Creative Weddings of Southern Maryland-Joe Orlando, Reverend

Joe was perfect. Made me feel very relaxed! He made my day. I would highly recommend him! He is the best!

Rev. Orlando is very caring and was willing to work with us. We had so many wonderful and postive comments rom our family and friends after the wedding.

Reverand Joe Orlando was a perfect fit for our wedding. He took the time to get to know us and the understand the kind of ceremony that we envisioned for our marriage. He captured the feel of the day ... the exchange of vows felt like a celebration, interspersed with spirituality, reverence and humor. He was supportive when I wrote my own vows and helped calm my nerves in the days before, and the day of, the wedding with his gentle advice. He was fabulous and I highly recommend him. He will help make your day even more special.

The day of our wedding, our officiant called to say she would be 1.5 hours late, and then 30 mins later she called back to say she was in a car accident and wouldn't be able to make it at all. The B&B we were hosting the wedding at called Joe and he came over right away. He had never met us, and knew nothing about us, but came anyway out of the goodness of his heart to help out a couple on their wedding day. He came straight from another wedding and was likely tired and a little apprehensive having never met us, but he performed the most beautiful ceremony I've ever heard. He spoke with warmth and love and made us feel like he had known us forever. I lost count at how many guests came up afterwards and commented on how much they really enjoyed the officiant -- which is not something a bride usually gets compliments on! Things may not have worked out the way we planned, but everything happened the way it should have and we have Joe to thank for that.

Joe was absolutely incredible. From start to finish you will not find a more professional, tension easing, or caring officiant. My wife and I have already suggested to others that we know to look no further. Thanks again Joe for all you did.

Joe was great for our needs-- very responsive to our simple, yet unique requirements and gave us a great referral for flowers (in the 11th hour). We couldn't be happier with the way our ceremony turned out-- Joe captured all of the details we asked for, showed up exactly on time and tailored the ceremony to all of the specifics we wanted. I would certainly recommend Joe to anyone.

Rev. Joe was wonderful! I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a pastor! He was easy to meet, flexible, and a true professional. Thank you again Rev. Joe for making our day so special! Not only did my family comment on how great he was so did my friends.

Reverend Orlando was the officiant for my wedding on May 28, 2011. He met with us immidiately upon inquiry at his bookstore in Leonardtown. We immidately knew that Joe would be the person to marry my now husband and myself. He came to our rehearsal and stayed until everyone felt comfortable with their roles in the ceremony. The day of the ceremony everything went smoothly - I couldn't have been happier. It was one of the best choices we made throughout our wedding planning. I would highly recommend Reverend Joe Orlando to anyone looking for a wedding officiant.

The overall goal for our wedding was being as stress free as possible. We were looking for a wedding officiant who would perform a non-religious ceremony focusing on our love and relationship. We went through a couple phone calls with other officiants who seemed overbooked (offered to squeeze ours between 2 other weddings on the same day - no thanks!) or were insanely expensive.We emailed Joe with questions about performing our wedding (prices, availability) and he immediately returned our email with a very reasonable cost and a short form asking about us. We were pleased that he would make the extra effort to get to know us, as opposed to using a canned ceremony speech. Surprisingly answering some of the questions were actually difficult, but fun!Up to the wedding Joe kept in full contact with us, we went back and forth with the ceremony outline, adding and cutting pieces until we were happy with it. On the day of the wedding Joe showed up well ahead of time dressed very nicely which fit our wedding "look".The ceremony was excellent, and during the reception we received compliments on the officiant. Things like..."He was really good" and "I liked your officiant, where did you find him?". We couldn't have asked for a better ceremony.Call Joe, you won't be disappointed!Chris & Allison

Joe was a pleasure to work with. He was professional & personable.He allowed my husband & I to write essentially the entire ceremony ourselves, and added a bit of tweeking here & there as needed. He made the ceremony light & fun, which was exactly what we were looking for. We couldn't have asked for a better officiant.

Reverend Joe did an amazing job with our wedding. We wanted a short (15 minutes max,) simple non-denominational service appropriate for our families of different religions, as well as for a beach-side noon wedding, and Rev Joe delivered and more. He went over everything he would say with us beforehand and was extremely responsive via e-mail. But the best part was the service itself. The 90+ guests could hear him perfectly despite the windy beach, and his presentation was both heartfelt and appropriately humorous. We'd already known what he was going to say, but his delivery made everything even more special for us. We can't recommend him enough.

Reverend Joe was so kind and understanding. He wrote our ceremony personally for us, and included everything I asked for as well as his own beautiful words. I received many compliments from guests and could not have been more pleased. I would recommend his services without hesitation to any couple, especially those of mixed faiths who need a personal touch!

Reverand Orlando was wonderful to work with! He was very patient with our silly group and had a great sense of humor. I would definitely recommend him to anyone!

Reverend Joe Orlando provided us with the most professional and considerate officiant service imaginable. His warm and friendly nature made the entire process very easy and fun! When it was time for the ceremony his years of experience was very apparent and I would recommend his services to any and everyone.

Thank you so much for making our day so special!!! You were great!

Reverend Joe Orlando was the most amazing officiant we could have hoped for. He was extremely professional each and every time we needed to meet with him, and through all of our email correspondence. He was able to provide us with unique ideas for a personalized ceremony, and we were never pushed to have it done one way or another. We were able to take bits from many different ceremony examples, in order to make the one that was perfect for us. It was a perfect solution, since we are not a religious family. When it was time for our rehearsal, he was on time, (although most of our wedding party was not), and he was patient in letting us rehearse over and over again, until we felt completely comfortable.I would recommend Reverend Joe to anyone that I know of getting married. I have already recommended him to a couple who is getting married in the near future! He was great, and thanks to him, our wedding day was perfect. Thank You! -Mr. and Mrs. McClain

Joe really made our ceremony special. He created a service that was unique to me and my now husband. I would strongly recommend Joe and his services to anyone who os getting married.

We cannot say enough about Rev. Joe. He made us feel very comfortable at our first interview and always answered our e-mails immediately. The way he read our vows and emphazied each line and projected his voice was perfect!! We had many compliments about him from our guests. We could not have had a better officiant at our wedding. We highly recommend him! Linda and Andy Hilbert

My wife and I were extremely satisfied with Reverend Orlando. We found Joe on-line while searching for non-denominational Officiant's in our area. Having a non-denominational Officiant marry us was very important to both my wife and myself and, in fact, was our number one requirement. He was the first Officiant -- and I'm very pleased to say "the last" -- that we called. My initial phone conversation with Joe revealed to me that he was a man of kindness and compassion, a man that truly loved his profession, and a man that recognized first and foremost that the wedding ceremony was about no others than the bride and groom. At his request, we met with Joe for an hour one Saturday morning at his cozy and very quaint book store. When we walked in, Joe had fresh brewed coffee waiting for us. Over that hour, my wife and I had a chance to tell Joe all we could about ourselves and about what we envisioned for our wedding day (it was very important for Joe to become acquainted with us before he started drafting a wedding ceremony for us). No more than 2 days after our meeting, Joe emailed us a draft ceremony. It was an excellent fit for the two of us. Nonetheless, Joe worked with us over email to make minor tweaks here-and-there. Fast-forward to a month before the ceremony... We ran into Joe and his wife at a local store. He was very happy to see us and shared with us his notes from a recent wedding he had conducted at the same venue at which we were about to get married. This conversation lasted for a good half hour, and Joe never once made us feel like we were intruding on his personal time. Joe even followed that impromptu meeting up with a few "additional info" emails as well as a call to the wedding venue to ensure certain things were looked into and addressed for our wedding. Fast-forward to the rehearsal... Joe spent an hour with us and our families and wedding parties the night before the wedding rehearsing every aspect of the wedding until my wife and I were completely satisfied. Not only did he advise on how he felt things should flow (which we greatly appreciated), but he also was very intent on allowing us to influence the flow and flavor of the ceremony to our liking. We never felt rushed, and Joe did not want to leave the rehearsal until we (actually EVERYONE) were completely satisfied. Later that evening and the next morning, Joe sent me a few emails reminding me to bring things like the marriage certificate (and tissues in case emotions overflowed) - this was Joe's once again going the extra mile to extend a helping and caring hand to ensure the everything went as planned without issues. Fast forward to the ceremony... Joe spent the 45 mins before the ceremony with myself, my best man, my two ushers, and my father. He helped us with our boutonnières and answered our last minute questions -- he was amazingly effective at calming your nerves and reassuring everyone that things would be absolutely beautiful and "perfect". The ceremony - IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! Although I had read the ceremony numerous times before our wedding day, it was so much more powerful and meaningful hearing it be recited by Joe. It was moving, to say the least. Fast-forward to after the ceremony... My wife and I had countless wedding participants (families and friends) comment on how "good" and "nice" the Officiant was and how "beautiful" the ceremony was........ All in all, we can't say enough about Joe. We would never recommend any other Officiant but Reverend Orlando to any of our friends or families! Thanks again (and again and AGAIN) Joe!

Rev. Joe Orlando provided my husband and I with an extremely beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. His extreme professionalism not only eased the process of getting married, but also our nerves that day. Rev. Orlando aims to please and in return, we were very pleased. He is highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a perfect ceremony. ATR & SAR

Reverend Joe Orlando made the wedding. He spent time getting to know the wedding party and to plan a meaningful (dream) of a wedding. I would recommend him to everyone. He worked with our short time of preparation and paid close attention to detail. He is an artful master and I am so grateful that he was available. Our guests were moved!

Mr. Orlando was wonderful! He had great ideas and was very easy to work with! I highly recommend using him for your wedding!

Mr. Orlando was wonderful, he said everything that we asked him to and was very laid back and make us feel very comfortable. I would definatley say that we made the right decision in using him.

Joe Orlando, Reverend, was extremely flexible and very easy to work with and was very prompt.

Joe was completely professional but also very fun and relaxing to deal with. He helped us to organize the ceremony and was very responsive with any questions or concerns that we had. Overall just a wonderful person to work with!

Rev Joe Orlando: The wedding went very well, Rev Orlando was willing to meet with us and discuss our needs and what we wanted out of the ceremony, he even thought of a sand ceremony which when did not, we received a lot of comments on how well the ceremony went and how nice it was. We would highly recommend Rev Joe Orlando to anyone who is considering getting married. Thank you Joe for a beautiful wedding. Joe and Ann Wheeler

Joe Orlando was wonderful! I changed my mind about where I was having the wedding and he was very understanding and agreed to meet me at the other place. He also was so kind to wait 20 minutes for my husbands parents to arrive since there was traffic. I think I worried more about him being late for his other wedding then about my husbands parents. He was great though and I'm glad got to share my big day with him!

Having Reverend Joe Orlando as our wedding officiant was an absolute dream. From the moment my mother and I met him we knew he was the right officiant to use for our garden wedding. As a person Reverend Joe is warm, calming, welcoming, appropriately inquisitive and artistic. He also has a wonderful, nerve-calming voice for conducting a wedding ceremony. If you meet with him he'll be inviting, happy to see you and might just offer you a cup of coffee. If you hire him you'll get an officiant who brings ideas to the table but will incorporate whatever your personal requests and preferences are. Also, his fee is very reasonable!Reverend Joe has cool ideas for creative ceremonies and is very flexible regarding content. During the planning stage he gave us quick email replies on our ceremony revisions every time, and was truly helpful right up to the moment we said "I do." Highly recommended.Mrs. Melody (Seldin) Holmes

Joe was really fantastic! He came to our home to meet him, so we didn't have to go out of our way. He made us feel at ease and got to know us prior to our ceremony. He allowed us to write our entire ceremony and went by it to the T. Even with the lights going out (bad wind on our wedding day) he held his composure and did a fanastic job!

Reverend Joe Orlando officiated my wedding in 2007 and did a wonderful job! my husband and i are not die hard romantics and are surrounded by a bunch of religions and this proved no challenge to Mr. Orlando. He has a great personality and can get along with anyone. He wrote our entire ceremony for us and even dealt with my crazy wedding party !! i would highly recommend him for any wedding!

Wish I could speak with every one of the couples because I would share with them how absolutely happy we were to have you perform our big day! You did just a great job and I have been meaning to shoot you an e-mail to tell you and to say thank you so very much for giving us the warm, casual feeling we were hoping for. Although we weren't too "nervous" about the day, it is in itself a bit of an anxious feeling to be the center of attention like that but you were a gem in helping us to relax.....Thank you!! You were perfect for what we wanted and we were both very pleased with the entire ceremony.

Joe, thank you so much. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect ceremony- you certainly made our day start off on the best foot:)
We are eternally grateful!

Hi Joe:  Joe and I just wanted to say Thank you for a Beautiful wedding ceremony you did for us, it was everything we wanted and more.  The added touches you did, and more.  The guests really enjoyed the ceremony but especially the sand ceremony.

Joe Orlando was wonderful! I changed my mind about where I was having the wedding and he was very understanding and agreed to meet me at the other place. He also was so kind to wait 20 minutes for my husbands parents to arrive since there was traffic. I think I worried more about him being late for his other wedding then about my husbands parents. He was great though and I'm glad got to share my big day with him!

Mr. Orlando was wonderful, he said everything that we asked him to and was very laid back and make us feel very comfortable. I would definitely say that we made the right decision in using him.

We cannot say enough about Rev. Joe. He made us feel very comfortable at our first interview and always answered our e-mails immediately. The way he read our vows and emphasized each line and projected his voice was perfect!! We had many compliments about him from our guests. We could not have had a better officiant at our wedding. We highly recommend him!

My wife and I were extremely satisfied with Reverend Orlando. We found Joe on-line while searching for non-denominational Officiants in our area. Having a non-denominational Officiant marry us was very important to both my wife and myself and, in fact, was our number one requirement. He was the first Officiant -- and I'm very pleased to say "the last" -- that we called. My initial phone conversation with Joe revealed to me that he was a man of kindness and compassion, a man that truly loved his profession, and a man that recognized first and foremost that the wedding ceremony was about no others than the bride and groom. At his request, we met with Joe for an hour one Saturday morning at his cozy and very quaint book store. When we walked in, Joe had fresh brewed coffee waiting for us. Over that hour, my wife and I had a chance to tell Joe all we could about ourselves and about what we envisioned for our wedding day (it was very important for Joe to become acquainted with us before he started drafting a wedding ceremony for us). No more than 2 days after our meeting, Joe emailed us a draft ceremony. It was an excellent fit for the two of us. Nonetheless, Joe worked with us over email to make minor tweaks here-and-there. Fast-forward to a month before the ceremony... We ran into Joe and his wife at a local store. He was very happy to see us and shared with us his notes from a recent wedding he had conducted at the same venue at which we were about to get married. This conversation lasted for a good half hour, and Joe never once made us feel like we were intruding on his personal time. Joe even followed that impromptu meeting up with a few "additional info" emails as well as a call to the wedding venue to ensure certain things were looked into and addressed for our wedding. Fast-forward to the rehearsal... Joe spent an hour with us and our families and wedding parties the night before the wedding rehearsing every aspect of the wedding until my wife and I were completely satisfied. Not only did he advise on how he felt things should flow (which we greatly appreciated), but he also was very intent on allowing us to influence the flow and flavor of the ceremony to our liking. We never felt rushed, and Joe did not want to leave the rehearsal until we (actually EVERYONE) were completely satisfied. Later that evening and the next morning, Joe sent me a few emails reminding me to bring things like the marriage certificate (and tissues in case emotions overflowed) - this was Joe's once again going the extra mile to extend a helping and caring hand to ensure the everything went as planned without issues. Fast forward to the ceremony... Joe spent the 45 mins before the ceremony with myself, my best man, my two ushers, and my father. He helped us with our boutonnières and answered our last minute questions -- he was amazingly effective at calming your nerves and reassuring everyone that things would be absolutely beautiful and "perfect". The ceremony - IT WAS BEAUTIFUL! Although I had read the ceremony numerous times before our wedding day, it was so much more powerful and meaningful hearing it be recited by Joe. It was moving, to say the least. Fast-forward to after the ceremony... My wife and I had countless wedding participants (families and friends) comment on how "good" and "nice" the Officiant was and how "beautiful" the ceremony was........ All in all, we can't say enough about Joe. We would never recommend any other Officiant but Reverend Orlando to any of our friends or families! Thanks again (and again and AGAIN) Joe!

My husband, Nick, and I met with Joe about a year before our wedding and we knew within the first 5 minutes he was the person we wanted to marry us. From our first impression to our last words, we were extremely impressed by Joe's professionalism as well as how he made us feel like we had been friends for years. Joe wrote a personalized ceremony for Nick and I that was absolutely perfect, and captured us as a couple effortlessly. Joe is amazing at what he does. He made us feel like we were his top priority at all times and even stayed an hour late at our rehearsal dinner due to our groomsmen getting lost. I will and have recommended Joe to everyone I know who is getting married. Thank you Joe for making our wedding ceremony absolutely memorable.

Thank you so much for an amazing experience. We could not have asked for a better person to perform our ceremony for us. Thank you for everything.

Reverend Joe Orlando was the most amazing officiant we could have hoped for. He was extremely professional each and every time we needed to meet with him, and through all of our email correspondence. He was able to provide us with unique ideas for a personalized ceremony, and we were never pushed to have it done one way or another. We were able to take bits from many different ceremony examples, in order to make the one that was perfect for us. It was a perfect solution, since we are not a religious family. When it was time for our rehearsal, he was on time, (although most of our wedding party was not), and he was patient in letting us rehearse over and over again, until we felt completely comfortable.
I would recommend Reverend Joe to anyone that I know of getting married. I have already recommended him to a couple who is getting married in the near future! He was great, and thanks to him, our wedding day was perfect. Thank You!

Joe is wonderful to work with. He makes the service about the couple. Very personable, and highly recommended.

Reverend Joe is the consummate professional. He arrives early for your rehearsal and wedding. He has lots of advice for the couple as well as the bridal party. He is aware of the needs and desires of the other vendors and acts conscientiously of them. I cannot endorse him enough!

Rev. Joe Orlando is a great individual who really takes the time to find out what you are looking for in a ceremony. He takes whatever he is doing serious and on a professional level and at the same time has a great sense of humor. You will certainly enjoy talking and meeting with him as do all of his meetings.

I have personally known Rev. Joe Orlando for 40 years and I can tell you that he takes the time and care in personalizing the perfect ceremony for each of his wedding couples. Besides being a great orator he is a great person and friend.

Joe wrote a wonderful ceremony for my daughter's wedding in 2007. Many people came up to me after the ceremony and asked where did we find him. I would recommend him for a personal touch added to a delightful wedding ceremony. Keep up the great work Joe!