Before The Ceremony and at The Ceremony

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There are several great places to order and put your list on registries...

The wedding will take place soon and you are looking for that perfect place.

Talking money isn't sexy...It can be very uncomfortable, messy or scary, but you need to talk about your finances. Not just so you can plan for your future and your shared goals as a couple (and that is very important), but perhaps, more importantly, so that you understand each other’s relationship to money, how finances play a role in your lives together, and how each of you defines value.

A Mississippi and Tennessee prenuptial agreement is between two individuals who plan to marry and want to determine how their assets and property will be controlled if the marriage ends. Both parties must fully disclose their assets before signing and voluntarily entering the agreement.

Furthermore, the agreement must be executed before the legal marriage takes place to be legally recognized. Although such contracts are often made for the benefit of one individual, they can also provide mutual assurances and be used to avoid court proceedings and legal conflicts.

Mississippi and Tennessee has not adopted the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, but prenuptial agreements are still authorized and are enforced under state laws relating to contracts.

Mississippi Laws

Laws: Mabus v. Mabus, 890 So.2d 806 (Miss. 2003)

Signing Requirements: Both spouses should sign, and it is recommended that signatures be notarized.

Dividing Property: Equitable division. (§ 93-5-24)

• Essential Terms for Validity: Must be written, voluntary, fair, and reasonable at the time of signing, executed before the wedding, and notarized.
• Content: Can cover property division, alimony, and financial matters, but not child support or custody arrangements.
• Enforceability: Parties should work with a family law attorney to draft a prenuptial agreement that complies with state law, discloses all assets and debts, and is signed well in advance of the wedding.

  MS Download Blank Prenups: PDF & MS Word. 

TN Laws:

• § 36-3-501 – Enforcement of antenuptial agreements
• § 36-3-502 – Creditor’s rights
• § 36-3-503 – Antenuptial debts of wife — Nonliability of husband
• § 36-3-504 – Disabilities of coverture removed from married women — Statute of limitations
• § 36-3-505 – Tenancies by entirety unaffected

Signing Requirements: Both parties must provide their signatures, but it’s good practice to also have a notary public acknowledge the signatures (§ 36-3-501).

Dividing Property: Equitable distribution (§ 36-4-121).

Tennessee law (§ 36-3-501) states that spouses should enter this agreement freely and knowledgeable, which requires each person to make a full disclosure of the assets and liabilities they have.

Case law further expands upon this subject, as evident in Grubb v. Grubb, No. E2016-01851-COA-R3-CV (Tennessee 2017). This case dealt with the ambiguities of full disclosure. The question was whether the husband properly disclosed his holdings because the wife had separate knowledge without an intentional disclosure.

In this case, the court ruled in the wife’s favor because she was less wealthy and didn’t have the proper financial knowledge to understand her husband’s situation without a direct disclosure.

The agreement should benefit both parties equitably, and the parties should execute it without the exertion of undue influence.

A prenup shouldn’t unfairly disadvantage creditors, particularly relating to the value secured to the wife and children compared to the husband’s estate.

A husband is not liable for obligations or debts his wife incurred before marriage.

Married women should keep their rights to make contracts and manage, hold, acquire, and dispose of property as if they weren’t married.

Even though independent counsel isn’t a legal requirement, each party needs to have independent counsel so they fully understand their rights.

TN Download: PDF or MS Word.

Writing your own vows doesn't have to be hard. 

Writing your own wedding vows is touching, but it’s also a huge undertaking. You might feel the pressure to write perfect vows and capture your love, hopes, and promises—a feat that may seem impossible, given that this oath typically lasts about one to two minutes. And finding the words to express these sentiments might seem impossible. 

If you’re thinking about personalizing your promises but you’re not sure where to start, you’re having  writer’s block, or you’re simply overwhelmed by the process, here ya go…. Below, we have an example of a couple and a guide to writing your own wedding vows, including a template, tips, and examples.

A Template to Follow When Writing Your Wedding Vows

While traditional wedding vows tend to follow a specific structure, your handwritten promises can take on any format and include any content you see fit. To help you get started, follow the below outline.

Say "I Love You"

This seems like a no-brainer, but many couples forget to mention these three powerful words. “I Love You” Whether you start or end your pledge with the sentiment, make sure you utter "I love you" at some point.

Reaffirm Your Unwavering Support

Most wedding vows touch on standing by one another's side, through good times and bad. The reality is: All marriages have cycles of peaks and valleys, It's nice to see your intent to get through those valleys together are real.

Share Personal Stories

Recounting romantic stories about how you knew your significant other was "the one," laugh-out-loud accounts of how your first date went horribly wrong, or inspiring narratives about overcoming challenging times will make your ceremony more interesting and moving for everyone in attendance. Your guests and your Significant Other want to hear vows that are real, If you've been through bumpy spots, you should express that.

Include Real Promises

Vows are  serious, lifelong commitments that you’re making in front of many witnesses. In addition its a personal shared moment with concrete promises that you'll continuously uphold throughout your marriage. These pledges and promises don't have to be heavy, though. “You can vow to not only stick by their side forever, but to also be the one to kill spiders whenever they creep their way into your home,” 

Acknowledge and Request Additional Support

You've gathered your friends and family to celebrate your wedding, but their love and support won't end there—you'll need their guidance throughout your marriage. 

Tips to Keep in Mind When Writing Your Wedding Vows

With the template in mind, it's time to put on paper. To make the process as easy as possible, we have a few tips for your wedding vows.

Start Well in Advance

Throughout the course of your wedding-planning journey, keeping your personalized wedding vows at the back of your mind, thinking about which stories you'll want to share and promises you'll want to make, will make the writing process more efficient and your vows more substantial. Although you can write your vows at any moment, make sure you have a final copy at least three weeks before your big day.

Discuss Your Expectations

Before jotting down your wedding vows, make sure to consult your partner about your expectations, so the two of you are on the same page. Plan to come to a consensus about the length of your vows, when you'll recite them, who will say them first, the tone, and how personal you intend to make them.

Jot Your Thoughts Down

To jumpstart the writing process, start by jotting down all of the thoughts that come to mind about your partner and relationship. Beginning with a brain dump will allow your feelings to flow freely, while alleviating any pressure to nail the wording right away. After you get everything on paper, highlight your favorite items and use them in the final copy.

Write No More Than Three Drafts

Writing a few drafts is an important part of the writing process, but continuously workshopping your wedding vows will only backfire—you'll start overthinking every word and lose sight of the bigger picture. Take a few days—even a week—in between edits, so you can revisit your words with more clarity.

Add Only the Important Details

Since you've likely been with your partner for years, you might feel tempted to include everything the two of you have done and every moment you've shared together. Instead of adding an overwhelming amount of information—which will only lose your guests when you recite them—pick the most important details, such as the first time you met or when you said "I love you."

Avoid Absolute Words

When making promises, avoid using absolute words like "always" and "never." Vowing to do something all of the time, such as taking out the trash, or never at all, such as disappointing your future spouse, is a huge commitment that's impossible to live up to.

Embrace Sentimentality

There's no better time to be sentimental than your vow exchange. If the message feels true to you, don't worry about coming across as corny. If the words are heartfelt, then they're not cheesy.

Lean on Humor

Sharing promises with your partner doesn't have to be serious; lighthearted messages filled with humor will make the moment more relatable, personal, and enjoyable. Plus, scoring a smile and laugh from your significant other (and the rest of your guests) will feel especially rewarding.

Seek Inspiration from Pop Culture

Movies, TV shows, books, and songs are filled with eloquent words and messages that capture the experience of being in love. To express your feelings, consider quoting a passage from your favorite book or a line from your favorite film in your personalized wedding vows. If nothing accurately describes your emotions, you can always use these examples as a starting point.

Make a Fresh Copy for the Ceremony

When you vocalize your vows at the altar, your guests will be able to see the medium that you're reading from. “Yes, the focus will be on the words themselves, but the aesthetics matter, too,” A scratched-out notepad might not be the best choice for your service. Instead, print a fresh copy or write them in a vow booklet.

Stash Them in a Safe Place

In the months and weeks leading up to your ceremony, store the physical copy of your handwritten wedding vows in a secret spot—far away from your future spouse's field of view. Your vows are a gift to one another, so don't share them ahead of time, It will make the ceremony all the more impactful and emotional if you're hearing them for the first time.

Tips for Delivering Your Personalized Wedding Vows

Once you've finalized your wedding vows, you'll need to rehearse them in order to nail your day-of delivery. 

Practice Out Loud

Practice makes perfect. To give you the confidence to deliver your vows on the big day, practice reading your heartfelt promises aloud. This practice will also help you gauge whether your promises are clear and complete. Reading your vows out loud will help you catch spots where the grammar might be iffy or where you’re missing a word, as well as figure out if the structure is cohesive.

Indicate Pauses and Intonation

Since your vows are filled with meaning, speaking quickly and mumbling will detract from the moment and prevent your audience from engaging with the content. You’ll want to allow time to laugh or tear up without interrupting your flow, For the best understanding and emotional reactions, take it slow and focus on breaks and pauses.

Ask a Trusted Friend to Listen

To prepare for the actual vow exchange, ask a close friend who is a great sounding board (and a pro at keeping secrets) to listen as you rehearse.  They can give you constructive criticism and help you improve your vows to make sure you really get that meaning across.

For a more lighthearted approach, consider embracing your sense of humor. Here is an example of funny wedding vows that will make everyone laugh. Wedding vows that are written from the heart are inherently romantic, but if you want yours to focus on loving promises and sweet memories...

• "Janet, it was 1997, but it feels like only yesterday when a beautiful, short      redheaded young lady took my breath away. Who would have guessed      back then that we would be standing where we are today. In a matter of 2 years, we have seen the world, made memories, friendships, and a      trusting bond that will last a lifetime. And I can only imagine what we can achieve in the years to come. It's the small things about you that make you shine so brightly. I would say your smile and laugh is something  I would wake up to a million times. But we both know it's the red fuzzy-hair, "arthritis" Janet that truly shines when I'm pulling you out of bed in the morning. I promise to always be there for you. I'll trust you, care for you, but most of all, If I had to choose, I would choose you in 100 lifetimes,  and in 100 worlds, I would find you and I would choose you.  I will always love you." — Earl

• · "Earl, you're the answer to my prayers. You have exceeded every expectation and dream I've ever had. Today, surrounded by people that love us, I vow to walk alongside you for the rest of my days. I promise to support you in all that you do and encourage you every step of the way. I promise to speak words of kindness and do my very best to be patient even when you splash water all over the mirrors in the bathroom and bring in grass right after I just sweep the floors. I will choose you and only you from this day forward, Earl, you are the best, good gift God could have sent my way. You are determined and hardworking. You are as patient as you are kind. I love your heart, and I love your mind. I love how you love others. You make me feel loved and accepted. This is my promise to you and to God for eternity." — Janet

Weddings bring up questions on how to seat those difficult family situations.

How to seat divorced parents at a wedding ceremony...

Seating Family

• Seating Married Parents

The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew or row on the left, facing where the ceremony will be held; the groom’s parents sit in the first row on the right. At same-sex marriage ceremonies, the couple might assign each family a side, and seat guests on "Billy's side" or "Earl's side" accordingly. If the site has two aisles, the congregation sits in the center section. The bride’s parents sit on the left side of the center section and the groom’s parents on the right.

• Seating Widowed Parents

Widowed parents of either the bride or groom may prefer to have someone by their side during the ceremony, and it is perfectly correct to do so. Their companion is treated as an honored guest.

• Seating Divorced Parents

When either the bride or groom’s parents are divorced the seating needs to be planned carefully and the ushers need clear instructions. It can be tricky: Divorced parents may or may not get along, or the bride may be close to one parent and not the other. Tact and diplomacy will be critical for keeping the peace.

In the lucky event that all the parties get along, there’s no reason why the divorced parents cannot share the front row. But when there is strain or outright bitterness, it’s necessary to use a careful, well-thought-out alternative plan that keeps the parties separated.

When divorced parents sit separately, and using the bride’s parents as an example, her mother (and stepfather, if Mom has remarried) sits in the front row. Members of her mother’s immediate family—the bride’s grandparents, any siblings who aren’t attendants, and aunts, uncles, and their spouses—sit immediately behind in the next one or two rows. The bride’s father, after escorting his daughter up the aisle and presenting her to the groom, sits in the next row behind the bride’s mother’s family—usually the third or fourth—with his wife and their family members. This protocol is followed even if the bride’s father is hosting the wedding.
When the groom’s parents are divorced, they’re seated in the same manner.

• Seating Immediate Family

Behind the front rows, several rows on either side of the center aisle are reserved for the immediate families of the couple. These guests may have been sent pew cards to show their usher, or the usher may keep a list of guests to be seated in the first few rows.

• No sides

It is fine not to have "sides" for wedding seating, instead inviting guests to sit where they like. 

This is sometimes done when one half of the couple has significantly more guests than the other, or at a more informal wedding. Regardless the reason, the front seats are still usually reserved for the couple's close family, to be sure they will have a good view.

List of Photos not to forget to take at the Wedding...

THE PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN AT YOUR WEDDING are the best way to remember your important day. Chances are you and your new husband will look at the photos many times during your lifetime. Therefore, hiring a good photographer is one of the most important tasks in planning your wedding.

***Make a Folder or a notebook and keep all your receipts, pictures, notes and this information with you while making your reservations and picking your very important details.

Make sure you hire a photographer who specializes in weddings. The photographer should be experienced in wedding procedures and familiar with your ceremony and reception site if possible. This will allow him/her to anticipate your next move and be in the proper place at the right time to capture all the special moments.

Look at his/her work. See if the photographer captures excitement and emotions of the bridal couple. Also, remember that the wedding album should unfold like a 'Story book -- the story of your wedding”. Be sure to discuss with your photographer the photos you want so that there is no misunderstanding.

Interview the photographer to make sure this is the one who will photograph your wedding, There are many places with more than one photographer. Often they use the work of their best photographer to sell their packages and then send a less experienced photographer to the wedding. Don't get caught In this trap!'

Photographers Comparison Chart

Bring this chart with you when you go to interview different photographers so that you have a list of questions to ask and can use the answers to choose the right photographer for your wedding. You can 'make extra copies if you interview more photographers.

Photographer's Information - After you select a photographer, use this form to fill out all the photographer's information so that you always have the contact information at hand. You can also use this form to keep track of appointments with the photographer. Make a copy for your photographer so that you are sure to have the same information.

Wedding Photos – I have included a checklist of different photographs you may want to have taken. Make a copy for your photographer in order to ensure nothing is missed!

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check-off all photographs you would like taken throughout your wedding day, then make a copy of this and give it to your photographer.

PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS:

o     Bride leaving her house

o     Wedding rings with the invitation

o     Bride getting dressed for the ceremony

o     Bride looking at her bridal bouquet

o     Maid of honor putting garter on bride leg

o     Groom and best man before ceremony

o     Bride by herself

o     Bride with her mother

o     Bride with her father

o     Bride with mother and father with her entire family and/or any combination       thereof

o     Bride with her maid of honor

o     Bride with her bridesmaids

o     Bride with the flower girl and/or ring bearer

o     Bride's mother putting on her corsage

o     Groom leaving his house

o     Groom putting on his boutonniere

o     Groom with his mother             Groom with his father

o     Groom with mother and father

o     Groom with his entire family and/or any combination thereof

o     Groom with his best man

o     Groom with his ushers

o     Groom shaking hands with his best man while looking at his watch

o     Groom with the bride's father

o     Bride and her father getting out of the limousine

o     Special members of the family being seated

o     Groom waiting for the bride before the processional

o     Bride and her father just before the processional

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Check-off all photographs you would like taken throughout your wedding day, then make a copy of this and give it to your photographer.

OTHER PRE-CEREMONY PHOTOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

________________________________________________________________________

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CEREMONY PHOTOGRAPHS:

o     The processional

o     Bride and groom saying their vows

o     Bride and groom exchanging rings

o     Groom kissing the bride at the altar

o     The recessional

O    THE CEREMONY PHOTOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

______________________________________________________________________

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POST-CEREMONY PHOTOGRAPHS:

o     Bride and groom

o     Newlyweds with both of their families

o     Newlyweds with the entire wedding party

o     Bride and groom signing the marriage certificate

o     Flowers and other decorations

OTHER POST-CEREMONY PHOTOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHS

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Check-off all photographs you would like taken throughout your wedding day, then make a copy of this and give it to your photographer.

RECEPTION PHOTOGRAPHS:

o     Entrance of newlyweds and wedding party into the reception site

o     Receiving line

o     Guests signing the guest book

o     Toasts

o     First dance

o     Bride and her father dancing

o     Groom and his mother dancing

o     Bride dancing with groom's father

o     Groom dancing with bride's mother

o     Wedding party and guests dancing

o     Cake table

o     Cake-cutting ceremony

o     Couple feeding each other cake

o     Buffet table and its decoration

o     Bouquet-tossing ceremony

o     Garter-tossing ceremony

o     Musicians

o     The wedding party table

o     The family tables

o     Candid shots of your guests

o     Bride and groom saying good-bye to their parents

o     Bride and groom looking back, waving good-bye in the getaway car

OTHER RECEPTION PHOTOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

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PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPARISON CHART

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QUESTIONS POSSIBILITY 1 POSSIBILITY 2

What IS the name & phone number of the photographer?

What is the website and e-mail of the photographer?

What is the address of the photographer?

How many years of experience do you have as a photographer?

What percentage of your business is dedicated to weddings?

Approximately how many weddings have you photographed?

Are you the person Who will photograph my wedding?

Will you bring an assistant with you to my wedding?

How do you typically dress for weddings?

Do you have a professional studio?

What type of equipment do you use?

Do you bring backup equipment with you to weddings?

Do you visit the ceremony/reception sites prior to the wedding?

Do you have liability insurance

Are you skilled in diffused lighting and soft focus

Can you take studio portraits

Can you retouch negatives

(very important) Can I buy/get the copyrights and disc of images of all

pictures.

PHOTOGRAPHERS COMPARISON CHART

___________________________________________________________________________________________

QUESTIONS POSSIBILITY 1 POSSIBILITY 2

Can negatives be purchased? If so, what is the cost?

What is the cost of the package I am interested in?

What is your payment policy?

What is your cancellation policy?

Do you offer a money back guarantee?

Do you use proofs?

How many proofs will I get?

When will I get my album?

What is the cost of an engagement Portrait?

What is the cost of a formal bridal portrait?

What is the cost of a parent album?

What is the cost of a 5 x 7 reprint?

What is the cost of a 8 x 10 reprint?

What is the cost of 11 x 14 reprint?

What is the cost per additional hour of shooting at the wedding?

PHOTOGRAPHERS INFORMATION

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Make a copy of this and give it to your photographer as a reminder of your various events

THE WEDDING 

OF:_________________________________________PHONE:_________________________

PHOTOGRAPHER'S COMPANY_______________________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________________State:__________________________

Zip Code:______________

Website:_________________________________________________

email:_____________________________________

Photographer’s Name:____________________________________Phone:____________________________________

Assistant’s 

Name:________________________________________Phone:____________________________________

ENGAGEMENT PORTRAIT

Date: ______________________________________________ Time: __________________________________________

Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________State:___________________________Zip Code: ____________________

BRIDAL PORTRAIT

Date: ______________________________________________ Time: __________________________________________

Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________State:___________________________Zip Code: ____________________

PHOTOGRAPHERS INFORMATION CONT’D

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make a copy of this and give it to your photographer as a reminder of your various events

THE WEDDING 

OF:_________________________________________PHONE:_________________________

OTHER EVENTS:___________________________________________________________________________________

Date:__________________________________________________ 

Time:______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Location:__________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________________State:__________________________Zip Code:______________

CEREMONY:_______________________________________________________________________________

Date: ________________________Arrival Time: ______________________Departure Time:_____________________

Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________State:___________________________Zip Code: ____________________

Ceremony Restrictions/Guidelines:__________________________________________________________________

RECEPTION:_______________________________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________Arrival Time: ________________________Departure Time:_____________________

Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________

City:__________________________________State:___________________________Zip Code: ____________________

Reception Restrictions/Guidelines:__________________________________________________________________

NOTES

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Make a copy of this form and give it to your photographer as a reminder of your various events

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If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!