The roar of the surf…A breeze blowing in off the Gulf… Intense, azure blue skies and tropical sunsets. What does that spell? Romance!

For many engaged couples, Florida Gulf Beach Weddings are a dream come true. Small wonder so many want to throw beach-themed weddings, receptions, or showers. "We do two a day most Saturdays," Jayne Alford-Melchinger, wedding minister/officiant with Gulf Beach Weddings told me, "And July 7, which fell on a Saturday this year…now that was a big, big day for us: I did four; John did three, seven of the 18 ceremonies Gulf Beach Weddings officiated! But, man, was it ever hot!"

Joyful Workaholics by Necessity, If Not Design

An interesting, hardworking couple, John and Jayne Melchinger live the traits of the freestyle entrepreneur loud and clear every day. Their stories are well-worth the telling.

When not conducting weddings on the beaches of west Florida, Jayne in an independent business woman, coaching financial advisors transitioning from captive-producer status to independence. She also helps independent advisors develop and place cases through point-of-sale support in all facets of the financial planning sales cycle, including liaison with her in-house team of case design experts, tax attorney, an investment advisor, underwriting expert and product specialists. She speaks and trains on many topics, with particular attention to Long-Term Care. She is a CFP, CLU, CHFC, life and series 6 licensed. And in her capacity to officiate of Beach Weddings, she is a Florida Notary Public, a prerequisite.

The John she refers to is her husband, John Melchinger, this writer’s friend and business associate for over 30 years. He consults on marketing with independent financial advisors during the day, and his hobby is running A Perfect Witness, a Florida mobile notary and wedding officiant serving NW Tampa Bay. A talented writer and successful consultant, both he and this author are aging Baby Boomers, with all that entails. We’ve both had more-than our share of medical adventures: John’s having left him in ongoing pain, limiting the number of hours each day he can comfortably spend working. But his spirit is as good as new; and I can personally attest that the hours he’s able to work are as much benefit to his clients as any he was able to manage when the sky was the limit. Yes! He’s that good: something, as a friend, I’m pleased to report.

John recently obtained his Notary Public designation, so he has joined Jayne in conducting marriage ceremonies. Now they both help couples create personalized vows and customized ceremonies to make their weddings especially memorable, and deliver that wow factor for their guests, many who have traveled from all corners of the world to attend.

Improvise Adapt, Overcome

A Vietnam-era U.S. Army Intelligence specialist in Chinese-Mandarin with a service-connected disability, John embodies my favorite Army motto: When under the gun, the well-prepared soldier will do three things: Improvise; Adapt and Overcome.

Facing the realities of constant pain, diminished stamina, and the unrelieved necessity of earning income, John and Jayne have done what so many other Baby Boomers are doing these days–or soon will be–instead of retiring. That is, finding other sources of joy and income by starting small, independent businesses. In this case, it was a second small business for both: Beach weddings, which Jayne already had up and running and nudged John into, thus doubling their potential income by increasing the number of wedding ceremonies they can perform. Happily, weddings usually are scheduled on weekends, so they don’t take either of them away from their day jobs.

John and Jayne are affiliated with businesses that act as agents for their officiating weddings. You can find more information about these companies and the beaches and other scenic locales where the Melchingers officiate weddings by visiting:

• TampaBay Wedding Officiants and

• Gulf Beach Weddings

Both companies offer Gulf Beach Weddings at Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Clients may customize the charm and chic of their seaside weddings with poems, readings and passages; and may include children, family and friends in the ceremony. Interfaith and military weddings are also available. Both companies provide professional wedding officiates, such as John and Jayne, who can officiate over all wedding traditions, customs and beliefs. Also available: Beach Wedding special packages, and an online premarital course.

Testimonials

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for performing a beautiful service for our wedding on June 26. You took a LOT of stress off of Pat and me on that day by being so professional and organized. Love the pictures on the website too! I will be more than glad to recommend you to anyone I know that ever needs an officiant. Thank you again for everything! Rebecca Garrabrant

Thank you for performing a lovely ceremony for us. Having you there made our day very special. Wish us luck as we embark on our new journey as husband and wife. Warm Regards, A.J. and Lara Claycomb

I just wanted to send a little note to thank you. You did exactly what we wanted. Our day was everything we wanted thanks to you. Edgar & Linda Palma

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about John and Jayne Melchinger, visit their Website: http://www.melchinger.com/Notary.htm that provides links to the two wedding websites listed.

Beach weddings are a growing business, the one-time rush precipitated by 7/7/07 notwithstanding. Keep in mind, however, that while Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, white powdered sands and magnificent sunsets, which make this such a popular wedding venue; it is not the only attractive destination for the connubially inclined. In case you missed it, that’s a rather broad hint for those with an entrepreneurial bent!

          Bill Willard is a freelance writer in Clearwater, FL.

Comments: We want to hear from you! Is this a business you could build in your neck of the woods (Beaches aren’t the only venues for romantic nuptials)? In fact, a bucolic, woodsy setting may be just as conducive to memorable wedding ceremonies. But first, check out your state’s Notary Public and other matrimonial requirements to see if you pass muster. If they do and you do, why not give it your best shot?

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