by Alice Rush
A FEW months back in the women’s networking group that I belong to, a friend of mine was seeking a notary public and asking if anyone knew one. I became a notary public in Maine in 2021, so I responded. What was needed of the notary public in this particular instance was marriage services. Many of you already know that a notary public in the United States is very different from a notaris in the Netherlands. I’m nothing close to an attorney. However, in Maine as a notary public you have the authority to marry couples. My friend’s daughter was getting married. The plans for the wedding were not complicated and they preferred a simple short ceremony. I was more than happy to assist.
The big day finally arrived on Saturday. I’m sure that I got better sleep Friday night than the bride, but I was a bit nervous. My major concern was getting there on time with regard for how any traffic might delay me, but travel went fine. It was a beautiful day and an outdoor venue. I met with the person in charge of the music and we discussed the appropriate cues, then watched the guests arrive. I took my place in front right on time just before the procession of the wedding party, and then the grand entrance of the bride. I was almost in tears myself, but I kept it together for her sake, and in consideration of her mother, my friend who was just steps away.
The ceremony was sweet and short as requested. As the bride and groom kissed their first kiss as a married couple, I quickly jumped out of the photographer’s shot. The entire wedding party then went inside to celebrate to the strains of Abba’s Waterloo.
THE FINALIZATION of the paperwork is now my responsibility. I believe in Holland the couple sign a big register type of book in the town where they are married. In most parts of the United States you apply ahead of time for a license that is issued before the wedding, and then signed. I now need to take that signed document to city hall for filing to make the whole process official.
It was a wonderful day for an outdoor wedding and the location was a perfect backdrop for both the ceremony outside and the celebration with food and beverages inside in a beautifully lighted and decorated air conditioned room. It was truly lovely, and I’m delighted that I was able to be of service to a nice couple. I look forward to helping others start their happily ever afters.
* Alice is a Maine realtor and a licensed helicopter and fixed wing pilot. She first met her Dutch husband in Maryland in 2005, and married him four years later.
