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DeArruda Weddings + Marriage Reviews

DeArruda Weddings + Marriage

DeArruda Weddings + Marriage

Tampa, FL
5.0 out of 5 rating, 131 Reviews
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Reviews

5.0 out of 5 rating
131 Reviews
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87% Recommended by couples

Awards

131
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
  • Ashley
    Ashley R. Sent on 03/27/2022
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    Highly recommend!!

    Best officiant we could have asked for!!! He did a fantastic job!! We had a interfaith wedding and he worked with us to give us exactly what we wanted for our ceremony. Very experienced and made the whole process super easy! So happy we had him as our officiant. Would DEFINITELY recommend him!!!
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    Yeilem Sent on 01/20/2021
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    Beautiful Soul!

    Although we weren’t able to book Michael for our special day, his beautiful attention and care alone deserves a review. We fell in love with Michael instantly, he is a genuine and kind soul and really listens to the couples he meets with. He has great presentation and makes a deliberate effort to customize the experience. We felt that he cared about our marriage and not just the ceremony.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    No one gets reviewed by every client. Even though schedules wouldn't permit us to work with each other, you have graciously volunteered these kind words. I'm humbled by that. Thank you. It is always an honor to be asked by a couple to be part of one of the most life-changing experiences in their lives. Just being asked means a great deal. Your awareness of and sensitivity to what really matters in life will result in you fairing very well. God bless you on the journey. Rev. Michael
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    Samantha Sent on 11/21/2021
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    Absolutely amazing! Everything you would want!

    We started our search for a Wedding Officiant based on experiences that we had at other weddings we attended while engaged. We had been to a few weddings where there was no energy at the ceremony simply due to a dry, stale, and frankly, boring Officiant.

    Michael is none of the above. As soon as we spoke with him, we knew that he was the Officiant that we wanted. He is charismatic, thorough, and last but certainly not least, he is entertaining. Michael had multiple calls with us. During these calls not only did he prepare for the ceremony but he also got to know us. He worked with all of our vendors to make sure that everything was perfect the day of, and made the experience as easy as possible for us.

    On our wedding day, he spoke with passion, charisma, and a stage voice that I think everyone would want from their Wedding Officiant. He took discussions that he had with us, both on what we wanted and about each other, and weaved them throughout the ceremony in a way that was natural and powerful.

    We received so many compliments on our wedding, in particular, compliments around the ceremony and how it was conducted. Our family joked that the way he conducted the ceremony made them want to go back to church- he was that good! Thank you so much Michael for making our big day so special!
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  • Yna
    Yna G. Sent on 11/20/2021
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    Amazing officiant and incredible coach/support

    We could not have asked for a better officiant. Rev. Michael was incredible from our very first meeting and was dynamite during the ceremony. He's such a wonderful, caring person and the things we learned from him are priceless. We made the right decision to undergo the counseling prior to the wedding and we feel that all the sessions we had is helping us to have a happy and fulfilling married life. We got so many compliments about Rev. Michael and our ceremony because everyone noticed how tailor-made every word was! It was important to us for the ceremony to feel genuine and heartfelt and Rev. Michael made it absolutely perfect. We love Rev. Michael and we are blessed to have had him officiate our wedding.
  • Taylor
    Taylor F. Sent on 05/28/2021
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    Rev. Michael is the best!!

    We can’t recommend Rev. Michael enough!! We did the premarital counseling sessions with him and we are SO happy we did. Rev. Michael was warm and brought humor to our sessions, making us relax and really get the most out of our sessions. Having this time with Rev. Michael also made our ceremony more personalized to our relationship. We absolutely loved our ceremony (both of them 😂 we had a virtual Covid ceremony that he was SO accommodating for!) and our friends and family all spoke very highly of him. He honestly feels like family and we will likely continue sessions in the future!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Like thousands of other couples last year, you were forced to suddenly change plans for your wedding day. Marriage holds so much promise for experiencing the blessings of this life. But before yours could begin it was put on hold. Your strength of character and resilience in the face of a once in a lifetime calamity demonstrated the reliability of your love and devotion to each other. Thank you for the honor of being invited into the sacred space of your lives. Often when I counsel and marry couples it feels as if they have become my own children. You are in that category! God continue to bless and guide you. Rev. Michael
  • Michelle
    Michelle Sent on 10/25/2016
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    Michael was such a pleasure to work with. He was very supportive and provided great guidance throughout our wedding planning process. He takes the time to have you complete a relationship assessment and meet personally to discuss the results and provides advice accordingly. He also assisted us with the challenging task of writing statements to one another for our ceremony. He truly cares about the decision you are making and it shows through his work! Our ceremony was absolutely perfect and we couldn't have asked for anything better! Michael is very very professional, friendly, and passionate about what he does! Thank you again Michael we highly recommend you!
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    Bridgett C. Sent on 03/19/2020
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    Awesome experience!

    Having DeArruda Weddings + Marriage was the best decision we ever made!! We enjoyed each and every coaching session we had and it really helped us prep for our marriage and our ceremony. With the guidance and tips we felt more comfortable at our ceremony and we got a better understanding with certain things. We felt we had a friend to confide in during the process of our engagement and are SO happy we made this decision! Thank you Michael!!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Greetings Mr. and Mrs. Milford! My goodness, what a year this has been. Yours was one of the last in person, previously scheduled weddings that I had the privilege to conduct on time - before COVID changed things for so many preparing to be married in 2020. Your charming country setting with luscious shade tress and beautiful horses matched the easy warmth the two of you share. I pray that your journey of married life will bring you every joy you are seeking. You truly are a gift to each other.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
  • ALICIA
    Alicia A. Sent on 04/30/2020
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    Taking the Leap

    Reverend DeArruda was so amazing through our whole process. We opted for the marriage coaching which was very helpful. I was a little skeptical, but I was so happy that we choose to talk the time to do the coaching sessions. There are various options but we did 4 sessions before the wedding.

    Our first meeting was easy over Zoom, before Zoom became people's primary method of communication and it was so great and made us confident that we would be a good fit.

    Over the many hours talking with the reverend, we really got to know each other better and made for a much more personal ceremony experience. Everyone told us how thoughtful and touching the ceremony was.

    Reverend DeArruda was so great and we would highly recommend him to everyone.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Alicia,
    How nice to receive your kind words! Thank you. I am delighted that you and your husband had such a great experience with the coaching and of course, at your wedding. Helping you prepare for the most important journey of your life was an honor. Your joy with each other, and the pride and support of your families are priceless gifts. God bless you in every aspect of you new married life. Rev. Michael, DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
  • Carrie
    Carrie D. Sent on 02/15/2020
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    Best choice for a wedding — and lifelong marriage support

    We wholeheartedly recommend Michael as a wedding officiant and partner who will strengthen your lifelong marriage! Since we’re out of state, my dad initially joked about us getting a “rent-a-minister” — but after meeting him, he showed overwhelming approval of this classy, professional minister who facilitated a perfect wedding. Michael’s “create your ceremony” enabled personal customization of our wedding. After sending us the overall script, he used Zoom (web conference) to walk us step-by-step through the ceremony since we opted out of a rehearsal. We’re a military couple, so we appreciated his organization and the digital rehearsal so we knew what to expect. He even impressed the venue and other vendors through his own coordination with them before and during the ceremony. The synchronization ensured guests and other vendors knew where to be and what to do at the right times, enabling smooth transitions from guest arrival through dinner. He demonstrated such an easy ability to connect with others from multiple cultures. It seems uncommon that guests would give raving reviews about an officiant, but ours were so impressed with his professional demeanor, articulate speech, and sense of humor they kept complimenting him. “It feels like he actually knows you two,” they commented — and he does.

    After reading such positive reviews about the coaching sessions and wanting to start our marriage on a strong foundation, we opted for the Luxe package. We weren’t sure what to expect or say, but he provided tools to guide the sessions and help us meaningfully discuss topics affecting our relationship. He carefully listened to our responses and asked questions to go even deeper. His intelligence, warmth, and thoughtfulness keep our minds active and hearts safe. Michael genuinely cares about couples and successful relationships, constantly encourages us, and refrains from judgement. We have enjoyed his pre-martial coaching sessions so much we decided to continue post-marital coaching sessions with him for another 2.5 years, so we’re also thankful he’s very adept with modern technology.

    We credit discovering him to my sister-in-law who conducted comprehensive research for her own wedding and identified him as the top minister in the region, and we absolutely recommend him too!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Carrie and Vic, it seems like yesterday that we were standing together under the sprawling oak tree at Legacy Lane Farm for your picture perfect wedding. Like lots of other folks your first year of married life has been punctuated with the challenges of the pandemic. Thankfully that wasn't the slightest concern when you said "I do." And, to your great credit, you are navigating the uncertainties everyone faces in this new normal with grace, persistence, and as much lovingkindness as I experienced between you when we first met. Thank you for the honor of inviting me to walk with you on this journey of life. Keep up the good work - and I'll see you soon.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Rebecca A. Sent on 02/03/2020
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    Wonderful!

    Rev. DeArruda was super easy to work with. We were planning everything from out of state, so we used video conferencing to plan the ceremony. He made it the smoothest process, and even met with us when we arrived in town the week of our wedding. I am so happy we used Rev. DeArruda, would definitely recommend his services!!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Reba and David, where has the time gone? Congratulations on your first year of marriage, initiated on the sunny shores of Florida's Gulf Coast. It was a pleasure to meet and work with you to help create your dream wedding. Every time I am asked to become part of one of the most important moments in people's lives I am blessed by the opportunity to meet and get to know some of the nicest people on the planet. You are part of that distinguished group. I am sure the grace, kindness and enthusiasm that you possess will bring great joy to everyone throughout your lives. God bless you!
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Brandy L. Sent on 04/21/2019
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    Can't Wait for the Big Day

    I spent forever trying to find an officiant that provided quality service. Based on previous recommendations, we decided to go with Michael. He was willing to do video chat for the consultation given how far we are from, and gave us a breakdown of each package he offered. All around a great guy! Can't wait for the big day!

    Update 10/20/19
    Our wedding was such a success thanks to Michael. Guests had nothing but good things to say about him!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Hi Brandy. I am looking forward to the start of your coaching sessions. And together we will create your one of a kind wedding ceremony. Take a deep breath cuz' wedding planning can become overwhelming. I hope you don't let that happen. Be in touch soon.
    Warmly,
    Michael
  • Courtney
    Courtney Sent on 06/10/2019
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    Perfection

    If you want the best, then you go with him! He is so punctual and classy.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Courtney and Elliott, I was recently back at the Powel Crosley estate for a wedding and immediately thought about the two of your on your glorious day. I pray you are enjoying all the blessings of married life - even with the challenges and uncertainties introduced by the pandemic. Stay safe, hold each other close, and let your love smile every day.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Sarah Sent on 05/26/2019
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    Best decision ever!

    WOW! We couldn't have been happier with our decision in choosing DeArruda Weddings to be such a BIG part of our BIG day! Micheal was so kind & truly has a passion for what he does & you can tell this by the second you speak with him! Our family & friends kept complimenting our ceremony saying how personalized & romantic it was! We couldn't have agreed more, it was everything we were hoping for & more! He made sure our wedding party was doing exactly what they were suppose to be doing at all times! haha! You will not regret going with this vendor for your wedding day!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Holiday greetings, Mr. and Mr. Calabrese! I'm not sure where the time has gone - especially this year. I am remiss in thanking your for your kind words. Though yours was one of the largest bridal parties I've had the pleasure of working with everyone of you defied my experience that organizing wedding participants can be a bit like herding cats. It was a joy to work with you, to plan and conduct the most important ceremony of your lives. I pray that the obvious joy and love you share with each other will continue to flourish throughout every moment. God go with you on this wonderful journey.
    War, regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
  • Lisa
    Lisa F. Sent on 05/08/2019
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    Michael is so wonderful!

    Michael was amazing from start to finish. He was extremely thorough while creating the perfect ceremony for us. He is so warm and welcoming he felt like family. At rehearsal he was even helpful getting everyone to the right place at the ceremony location. The day of the wedding he was such a comfort to me! He assured me everything would go smoothly, which it did. He is also very funny! He made us laugh and be at ease. I can’t say enough about how happy I am with his services. Thank you!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Hi Lisa and Jason, now Mr. & Mrs! What a beautiful day on the beach with your family and friends all celebrating your union. The joy flowing between the two of you was just amazing, such a blessing to see. May that continue through every season of your life together. Remember that there is nothing more important than your marriage and family. Everything else should be measured in terms of how it builds you up to fulfill your purpose on this earth. God bless you. Warmly,
    Michael
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    Jonathan Sent on 03/19/2019
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    Great guy!

    We couldn’t be happier with our decision to work with Michael. From our first contact through to our ceremony, his professionalism and kindness made the process much more enjoyable and comfortable than it likely would have been otherwise. Not only did we appreciate his attention to detail leading up to the big day, but his composed manner on the day of was truly calming.

    We would also highly recommend the couples coaching sessions. Though these were low-key and fun, they absolutely strengthened our relationship and helped us discover some great new things about each other. Michael’s experience really showed as we never felt pressured, but he made it really easy for us to open up. He really is a great person.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Thanks Jonathan and congrats on marrying Soo. The two of you were meant for each other. Strong, kind, gentle, and so respectful in your love and care. Everytime I have the honor of working with a couple I am invited into the sacred space of your relationship. You two are the picture of tenderness and appreciation that marriage is all about. I wish you deep, rich, abiding love that gives you reason to celebrate being alive. Warmly,
    Michael
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    Mary Sent on 10/20/2018
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    Unforgettable!!!

    My fiancé and I have enjoyed every minute working with Michael! Our wedding in February will be the third in my family that he will officiate. Upon signing the contract to book him, he offered my fiancé and I the option for pre-marital coaching. My family members who worked with Michael didn’t opt for these sessions, but we figured it could be fun and gave it a try. We started the sessions a strong couple, but we finished them even stronger and felt more connected than ever before. Michael helped us remove outside distractions and really be vulnerable with each other. We enjoyed the experience so much that we requested to have quarterly check-in sessions with him after we say our vows. We feel so lucky to have Michael stand with us and marry us on our big day!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    We've only just begun this journey together. Your relationship coaching sessions are over and the ceremony planning gets underway in earnest now. Knowing the character of your relationship will make my job so much more effective. I am honored to be asked to serve you, and your families as your minister, coach and officiant. I look forward to a wonderful celebration and the continuation of the journey in your quarterly check-ins. I think you had a brilliant idea. Here's to a beautiful wedding and marriage. Warmly,
    Michael
  • Carly
    Carly Sent on 03/25/2019
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    Everything I could ask for and more!

    My husband and I were ever so grateful for an amazing experience with DeArruda weddings! We worked with John Fullerton to officiate our wedding. Let me tell you we were skeptical about spending the money at first but we wanted it to be just right so we booked. John never disappointed us once. We were able to complete all our pre marriage counseling over the iPad and he worked with our crazy busy schedule. We lived 3hrs away so in person meetings wasn't an option for us. We grew with these amazing courses and they provided us with valuable take aways for the future.
    Then there was the ceremony...he performed the most beautiful and endearing ceremony. Just the right wording and all within the time frame we asked for. I cannot say enough good things about the experience we had. HIGHLY recommend.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Hi, Carly! I love the photos of the wedding you posted. It brought me back to that beautiful, perfect day with the two of you and your families and friends. I smiled when I thought back to your entrance into the ceremony. As I said then, it was epic! I was so honored to be a part of the ceremony and your lives. Thank you for your words describing your experience of the work we did ahead of time. I am so glad it was useful and pray that the work done then grows and expands into lifelong joy and delight in each other. God has blessed you both richly. May God continually do so! Let's stay in touch Say hi to Chris from me.! Warmly, John.
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    Amanda C. Sent on 05/03/2019
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    Exceeded Our Expectations!

    Rev. Michael performed the most beautiful ceremony for my husband and I! He was incredibly professional and very flexible in terms of meeting with us to plan our ceremony, as well as with rehearsal times, and was willing to travel to our area to do so. He not only made us feel confident that everything relating to the ceremony was taken care of, but he also coordinated with our other vendors to ensure everyone worked together seamlessly, which took all of the pressure off of us. He worked together with us to craft a ceremony that fit both of our personalities and beliefs. He also truly took the time to get to know us and our story, and has such a warm and kind demeanor, it was like he'd known us for years. He was extremely responsive and was such a pleasure to work with! We are so grateful to have had Rev. Michael with us on our special day, and I would recommend him to anyone! He is a beautiful speaker and a truly lovely man!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Happy 2nd anniversary (almost)! The big question on your wedding day was whether it could realistically be outdoors due to the high winds. And now here we all are asking ourselves how to navigate the headwinds of a worldwide pandemic. Life inevitably forces us to focus on the most important things. Your being together as husband and wife is not dependent on what's going on around you but what goes on between you. I am blessed to have witnessed a deep connection between you which I believe will sustain you in every situation. God continue to support you throughout the seasons of the gift of married life you have received.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
  • V
    Vanessa Sent on 04/25/2019
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    Best officiant ever!

    My husband and I adore Michael! We found him online after deciding on a destination wedding on Anna Maria Island. I inquired for more info on his website and he contacted me by phone and we set up a video conference!
    As soon as we starting chatting with Michael, my husband and I knew we had to have him officiate our wedding. He has a warm and inviting presence and a great sense of humor!
    We purchased the package that included pre-marital coaching and the officiating of our wedding (with rehearsal included). I thought the package was super reasonably priced compared to other officiants. We LOVED the pre-martial coaching. He really took the time to get to know both of us and our story. We video chatted with him 4 times and did one session at his home office while we were in town! It wasn’t like a counseling session (which we did not want). It was more like getting to know each other, our strengths/weaknesses, and our families!
    During the 8 months leading up to the wedding, we spoke with him via email almost every week. We were able to totally customize our wedding ceremony- it could be as religious as we wanted or not and we were able to literally write out exactly what we wanted him to say! He helped with the timeline of the wedding and with writing our vows also!
    When the wedding weekend came everything ran super smooth! He coordinated our entire rehearsal, showed up early, and was there to walk everyone through the day of the wedding. He even coordinated with our violinist and DJ to ensure that the sound quality from him mic was perfect (we were on the beach and it was windy). When our wedding day came he was a very calming presence for us and our families. He was early, dressed appropriate, and officiated the ceremony perfectly!! Not to mention his voice is PERFECT for officiating! Afterwards he signed the marriage certificate and submitted all the paperwork for us!!
    He was truly one of the best parts of our wedding day and I don’t think the day would have ran as smoothly if we didn’t have him. All of our guests loved him and his message during our ceremony!! Would definitely recommend.

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Vanessa and Chris, what a lovely review! It's been a year since your wedding but it seems like yesterday. You two were so pleasant to work with. I'm delighted that you have taken the commitment to marriage and family so seriously (and joyfully). There is nothing more important be than the character and quality of your relationship. God continue to bless you every day.
    Warmly,
    Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
  • Jason
    Jason R. Sent on 12/03/2018
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    Fantastic Service

    Michael DeArudda made our beach wedding go pretty much perfect. His insightful comments as well as his delivery of the nuptials was spot on. He made my wife and I very comfortable through out the whole process and I couldn’t think of anyone else that I would have perform such a meaningful ceremony!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    So happy for the two of you, Mr. & Mrs. R. The gift of love and the promise of life together founded on the vows of marriage could not be more cherished by a couple than I saw with you. Thank you for the honor and joy of creating and presiding over your ceremony. You have been blessed with a profound appreciation for the gift you are to each other. May you prosper in every conceivable way. Warmly, Michael
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    Martha Sent on 01/20/2019
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    Wonderful Ceremony

    Michael did a great job, very personable. We enjoyed getting to know him leading up to the wedding via our coaching sessions. Package was a great value price wise. His officiating was very good and added in some personal touches that he learned about us through the coaching session. If you want absolute control over what is said, make sure to discuss it before hand!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Holiday greetings and happy 2nd anniversary! How are the married doctors doing? I am honored to have been asked to both conduct your ceremony and spend time with you preparing for married life. Because of the COVID pandemic it has been a long time since I've sat with couples here in my study. These days we are all meeting virtually via video conference. I appreciated your time and commitment to those sessions. Praying that you are thriving in your new life together.
    God be with you now and always.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Barbara Sent on 01/22/2019
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    The perfect fit

    Michael certainly is meant to be an officiant. He is a very kind looking man who has great patience and makes things fun during such an exciting anxious time. He is incredibly through in his work and is very quick to respond to any questions. His prices are slightly high but after meeting him and seeing how he does things, we were glad to have paid for his services. Couldn't recommend him enough and i'm happy he was part of our big day!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Dear Barbara and Paul, congratulations on your 2nd anniversary of marriage! It was a n honor and delight to help you prepare for the most important journey most people ever take - the commitment of your life to another. Thanks for your kind words and the pleasure of working with you to celebrate your love and that of the One who gave it to you. God bless you always.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Klara Sent on 10/21/2018
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    Best experience!

    We are so happy that we chose Rev. Michael as our officiant as he was such a pleasure to work with. He made the whole process of planning very easy and helped us create our beautiful ceremony just like we’ve always wanted.
    Rev. Michael makes everyone feel involved, from the bride and groom to every single guest and that was very special.
    We highly recommend him!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Seasons greeting and happy 2nd anniversary K+K! It was a joy to celebrate your love and commitment in marriage at Davis Island Garden Club. Thanks for asking me to be part of this most special moment in your lives. I wish you every blessing throughout all your days.
    Warm regards,
    Rev. Michael
    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage
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    Katie Sent on 10/29/2018
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    Amazing experience! Highly Recommend!

    We were sooo happy and lucky we found DeArruda Weddings! Michael is amazing and he really took the time to get to know us. He is incredibly organized and on top of things all the way through your wedding. We cannot recommend him enough. We had guest come up to us saying he was the best officiant they've ever heard, we agree!!

    DeArruda Weddings + Marriage's reply:

    Congrats on becoming husband and wife! Your commitment to cherish each other and the relationship you are building was evident the first time we spoke. Then, in the coaching sessions, I came to appreciate the tender connection you share with and for each other. Knowing this made it a breeze to create and conduct your ceremony on the sunny shores of the Gulf. Can't wait to connect again soon. Many blessings in all the days and years ahead. Thank you.
    Warmly,
    Michael
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