| by Massachusetts Justice of the Peace & Notary Public Carol J. Merletti |
About Carol J. Merletti
My husband, Ronald, and I, just renewed our wedding vows to celebrate our 20th year wedding anniversary on March 18, 2007. Our only son, Nick, and I, gave Ron (and Dad) a surprise 60th
birthday party. At his party, I ask my husband to remarry me. Nick acted as his dad's best man and handed him a new wedding ring to replace his original ring that was recently stolen at his gym. It was
a moment that our family will never, ever forget. (Thankfully my husband answered "YES" to my proposal!!! He cried, but I took that as a sign that he really meant yes and not because he couldn't say
no with a 150 people there to witness the event!!!) The fact that our son took part in our marrying each other again for a second time is something that we will never forget.
I am an Executive and Private Assistant to a terrific boss, dear friend, mentor, and a founder of two companies, Monitor Company Group and Monitor Clipper Partners, LLP, going on twenty years this
coming July 25th, 2008! In 1985 I became a Notary Public and to date, continue to perform this community service. Ron and I have been actively involved in Nick’s life since his arrival in this world.
Ron served as a Boy Scout Den Leader for two years and Cub Master for four years, while I served as a Den Leader for four years. I previously sat on several educational committees, such as a
secretary of an elementary school council, PTO Secretary, Co-Chairwoman of a school yearbook for three years and family school directory. I also sat on a committee for the American Cancer
Society “Relay for Life” for the Malden, Massachusetts district. However, the most precious to me, and proudest community service that I have participated in to date, was the education for children
with learning disabilities. Ron and I, along with another couple, encouraged our children’s school to participate in the Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Council.
Education is the one thing that I hold dear to my heart. As one of twelve children, college was not an option for me. I had to work my way towards being granted this privilege. Which I did – by paying
my own way to evening classes at Harvard University and Fisher Junior College. Children with learning disabilities do not always have this opportunity. Someone needs to help guide them this way, and
the first step to do this, is to educate parents of their legal rights when they are a parent of a child with a learning disability. Every child deserves the opportunity to a decent education regardless of a
learning disability. That was the mission for Ron and I – to educate the parents of their legal rights. While it is not a subject that any school district wants to deal with, and it was emotionally draining for
Ron and I, as well as for the parents, I believe that we contributed to helping a lot of kids with learning disabilities, and I will always proudly say that I was part of their accomplishments.
Now that our son is seventeen, we have come to the realization that it is “not cool” to have your parent’s involved in school activities, unless of course, it is for a parent/teacher conference, which,
regardless of him liking it or not, we will be there – however, I found myself lost without doing community service, which is only one of the reasons that I became a Justice of the Peace.
In 1987, Ron and I were married by a Justice of the Peace. We had a very large wedding, in a lovely outdoor garden at a function hall. Our entire wedding party consisted of my wearing a wedding
gown, my husband in a tux, best man, maid of honor, bride’s maids, ushers, etc. I was a nervous bride, as we had not had a rehearsal since we were not getting married in a church. On the final day, I
had no idea what to expect. Our Justice of the Peace set our minds at ease. He was a very kind, caring, and knowledgeable person who ran the whole ceremony flawlessly. It was a perfect day. As a
matter of fact, soon after that, the same Justice of the Peace married my Mom and late Stepfather, as well as my Sister, Cathy, and her Husband, Robert. Those memories stayed with me through the
years, which is why I decided to become a Justice of the Peace as well. I wanted to provide to other couples that same wonderful experience that Ron and I, as well as my family, felt when we were
married.
birthday party. At his party, I ask my husband to remarry me. Nick acted as his dad's best man and handed him a new wedding ring to replace his original ring that was recently stolen at his gym. It was
a moment that our family will never, ever forget. (Thankfully my husband answered "YES" to my proposal!!! He cried, but I took that as a sign that he really meant yes and not because he couldn't say
no with a 150 people there to witness the event!!!) The fact that our son took part in our marrying each other again for a second time is something that we will never forget.
I am an Executive and Private Assistant to a terrific boss, dear friend, mentor, and a founder of two companies, Monitor Company Group and Monitor Clipper Partners, LLP, going on twenty years this
coming July 25th, 2008! In 1985 I became a Notary Public and to date, continue to perform this community service. Ron and I have been actively involved in Nick’s life since his arrival in this world.
Ron served as a Boy Scout Den Leader for two years and Cub Master for four years, while I served as a Den Leader for four years. I previously sat on several educational committees, such as a
secretary of an elementary school council, PTO Secretary, Co-Chairwoman of a school yearbook for three years and family school directory. I also sat on a committee for the American Cancer
Society “Relay for Life” for the Malden, Massachusetts district. However, the most precious to me, and proudest community service that I have participated in to date, was the education for children
with learning disabilities. Ron and I, along with another couple, encouraged our children’s school to participate in the Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Council.
Education is the one thing that I hold dear to my heart. As one of twelve children, college was not an option for me. I had to work my way towards being granted this privilege. Which I did – by paying
my own way to evening classes at Harvard University and Fisher Junior College. Children with learning disabilities do not always have this opportunity. Someone needs to help guide them this way, and
the first step to do this, is to educate parents of their legal rights when they are a parent of a child with a learning disability. Every child deserves the opportunity to a decent education regardless of a
learning disability. That was the mission for Ron and I – to educate the parents of their legal rights. While it is not a subject that any school district wants to deal with, and it was emotionally draining for
Ron and I, as well as for the parents, I believe that we contributed to helping a lot of kids with learning disabilities, and I will always proudly say that I was part of their accomplishments.
Now that our son is seventeen, we have come to the realization that it is “not cool” to have your parent’s involved in school activities, unless of course, it is for a parent/teacher conference, which,
regardless of him liking it or not, we will be there – however, I found myself lost without doing community service, which is only one of the reasons that I became a Justice of the Peace.
In 1987, Ron and I were married by a Justice of the Peace. We had a very large wedding, in a lovely outdoor garden at a function hall. Our entire wedding party consisted of my wearing a wedding
gown, my husband in a tux, best man, maid of honor, bride’s maids, ushers, etc. I was a nervous bride, as we had not had a rehearsal since we were not getting married in a church. On the final day, I
had no idea what to expect. Our Justice of the Peace set our minds at ease. He was a very kind, caring, and knowledgeable person who ran the whole ceremony flawlessly. It was a perfect day. As a
matter of fact, soon after that, the same Justice of the Peace married my Mom and late Stepfather, as well as my Sister, Cathy, and her Husband, Robert. Those memories stayed with me through the
years, which is why I decided to become a Justice of the Peace as well. I wanted to provide to other couples that same wonderful experience that Ron and I, as well as my family, felt when we were
married.
Therefore, I pursued my interest of becoming a Justice of the Peace, and I am happy to say that I did. I am meeting so many wonderful and interesting people. It is a new experience each time I
solemnize a marriage. I thoroughly enjoy my part in contributing to a couple’s happiness and commitment to one another.
I WELCOME EVERYONE! I will always happily perform all ceremonies (if of course, I am available). It does not matter what your religion or culture is -- it does not matter if it is a ceremony for a
same sex couple -- it does not matter if you want your pets to take part in your ceremony -- it does not matter how different, or strange, you want your ceremony to be (Well, of course, there are
limits!). But I must share with you that my long awaited wish has come true -- I have finally officiated a wedding ceremony at Fenway Park!!! And on the
Green Monster, during the seventh-inning stretch at that!!! AND THE BEST PART -- THE COUPLE WAS FROM NEW YORK!!!
I am a huge Red Sox Fan! So much so, that I actually convinced myself that I would receive a call from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner to officiate over their wedding ceremony,
since Ben is from Massachusetts, and he is a huge Red Sox fan, but unfortunately, I must have missed that call! (SO COME ON RED SOX FANS, DOESN'T ANYONE WANT TO
GET MARRIED AT FENWAY???) Having said that, I am open and happy to help anyone who wishes to be married. I encourage you to be creative with your ceremony! I encourage
you to help me write your vows to make them personal to fit YOUR STYLE. However -- please do not ask me to dress like Elvis! I don't think that a five foot, 100 pound female can
help you with this. I am happy to do the research for you, but I would definitely not make a good Elvis! (I know that this sounds weird, but I did indeed receive a call with this request!)
The other request that I have is, since we live in New England, and our weather is always unpredictable, that you always have a back-up plan for an out-door ceremony. Recently I
performed a ceremony when it began to rain the minute the ceremony began. This wedding party looked gorgeous and they spent a whole day getting ready for this special day, but
unfortunately the weather was not co-operating. I saw the face on the bride as I was officiating over her ceremony. She was so upset. While I continued to read their wedding vows, I
suddenly notice that their vows were being washed away! As it is impossible for me to remember vows by heart, as vows for each ceremony that I perform are different, I stood there
watching the ink fade. My first thought was, please can someone hold an umbrella over the head of this bride and groom and over my head? While I cannot say this while I am
performing a ceremony, it was obvious on my face. Suddenly, I saw this umbrella come over my head from behind. Of course, I could not turn around, but when we completed this
ceremony, I found this -- what I now call the "Perfect Gentleman" -- standing over me with the umbrella! His name is Sean. Sean, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are
indeed a "Perfect Gentleman"! Thank you for saving the day!
So please feel free to call me regardless of how small or large, formal or informal your wedding ceremony may be.
solemnize a marriage. I thoroughly enjoy my part in contributing to a couple’s happiness and commitment to one another.
I WELCOME EVERYONE! I will always happily perform all ceremonies (if of course, I am available). It does not matter what your religion or culture is -- it does not matter if it is a ceremony for a
same sex couple -- it does not matter if you want your pets to take part in your ceremony -- it does not matter how different, or strange, you want your ceremony to be (Well, of course, there are
limits!). But I must share with you that my long awaited wish has come true -- I have finally officiated a wedding ceremony at Fenway Park!!! And on the
Green Monster, during the seventh-inning stretch at that!!! AND THE BEST PART -- THE COUPLE WAS FROM NEW YORK!!!
I am a huge Red Sox Fan! So much so, that I actually convinced myself that I would receive a call from Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner to officiate over their wedding ceremony,
since Ben is from Massachusetts, and he is a huge Red Sox fan, but unfortunately, I must have missed that call! (SO COME ON RED SOX FANS, DOESN'T ANYONE WANT TO
GET MARRIED AT FENWAY???) Having said that, I am open and happy to help anyone who wishes to be married. I encourage you to be creative with your ceremony! I encourage
you to help me write your vows to make them personal to fit YOUR STYLE. However -- please do not ask me to dress like Elvis! I don't think that a five foot, 100 pound female can
help you with this. I am happy to do the research for you, but I would definitely not make a good Elvis! (I know that this sounds weird, but I did indeed receive a call with this request!)
The other request that I have is, since we live in New England, and our weather is always unpredictable, that you always have a back-up plan for an out-door ceremony. Recently I
performed a ceremony when it began to rain the minute the ceremony began. This wedding party looked gorgeous and they spent a whole day getting ready for this special day, but
unfortunately the weather was not co-operating. I saw the face on the bride as I was officiating over her ceremony. She was so upset. While I continued to read their wedding vows, I
suddenly notice that their vows were being washed away! As it is impossible for me to remember vows by heart, as vows for each ceremony that I perform are different, I stood there
watching the ink fade. My first thought was, please can someone hold an umbrella over the head of this bride and groom and over my head? While I cannot say this while I am
performing a ceremony, it was obvious on my face. Suddenly, I saw this umbrella come over my head from behind. Of course, I could not turn around, but when we completed this
ceremony, I found this -- what I now call the "Perfect Gentleman" -- standing over me with the umbrella! His name is Sean. Sean, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are
indeed a "Perfect Gentleman"! Thank you for saving the day!
So please feel free to call me regardless of how small or large, formal or informal your wedding ceremony may be.
ETIQUETTE
INVITING YOUR OFFICIANT TO YOUR CEREMONY: While etiquette dictates that an officiant should be an invited guest to your reception, I personally disagree. If, your officiant is a family
priest, or, a personal friend, that is a different story. You do not know me, nor do I know your guests, which would put all of us in an uncomfortable situation. Therefore, I disagree with proper etiquette
in this case. I know only too well what the cost of weddings are, and I would not want you to spend money on a person that you do not know. My life is very complicated as well. I am extremely
devoted to my family, and to my boss 24/7. Having said that, being an officiant is not my primary job. I love officiating for all weddings, but I also do not want to see a couple who is struggling to pay
for a wedding ceremony feel as if they need to invite me as a guest to their wedding reception. This is simply not necessary. And I honestly appreciate it if you did not. I hope that I do not appear as
being rude for saying this, but I am only being honest.
GRATUITIES / TIPPING YOUR OFFICIANT: I am often asked the question if I should be tipped for my services. My answer to them is "that is up to you". I am uncomfortable with answering this
question. There is no correct answer for this question. This is basically based upon what you believe your officiant is worth, as well as, what you believe, is the right thing to do. However, keeping in mind that
your officiant is the person who is providing you with a service for the most important part of your wedding day -- your wedding vows -- tips / gratuities are always appreciated. This lets your officiant know
what you thought about their services, only because your officiant's fee -- which is regulated by Massachusetts law -- is minor and very small compared to what you are paying to your other wedding vendors.
INVITING YOUR OFFICIANT TO YOUR CEREMONY: While etiquette dictates that an officiant should be an invited guest to your reception, I personally disagree. If, your officiant is a family
priest, or, a personal friend, that is a different story. You do not know me, nor do I know your guests, which would put all of us in an uncomfortable situation. Therefore, I disagree with proper etiquette
in this case. I know only too well what the cost of weddings are, and I would not want you to spend money on a person that you do not know. My life is very complicated as well. I am extremely
devoted to my family, and to my boss 24/7. Having said that, being an officiant is not my primary job. I love officiating for all weddings, but I also do not want to see a couple who is struggling to pay
for a wedding ceremony feel as if they need to invite me as a guest to their wedding reception. This is simply not necessary. And I honestly appreciate it if you did not. I hope that I do not appear as
being rude for saying this, but I am only being honest.
GRATUITIES / TIPPING YOUR OFFICIANT: I am often asked the question if I should be tipped for my services. My answer to them is "that is up to you". I am uncomfortable with answering this
question. There is no correct answer for this question. This is basically based upon what you believe your officiant is worth, as well as, what you believe, is the right thing to do. However, keeping in mind that
your officiant is the person who is providing you with a service for the most important part of your wedding day -- your wedding vows -- tips / gratuities are always appreciated. This lets your officiant know
what you thought about their services, only because your officiant's fee -- which is regulated by Massachusetts law -- is minor and very small compared to what you are paying to your other wedding vendors.
Certifications
Member of the Justices of the Peace of the U.S.
jpus.org Website: http://www.jpus.org
(Listed under Find a JP, click on Massachusetts, Under Metro, click on Malden.)
Member of the Massachusetts Justices of the Peace Association, Inc.
mjpa.org Website: http://www.mjpa.org
(Listed under the catagory of: Find a Justice of the Peace.
Type in Malden, Massachusetts, and the name Merletti)
Member of The National Notary Association
(Massachusetts Public Notary since 1985)
jpus.org Website: http://www.jpus.org
(Listed under Find a JP, click on Massachusetts, Under Metro, click on Malden.)
Member of the Massachusetts Justices of the Peace Association, Inc.
mjpa.org Website: http://www.mjpa.org
(Listed under the catagory of: Find a Justice of the Peace.
Type in Malden, Massachusetts, and the name Merletti)
Member of The National Notary Association
(Massachusetts Public Notary since 1985)
I am also listed on the following wedding vendor websites:
http://www.mybostonwedding.com/
http://www.decidio.com/search/index.cfm
http://boston.allwedding.com/officiants/
http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/ma_massachusetts/vendor_wedding_officiants_6596.html
(click on Massachusetts, then click on officiants)
http://www.bride.com/Vendors.html?si=Nh0RHRABLgwDWEhCXkdRUiYSER0XAAEQNwkaBhNNXks,3070
http://www.originalweddingexpo.com/exhibitors.html?ActiveCategories.SelectedCategory.ID=914
http://www.WedAlert.com
http://www.mybostonwedding.com/
http://www.decidio.com/search/index.cfm
http://boston.allwedding.com/officiants/
http://www.gatheringguide.com/event_directory/ma_massachusetts/vendor_wedding_officiants_6596.html
(click on Massachusetts, then click on officiants)
http://www.bride.com/Vendors.html?si=Nh0RHRABLgwDWEhCXkdRUiYSER0XAAEQNwkaBhNNXks,3070
http://www.originalweddingexpo.com/exhibitors.html?ActiveCategories.SelectedCategory.ID=914
http://www.WedAlert.com
(c) Copyright – Carol J. Merletti – Weddingofyourdesire.com. All rights reserved. The information on this page may not be reproduced, republished or mirrored, in whole or in part, on another webpage or website without the expressed written consent of the copyright holder and is strictly prohibited by International Copyright Law. |
Carol J. Merletti
Wedding of Your Desire
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