Glossary
Words from the ceremony
Licenses, rehearsals, vows, premarital counseling and the rest, in plain English. Tap a letter, or search.
A
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A Unique Relationship
The part of Dr. McFadden’s wedding ceremonies where he tells the couple’s story, with both his serious and his fun side, and…
C
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Clerical Collar
The white collar worn by many clergy. Dr. McFadden wears a black suit for most weddings, but he can wear a clerical…
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County Clerk
The county office that issues marriage licenses and records them once the officiant returns them. Its website lists what the couple needs…
D
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Doctor of Ministry
A professional doctorate (D.Min.) for people working in ministry. Dr. McFadden’s is in Pastoral Counseling, from the California Graduate School of Theology.
E
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Eulogy
A speech at a funeral or memorial service in honor of the person who has died. Dr. McFadden writes and delivers eulogies…
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Exchange of Rings
The part of the ceremony where the couple give each other rings, usually with a few words of promise. Dr. McFadden offers…
F
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FOCCUS Pre-Marriage Inventory
A pre-marriage questionnaire (FOCCUS stands for Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study). Each partner answers the same statements on their own,…
L
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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
A state license (LCPC) for clinical professional counselors, the title used in Illinois. Dr. McFadden is an LCPC as well as a…
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
A state-licensed therapist (LMFT) trained to work with couples and families. Dr. McFadden holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy…
M
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Marriage Counseling
Counseling to help a couple, or one partner on their own, improve or restore a marriage. Dr. McFadden offers practical, directive marriage…
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Marriage License
The county’s legal permission to marry. The couple gets it from the County Clerk of the county where they will be married;…
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Memorial Service
A service that honors a person’s life, sometimes held without the body present or some time after the death. Dr. McFadden helps…
O
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Ordained Minister
A minister formally set apart by a church to lead worship and ceremonies, and able to officiate weddings. Dr. McFadden was ordained…
P
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Pastoral Counseling
Counseling that draws on both therapy and pastoral care. Dr. McFadden holds a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in…
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Planning Session
Dr. McFadden’s 90-minute meeting with both partners to plan the ceremony. Together they fill in his worksheet and choose the parts of…
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Premarital Counseling
Counseling for engaged couples before the wedding: understanding each other better, communicating well, and talking through topics such as money, in-laws and…
R
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Rehearsal
A run-through of the ceremony a day or so before the wedding, usually at the venue, so everyone knows where to stand…
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Relationship Coaching
Coaching to understand yourself, your desires and your roadblocks, and to build an action plan for the change that matters to you…
T
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Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis
A personality questionnaire used in counseling that measures nine pairs of opposite traits. Each partner can also answer it as they see…
V
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Vows
The promises the couple make to each other during the ceremony. After the planning session Dr. McFadden emails couples options for the…
W
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Wedding Officiant
The person who leads a wedding ceremony and completes the marriage license so the marriage is legal. Dr. David McFadden of Final…
Looking for an answer rather than a word? See the questions couples ask, or check your date.
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