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Photo by Carly McCray Photography

Winner of The Knot Best of Weddings

11/22/2019

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At Koru Ceremony we are deeply honored to win The Knot Best of Weddings 2020 again for the 6th year in a row. Only 5% of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot receive this distinguished award.

To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed millions of user reviews across various vendor categories to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winner represent the best of the best wedding professionals. The Knot Best of Weddings award gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding celebration to life.
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An overview about Koru Ceremony

11/18/2019

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It is finally here! After a few technology issues I have loaded onto the KoruCeremony.com homepage the video that Clouds North Films created for Koru. I am so impressed by how Bob was able to condense a full day of filming into 3 minutes. He was able to distill our message and how we love creating a unique and one-of-a-kind ceremony for each and every couple we have the privilege of working with. This first video is an overview of Koru Ceremony and how we work with couples.
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Maddie and Eric, 11-16-19

11/18/2019

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Such a beautiful photo by Nikki Kate Photography for a beautiful couple inside and out. It was an honor to officiate Maddie and Eric's wedding this past weekend at the Cuvee in the Third Ward in downtown Milwaukee. Thanks to Kris Gorski for all her help at her amazing venue.
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April and Tanner 11/9/19

11/12/2019

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April and Tanner were married at the The Fields Reserve on Nov. 9, 2019, in front of their family and friends. This couple was so sweet as they giggled and whispered to each other during the ceremony, and after it was all done, I got to pronounce them husband and wife as Tanner got to kiss his beautiful bride! Congratulations to April and Tanner! I wish them a lifetime filled with love and laughter! Thanks to Mueller DJ Service for providing the music and working the sound system!
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A review by Rachael and Nick

11/9/2019

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Wow! Thanks to Rachel and Nick for writing this glowing review for me recently on The Knot, Wedding Wire and Google. It was a joy to work with this fun and laid back couple and be able to share their love story with their guests at their wedding last April at the Chorus Public House in Stoughton, WI. 

"Pat was an absolute pleasure to work with. She is so talented and knowledgeable. We met a handful of times before the wedding, and she took the time to really get to know us and our history in order to pack it into an incredibly meaningful ceremony that our families and friends still talk about seven month later. 

If you are wondering if Koru is the right fit, schedule a meeting. You will be absolutely blown away by the passion and care that Pat puts into your day. Everything, from the marriage license to the logistics of walking down the isle is incredibly thought through. Our favorite part of working with Pat was the fact that she was so in-tune with us on the wedding day. She read our nerves and helped us slow down our thoughts so that we could soak in the moment together. It was the fastest day of our lives, and Pat knew just how to help us make it the best day of our lives."

​Photos by Blue Tree Photography
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Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding?

11/5/2019

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As wedding officiants sometimes we are asked to make an announcement before the ceremony begins about it being an unplugged ceremony.  Here is the wording I use with very positive results:
"Before we begin today’s ceremony, ___ and ___ invite you to be truly present at this time during the ceremony. Please turn off your cell phones and put down your cameras for an unplugged ceremony. ___ and ___ have hired an amazing photographer to capture this moment. But I encourage the rest of us to capture in our hearts the love between ___ and ___, without the distraction of technology. Thank you."
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Photo by Rachel Gulotta Photography
Here is a good article by Zola.com about this question.  
In today’s tech-centric culture, there aren’t many opportunities to disconnect. So, for many couples, their wedding offers the perfect opportunity for them—and their guests—to truly unplug. Zola recently surveyed 500 couples on their upcoming nuptials and found that a whopping 80% planned to have an unplugged wedding. In some cases, that’s easier said than done. Read on for tips to creating a truly technology-free environment as you say “I do.”

What does “unplugged” really mean?
Unplugged can mean different things to different couples. Generally speaking, though, going fully unplugged is slightly different from a social media-free wedding. A social-media free wedding usually just means the couple has asked guests to refrain from posting pictures of their big day on the day-of.
A fully unplugged wedding means free of all technology: no cell phones, no cameras, no electronics, no social media.

Why are couples having unplugged weddings?
The couples we surveyed shared plenty of insights into why you might want to have an unplugged wedding. Here are some of the most popular reasons to go unplugged:
  • Fear that a guest might ruin one of your professional photographer’s photos. For example, if your uncle decides to jump in the middle of the aisle to get a shot of the dress—and completely blocks your photographer’s shot in the process.
  • Concerns that guest photos will be shared on social media before you get a chance to post your own photos.
  • Ensure that guests are more connected and present—and aren’t checking their Instagram during the ceremony readings.
  • Avoid any tech-related blunders (like someone’s cell phone going off while you’re reciting your wedding vows)
Basically, there are plenty of reasons to have an unplugged wedding. Don’t feel too concerned about why you want to go tech-free and focus on how you execute the policy.

How to Go Fully Unplugged
The key to success with throwing an unplugged wedding? Making sure that all your guests know your event is fully unplugged.
There are a few different strategies to loop your guests into your unplugged wedding (and make sure they stay unplugged!).
  • Put it on the invite and wedding website. If you know you’re having an unplugged wedding far in advance, give your guests a heads up by including the information on your invites and wedding website. That way, guests know that your wedding is phone-, camera-, and social media-free—and they’ll have plenty of time to prepare themselves.
  • Make it clear when electronics are or are not allowed. According to our survey, 90% of couples only plan to go fully unplugged for the ceremony, while just 5% of couples choose to have their entire wedding unplugged from beginning to end. Make sure you let your guests know when they need to stay unplugged—and if phones and electronics are ok to use after you say your “I do’s.”
  • Include signage. Even if your guests know you’re having an unplugged wedding in advance, you want to make sure it’s clear the day of your wedding. The most common ways couples let their guests know about the phone and electronic-free protocol? Adding a note in the ceremony program and/or placing signs at the entrance to the ceremony. You can also have your officiant make an announcement before your ceremony gets underway as a last-minute reminder!
  • Collect people’s electronics at the door. If you really want to ensure that no one is posting on social media or snapping pictures on their phones, you can collect your guests’ electronics at the door—and give them back once the ceremony or wedding is over. Just keep in mind that some guests might not be willing to part with their phones—and, for some guests, it might not even be possible. For example, parents who left their kids with a babysitter and need to be available in case of an emergency.

How To Enforce The Rules
Chances are, most of your guests will be fully on board with your unplugged wedding. However, there may be an outlier or two who have a real problem putting down their phones and being present (and electronic-free!) for your big event—and here are a few strategies for dealing with those guests:
  • Delegate a friend or family member to do a “phone sweep." If you’re concerned that some of your guests will ignore the unplugged rule during your ceremony, ask a friend or family member to walk around before the ceremony begins. If anyone has a phone or camera in hand, gently remind them that you’re having an unplugged wedding and ask them to put it away.
  • Talk to your guests. If you happen to notice that someone is snapping photos or posting pictures online, talk to them. They’re probably just doing it out of habit. A gentle reminder from the couple could be all it takes to stash their phone and enjoy the day completely unplugged.
  • Let it go. You’re probably going to be annoyed if people refuse to go unplugged at your wedding. Other than taking the phone or camera out of their hands (please don’t do this), you can’t really force them. Don’t let it ruin your wedding. Instead, let it go for the moment. Enjoy your night. If you’re really hurt by it, circle back after the wedding and let them know it upset you.
​There aren’t a ton of opportunities to unplug these days, but we can’t think of a better reason to turn off your phone and enjoy the moment than your big day. So if your dream wedding is one that’s completely free of phones, electronics, and social media, take these tips and use them to plan the perfect unplugged wedding.
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A review by Katherine and Michael

11/5/2019

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Thank you Katherine and Michael for writing this very sweet review for me on Wedding Wire and The Knot after your wedding this past weekend at The Park Hotel.  It was a great pleasure to work with both of you.  Wishing you all the best in the years ahead. 

"Pat Werk was absolutely amazing and a blast to work with. We loved that she had a customizable ceremony, with plenty of options (including write ins!) that let it make it unique to us. She also paid a lot of attention to details. Beyond that, even more importantly she was kind, very experienced, and made the whole process smooth and easy. 

We could not have asked for more on this special day. We are indebted to her for helping make it as wonderful as it was."
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A review by Stephanie and Jay

11/4/2019

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Wow! I just read this super nice review that Stephanie and Jay wrote for me on The Knot, Wedding Wire and Google. Today I also received in the mail a gift certificate from them to go to a Food Fight Restaurant. Both things warmed my heart. What a thoughtful, kind, and generous couple! It was truly a joy to work with them too!

"Pat is the LITERAL BEST! I could not have had a better experience working with Pat as the officiant for our wedding. She sat down with my now husband and I on two separate occasions to get to know us and to plan out our wedding ceremony. We did the customized ceremony and it was one of the best wedding planning choices that we made. We had numerous wedding attendees tell us that it was the BEST WEDDING CEREMONY THEY HAD BEEN TO IN YEARS, and even moved some guests to tears with how beautiful it was... seriously! Pat helped us nail down every detail of the ceremony and provided numerous options to really make it our own. She also will remind you when you need to get stuff done so you don't get behind :).Pat is also very responsive to e-mails, which is so appreciated when you're planning your wedding along with a busy lifestyle. Additionally, Pat had great suggestions on rehearsal day, and I appreciated her direct approach to make things run efficiently for rehearsal and then seamless on wedding day. Pat was worth every penny and then some! I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone tying the knot and she was truly a HIGHLIGHT of our wedding day. Thanks, Pat! :)"
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    Welcome to our blog.  As an officiant and wedding coordinator I delight in assisting couples celebrate one of the best and most memorable days of their life.  I hope you find this blog to be a source of inspiration and joy.  

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