A Sweet Start

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A Sweet Start I'm Maria, an experienced professional wedding officiant who feels like a friend! Officiating weddin Imagine time has slowed down.
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You take a deep breath and exhale slowly. You look over at your beloved and realize this is the moment. After all these years, you’re getting married! You feel calm, at ease, completely present, and bursting with joy. As a professional Maine wedding officiant, I know that when couples feel grounded and relaxed during their wedding ceremony, time seems to slow down. This allows you and your guests

to give the moment the significance it deserves and ultimately create richer memories of the ceremony. If you’re provided the space to just “be,” you’ll be able to savor the moment and store the memories! I am a professional wedding officiant who has been performing weddings in Maine since 2011. I'm passionate about the work I do and can't wait to hear all about your Maine wedding! I work with all couples in love! 🌈

Elizabeth and Nick have been together for 7 years, but today they made official the promise they’d already made in their...
20/07/2024

Elizabeth and Nick have been together for 7 years, but today they made official the promise they’d already made in their hearts. In front of the historic Pemaquid Lighthoise and all their favorite people they declared their love. And I got to be there between them to guide the proceedings and witness this momentous occasion!

iPhone pic by Emily MacCabe Photography
Coordination Dragonfly Services

This couple did the same thing I did: they got married in a small ceremony last December and then had a big, blowout par...
03/07/2024

This couple did the same thing I did: they got married in a small ceremony last December and then had a big, blowout party with all their friends now. This made the wedding day atmosphere super relaxed and joyful, which also reflects who Emilie and Ian are. They’re kind, thoughtful, funny folks and it was an honor to be their officiant.

Thoughts about this new trend of giving an engagement watch instead of a ring? Would you do it? Do you wish you had gott...
30/06/2024

Thoughts about this new trend of giving an engagement watch instead of a ring? Would you do it? Do you wish you had gotten a watch?

Discover the growing trend of engagement watches in modern weddings. From the sentimental value of family jewelry to the utility and durability of luxury timepieces, learn how this trend reflects changing tastes and the movement towards gender equality

In front of guests who traveled from as far away as Switzerland, Joe and Lori Ann promised to fill each other’s lives wi...
26/06/2024

In front of guests who traveled from as far away as Switzerland, Joe and Lori Ann promised to fill each other’s lives with wonderous adventures and to travel while laying the world at their spouse’s feet. Not only that but they were lucky enough to have Lindsay as their officiant!

Florals by York Flower Shop
Planner Events By Sorrell

Their first date was a “tire fire”! 😂 This unusual and stressful situation had the benefit of showing them who they real...
23/06/2024

Their first date was a “tire fire”! 😂 This unusual and stressful situation had the benefit of showing them who they really are at their core. Now look at them: Mr. and Mrs. Warren! 🫶🏼

First A Sweet Start wedding of the year officiated by the fabulous Lindsay! Julie and Brian enjoyed a perfect summer day...
09/06/2024

First A Sweet Start wedding of the year officiated by the fabulous Lindsay! Julie and Brian enjoyed a perfect summer day at Nonantum in Kennebunkport. Woohoo! 🎉

It's a huge honor to be asked by a Maine wedding venue to collaborate on a blog post about my speciality: wedding ceremo...
21/05/2024

It's a huge honor to be asked by a Maine wedding venue to collaborate on a blog post about my speciality: wedding ceremonies! Some of these questions I've never been asked before, so I think you'll find this blog post really interesting and hopefully helpful. Thank you French's Point for reaching out!

Tips and advice from French's Point and A Sweet Start on planning the perfect wedding ceremony at one of Maine's premier outdoor wedding venues.

The response you get when you send off a ceremony! Heart = bursting! 💓
06/05/2024

The response you get when you send off a ceremony! Heart = bursting! 💓

Looking for a good Maine wedding DJ? I got ya covered!
03/04/2024

Looking for a good Maine wedding DJ? I got ya covered!

“Do you know any good wedding DJ’s in Maine?” Because I get this question all the time, I’m constantly on the lookout for great Maine wedding DJ’s. I’ve put this list together based on: My experience working with them DJ’s I’ve met at wedding shows,...

🫶🏼🥂
15/03/2024

🫶🏼🥂

26/01/2024

It’s come to my attention that because I closed my PO Box some people think I went out of business. I assure you, that’s not the case at all! I just decided I didn’t need it anymore and that’s why I closed it. Lindsay and I are still here, still thriving, and still loving our work! 🫶🏼

I took a sabbatical from weddings in 2023 to focus on growing my travel agency business. I took advantage of a summer of...
01/01/2024

I took a sabbatical from weddings in 2023 to focus on growing my travel agency business. I took advantage of a summer off to travel the world.

I’m back to weddings in 2024 with Lindsay, my Associate, and can’t wait for what the year has to bring!

Dreaming about all our 2024 weddings and warm summer days!
27/12/2023

Dreaming about all our 2024 weddings and warm summer days!

The best wedding show of the year!
17/11/2023

The best wedding show of the year!

02/10/2023

Some bot just spammed a bunch of you on this page. Sorry about that! I reported the account and deleted all the comments, but feel free to report the account yourself. Annoying times we live in.

Lindsay finished our season strong with a gorgeous wedding at Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn. Just look at those florals by...
02/10/2023

Lindsay finished our season strong with a gorgeous wedding at Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn. Just look at those florals by Abby Garden! Congrats to our sweet couple, Garrett + Lauren!

Sam and Rob went with the Sweetest Package: they got married by Lindsay and I planned their honeymoon! Congratulations a...
19/09/2023

Sam and Rob went with the Sweetest Package: they got married by Lindsay and I planned their honeymoon! Congratulations and have fun in Greece!

I don’t know if many of you know this, but I took a sabbatical from weddings this summer to focus on building up my trav...
17/09/2023

I don’t know if many of you know this, but I took a sabbatical from weddings this summer to focus on building up my travel agency Steward and Porter Travel by Dream Vacations. I officiated only two weddings in 2023 and yesterday was #2. A wedding photographer (t.Dow Photography) here in Maine asked me to be her officiant and, of course, I couldn’t say no. It’s such a huge honor when a fellow wedding professional wants you to be their officiant!

Although the wedding had to be inside the barn (thanks, Hurricane Lee), everything was absolutely perfect! All my love to Taylor and Garrett as they embark on this next journey. I love you two!

What a gorgeous day for a wedding! Officiant: Lindsay from A Sweet StartPlanner: O'Zemko DesignsPhoto: Carl Heyerdahl Ph...
11/09/2023

What a gorgeous day for a wedding!

Officiant: Lindsay from A Sweet Start
Planner: O'Zemko Designs
Photo: Carl Heyerdahl Photography
Flowers: Minka Flowers
Cake: Village Baking Co.
Music: Bouchard Entertainment and Stretta Ensemble
Makeup: Adore Rouge LLC
Venue: ViewPoint Hotel (York, Maine)

Lindsay officiated Caroline and Brett’s wedding at Halo At The Point in Portland. A very cool venue for a very sweet cou...
23/08/2023

Lindsay officiated Caroline and Brett’s wedding at Halo At The Point in Portland. A very cool venue for a very sweet couple! Congratulations to our newlyweds! 🍾

Planner: Elegant Creations
DJ: Marc Beatham
Caterer: Musette Restaurant
Cake: The Pink Waffle
Florals: Silver Street Flower Farm
Photographer: Hinesight Imagery (although these images were taken by Lindsay)

Some of the most beautiful wedding imagery ever! Check out the ring shot! And, you’ll also catch a glimpse of my awesome...
21/08/2023

Some of the most beautiful wedding imagery ever! Check out the ring shot! And, you’ll also catch a glimpse of my awesome Associate, Lindsay, performing this sweet ceremony!

14/08/2023

We LOVE you Maria!🌟
From the very first zoom call we knew right away that Maria was going to make our nontraditional wedding dinner party perfect. She listened to every detail & idea to ensure she delivered exactly what we wanted! Her energy, warmth, smile, & overall presence on our big day was everything we needed & then some. Maria is someone you will need & want in your corner whether you’re planning a wedding or vacation (check out her travel planning)! She’s organized, suggests great ideas, fun, & professional! To have Maria involved in any major plans will be your smartest choice yet! We cannot thank her enough for helping us every step of the way & for being such a guiding LIGHT🌟 throughout the process.
10/10 recommend Maria for all things!
With love, Hannah & John

Another one in the books for my Associate Lindsay! This time at the beautiful Marianmade Farm with one of my all-time fa...
29/07/2023

Another one in the books for my Associate Lindsay! This time at the beautiful Marianmade Farm with one of my all-time favorite planners Dragonfly Services! Congratulations to Lauren and Nick! 🥂

Sweet success today for Natalie and Bryant who were married by my wonderful Associate Lindsay at Garden Gate at Haley Fa...
16/07/2023

Sweet success today for Natalie and Bryant who were married by my wonderful Associate Lindsay at Garden Gate at Haley Farm.

Can you see the love I have for my dear clients? This was me seeing the bride on her wedding day for the first time! Pho...
13/07/2023

Can you see the love I have for my dear clients? This was me seeing the bride on her wedding day for the first time!

Photo captured by Melissa Gebert Photography.

I believe every wedding should have coordination, be that a day-of (really month-of) wedding coordinator or a full weddi...
29/06/2023

I believe every wedding should have coordination, be that a day-of (really month-of) wedding coordinator or a full wedding planner. It takes all the stress and burden off the wedding couple, which allows them to let go and enjoy the celebration.

Take the Test: Do you need a Maine Day of Wedding Coordinator? How do you know if you need a Day of Wedding Coordinator also sometimes called a Day of Wedding Planner? Take this little test. If you answer “yes” to most of the questions...

I love thinking of myself as a magic-bringer! Photo by Melissa Gebert Photography
16/06/2023

I love thinking of myself as a magic-bringer!

Photo by Melissa Gebert Photography

I can't wait to see the rest of the photos from this wedding dinner celebration I officiated!
12/06/2023

I can't wait to see the rest of the photos from this wedding dinner celebration I officiated!

My awesome associate Lindsay sent me these photos from her wedding at Beech Ridge Barn. Congratulations, Ellen + Jacob!
11/06/2023

My awesome associate Lindsay sent me these photos from her wedding at Beech Ridge Barn. Congratulations, Ellen + Jacob!

If you need help writing your wedding vows, I got you! Download my workbook and have heartfelt, honest, original wedding...
24/05/2023

If you need help writing your wedding vows, I got you! Download my workbook and have heartfelt, honest, original wedding vows that will touch the heart of your beloved.

Take the stress out of writing your vows! Do you want to write your own wedding vows but don’t know where to start? Download this easy-to-use workbook and have original, personal and meaningful wedding vows crafted in less time than it takes to watch your favorite Netflix show. Click the blue bar ...

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Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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Videos

Loving the radar forecast for today’s elopement! Look how it parts just at the right time.

I’m not quite done and this certainly isn’t every couple, but I wanted to take a moment to congratulate all my 2021 couples. What a festive year filled with love, family and fun! Thank you for trusting me to be your officiant and to stand with you as you make your promises. What a gift you all are to me. From deep within my heart: I love you all! 💖

This is how happy I get when I see wedding vendor friends I haven't seen in over a year! I'm so grateful weddings are back to normal and we can give each other big hugs again! Film clip by Selah Films.

Big Announcement!
Big Announcement!

Oh, Sophie and Simon, how can I possibly describe your wedding day? Hot as heck? Oh, yes! Full of love? 100%. Relaxed, fun, light and easy? Absolutely. It was such a joy being your wedding officiant. Thank you a million times over for welcoming me into your life for this special day! Rentals & Planning BB's Events & Rentals DJ Sean Rossetti Tent Coastal Maine Canopies, Inc. Caterer: Mount Apatite Farm Flowers: Mount Apatite Farm, Shaky Barn Farm Gardens Signage: Hilary Brochu Photographer: Dear Jenna Photography Hair & Makeup: Hair Station Golf Cart Rentals: Goudreau & Sons Golf Carts, LLC

How do *you* feel about thank you cards?

18 Wedding Ceremony Program Ideas
18 Wedding Ceremony Program Ideas

Ok, full disclosure, I don't get through all 18 ceremony program ideas in this video but I think you'll find it helpful anyway! :) And, you can always click over to the blog to read the rest of the ideas >>https://www.asweetstart.com/blog/wedding-ceremony-program-ideas

5 Reasons to Get Married in Maine
5 Reasons to Get Married in Maine

As if you needed more reasons to get married in this gorgeous state, right? Even if you're already getting married in Maine, I may mention things you haven't heard of. Check out the blog for the rest of the reasons >> https://www.asweetstart.com/blog/5-reasons-to-get-married-in-maine

A blog post goes live tomorrow (Monday) that lists my top 5 reasons to get married in Maine. List your top 5 below and then come back tomorrow to see if we the same answers!

I ❤️ Maine! Check out this short video I made of my walk today. What’s your favorite thing about Maine?

5 Things to Ask a Wedding Officiant
5 Things to Ask a Wedding Officiant

Since I'm an officiant, I thought it would be useful to give you advice on 5 things to ask a wedding officiant during the inquiry call. See the entire blog post here >> https://www.asweetstart.com/blog/5-questions-to-ask-your-wedding-officiant

How to Get Married in Maine
How to Get Married in Maine

I describe the legal process of how to get married in Maine! Dang, I got cut-off again! Here's the rest of the post: https://www.asweetstart.com/blog/2011/10/18/how-to-get-married-in-maine.html

5 Things to Ask Your Wedding Vendors
5 Things to Ask Your Wedding Vendors

5 things to ask your wedding vendors before you hire them! (Ugh, the connection dropped so you didn't get to hear #5. You can see the last tip on the blog: https://www.asweetstart.com/blog/things-to-ask-potential-wedding-vendors)

A big thank you to Jessica at Marianmade Farm for catching this moment during Ben and Jordan’s ceremony this afternoon! #happilyeveruoff

Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake is amazing! Can't wait for tomorrow's ceremony for Caroline and Tim!

Wavelength the Band
Wavelength the Band

Listening to Wavelenght band at BESWOON.

Here's how to arrive at your wedding reception! Notice Meredith Perdue snapping photos of the happy couple. #mainewedding #arrivalbysailboat

It's been an amazing summer so far! #asweetstartweddings #maineweddings

Tomorrow's wedding venue! (Turn up the sound)

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A Sweet Start

A Sweet Start is for couples who want something new! You know you want a creative and meaningful wedding ceremony but don't know where to start. With me as your Maine wedding officiant, you will get a well-crafted and loving wedding ceremony with my personalized attention and professional expertise to ensure you have a stress-free ceremony!

Your ceremony will be fun without being jokey, it'll be serious without being solemn, it will be meaningful without being overly sentimental, it'll be sweet without being sappy. I balance the gravity of this significant moment with enough levity to make it a joyful occasion. Your wedding ceremony experience will be a fabulous celebration for you and your guests!

You will feel supported by me through the entire process of crafting your ceremony, to helping you envision how it will unfold, to guiding you and your wedding party through the rehearsal, and finally to bringing your ceremony to life on wedding day.

You will love working with me because I'm down-to-earth; I have a positive, cheery attitude; I'm wicked organized; I'm LGBTQ friendly; I'm passionate about my work; and I care about your ceremony as much as you do! I can't wait to hear from you!