Benjamin and Joanna were married at the Wade Park Lagoon in front of the Cleveland Art Museum on a scorching hot day last weekend. This was the first of two weddings for me on that day. These two were just as cute as can be. Benjamin had the Unity Sand Ceremony all set up on a bench awaiting his beautiful bride. Joanna arrived in a bouffant dress almost as wide as she is tall. She is a little tiny thing and looked just like a fairy princess. The ceremony, fortunately, was in the shade under a huge tree which made it much more comfortable. There were about 10-12 family members witnessing this special ceremony. At the end, the guests threw rose petals. The geese that frequent the lagoon mistook the petals for food and a good 20 geese rushed toward us. Needless to say they were quite disappointed with the ruse. I know that this couple's love will only continue to grow and they will have a lovely life together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.7.18
Jim and Jessica both work for hotels (one in Miami Beach and one in Grand Cayman), so it was natural for them to pick a hotel for their wedding in Cleveland. And what a hotel - the Tudor Arms in University Circle! Built in 1931, this beautiful hotel exudes old world class and grandeur.
Jessica was stunning in a simple, very elegant gown with the bridesmaids in one shoulder, navy blue long gowns. The groom and groomsmen were all stylish in navy blue suits with brown shoes.
Jessica got her jitters out at the rehearsal and both said their vows and ring exchange with love and sincerity. They are obviously very much in love and will live in Grand Cayman where they can be on their honeymoon every day! Wishing them so much love and happiness in their new life together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - June 16, 2018
Could this bride look any more radiant? Amanda was beaming after her wedding to Joe at Rustic Hills Country Club in Medina. What a joyous couple. They have much to be joyful about - especially their adorable two-year old daughter. Olivia decided to join her mother while Amanda was saying her vows to Joe. Usually, that would have been a big disruption but Olivia just stood and watched until a groomsman coaxed her to come to him. It was a very sweet moment.
One word of warning, if your venue does not offer a wedding coordinator, make sure your officiant can pitch in and run the rehearsal. I have performed several weddings at Rustic Hills so I had no problem. But this venue has an unusual set up. And inexperienced officiant could have had trouble coordinating a large wedding party like this one at this venue. If your officiant doesn't run rehearsals like I do, you can always ask a friend to help out.
As it was, Joe and Amanda and their entire wedding party performed flawlessly and the ceremony went on without a hitch. I know that these two lovely people will have a wonderful life together with their sweet daughter. Wishing them only the best!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - June 8, 2018
There couldn't have been a more idyllic place for the wedding of Jim and Heather. Both of them are avid runners and them met in Sand Run Metro Park while running years ago. So they decided to get married at Shady Hollow Lodge in the park. This is a brand new lodge and it is just lovely for a small to medium-sized wedding.
Jim and Heather could not be more in love. What a special wedding this was with immediate family. Heather's beautiful three children stood with the couple. It was easy to see how much Jim loves these kids and will be a great step-father.
Jim's emotional speech before the wedding set the loving tone for the ceremony. It looked like everyone was tearing up a bit - even me! I find that when I marry mature adults they are more emotional when they are saying their vows because they are truly feeling the words. It is so very touching.
This is a loving, sweet couple with a beautiful family. There is no doubt that they will have an exceptional life together. Sending them much love and many blessings.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - May 12, 2018
The main lesson from this wedding is to have a Plan B. Bobby and Nicole planned their wedding to be outside on the golf course green at Fowler's Mill in Chesterland. True to Northeast Ohio weather it was freezing for the rehearsal and then rainy for the wedding. Fortunately. their reception was also being held at Fowler's Mill so it was easy to take the wedding inside. That made it not as traditional as planned, since the guests were sitting at tables, but beautiful none the less. Nicole looked stunning in an elegant layered dress while her handsome groom sported a large grin on his face the entire ceremony. These are two people very much in love. As cold as it was for rehearsal that's how warm it was inside. My bangs curled up from sweat and even the bride actually said "Could someone turn the air conditioning on?" during the ceremony. They must not have had it on because it was cool outside. But with 150 people in the room it got really toasty! They spared no expense with fun extras for their guests like a donut bar and a unique guestbook of wooden hearts to write on. Wishing this beautiful couple love and blessings in their new life together!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 4.17.18
On Tuesday, April 17, 2018, I married Jesse and Katelyn at their beautiful home in Wadsworth. Why Tuesday, do you ask? It was their six-year anniversary. Their guests were happy to be spending a Tuesday night partying with this fun couple. What a loving family! They welcomed me in as if I were one of their own. Jesse was in tails and boots and Katelyn looked beautiful in a jewel-studded formal wedding gown. It just goes to show that you can make your wedding anything you want - there are no more rules. I was happy to assist in giving them the wedding of their dreams. The ceremony went beautifully with nervous laughter and sincere vows. They were both so anxious for those final words - "I know pronounce you husband and wife." The room burst into applause and hooting! What fun it was! Afterwards they surprised me with an extraordinary gift - a piece art with two carved African heads on it. When we met at my home, they noticed the African mask collection we have. I was overwhelmed! How incredibly thoughtful and sweet. I have already hung it and will treasure it forever. And I will treasure the memory of this very special wedding.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 3.30.18
Yesterday afternoon at 3:30 p.m on 3/30/18 I officiated at the wedding of Matthew and Kaylie in Canal Fulton. It was just the two of them in the living room of their beautiful home. This wedding was so sweet and intimate. All they wanted was to be together and share their special relationship. I was privileged to be a part of it. Wishing them so much love and happiness.
Wedding Words of Wisdom 3.24.18
I was honored to perform the wedding of Kelsey and Paul at Windows on the River in The Flats. Although all weddings are unique and joyful, this one was exceptionally so.
The love that radiated out of these two was just incredible. And such joy! Not only between them but also between their two lovely families. This is the way all wedding should be. Their beautiful energy spilled over to me and made it a very special experience. I have performed hundreds of weddings and this is one that I will never forget. I grew very close to them in a short amount of time and wish them so much love and happiness. There is no doubt that this is a marriage that will last and their love will only grow and blossom.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 12.29.17
This past weekend I had the honor of officiating at my nephew Dan's wedding in Sarasota. He married the loveliest woman, Betsy, at The Founder's Club. It was outdoors under huge live oaks with beautiful Spanish moss. It couldn't have been a more perfect day - 73 degrees and sunny. Betsy looked stunning in a gorgeous classic gown and Dan, also known as Wes, looked as handsome as ever. Dan didn't seem nervous at all but I know he was a little and Betsy just wanted to make sure all the details were taken care of. My brother and sis-in-law, Jim and Barb, did an incredible job of helping to plan the wedding and the party before and after the wedding. Three parties in a row - it was great fun! And so wonderful to have our whole family all together for this very special time. I know that Dan and Betsy will have a joyous and fun-filled life together. Wishing them all the love and blessings in the world!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 11.25.17
A surprise wedding! How many of you have ever attended one? This was my first! Katie and Dante came to me to say that they wanted to surprise their family with their wedding. They told everyone that they had gotten married several weeks prior when they were on vacation in Oregon. So the guests on Nov. 25 thought they were going to a wedding reception at Chenoweth Country Club in Akron - one of my favorite venues. I was hidden in the manager's office until showtime. Katie went into the reception and told everyone they had to go around the corner to the next room over for their wedding. I could hear everyone saying "Awwwwwww!" So sweet. So they all came over with glasses of wine and beer in their hands. That was another first. I've never had drinking during one of my weddings before! :) Katie and Dante have been together for nine years so the family and guests were quite happy that they finally got married. Sending lots of love and happiness to this wonderfully unique couple!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 11.18.17
In the midst of a torrential rainstorm, Kerry and Evelyn were married at the Doubletree Hilton in Westlake on Sat., Nov. 18. While I was waiting for the bridal party to come down from their hotel rooms - minutes before the ceremony - the power went out and we were in complete darkness. The groom's mother grabbed my arm in a bit of a panic. I tried to console her and, fortunately, the power came back on in a few seconds. Whew! Now that would have been a first for me. I might have had to perform the ceremony in candlelight - how romantic. But the ceremony went perfectly with an absolutely stunning bride. Evelyn is from Peru and she is beautiful inside and out. Her handsome brother, who is serving in the Marines, was in his dress uniform and read Corinthians 13: 4-8 in English and Spanish. It was very special to hear it in Spanish. When planning your ceremony think about how you can make it special and meaningful to who you are. This was a large wedding with everyone dressed to the hilt - a lot of beautiful, sparkly dresses. So very lovely. This is a couple truly in love. I know that they will have a very special life of love and happiness together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 11.4.17
Wedding season is slowing down but I still have a few weddings this year. This past weekend I married Shawna and Jon in Mentor at a beautiful new venue called Noah's Event Venue. It is really made for weddings but other functions as well. This was a really fun wedding because Jon and some of his groomsmen are full of life and craziness. Most weddings are all about the bride. Not this one. Jon waltzed down the aisle flaying his arms greeting his guests with great fanfare which caused surprise and laughter by all. Shawna looked stunning is a form-fitting gown laced with feathers on the lower portion. Very unusual and she wore it well. This couple decided to write their own vows and is not done all that often. They both did a wonderful job and delivered them with great love. They had a wonderful soloist for the processional but, unfortunately, his mic was not turned up high enough. Be sure to make a sound check before the service. Wishing Jon and Shawna the best in their new life together!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.21.17
Renee and Lizzie had the most beautiful fall weekend they could have possibly asked for this past Saturday. It was 78 degrees and sunshine. This perfect wedding was held at White Birch Barn and Vineyard, a new wedding venue in Medina. It has been a family dairy farm for years that has been exquisitely transformed into a top notch event center. I married this lovely couple in front of over ahundred of their enthusiastic family and friends. They both looked incredibly beautiful and so happy. It was wonderful to see how many people embraced this same sex marriage. Love has no gender limitations. Wishing them love and peace in their new life together.
Baby Blessing - 10.15.17
What could be more wonderful than a baby blessing? A baby blessing for a couple that I married a few years back! Sklar Rae Webber is the adorable baby girl of Leesa and Frank. Leesa had her dressed in a lace onesie with little lace bootie wraps on her tiny feet. She was smiling and calm until I got to the blessing where she fussed just a bit. Most babies don't like the water part. I do my baby blessings with rose petals in blessed water and lay the wet petals on the top of the head, forehead, heart, hands and feet. It's a beautiful, moving servicing welcoming the baby into the community and dedicating her life to God.
The weather held out although it was very windy which blew out all the candles. I didn't even bother to put any rose petals on the table knowing they would blow away. A baby blessing is a lovely way of acknowledging the incredible gift from God a baby is to a family. Leesa and Frank are so blessed and will make wonderful parents. I am so honored to have been a part of this special time in their lives.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.14.17
This was a very busy weekend with a wedding and a baby blessing. The wedding was at LaCentre, what I consider to be the premiere wedding venue in the Cleveland area. The lovely couple was Mike and Amy who had a wedding party of 17. It was a big and beautiful. The ceremony started with a baby of one of the bridesmaids deciding that he most definitely didn't want to be there. So, the mother had to take care of him and her husband walked down the aisle alone. I'm sure she was disappointed but she was very needed by her infant son. It's always good to have a Plan B with babies and young children.
Then the best flower girl I have ever seen who was about 8 years old came out in great flourish. Instead of tossing the flower petals on the runner, she threw them up in the air not only in the aisle but also on the guests! She was just a little spit fire. So cute! The bride was extremely calm and sincere as was the groom except for some sweating of the forehead during the vows and ring exchange. Very endearing. Wishing them so much love.
Have to mention my sparkly shoes that were a big hit. They are gold but also look silver as the light changes. Who said that the minister can't wear sparkly shoes?
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.6.17
This week's wedding was on Friday with a beautiful young couple, Tyler and Niki. Planning an outdoor wedding in October is risky but the weather held out for them although it was a bit cloudy. At 68 degrees it was a perfect temperature for a 6:30 p.m. wedding. The bride and groom chose to write their own vows - something that the majority of the couples I marry don't do. They were nervous but both did a wonderful job. They have been together for six years and their vows were sweet, honest and very heartfelt. Their family was very warm and gracious and made me quite comfortable and honored to be officiating. I wish them all much love and happiness.
When planning a wedding always plan to start at least 5-10 minutes late. Even though we started this wedding 10 minutes late people still came in during the ceremony. It never ceases to amaze me that people do not understand that they should arrive on time for a wedding. Latecomers happen at EVERY wedding I perform. So since it is a reality - plan for it.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.23.17
The second wedding for last weekend was for Tyler and Terra at Mill Hollow Amphitheater in Vermillion. It was another beautiful, very hot afternoon. This venue was in a public park and quite unique. I married the groom's brother and best man in a wedding last year during what turned out to be hurricane. That was one I will never forget. It was great to see Mark and Mandy again. Wishing the very sweet bride and groom much love and happiness.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.30.17
Dale and Ellen were married on the rooftop of the Ariel International Center this past Saturday and this was the view the guests enjoyed. It was beautifully clear but just a bit chilly with the wind coming off the lake. Thankfully, the reception was one floor down inside. I didn't get a photo of the bride and groom because they quickly took off after the ceremony to have photos taken. It was a wonderful ceremony with two people doing readings and a special musical performance by several members of Ellen's family with guitar accompaniment.. Her brother-in-law wrote a special song just for the wedding couple and it brought tears to the bride's eyes. What a wonderful gift! I love performing weddings for mature adults - usually second marriages - because they really listen to the words of the ceremony and sincerely mean their vows. Maturity gives them a better understanding of what a marriage is. Such a loving and warm couple. Wishing them all the best.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.22.17
Yesterday was the wedding of Shane and Desiree at Springlake Party Center in Lakemore. What a wonderful surprise venue right on the lake. The bride and groom couldn't look more perfect - both a bit nervous and so sweet. In front of 200 plus guests, they said their vows. It was in the upper 80s but there was no humidity so it was just about perfect.
Shane is the drummer in the Michelle Romary Band and the band played at the ceremony as well as at the reception. Michelle sang "At Last" by Etta James as a solo in the middle of the ceremony. What a treat to have live music and such an accomplished performer. When planning the music for your wedding, consider live music versus a DJ for the ceremony. It really adds a very special touch and makes weddings even more memorable.
My "assistant" (my husband, John) accompanied me so I have more photos than usual. Check out the very sweet flower girl and ring bearer. They did a great job.
Wishing much love and happiness to this special couple.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.9.17
It was an absolutely perfect day for a wedding with beautiful Lake Erie in the background. I married Tony and Emily at Mentor Beach Park in Mentor-On-The-Lake. The beautiful bride was pretty nervous but her groom was as calm as could be. What they both knew was that this was going to be the best day of their lives.
For those of you thinking about an outdoor wedding, remember that we have yellow jackets in Northeast Ohio and they sometimes like to be part of weddings. I once had two yellow jackets somehow get inside my robe and proceeded to sting me five times. I actually had to stop the wedding to get them out and then continued on with a smile on my face. :) Yellow jackets decided to swam around the bride during her vows at this wedding. We just stopped for a second to shoo them away. Bad timing though - they seem to like vows!
Wishing this very nice couple much love and happiness.
