Ceremony Officiant
"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." - anonymous
Choosing the perfect officiant for your ceremony can often be an emotional task. Most couples have specific criteria that they want to follow when making this decision. The Aisle Runner has made this decision simple - Reverend John Graf, Jr.
Reverend Jonh Graf, Jr. is the Bridgewater Manor's exclusive in-house coordinator for all our ceremonies. He has compiled a team of officiants from all backgrounds to officiate your ceremony.
He works diligently with you to find the perfect match! With over 25 years experience, Reverend John Graf, Jr. can help make the most important day of your lives also the most memorable.
He works diligently with you to find the perfect match! With over 25 years experience, Reverend John Graf, Jr. can help make the most important day of your lives also the most memorable.
(Click photo to contact Rev. John Graf, Jr. directly.)
Lifetime of public service. Reverend John Graf, Jr. is a 1981 graduate of The American University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Prior to joining the Ministry, his 25-year career in public relations and fund-raising has garnered him many awards and recognitions—including the 2002 Somerset County Business Partnership "Citizen of the Year"—while helping to raise more than $45 million for countless non-profit, education, government, and cultural arts organizations. Reverend Graf is the definitive non-profit volunteer, serving on a number of local, county and state boards.
Experienced ministry. Reverend Graf has been performing non-denominational weddings, baptisms, funerals and memorial services throughout the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area for the last ten years. His ceremonies range from civil, spiritual & religious and cover all faiths (Catholic, Jewish, Baptist, etc.). He recently began providing civil union ceremonies for the gay and lesbian community with the passing of the new marriage law in New Jersey.
A passion for community. With the passing of his mother, Claire Thornton Graf, in March of 2000, John established the Claire & John Graf Family Foundation in her memory. With funds that John earns from his ministerial duties, more than $200,000 has been donated to numerous state-wide community-based charities.
Testimonials: "From the moment John came to our home, we felt at ease. His warm personal touch made us feel like everything was going to be wonderful. John not only gave us excellent ideas for the wedding, he also was very flexible with the date in short notice. At our wedding, he made the entire ceremony very personal and so special . A couple of our friends that were getting married a few months after requested that he marry them as well. I would recommend John to anyone as he will deliver more than expected . Danielly and I consider John a best friend in our hearts."
–Helberth & Danielly DeOliveira, June 1, 2008, New York, NY
"We can't thank Reverend Graf enough for making our wedding day so extra special. Anyone who has ever planned or partaken in wedding planning knows the stress associated with it, and I truly think during all the stressful planning, and coordinating that couples might find themselves forgetting what their wedding day truly signifies. Reverend Graf's ceremony was so heartfelt, so sincere, and so beautifully spoken that everyone in attendance was reminded the true reason we were standing there. He holds a very special place in our hearts and our wedding would not have been the same without him."
–Michele & Sherief, Singer May 24, 2008, The Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater, NJ
–Michele & Sherief, Singer May 24, 2008, The Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater, NJ
"We want to thank you on the wonderful job you did officiating our wedding. Everyone has been coming up to us complimenting us on how heartfelt it was and how the wedding was NOT boring at all (which I had to laugh at because a lot of Filipino weddings tend to be long so everyone was surprised!). Thank you again for giving us a wedding to remember!"
–Vivienne & Alan Mendoza, September 27, 2008, The Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater, NJ
–Vivienne & Alan Mendoza, September 27, 2008, The Bridgewater Manor, Bridgewater, NJ
"If you are looking for a Minister that is genuinely warm, caring and compassionate, then Reverend John Graf is the perfect Minister to perform your wedding ceremony. The first time we met with Reverend John we knew we didn't need to look any further. He is so outgoing, has a great sense of humor and immediately puts you at ease. He involved us in every step of planning the ceremony to make sure that it was personalized not only for us, but for our families as well. He has a true joy and passion for what he does and he speaks from the heart. Reverend John will not only be your Minister, but he will also be your friend way beyond the day of your wedding ceremony."
–With heartfelt thanks, Sue and Steve Alexander, September 22, 2008
–With heartfelt thanks, Sue and Steve Alexander, September 22, 2008
"John, thank you for the extra effort on our special day. From beginning to end you carried us with ease. Your professionalism and kindness was not only noticed by us but also by our family and friends. We can not thank you enough, we will always remember you."
–Luis & Brenda Sarduy August 23, 2008, The Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge, NJ
–Luis & Brenda Sarduy August 23, 2008, The Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge, NJ
"Working with Reverend John Graf, Jr. to create an intimate, interfaith ceremony for our wedding was a dream! We didn't even know where to start before meeting with him. He took a personal interest in us and guided us through creating a ceremony that was a true representation of 'us.' He acted as our coach, friend and advisor and even gave us an excellent recommendation for a florist! We were thrilled with his service!"
–Pamela and Eric Gordon, August 15, 2008, Basking Ridge Country Club
