Welcome to Our Wedding Wishes
Officiant Services by BJ Furlo
Welcome to Our Wedding Wishes
Officiant Services by BJ Furlo
Officiant Services by BJ Furlo
Officiant Services by BJ Furlo
Officiating a ceremony between two people in love is both a joy and a true honor. Whether you're planning a formal wedding, an intimate elopement, or something beautifully in between, your ceremony is a meaningful and treasured moment — one that deserves to reflect your unique love story.
As your wedding officiant and minister, my goal is to create a ceremony that truly fits your personal style, values, and vision. I work closely with each couple to customize every detail, helping you feel supported, understood, and calm throughout the entire process — especially on your special day.
If needed, I’m also happy to guide you through your rehearsal, ensuring everything flows smoothly and confidently. My rates are very reasonable and vary depending on the type and size of the ceremony.
By appointment only. I’d be honored to be a part of your day.
Congrats Lisa and Jess Gerard !
Check out this great video
(Discount if you do this for your wedding)
A blessing stone ceremony (also known as a wishing stone ceremony) is a wedding tradition where guests are given a smooth stone to hold or keep as a symbol of their support and blessings for the couple. Guests make a wish or blessing for the couple, either silently, by speaking it aloud, or by writing it on a note card. Afterward, guests might place their stones in a special container, like a wishing well, or toss them into a body of water to seal their wishes.
Unity Sand Ceremony expresses the coming together of two people or two families into one new family. It is a very simple idea that can be incredibly powerful. Typically, each person has different colored sand and takes turns pouring it into one clear vessel, forming a layered effect. Sometimes just the couple participates, and sometimes the couple's children or parents join in with their own colored sand, adding to the layers of colors, and expressing the harmony of the entire family.
A unity candle ceremony is a wedding tradition where the couple, and sometimes their families, lights two individual taper candles and then uses those flames to together light a larger, central unity candle. This ritual symbolizes the joining of two lives and families into one new, unified entity, with the central flame representing their new shared life, commitment, and love.
Bourbon whiskey makes for an interesting symbolic substance. ... It's literally a blending of different spirits, that through mixing and aging together, combine to become something richer, more complex, and flavorful... much like a good marriage.
Wine Ceremony, as with the other unification ceremonies, the bride and the groom each have an individual vessel and blend their contents into a third. In a wine ceremony, the couple may each have the same wine or they may opt for one to pour red wine while the other pours white.
Hand-fasting is a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stand face to face as their hands are tied together - hence the phrase, tying the knot!. As your hands are bound, you can recite words that express your commitment to one another.
In a Love Lock Ceremony, the Bride and Groom lock their individual heart padlocks together as one. They may then assure that the keys that first opened their hearts can never be used to separate what has been joined in their wedding. Sometimes the keys are tossed into a place from which they can never be retrieved.personalized ceremony that reflects your unique love story.
This ceremony idea comes from Christian tradition, based on Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Each strand of the braid represents the bride, groom, and God and the unending bond and strength between the three. During the ceremony, the groom tradit
This ceremony idea comes from Christian tradition, based on Ecclesiastes 4:12: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Each strand of the braid represents the bride, groom, and God and the unending bond and strength between the three. During the ceremony, the groom traditionally holds a ring securing the three strands, while the bride braids them.elements to make your ceremony truly special.
A tree planting unity ceremony at a wedding symbolizes a marriage taking root and growing strong, just as the tree will. During the ceremony, the couple adds soil from their separate containers to a potted plant, which can represent nurturing the relationship with shared promises, hopes, and experiences. This eco-friendly ritual serves a
A tree planting unity ceremony at a wedding symbolizes a marriage taking root and growing strong, just as the tree will. During the ceremony, the couple adds soil from their separate containers to a potted plant, which can represent nurturing the relationship with shared promises, hopes, and experiences. This eco-friendly ritual serves as a living, tangible reminder of the couple's commitment that can be planted at their home and watched as it grows with their love and family. of your love story, and we work diligently to ensure that every detail is perfect.
After having just moved to Bay City in September 2024, my fiance` and I had no idea where we would be getting married. We had both been married before, and we wanted a very simple and personal wedding ceremony. After doing some research online, I came across the website: OUR WEDDING WISHES.COM. There was no doubt in my mind; after having the initial conversation with B.J. (Robert Furlo), that he was the "perfect fit" for us! We wanted to say our own vows, and I cannot praise him enough for his professionalism, humor (when we needed it most), and always made us feel confident and joyful through the entire experience. He also made me feel relaxed after having told a few times how nervous I was. He always reassured me with his calm demeanor that everything would be fine, and it would be a beautiful ceremony. He DID NOT disappoint! He guided us through every detail of our special day. I cannot praise him enough for his presence and guidance throughout the entire process. Although we only had 20 people; everyone said that it was the most beautiful ceremony they had ever been to, because it was so quaint and personal. There is no doubt in my mind that I would recommend B.J. to ANYONE who's looking for a wedding officiant. If it weren't for him, our day would not have turned out as beautiful and special as it did. Thank-you B.J., from the bottom of our hearts!!
Marty Cooper and Cheryl Valentine Cooper 7/29/25
Saginaw County:
https://www.saginawcounty.com/departments/county-clerk/marriage-licenses/
Bay County:
https://www.baycounty-mi.gov/Clerk/MarriageLicences.aspx
Midland County: https://co.midland.mi.us/CountyClerk/VitalRecordsBirths,DeathsandMarriages.aspx
Genesee County: https://www.gc4me.com/departments/county_clerks1/marriage_license_how_to.php
A Quick & Easy Elopement Ceremony
Just want to make it official — without the fuss? The On the Run package is designed for couples who are ready to say “I do” in a simple, no-frills way.
We’ll meet at a location of your choosing (within the local service area), where you’ll exchange your vows in front of two witnesses, sign the marriage license, and be on your way to celebrate your new beginning!
Here’s what’s included:
This is the perfect option for courthouse-style weddings in a park, backyard, or favorite local spot — ideal for couples who want something quick, meaningful, and easy.
Looking for something quick, heartfelt, and meaningful? The Simple and Sweet package is perfect for couples planning a small, modern ceremony — whether it's just the two of you or a gathering with a few close friends and family.
This package is ideal if you just want to say “I Do” without all the extras. It’s designed for casual, intimate settings like a home, backyard, or local park.
Here’s what’s included:
Please note:
This package is not suitable for formal or larger venue weddings. It’s intended for low-key, informal celebrations where simplicity and intimacy are the focus.
A Fully Customized Formal Wedding Ceremony
Your love story is one of a kind — your wedding ceremony should be too. The Make it Memorable package is designed for couples planning a formal or larger celebration and who want a fully personalized, meaningful experience that reflects their unique relationship and vision.
We’ll begin with a complimentary consultation, either in person (at a convenient halfway location in the Tri-Cities area) or via video chat if you're located further away.
This package includes:
With this package, your ceremony will be thoughtful, beautiful, and memorable — a heartfelt expression of who you are as a couple and a cherished moment shared with your loved ones.
Yes, I do travel!
For ceremonies located more than 15 miles from my home base, a mileage fee of $0.65 per mile will be added to your total. This applies to both the wedding ceremony and any requested rehearsal at a separate time or location.
I’m happy to calculate the exact travel cost in advance so there are no surprises — just let me know the ceremony and/or rehearsal location when booking.
While I offer standard package pricing, final prices may vary depending on the specific details of your ceremony. Some situations may require additional charges, including:
All final costs — including any applicable mileage or additional fees — will be clearly outlined in your contract before booking, so there are no surprises.
I’d love the opportunity to meet with you — either over coffee or via video chat — for a no-obligation consultation to discuss your vision and plans for your wedding ceremony.
Feel free to reach out by email, phone, or text, or simply use the contact form below to check my availability. I look forward to hearing from you!
Today | By Appointment |
A non-refundable retainer fee is required to secure your wedding date and time. This fee is only due once the officiant has confirmed availability for the requested date.
Once you are directed to submit the retainer and it has been received, your ceremony date and time will be officially reserved. The retainer will be applied toward your final balance.
Please note: No dates will be held without a confirmed retainer payment.
Masks are highly encouraged for any indoor wedding,
but not required.
I'm fully vaccinated and promote the health and safety guidelines put forth by the CDC. Specific details can be discussed during the initial consultation.
At OUR WEDDING WISHES — a professional wedding officiant with years of experience creating meaningful, personalized ceremonies. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional celebration or something modern and unique, I work closely with every couple to craft a ceremony that truly reflects their love story.
Love is love, and I proudly welcome and celebrate LGBTQ+ couples. Your story deserves to be honored with warmth, respect, and joy. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m committed to making your special day unforgettable — just the way you envision it.