Forever, Together: 10 Questions with David Cooper

Officiant - David Cooper

Business: Forever, Together
Location: Seattle, Washington WA
Experience: 15 Years
Profile: Forever, Together
Website: forevertogetherseattle.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Joanna Marie spent over 20 years working in the medical industry as a successful bookkeeper and Patient Accounts Manager. When she, like so many others, suddenly and unexpectedly found herself back on the job market, she also found herself with unlimited free time. She decided to turn misfortune into opportunity by doing something she’d always wanted to do: help couples validate and celebrate their love by helping them create the wedding ceremony of their dreams. Joanna passed away in 2020.

David Cooper was a professional performing musician for over 25 years. During that time, he had the good fortune to work with some of the world’s finest artists. Since he retired from the music business, he has provided computer and network support and training for some of Seattle’s most prominent and progressive corporations. When Joanne’s wedding calendar became so full that she was forced to turn loving couples away, David knew it was time to join the celebration!

2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?

Since 2007, Joanne and I have averaged approximately 90 weddings each year, or nearly 1100 weddings between us.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

Couples can contact me any time. I'm quite used to performing weddings on short notice. My only requirement is that I have their initial retainer before the wedding, so of course it depends upon how they choose to pay it.

4. How would you describe your officiant style?

I'm normally very easygoing and straightforward, and I try never to lose my sense of humor. My wedding style is pretty much like my normal style of doing most everything: I work hard to keep everything relaxed, informal and stress-free, although I do take my responsibilities as an Officiant very seriously. I like to think of myself as an island of tranquility in a sea of chaos!

5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?

The total fee will depend on two main factors: date and location. My fees are flexible, and can be tailored to fit any budget. That said, as a general rule:

• High season (April-September) costs more than low season (October-March);

• Weekends (Friday-Sunday) cost more than weekdays (Monday-Thursday); and

• Local (King or Snohomish county) costs less than far, far away.

Every wedding, regardless of size, receives the same care and attention to detail. You can use our Information Request Form to give us the details of your wedding, request a discount, and get an exact price quote.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

My attire for the ceremony is always appropriate to the formality of the occasion, and I always confirm my attire with the couple prior to arriving at the venue. Since I'm a non-denominational Officiant, I don't wear religious robes or vestments.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

I don't require any pre-wedding meetings, but I always offer a no-obligation initial consultation, either by phone, video or in person.

8. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?

Joanne and I always left the content of the ceremony up to the couple, so I guess the answer to that question is, "Yes."

After I receive your retainer, I send you our complete Ceremony Design Packet, consisting of multiple e-mail attachments in Microsoft Word format (if you have any problem opening or reading them, I can convert them to virtually any format you need). The Packet contains numerous complete ceremonies of different lengths, styles and themes, both religious and non-religious, along with enough individual “mix-and-match” ceremony design elements to allow you to create hundreds of unique ceremonies! Your challenge is to figure out what you want…and have fun doing it!

If at any point you need more material, I will gladly provide it and, of course, I'm always available to respond to your questions or concerns! Over the years, our couples have told us that creating their ceremony was the most fun…and least stressful…part of their wedding planning!

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

In fact, I have never been asked to fly to a "destination" wedding (although Joanne performed several over the years). Should the occasion arise, I would definitely be willing to consider it.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

In accepting the initial retainer, I guarantee that I will be available at the desired date and time to perform your wedding. The only way I can do this is to turn away other couples inquiring about your date. For this reason, should you decide to cancel my services for any reason, your initial retainer will not be refunded.

Should you need to reschedule, as long as I'm still available to perform your wedding, I'm happy to make the change at no additional cost. However, if you elect to reschedule and I'm unavailable for the new date, then my obligation to you will end. Any money you’ve already paid (excluding your initial retainer) may be refunded, depending on proximity to the wedding date. In any event, I will always do my best to help you find a suitable replacement.