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                             CEREMONIES  BY  APPOINTMENT  ONLY

                   Written Directions to:  199 Smith Street  At The Bottom Of This Page
                  Click Here for a Map 

          (Click the Photos on this Page to See a Larger Photo - Then click your Browser's "Back" to Return Here )

          Large formal weddings are nice. So are small intimate ones with a few family members and friends.
        In my Freeport home—at the west side door entrance—I have a small room with real knotty pine wood 
walls—where in January 2009 the woodwork and ceiling were newly painted and the floor newly carpeted.  
This Chapel Room holds up to fifteen (15)  people at most.  For summer there are two air conditioners—one is usually turned off during the ceremony.  It is a simple space. There is a special red curtain with candles on each side where the couple stand for the ceremony. See photos below. There is a special space for the Bride's Car / Limo (if it is not too long) at the west side door (red awning) on the half-circular (horseshoe) driveway (entered from Miller Avenue)...Also, use this space also when you come for your Ceremony Planning Interview.  More photos
below.  

        The fee includes instrumental taped music of love songs in the background.  You  can also bring your own CD from which one track can repeat for music before and after the ceremony.  
           The bride also has the option to make with an escort (dad, brother or whoever, or come with or met by the groom) a little grand processional from her car / limo parked at the end of the red awning (see below the last row right side photo) with special music, such as "Here Comes The Bride," which can be heard outside as well as inside the Chapel Room.  Music for this processional must be arranged for in advance.  In my collection I have a list of 40 selections to choose from—listed toward the bottom of this page.  If I don't already have the selection you want in my music library I can probably download it from the Internet; I am willing to try—if successful the cost to do so is approximately $1 which I am willing to absorb; the same is true for your after-the-ceremony background music while you get congratulations from your guests. 
         The pictures below will change from time to time.  Click any photo on this page to see a larger view.  
          

                                         

     
                                                                                                                                           
        For a ceremony in my Chapel I give as gifts: 
         1] a computer-produced, Old English script Certificate on parchment paper; 
        2] the two white ceremony candles, 
          3] a 4"x 6" Digital photo with the option of having the words "Our Wedding" and your wedding date embedded in the picture (click sample photo above). It is given before you leave if time permits for me to process it through my computer, or if not, mailed to you later.  With the picture you are also given an order form to mail to obtain more copies of your 4" x 6" picture, or order 8" x 10" enlargements.     
        Safflower (bird) seed—if you wish—is provided for guests to throw outside as you exit (please don't bring rice). 
         In the side yard is a "Heart Trellis" for background for picture-taking (click photos above), if the weather permits. You may arrive up to 30 minutes early, and  feel free to enter the yard without advance permission; use it to take (more) pictures after the ceremony.  Note: You may shoot from two different directions, looking east or west. 

 NOTE   There is a $50 additional fee for a Same-Day Ceremony; that is, the ceremony takes place the same day as the original call.  Furthermore, it is required that someone from the wedding party (it need not be the bride or groom) to arrive by appointment—no later than one hour—prior to the ceremony start-time to leave in cash or money order the full amount, which is not refundable, and then to return at the agreed upon start-time for the ceremony—OR, instead, you can use Western Union (see below).
           Except for a Same-Day Ceremony noted above, ALL ceremonies in my Home Chapel Room  require in advance a $50 non-refundable deposit, which secures the date and time you want. It can be in the form of cash or travelers checks (when delivered in person), a money order, certified personal check or a bank check.  It may be sent by regular postal mail provided I have it IN HAND at least one week prior to the date; otherwise if not dropped off in person by appointment it is necessary to send it by overnight express delivery (UPS, FedEx, etc.) or Western Union (details just below). As a last resort the deposit can be delivered in person in cash at least one hour prior to the ceremony start-time.  
   Western Union -  www.westernunion.com —it is possible, but more expensive, to use a U.S. based credit card online 
   Info you need from me to send money: 
      1) Receiver: James Wentz; 
      2) Expected payout location: Freeport, New York, USA; 
   After you have sent the money YOU MUST phone or email me the 10 digit MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) number on your receipt, and then I can go online and determine if the money is ready for pick-up.
    Info I need to receive your money: 
     1) Sender's (Your) First Name; 
     2) Sender's (Your) Last Name; 
     3) Sender's (Your) telephone number; 
     4) City/state/country money sent from.
     5) Actual amount (you are sending)  
   You must phone or email me in advance how the deposit will be made. 
  

   THESE FEES APPLY ONLY TO MY FREEPORT HOME CHAPEL ROOM  

         [There is a premium for same-day ceremonies (see above),  major holidays and February 14th.]
        [ On February 14th- Valentine's Day the total fee is $200, and it includes the DVD or VHS video (see below).]

                A MAXIMUM OF ONE HOUR IS ALLOWED BEGINNING WITH THE AGREED START-TIME.  YOU AND
           YOUR GUESTS MAY ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE AGREED START-TIME. 
                IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM AND AT LEAST ONE WITNESS HAVE NOT ARRIVED WITHIN 45 MINUTES 
           OF THE AGREED START-TIME THE CEREMONY IS CANCELLED, AND THE FULL MINIMUM FEE IS  
           PAYABLE.  [A Travel Suggestion: After estimating your travel time, depart a full one-half earlier, and allow even 
           more time for rain, snow, or a cultural event which would add traffic on your route—tell this to all your guests, 
           that if they are late they may miss the ceremony. Have your limo or special car arrive at least 30 minutes prior 
           to departure. Everything you do on your wedding day takes longer than you think—including hair preparation 
           and shaving!  Estimate the minutes, then multiply by two.]    
                   A LATE START MEANS THERE IS LESS TIME FOR PHOTOS AFTER THE CEREMONY.  BECAUSE OF 
           MY POSSIBLE COMMITMENT TO ANOTHER COUPLE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR CEREMONY 
           I ENFORCE, WITH APOLOGY, THE TIME REQUIREMENT. 

                                                                               ***

           CEREMONY VIDEO OFFER   [You May Bring Your Own Camcorders And Cameras]  

There is an option of a DVD-R or a VHS Video Tape recording of your ceremony time in the Chapel. The camera is mounted on the wall and the taping begins from the time the first person arrives. A color monitor allows everyone to see what is being recorded as it happens. After the ceremony is over the couple remain in position at the curtain in order to capture congratulations from their guests on the video. Then picture-taking. Next the license is signed.  If the couple decide they might want the video (either that day or ordered in the future) special good wishes from all guests who wish to do so can be recorded. The couple can also tape special messages, in any language, to persons unable to be present but who later will see the video. Then, if the couple wish, a brief segment of the video can be played back and then they make their final decision whether to take the video if they have not done so already.

The fee for the DVD video is $25 Extra; the couple take it with them, provided they can wait approximately 10 minutes while the DVD is finalized so it can be played on other DVD players; it is put in a protective CD mailer.  If it is not possible to wait, the DVD will be mailed the next day with First Class postage (or for $5 extra via USPS 2-3 Priority Mail).  

The fee for the VHS tape (it comes in a white shell and special sleeve labeled "Our Wedding") is also $25 Extra—which is made instead of the DVD.  You must notify me at least the day before if you want the VHS instead of the DVD.  It is not possible to take both the DVD and the VHS videos with you at the time of your ceremony, but extra copies of either can be ordered.  See next paragraph.  

If it is decided NOT to take the video it can still be ordered in either format—at anytime [as long as I'm in business (which will not be forever—you may want to take it at the ceremony!)]. The fee for the DVD is $25 with First Class postage, and $30 if sent via USPS 2-3 Priority Mail.  The VHS Tape is $30 and sent regardless via USPS 2-3 Priority Mail.  Also, also extra copies of either format in the same order are $20 each; no additional postage is charged.  Mail a check or money order (don't send cash) to: 
            Rev. James Wentz 
            199 Smith Street
            Freeport, NY 11520-4323 
Be sure to include your names, current address and wedding date! . . . and PLEASE email or phone me that your order is enroute.  I will email or phone you when your order is mailed.  

NOTE  TO  COUPLES  PREVIOUSLY  MARRIED  IN  MY  CHAPEL  ROOM . . . Prior to my capacity in mid-2007 to make DVD's, VHS tapes of the ceremony were available.  If you purchased a VHS tape  and now wish to have it copied onto a DVD, I can do so.  This is the procedure: 1]  Mail to me (see address just above) your VHS tape (office supply stores have special tape mailers) and enclose a check or money order for $20 for one DVD—add $10 for every additional DVD copy you want (up to approximately 10).  2] Be sure to include both your names, current address, current telephone number, your wedding date, and what you want based on the total amount enclosed. A label is affixed to the DVD(s) with your first names and wedding date.  3] I make and mail your DVD(s) and return your VHS tape—postage and packaging is included in the $20 or total fee.  4] I will phone you that your package has been mailed; please phone me (516-546-6920) upon mailing me your VHS tape and enclosed details of your order.    

                                                                                                    ***

                                                           DIRECTIONS      DIRECTIONS      DIRECTIONS 
                                  [Highlight this section and then Copy to a File to Print Out on Your Printer]

                                                                                                                       Use These Written Directions—
                                       Do Not Use "Driving Directions" from an Internet map site!

                 ALL ROADS LEAD TO "199 SMITH STREET" - FREEPORT - 516-546-6920
       Freeport is located on Long Island's south shore about 45 minutes by car east of JFK airport, and depending on traffic 1:15 to 2:00 hours by car from the eastern border of mid-town Manhattan. Allow even more time for rain, sleet, snow and scheduled cultural events enroute [Shea (baseball) Stadium and Belmont Racetrack in particular]. 
                                                       FOR  A  MAP Click Here: Map   
     
NOTE—keep in mind my home is the southeast corner of Smith Street and  Miller Avenue, a large white colonial with red roof and shutters, a hedge all around the property, and a "Heart Trellis" in the yard.  Click left pic below.     

FROM  SUFFOLK  COUNTY  VIA  LONG  ISLAND  EXPRESSWAY WESTBOUND, take either:
   1) Exit 53S (Sagitkos Pkwy Southbound)...then after passing Exit S3 keep right onto Southern State Pkwy Westbound...now see below "From Southern State Pkwy" 
   2) Exit 42 (Northern State Pkwy Westbound)...then take Exit 33 (Wantagh Pkwy Southbound)...then Exit "W4W" (Southern State Pkwy Westbound)...now see section below "From Southern State Pkwy"

FROM  BROOKLYN  VIA  BELT  PARKWAY, take either:  I.—[Short Route]  OR   II.—[Longer Route but fewer traffic lights]  below: 
    I.—[Short Route] 
1) Exit 23 (Sunrise Highway Eastbound) (passing thru Rosedale, Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Baldwin) to Freeport (about 10 miles), then look for the big water storage tank on your left with word "Freeport" on it...
2) Now, immediately after passing the water storage tank on your left with the word "Freeport" on it,  turn Right at first Light (Long Beach Avenue Southbound—[beware of Long Beach Road in Oceanside preceded by a water tank with no words—repeat: You do not want Long Beach Road, only Long Beach Avenue in Freeport)...
3) Next turn Left at 3rd Light (Smith St Eastbound)...  
4) Now go one block ONLY to Miller Avenue and stop for a moment—there is no stop sign.  Look half-right—  You've arrived!  —a large white colonial with red roof and shutters, a hedge all around the property, and a "Heart Trellis" in the yard. (Click left pic below).     
5) Now turn right onto Miller Avenue and immediately within 50 feet turn left ONTO THE HALF-CIRCULAR (HORSESHOE) DRIVEWAY on my property (Click middle pic below.)  Park your car at the red awning (Click right pic below). For weddings this space is reserved for the bride's car or limo (if it is not too long).  If it is nighttime, there are two green lights at the half-circular driveway entrance and two green lights are at the Chapel west side door entrance.  
    II.—[Longer Route but fewer traffic lights] 
1) After passing Exit 23 keep left (yes, left) onto Southern State Pkwy...
2) Now see below "From Southern State Pkwy"

                                                                            
        IF YOU ARE LOST / DELAYED MORE THAN 15 MINUTES PLEASE PHONE - 516-546-6920
              (Why did Moses wander for 40 years?  Because, a male, he refused to ask for directions.)

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