Wedding by Design
Your Ceremony Your Way
Reverend Leslie Karen Sann
Whether you want a traditional or a contemporary ceremony, I can contribute to the blessing of your day. Your wedding ceremony will be unique, personalized and to your complete satisfaction.
Your simple yet elegant custom marriage ceremony may be performed at a location of your choice. I will perform your wedding ceremony at your home, cottage, garden, hall, museum, park, restaurant, hotel, reception hall, church, or any other location which may be meaningful to you.
You may personalize the ceremony to reflect your own style, values, and personal spirituality. I encourage you to craft your vows, and if you wish, include others in the ceremony (especially children). I will refine what you draft and we will together work the ceremony until you are completely satisfied with the results.
I am confident we can design a wedding ceremony that you will remember and treasure. My focus is to support you and your guests to experience your day ... your way.
I want to thank you for our most beautiful wedding
ceremony. We couldn't have been happier. We received
many, many compliments about how beautiful the ceremony
was and how beautiful you were as the officiant. Thank you
so much for everything that you did to help make our day so
very special. I also want to thank you for coming up to the
bride's room and saying a prayer with my sisters and me.
I am truly blessed in so many ways.
Patricia Kellner
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✦ Design a ceremony that is simple, elegant and personalized, and unique to you.
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✦ Ensure that your ceremony reflects the personal values and spirituality you both share.
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✦ Create a meaningful ceremony; one that speaks of your mutual love, loyalty, commitment and respect.
On Your Wedding Day...
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✦ You have an experienced, professional officiant who is focused on you.
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✦ I will provide warmth and presence and put friends and family at ease.
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✦ Your ceremony will be conducted with sincerity, dignity, and an appropriate lightheartedness to suit the occasion.
The Secret of Wedding Planning is to...
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✦ Choose a setting you love ...
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✦ Pick the ideal venue and an officiant who takes pride in celebrating your ceremony with you ...
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✦ Share a custom ceremony and vows, which reflect your love for each other...
"The ceremony was perfect and touched us deeply.
We will always remember the ceremony as something
truly beautiful and special...both Giulia and I are thrilled we
had the privilege of having you officiate! Thanks again.”
Russ Schoen
Answers to Your Questions
I have listed below the most frequently asked wedding questions. If, however, your question is not answered here, please fee free to contact me.
Who is Reverend Leslie Karen Sann?
I am an ordained minister and conduct spiritual, ecumenical, non-denominational and/or non-religious ceremonies. I have been ordained since 1987. I am honored to perform marriage, commitment, and recommitment ceremonies. I work to serve your desired expression and creative intent.
How long does the ceremony take?
I suggest planning on thirty minutes. This includes the entrance, the ceremony, recessional, etc.
Do we have to memorize our vows?
No. You can write your own vows but come wedding day, I can ‘feed them to you one word at a time’.
Can we write our own vows and have friends read, sing, etc.?
Yes! The wedding is designed by you. I give you resources so that
you can collaborate with me in writing the exact ceremony that speaks your hearts.
Yes! The wedding is designed by you. I give you resources so that
Can our children take part in the ceremony?
YES! It’s a great idea to include your children. Ask me for a list of ideas to do just that!
Can photos be taken?
Whatever you want, it's your wedding.
Is a rehearsal necessary and how much does it cost?
Tradition, moms, and bridal books say have one. You should always walk through the ceremony with your wedding party. You may or may not need your officiant present. (Much depends on place and size of wedding). There is an additional fee for a rehearsal and the cost depends on how much time is involved and whether travel is required. My personal opinion and preference is that my presence is not needed.
What do you wear to the ceremony?
Appropriate business attire that matches the occasion. If it’s black tie, I dress up.
Does the officiant stay for dinner etc?
I usually do not. I often have other plans and leave once the license is signed.
I usually do not. I often have other plans and leave once the license is signed.
What time do you arrive on our wedding day?
I arrive 15 minutes or more before the ceremony.
Is a gratuity expected?
No. Some couples are moved to do so. Some couples send a thank you card with a picture. Referring a friend is a service to me. Some couples do all or none of the above. It’s up to you.
Yes. I would like that. When we meet I can get a sense about you as a couple so I can personalize the ceremony.
How do we book you to conduct our wedding ceremony?
Contact me either via e-mail or by phone. We will set up a time to meet.
What happens next?
When you decide to hire me to do your wedding, you give me a nonrefundable deposit for half the fee. Once I have your deposit I give you the wedding ceremony design book I have created to support you us in creating your ceremony. I ask you to look it over and give me a sense of direction about your preferences regarding your ceremony. We then collaborate on designing exactly what you want. This is usually done via email.
How long before the wedding should we book a wedding officiant?
I suggest you book as soon as you have your reception venue reserved. Please call and check my availability. I prefer at least four weeks to work with you on the ceremony.
Where and when do I get my license?
For information on obtaining a license visit: Marriage License Information for the 8 counties in the greater Chicago area: Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, Will, and DeKalb.
How do we get in touch with you?
I look forward to hearing from you. You may phone my office at 312-409-0686, or you can e-mail me at leslie@lesliesann.com
Availability and fee depend on time of ceremony, place, date and if travel is involved.
I look forward to working with you,
Reverend Leslie Karen Sann
312-409-0686
