Wedding Words of Wisdom - 5.25.19

So what do I do when I am sick and I have a wedding to perform? Fortunately, the wedding of Rafael and Robin took place right at the beginning of a bout with an upper respiratory infection. I was just starting to cough after three days of a sore throat. So I drank hot tea and sucked on many cough drops on the way to the wedding and right before. Then I got so involved with the job that needed to be done that I didn’t cough at all during the ceremony. Although I did sound just a bit weird but I don’t think anyone noticed. Certainly not the bride and groom.

These two were so very happy to be getting married. Apparently, they have had some rough times but their love took them through it and i know their love will only grow now. Plus, they have the most adorable two and half year old daughter, Isabella., that makes their life together complete.

This was the first wedding I ever performed in a quonset hut. I think it was a real one on the grounds of an Amvets Post in Elyria. It was a good thing since it was sprinkling that afternoon. The family and guests couldn’t have been happier for this sweet young couple. I wish I could have stayed for the margarita bar they had set up at the reception! :)

Robin looked lovely in a simple, classic white sheath dress and Rafael and his groomsmen all wore the same baby blue golf shirts. Casual and comfortable for all except Robin who had fabulous, very high heels on. They were immediately traded for flip flops after the wedding being she said she couldn’t feel her feet anymore. I say - ladies, go for comfort!

Robin and Rafael wrote their own very heartfelt vows - not too many of my couples do. They made the ceremony even more special. Robin and Rafael are the perfect example of “All you need is Love.” Wishing them many years of it.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 5.11.19

This was the first of two weddings this weekend. And this one was a surprise! Not for me or the bride and groom - but for the parents and their family. Eldin and Sara graduated from college in the morning. Then their parents and family thought they were going to a graduation party at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful new Shady Hollow Lodge in Sand Run Metro Park in Akron. The photographer had the group walk around the building instead of going through it to where the wedding was going to be held. And the first thing they saw was a chalkboard sign that said Surprise! Eldin and Sara with a bride and groom silhouette below and the date. How fun is that?

The weather cooperated and the ceremony took place outside in a back area with the incredible forest of Sand Run surrounding us. Eldin and Sara were as excited as could be. Eldin’s parents and Sara’s mother still looked like they couldn’t believe what was happening. It was one of the most joyous weddings in my experience.

Sara had a stunning dress not only in style but in color. It was a soft grey that almost looked sliver. She looked just beautiful in it. Eldin was very handsome in a stylish blue suit and bow tie.

These two very bright young people have an incredible life awaiting them. I know they will be blessed with a life of love and happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom -5.12.19

What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than to get married to your ex! This sweet couple, Mike and Chris, were married for 17 years and divorced for seven. Now they have committed to love each other and share the rest of their lives with each other. On a cloudy day with just a slight drizzle of rain, they renewed the commitment they made 29 years ago in front of family, friends and their adorable granddaughter, Olivia. I married Olivia’s parents, Joe and Amanda, last year where she stole the show then and now. This tender ceremony took place in the gazebo in Brecksville Square so no one minded the little bit of rain.

As I stated in the ceremony, their decision to remarry showed that they never stopped loving one another and that their marriage will be strengthened by the love and respect they show each other every day. It is by love that their marriage will endure.

I know that this lovely couple will have a joyous life together. Wishing them love, happiness and peace.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 5.4.19

46 degrees. Grey skies. Drizzling rain. Not exactly the perfect day in spring for a wedding. But there were no dampened spirits at Ryan and Jen’s wedding at the Greek Garden in Cleveland on May 4. This lovely garden is one of the many along Martin Luther King Blvd. that is part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

Jennifer looked radiant in an exquisite ivory laced gown and Ryan quite handsome in a fashionable blue suit with matching bow tie. From looking at these two you could not see any disappointment about the uncooperative weather. They were both so happy that this was their wedding day and they were not going to let anything ruin it. And their English Bulldog, Moose, who was in the wedding party, certainly didn’t mind a bit of rain.

The mothers distributed clear umbrellas to the 150 guests who didn’t seem to mind much either. The service was only 18 minutes so everyone was quite courteous although there was a bit of confusion trying to go through a receiving line. Though that was actually more because of the setup of the garden than the rain. The wedding planner help an umbrella for me while I signed the marriage license and then I scurried out of there to warm up.

It’s always good to have a Plan B for weather since this is Northeast Ohio. And Ryan and Jen could have held the ceremony at the reception venue. But they chose not to and for the most part it worked out just right. What’s a little misty rain and cool temperatures when surrounded by such love? This was just the first of many challenges in their life together and something tells me that they will be able to handle anything that comes along. Wishing them the best!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 4.20.19

The wedding of Paul and Melvin was one of the sweetest and most moving weddings I have ever performed. This couple met online two years ago and have been together ever since. The small, intimate wedding was held at their home in Maple Heights, right around the corner from where I grew up.

With their close family and friends in attendance, they very emotionally said their vows. I sensed that they they never thought that they would find the love that they share. I was so honored to a part of this very special union.

They both looked quite handsome in their colorful shirts and ties. Beautiful bouquets of rainbow colored flowers decorated the living room along with their Amazon parrot who was quietly witnessing the ceremony right next to us in his huge cage. They were surprised that he was so quiet. I think he was basking the love that was in that room.

They designed their rings that had an expression of love written in Runes, an alphabet of Germanic languages. Very unique and beautiful.

After the ceremony, the couple surprised me with a wonderful t-shirt that said OFFICIANT in rainbow colors. I was thrilled and will wear it proudly. I am so happy to be able to officiate at legal same-sex weddings now. Love is love - no matter who anyone is. This is a couple that will grow together in love and harmony. Wishing them only the very best.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 4.14.19

The words of wisdom for this day were to never underestimate the weather in Northeast Ohio! By all accounts, this outdoor wedding of Kevin and Cindy should never have occurred outside. Every weather forecast said it was going to be cold and rainy - even thunderstorm.s were expected. Which actually did happen in the morning and the evening but not at 2:30 p.m. at Allardale Park in Medina. When I got there the clouds opened up and let the sun shine in for this lovely couple’s special day. It was a bit chilly and windy but no one cared. Kevin and Cindy were so involved with professing their love for each other, in this ceremony that included just me and the photographer, that nothing else mattered. Tears welled up in the eyes of both the bride and groom that showed just how grateful there were to have found each other. Cindy looked stunning in a peach-colored long lace dress and Kevin was very handsome in a stylish blue suit. And Cindy’s online bouquet was extraordinary!

We had to walk a bit to get to the small pavilion where the ceremony took place and it was wet and a bit muddy. Not wanting to get her beautiful heels muddy, Cindy wore hot pink rubber boots and changed once she made it to the wedding site. I sure wish I had taken a photo of that! So cute!

I love marrying couples for a second time around. You know that they have had enough life experiences to know what they want in a partner and they are so happy to have found the right person. That was certainly the case here. Wishing Kevin and Cindy a life of love, fun and joy!

Wedding Words of Wisom - 4.7.19

What a joy it was to officiate at the wedding of Aaron and Katrina today. Two people couldn’t be more in love. They have five boys between them (God bless them) and two very, kind gentle souls. They only contacted me a few days ago but we managed to put together a ceremony that was specifically for them. There were about 40 people at their home in Wadswoth and the energy was high. They had their family room beautifully decorated and with many chairs it was perfect for a house wedding.

Aaron looked very handsome in a burgundy tux with Katrina looking stunning in a strapless gown that complimented her lovely, slim figure. And what beautiful and heartfelt vows, exchange of rings and smiles. Their parents were overjoyed and so complimentary on the service which I so appreciate. It is always so heartwarming for me to be able to participate in weddings such as this. I am so very honored to be a part of this sacred commitment.

Wishing them a life of everlasting love, joy and excitement!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 1.11.19

Bill and Sandy have known each other for 52 years - first meeting in kindergarten class at Brecksville school. They were friends all through school but never dated. They went on to get married to other people and had children. Fast forward to 2017 when they attended their 50th class reunion. Now with both being single, they started dating. Their relationship grew quickly to the point of marriage. That’s when they found me. Being an ordained non-denominational minister, I officiated at their wedding on Jan. 11. The beautiful, intimate ceremony took place at their home in Brecksville with their two dear friends , Dwight and Pat Jordan, standing with them as Best Man and Maid of Honor. Now this is where it gets really interesting. Bill and Sandy have known Dwight and Pat since kindergarten as well. What a love story this is - not only with Bill and Sandy but also with their wonderful relationship with their dear friends!

Sandy looked stunning as she walked into the great room with her daisy bouquet wearing an off-the shoulder crepe and chiffon long gown with a matching stole. Bill, looking dapper in a black suit with daisy boutonniere, smiled throughout the entire ceremony. Sandy was a bit more reserved while getting a little emotional. So very sweet!

They were kind enough to include me and my husband, John, who worked as the photographer, to include us in a cake and champagne celebration afterward.

And the story doesn’t stop there. On June 23 , we’re going to do it all over again! They are going to have a large, full-blown wedding at Woodside Event Center. This time their whole family from around the US will gather to celebrate this lovely couple’s love and commitment. Love stories don’t get much better than this.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 12.31.18

Happy wedding day, happy birthday, Jina and happy New Year! I officiated at the wedding of these two beautiful people today, New Year's Eve! Wishing Paul and Jina so much happiness in 2019 and forever. This sweet couple had their wedding at their lovely home in Brunswick, They had the lower level TV room transformed into a wedding chapel in front of the fireplace. It worked perfectly with steps leading into the room so Jina could make her grand entrance. And so she did looking absolutely stunning in an all lace ivory gown escorted by her very handsome son. Paul also has a grown son and they surprised them in the ceremony and gave them engraved watches as well as having them participate in the Unity Sand ceremony. This is one of the best weddings I have ever had the pleasure of performing. A couple so much in love and what an incredible family they both have. Love you all! What a joyous way to start out the new year!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 12.22.18

A Christmas wedding! What could be more romantic? I was honored to officiate at Dennis and Denise's wedding this past Saturday. The ceremony was held at their lovely home in North Royalton with their three children and Denise's mother and father. The ceremony was quite special with Mike, Denise's father reading Corinthians and saying a beautiful, loving prayer at the end. The groom was beaming when his lovely soon-to-wife came down the stairs. He was overwhelmed with her beauty and his love for her. It was wonderful to watch how much in love these two are. Their children were all so happy with the melding of the two families. And Pam, Denise's mother was doing a great job as photographer and mother-of-the bride documenting the moment. I love performing second weddings!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.19.18

Mike and Taylor were married on a beautiful fall day at the Carriage Barn at Mill Hollow in Vermillion. This was a small, intimate wedding with about twenty people. With only a flower girl in their wedding party this very much in love couple nervously said their vows pledging to love each other forever.

My husband, John, always says “Make ‘em cry” before I leave for a wedding and there was no lack of crying at this wedding. The bride’s mother was quite overcome with the wedding vows acknowledging the seriousness of the commitment and the love her daughter has for Mike. It was very sweet and touching.

The bride looked stunning in a classic ivory long gown with a flower crown. Mike looked handsome in an ivory color suit with a blue shirt. They were both anxious for their big day and looked incredibly happy when I said the final words “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Wishing them only love and happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.6.18

Rosemarie and John were happily married at Williams on the Lake in Medina. We had so much at the rehearsal that I was sure it was going to be a wonderful wedding the next day. And it was with the bride looking beautiful in a one strap, very elegant gown and the groom looking dashing in his well-cut tuxedo. Rosemarie’s son walked her down the aisle and her daughter stood next to her as her maid-of- honor. What a wonderful way to get married! They both recited their vows and ring exchange with such loving sincerity. The wedding’s accent color was purple and the flowers and centerpieces were simple and elegant.

Thankfully, even with forecasts of thunderstorms, the weather held out and it was very nice. Williams on the Lake has evolved over the years to become a beautiful wedding venue in an unlikely location.

Wishing John and Rosemarie love and joy and the very best with their marriage and the melding of their two families.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.29.18

Robert and Shovonne joined their two families on Sat., Sept. 29. Not only did the two of them look fantastic but their four children were all adorable - especially little 2-year old Royalty. The wedding took place at The Manor in Euclid. It was a lovely indoor setting with the ceremony set up in one room and the reception in an adjoining room. Shavonne made all the centerpieces herself and they were beautiful.

From this photo you can see the they were both very excited about finally tying the knot. They said their vows in front of about 80 people who were all very excited as well. I love to perform weddings for African-Americans. The guests do not hold back their excitement and join in with the ceremony which was the case this time. The best part for me was when I asked the guests to join me in prayer. I said the first line of the prayer and they repeated it after me. I was happily surprised and continued the rest of the prayer that way. Usually people just bow their heads and say Amen. I loved that these guests were so into the ceremony that they repeated each line after me.

Wishing this loving couple and their family much love and prosperity.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.22.18

Then I was off to the second wedding of the day with my chauffeur - my husband, John. When I do two weddings on the same day, John drives me so that I can decompress and get ready for the next one. It really helps me a lot especially when they are fairly close together in time but not so close in locations In this case, we were going from Avon to Chagrin Falls.

Nick and Mariah were married at the new Sapphire Creek Winery and Gardens. And what a magnificent venue this is! I really can’t say enough good things about this place. Not only was it incredibly beautiful (see more photos on my Facebook page), but the service was top notch. The two event planners were experienced, professional and truly sincere in the special care they gave throughout the whole process.

This was a large wedding with a wedding party of 14. Nick and Mariah glowed in their wedding finery. The surprise of the ceremony was when Mariah and her father started to walk in separately to the traditional “Here Comes the Bride.” Just as they met in front of the water fountain, the music scratched and went into a full blown instrumental rock with screaming guitars! No one but Mariah and her father knew this was going to happen. It kind of scared me because I thought something bad was happening but it was great! Her dad is an ex-rocker who had his own band in this area for many years. What a hoot!

The ceremony went very smoothly. Mariah was as calm as could be. Nick looked a bit nervous but they were both happy to get on with the reception. This is the second wedding I have performed for this lovely family. It was nice to see their cousins that I married a year before and the family that I remember so fondly. I hope to see them all again for another wedding. Wishing them all the best!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.22.18

The first of two weddings was for Mike and Kelley at Red Tail Golf Club in Avon. The day of the wedding all went very well. Kim looked beautiful in a strapless full gown with her two daughters in bright red dresses. The girls were very excited about being part of this special day.

As a surprise, Mike gave the daughters bracelets after he and Kelley exchanged rings. This was to let them know how much he loved them and would do his very best as their stepfather. I added a couple of lines inviting them to come over so he could put the bracelets on them. The girls were thrilled and it was a very sweet moment. Sending much love to them all.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.3.18

Manakiki Golf Course's Wedding Grove was the incredibly beautiful setting for the wedding ceremony of Adam and Meghan. Even though it was 91 degrees, The Grove was in a wooded area of tall trees that offered shade and even an occasional, and much appreciated, breeze. Meghan was radiant in an attractive, form-fitting long gown which was accented by her beautiful red hair and blue eyes. Very tall Adam looked the ever-handsome groom in a stylish, black tux with a burgundy tie that matched the Fall colors in Meghan's bouquet. The 16-person wedding party easily filled out the stage of The Grove. And, Frankie, Adam and Meghan's little dog, was a hit as she pranced down the aisle alongside the flower girl with a collar of flowers and ribbon. Wishing this lovely couple much love and happiness in their new life together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.1.18

Dan and Roberta were married in Brecksville Square in front of the beautiful gazebo. This was my first wedding in what is now my hometown. So fun! Especially with well wishers shouting during the ceremony as they sat waiting for the light to change!

This spot was particularly special for Roberta whose father is memorialized there with a plaque and tree planted in his honor. I customized the ceremony to note that just for her and her family.

Roberta was beautiful in a deep coral dress and Dan looked happy and relaxed in shirt and khakis. This sweet couple declared their love for one another in front of about 25 family and friends including their four adult children.

Again, as with so many couples who are getting married for the second time, these two listened intently to my wedding message and repeated their vows and ring exchange with such love and devotion. I was so honored to be a part of this lovely couple's wedding ceremony. Wishing them so much love and happiness together!

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.25.18

Another lovely blending of families happened on Saturday when George and Angelique professed their love for one another in front of about 80 of their family and friends. George and his sons looked striking in their tuxedos with blue and pink cummerbunds and bow ties with matching sneakers. Angelique was gorgeous in an all lace gown. Angelique and friends created all the decorating and silk flowers themselves and the hall looked lovely with every other chair in blue or pink to match the theme colors.

All five children came up for the Unity Sand ceremony. While George was helping little Evelyn, their adorable three-year old, George accidentally hit the very large arch they had made. Rev. Shirley jumped into action and grabbed it before it toppled over off the stage and into the guests. I'm not usually that fast on my feet but all was well after we set it up again.

George and Angelique recited their vows and ring exchange with such sincere love for one another. I love it when the bride and groom are really thinking of the words and meaning them as they lovingly look at each other. No doubt that this is a marriage that is going to last. Love them both and wishing them only the best.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.19.18

Sunday was a picture-perfect day on the beach of beautiful Lake Erie. This is where Jose and Kim picked to exchange their wedding vows. Lake View Beach in Lorain has wide steps down to the beach as well as a tiered hillside that works really well for seating wedding guests.

Kim looked stunning in an ivory lace dress and Jose was handsome with a casual, Caribbean look. These two are obviously crazy in love and it showed in their sincere, sweet reactions to the vows and ring exchange.

This is another lovely blending of families. They each have a girl and boy that are very nice, respectful young adults. The kids happily stood up with their parents and joined them in a Unity Sand ceremony.

This was the right place to get sand. Remember that if you are planning a wedding on a beach that it is almost always very windy. Sand worked well to hold down several vases of flowers from blowing over.

All in all, a lovely wedding with lovely people. This is one of those couples that I am sure will have a beautiful life together. Wishing them much love and happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.11.18

What's the most beautiful place to get married in Cleveland? I would say the patio of Pier W overlooking the expanse of Lake Erie and one of the very best views of the Cleveland skyline. Not only did Tom and Kelley pick the most beautiful place but also the most perfect day - 78 degrees with low humidity and lots of sunshine.

This was a lovely, intimate wedding with about 60 guests enjoying the love they were witnessing with the blending of two families. Tom and Kelley's children were the wedding party with Tom's son escorting his sister and Kelley's daughter down the aisle.

Kelley looked amazing in an all lace dress with a slight train. Her hair and makeup complimented the dress perfectly. Both bride and groom were a bit nervous to start but they soon focused on each other and the words they were speaking so sincerely.

Tom's lovely young daughter, Bianca Sophia, sang "Marry Me" by Train while the couple filled the Unity Wine Box with their love letters to each other. How very special for the bride and groom as well as the guests. There is nothing that matches live music for such a special day.

I always enjoy officiating at second marriages. These are people who know what they want in a marriage and are so happy to have found the perfect mate. That was certainly the case with Tom and Kelley. I know they will live happily ever after!