-denominational ceremonies in English or French. Regardless of the high number, each ceremony is unique. Lori has done traditional ceremonies, ceremonies that incorporate blended families, multi-faith ceremonies, and more. We found Lori at a London bridal show and have since spent several hours chatting with her about her approach to ceremonies, her goals for the future and her ideas on how to make each ceremony special...
Dedication
Lori will do whatever it takes to make your ceremony speak for you, for your heart. She has married couples in every possible location, from extravagant to a simple backyard wedding. "I like to provide people with another option who want to make their marriage legal but who don't want to go to city hall." She even keeps a decorated archway with flowers in her yard for that very reason. Each ceremony is as meaningful as the couple is looking for.
"I've even married people within twenty-four hours after they've contacted me," Lori explains. At the same time, she has also driven over five hours to perform a ceremony. She is obviously dedicated to marrying couples who are dedicated to each other and ready to make the commitment.
From organ playing to officiating
Lori used to be involved in weddings in an entirely different way than she is now - playing the organ. It was one wedding officiant in particular that made Lori change her career path. "I feel like I was born to do this very job." With her husband often helping at events, Lori feels confident and settled in doing what she loves.
In order to be able to perform ceremonies in Ontario, you have to be licensed through the government and through an organization such as a church. Lori is a clergy member of the All Seasons Church of Canada. She performs weddings for people from any race, culture or religion. She also enjoys performing same-sex ceremonies, "I often find that these ceremonies are much more emotional and full of genuine sentiment. These guests have chosen to be there and it is not because of any tradition that has told them that they should be at this wedding."
An open attitude
It was definitely Lori's open attitude that not only brought us to her, but also kept us interested in her services. If you're looking for an officiant who is warm, caring and open to your own story as a couple, Lori is the one, "I won't turn anyone away who comes to me and says that they want to get married. I think everyone has the right to be married." Lori doesn't only tolerate differences between couples, she embraces them making each wedding 100% unique.
"I once was asked to perform a Jewish ceremony. I'm not a rabbi but I did my best." With research and help from the families of the couple, Lori pulled together a Jewish service that was appreciated by the entire congregation. Lori will work within whatever type and style of ceremony you are looking for. She has even performed an outdoor ceremony in the snow! Lori firmly believes that it's your wedding and it should be exactly as you want it to be. She won't impose any of her standards on your ceremony but she has great ways to make your ceremony unique if you are looking for ideas.
Lori told us that she often does short ceremonies for couples who are planning a destination wedding but want to do the 'legal' part here first before the trip. Others that come to Lori are immigrating to Canada to be with their future spouse and plan to have a more culturally traditional ceremony later. No matter your personal situation, Lori will tailor a ceremony that is fitting for you.
Legalities, paperwork & expenses
Lori knows better than most, that getting married comes with its fair share of paperwork - particularly in the case of destination weddings. Getting married 'abroad' means different legalities, paperwork requirements and expenses, and often involves filing the marriage licence upon your return home to Canada. "I can help couples save hundreds of dollars and a LOT of paperwork hassle. I most often perform the ceremony in Canada before the couple leaves for their destination wedding. They have a wedding ceremony in the destination location and ultimately are able to come home with the knowledge that they are legally married and their documents are in proper order." Lori says all she needs is a marriage licence and two witnesses and she's happy to perform the service.
Your many options...
Lori's bilingualism allows you to have your ceremony conducted in English or French, and because of the similarities in language, she often performs Latin-American weddings as well. Your options by no means end at language with Lori. She encourages her couples to be as creative as they would like, so any idea you may have for your ceremony is welcomed.
Lori has researched a diversity of wedding traditions and can add those unique touches that make your wedding truly special. She has performed ceremonies where the guests each held a stone. During the ceremony they would infuse the stone with happy thoughts for the couple. At the end of the ceremony, the stones are collected and presented to the couple. Your wedding isn't just about legalizing a relationship, it is also a great way to create meaningful memories for all who attend. And just in case, Lori always brings a box of tissue! She finds that couples never have it when they need it.
Location, location, location...
Lori enjoys and encourages holding your wedding ceremony in a unique location - great for photos, memorable for guests, and a great way to choose a location that is meaningful to you as a couple. Some of Lori's suggestions are: on an airplane, in a horse drawn sleigh, on a boat, on a bicycle, on horseback, in your own home, at an art gallery, on a basketball court, by a waterfall, at a castle, at your cottage, on a farm or ranch, in an orchard, at a Renaissance fair, at sunrise or sunset, at a winery... There are also many more ideas on her website at www.romanticweddingceremonies.com.
Simple pricing
Pricing for Lori's services is straightforward and simple. Choose from two packages: an all inclusive package $350 which includes all your meetings and planning or one meeting plus day of the wedding package $250 and if you'd like to have a rehearsal with her, it is an extra $125. Her price remains the same regardless of the time of year - whether it's a holiday or not. Lori finds that many couples are choosing to get married in smaller, weekday ceremonies.
Depending on where your ceremony is located, you may have to budget extra for her travel charges, which are $30 per hour. To book your date, she requires a deposit of $125 that is non-refundable. She does ask that you pay your outstanding balance at least one week before your wedding date. With everything else you've got to worry about on the day of, this is actually a great idea! All prices are subject to HST.
When you book with Lori, she'll give you sample ceremonies that you can choose from, or she'll help you develop exactly what you're looking for. Beyond conducting the ceremony, Lori also organizes the key people on the wedding day and ensures that you and your groom are ready and prepared just before the ceremony.
Expanding the services
Lori has responded to the needs of her couples. If there's something you're looking for, Lori may be able to help you out or at least recommend someone who can! She has designed marriage certificates, including one for kids to sign as a family certificate (how sweet is that?!), and other keepsakes are available. Lori also offers an online store called Ceremony Keepsakes where you can shop from the comfort of your home and have wedding accessories sent right to you.
"I enjoy weddings so much that I want to be involved in all parts of them...," says Lori. She loves getting involved in many aspects of the wedding.
The story of you...
Lori offers Heritage Books, which you can choose as a unique wedding album. They showcase the story of not only your wedding day but also you and your family.
In a recent visit with Lori, she told us that she is offering new packages for these books - great for the DIY bride, or brides who got married several years ago and want something different. Lori has a specific website just for these unique books where you can find more information. Click here to check it out.
Lori says...
"One of the most memorable weddings I did was for two dance instructors. After signing the register, they exited the ceremony area with a ballroom dance to Frank Sinatra's 'Dancing Cheek to Cheek'."
Details, details, details
• Lori recommends booking 6 to 9 months ahead of your wedding date, or longer depending on the season of your date (especially Summer to Fall).
• Lori performs an average of 80 to 100 weddings per year.
• A $125 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your wedding date for Lori's services.
• Your balance must be paid in full 1 week prior to the ceremony.
• Pre-marriage counseling is not a requirement to be married by Lori.
• Lori will dress as requested or appropriate for the location - anything from uniform, to formal, to casual.
• Lori will travel within Ontario for your wedding ceremony (charges may apply at $30 per hour), and she also does destination weddings.
In other words...
"... Just want to thank you for your part in our wedding day. We have been hearing nothing but compliments on our wedding ceremony. People are saying that they have never seen such a beautiful wedding, and they loved how it was so unique." - Teresa
"... Just wanted to let you know that the ceremony last night was so beautiful! It's very obvious you love doing them as you did such a wonderful job." - Louise
"... it was a great day!! Everyone commented on the beautiful ceremony and how touching it was and asked me where I found you! Your ideas for the sand ceremony and the rock ceremony were wonderful, and the kids were able to pull it off. Thanks again Lori! You made my day just perfect!" - Mandy
"Wow! My life has changed forever in a most beautiful way! We couldn't be happier - everything was perfect. I can't tell you how many people loved the ceremony and said it was the most intimate and personal ceremony they have ever gone to. They all loved you, they truly believed our connection to you stemmed from a friendship from years past. I guess we were meant to meet you. Lori you are a very special person, don't ever lose that genuine personal touch you add to your ceremonies and the warm connection you make with the audience." - Kevin & Ken
"We are very happy to have met you, and your contribution to our wedding day is rooted fast in our hearts. You are a warm and generous woman and you enabled a very meaningful ceremony." - Jody & Eli
"Thank you so much for everything you did to help make our wedding day perfect. Thanks for being so flexible about the rehearsal plans and for making sure the ceremony went perfectly. We had a lovely day with so many special memories to cherish." - Guy & Emily
