Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.28.19 - Matthew & Jessica

Matthew and Jessica - these two couldn’t be more in love. Their wedding ceremony took place in their very large, beautiful backyard before about 80 guests. They had a lovely trellis decorated with incredible fresh flowers.

Matthew was as cool as could be before the wedding. But when we got to the vows his emotions came out while watching his bride cry tears of joy. They both made it through the vows and ring exchange with obvious love and sincerity.

And I am happy to note that though they were facing each other holding hands, they both looked at me during the message part in the beginning. It’s nice to see that they were really listening to what I was saying and taking the words seriously.

Jessica was walked down the aisle by her adorable and very serious 10-year old son. He and other 10 year-old also safely held the rings.

Matthew and Jessica both looked elegant and lovely. Wishing them a life of great joy and love.

WEdding Words of Wisdom - 9.21.19 - Jason & Claudia

I had two weddings this weekend with the second one being dramatically different than the first. Jason and Claudia chose to wed at The Church at Frostville in the Metroparks North Olmsted. The church is over 150 years old and air conditioned - thank goodness. It was quite warm this day but the bride and groom and guests were comfortably cool.

Being a beautiful historic church was perfect for Jason and Claudia’s intimate wedding with about 80 guests in attendance. And one of them turned to be my cousin which was a surprise for me.

Jason looked quite handsome in a formal suit and vest although a bit warm. Claudia was beautiful in a traditional lace gown. Claudia was pocketed away in a limo van waiting to make her grand entrance. The church doors were closed after the wedding party entered and opened to a dramatic reveal of the beautiful bride escorted by her two brothers.

This church is a fairly new venue for weddings and sure to become a favorite for couples looking for a spiritual and intimate setting.

Wishing Jason and Claudia years of love, fun and excitement.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.20.19 - Trey & Macy

Windows on the River City View Room in my opinion is one of the most beautiful and best wedding venues in Cleveland. I married Trey and Macy there on Fri. Sept. 20 with breathtaking views of the city as the backdrop.. This lovely couple fit right into the beauty of this unique venue. The decorations were exceptional with flowers everywhere including vines and roses lining the dramatic staircase. Macy was afraid she would not be able to manage the steps in her exquisite form-fitting gown but she did beautifully escorted by her very proud father.

Trey got a bit emotional when he saw his beautiful bride. So very sweet. They make an incredible couple. They both looked amazing for their very special day. They easily made it through the ceremony with very sincere and meaningful vows.

After the ceremony the guests exited to the outdoor terrace right on the Cuyahoga River. Another incredible backdrop for scenery and photos.

This is a couple who are very obviously in love. They have a wonderful and exciting life ahead of them. Wishing them love and continued happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.14.19 - Chris & Angie

It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day in Brunswick at Mapleside Farms yesterday - bright blue sky, sunny and 74 degrees. A perfect day for a perfect couple - Chris and Angie. The couple chose not to have a rehearsal because there was only her daughter and a ring bearer/flower girl in the wedding party. However, as the weeks went by after our initial meeting, they added a Unity Rose ceremony and a reading. The rose ceremony involves the mothers. I got to the wedding early to have a mini-rehearsal with them to make sure that everyone knew exactly what they needed to do to be comfortable. Although it was a challenge for the nervous groom to get all of these people together at the same time, after having this impromptu rehearsal, the ceremony came off flawlessly.

Chris got teary-eyed when he saw his beautiful bride. Angie was as calm as could be and looked stunning in a beaded, form-fitting gown. It was quite windy and her veil was flying all over which just added to the wonderful spontaneity of the moment.

The mothers walked in with the roses and presented them to their children to exchange as a symbol of love and commitment. to each other.

Angie’s 18 yr. old daughter, Hayley, had the honor of holding her mother’s bouquet and the rings. She looked quite lovely in a pale pink gown and beamed throughout the ceremony.

These two couldn’t be more in love and it showed. Wishing this very special couple a lifetime of love and happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.7.19 - David & Robin

David and Robin chose to have their wedding indoors - a smart thing to do with the uncertain weather we have in Northeast Ohio. Theirs was at TwinHaven in Twinsburg. This is a lovely venue with a large stage that is used for the bridal party. We performed the ceremony in front of the stage that was beautifully decorated with huge flower art in Robin’s color scheme of turquoise, black and hot pink. Very different and quite outstanding.

Robin looked lovely in a heavily -beaded full gown with a plunging neckline. Chris was very handsome in black with turquoise accents.

David even made large wooden planters that were painted black that stood at the entrance of each row of chairs. The flowers were magnificent white chrysanthemums and huge white orchids. This was one of the most beautifully decorated weddings I have ever seen.

The bride and groom were calm and happy during the ceremony cherishing each moment. Sending them lots of love in their new life together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.31.19

Dan and Rebecca had a beautiful day for their lakefront wedding. It was held at their lake house in Lake Milton. Having never been to Lake Milton, my husband and I and our little Yorkie, Madam BeBe, made it a weekend adventure. We went in the day before and explored all the antique and resale shops in the area as well as the state park and Lake Milton. What fun!

This was a laid back wedding with the bride and groom mingling with the guests before the ceremony during a cocktail hour. Even BeBe was welcome at the wedding! They really did a beautiful job in decorating with a lovely arch and a classy, rustic decor inside the tent for dinner.

Dan and Rebecca’s combined five children made up the wedding party. Rebecca looked beautiful in a stylish. classic full-length wedding gown and Dan was more casual with a comfortable white shirt, khaki slacks and sandals - all perfect for a lakeside wedding.

What was a surprise for me was that the father of the bride was someone I have known for over 30 years! Not well though - a friend of a friend. And there were two couples that were guests that I had married not only them but each of their daughters. What a wonderful time to reunite with all these great people!

The weather was perfect and the energy was high. It was certainly one of the most beautiful and fun weddings I have ever performed. Wishing this lovely couple many years of love and happiness.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.17.19

“They” say that when it rains at your wedding it means good luck. That should be true for Jeremy and Sarah then. The forecast was thunderstorms in the afternoon but it was sunny and nice when I arrived at the couple’s home. They had the backyard all decorated beautifully and set up for an outdoor wedding. The ceremony area had a lovely arch decorated with sunflowers.

Sarah looked gorgeous in a classic gown with a lace bodice. Jeremy was very handsome in a vest and tie. They were both so excited to start. Their 4-year old little girl was a standout as she came down the aisle with her grandmother. Everything was going as planned for about the first half and then the rain drops started. We waited until there was a good place to stop - right before the “I do’s” - then we all hurried inside to complete the ceremony in the living room. Not what the bride and groom had envisioned but the energy in the house was one of love and joy so it was still beautiful - and certainly memorable.

Of course, as soon as the ceremony was over the rain stopped. But they had nice weather for the reception. It’s always good to have a Plan B for an outdoor wedding - especially in Northeast Ohio! Wishing them much love and happiness in their new life together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.10.19

Last Saturday was a picture perfect day for Joe & Stacey’s wedding. It was held at Chenoweth Country Club in Canton. I love performing weddings there because it is expertly run by Jan and Darla, the event coordinators. If you live in that area, this is the place for your wedding. They handle everything in great detail and the place is beautiful inside and out. Pretty much like this bride and groom - beautiful inside and out. Two very nice people with a lovely family as well.

Stacey looked gorgeous in a classic lace wedding gown. Joe was decked out with a full tuxedo as were his groomsmen. Lots of grooms are choosing less formal wear because of the heat in weddings outdoors in the summer. This wedding was indoors and air conditioned so they had nothing to worry about.

Both the bride and groom were so serious and focused throughout the service staring lovingly in each others’ eyes. Stacey hardly blinked when I asked her to repeat after me “I Joe take take you Stacey.” She immediately caught my mistake and correctly said “I Stacey take you Joe.’ Then she and Joe laughed as well as the guests while I gathered myself together apologizing. That was a first for me - and I guarantee the last time I make that mistake. Later when I was apologizing again to them, Stacey laughed and said that was exactly what she needed right then to get through the vows. Whew!

Wishing this very special couple all the love and happiness in the world.

Baby Blessing - 8.8.19

Yesterday was an incredibly beautiful day for a very special little baby girl - Lydia Kimberly. Her parents, Carmen and Jenna picked Sun Valley Party Center in Chagrin Falls for her blessing. Stunning grounds were the perfect setting and baby Lydia was a perfect participant in her welcoming ceremony smiling and gurgling the whole time. She was accompanied by godparents, grandparents and even great grandparents. Her grandmother pointed to me that she was the third generation to wear the same gown that she had purchased in England so many years ago.

I perform my baby blessings with rose petals in blessed water. The blessing consists of placing the blessed petals on the baby's top of the head (for connection, protection, love and blessings by God), her forehead (to awaken her senses), her heart (to feel love and compassion) her hands (to reach out to the world) and her feet (to stay grounded and connected).

The family all participated by lighting candles, reciting affirmations and two special messages by Lydia's mother and grandfather. What a lovely way to welcome this beautiful baby girl into her family and our community. The memory of this day will always be one of love and joy.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.26.19

I was honored to perform the wedding of Michael and Paige at Carrie Cerno’s in North Royalton. Thankfully, it was indoors since it was pretty warm that day. This young couple was so excited to celebrate with all their friends and family. Paige looked beautiful in an ivory, brocade gown. Their colors were pink and grey so Michael and his groomsmen were in grey pants and suspenders with pink ties. The hall was decorated in pink sequins everywhere - tablecloths, sashes around the chairs and huge pink sequined drapes where the ceremony was performed. It made for quite a glittery and festive atmosphere. What a a joyous evening I am sure everyone had. Wishing them much love and happiness in their new life together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - July 22, 2019

I was honored to perform the wedding of Tom and Jeric in the beautiful garden at their home in Cleveland. Tom gardens as a hobby and he had the flower garden arranged with a lovely area for the ceremony. An intimate group of friends and family witnessed these two committed men.

Jeric is from Thailand where gay marriages are not allowed so I was very happy to perform the wedding here for them.

They wore matching beige vests and slacks with white sneakers and looked quite handsome. After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a wedding cake with a two-man, groom and groom, topper.

It was a perfect evening for a perfect couple. Wishing them a life of love and prosperity.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.4.19

Dustin and Dana celebrated the 4th of July with a bang - by getting married! Their red, white and blue wedding took place at Allardale Lodge in Medina. This is a new facility just finished last year and is very rustic made out of all natural wood. It is just beautiful inside and out. And so are Dustin and Dana. Two very sweet and loving people who I was honored to marry on this very hot and humid afternoon. We were all drenched with sweat by the end of the ceremony in the sun but no one cared. There was so much joy in the air.

Dana looked exquisite in a form-fitting all lace, ivory dress on her tiny figure. Dustin and his groomsmen wore blue vests and pants with red ties. The bridesmaids were in red lace. I even got in the 4th of July spirit by having my nails and toe nails painted red, white and blue. :)

Dana loves birds and has a room in their home as an aviary. Her wedding would not have been complete without some of her dear pets in attendance. So she had a huge wire cage in the shape of a house with two of her small birds. The top of the house had an opening for guests to put their wedding cards in. Very clever and pretty.

Wishing this lovely couple and their two children much love and happiness together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 6.23.19

Just about six months ago, I was honored to marry Bill and Sandy Snow in their home in Brecksville. They had only been dating for a year but have known each other since Kindergarten. Both were married and now widowed. The met up again at none other than their class reunion. It didn’t take long for them to know that they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives.

Since they were going on a three week vacation visiting family around the country, they decided that they wanted to make it legal before they went so they could announce their happiness to each family member. in person. So the “real” wedding took place in January.

This past week a wonderful renewal of those vows took place at Woodside Event Center in Brecksville. This time they had a full wedding party complete with their two children and four grandchildren. Over 100 guests witnessed this love story firsthand. There were no nerves this time around - just pure joy.

The bride and groom were beaming from the moment we started and I am sure are still smiling. The ceremony was even more meaningful the second time around accompanied by an incredible string trio. The bride and groom walked in together to Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the grandchildren walked in to “When you Wish Upon a Star.” So very special for two very special people. Wishing them so much love and happiness!

Baby Blessing - 6.14.19

What a beautiful day for a Baby Blessing. The honor was all mine to perform a baby blessing for Xavier Matthew Midea. this afternoon. Parents Miranda and Stephen were beaming with pride with their adorable little boy.

The blessing ceremony was held at Plum Creek Park in Brunswick Hills. This lucky little guy is blessed with four godparents and five grandparents.

Just when we were ready to begin, Xavier had other plans. He decided he was hungry and wanted to eat right then. But no one cared that the ceremony was just a bit delayed.

So then when his little tummy was full, he was quite happy to cooperate and gurgled and smiled all the way through the ceremony - including his blessing with rose petals in blessed water.

All present vowed to bless, protect, love and support Xavier for the rest of his life. And what a blessing for me to be a small part of this beautiful day for Xavier, Miranda and Stephen. Wishing them a happy and healthy life together.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 6.7.19

Another perfect day for a wedding in Cleveland - 77 degrees, sunny and blue skies. Ben and Sarah picked a very unique venue for their wedding. They rented out the restaurant Toast in the Gordon Square District. Very, very cool. The wedding ceremony took place in a patio area at the back of the restaurant in front of a gigantic tree. It was a bit tight for 80 guests but no one seemed to mind in such a joyous atmosphere.

Both the bride and groom said their vows and ring exchange with such love and devotion. It was very sweet. And Evie, Sarah’s 11-year old daughter, did a reading that was just perfect. She was very composed and delivered it quite nicely.

These are two of the nicest people I’ve married. Very down-to-earth, sincere and very personable. They certainly make a very special couple. Sarah had an extraordinary dress that I wish I had gotten a better photo of. It was kind of vintage looking being form fitting on the torso and fanning out at the bottom. She wore it very well and looked just stunning. Ben was smartly dressed with a blue suit and brown shoes - a very “in” fashion these days.

Ben’s 99 year-old grandmother was in attendance. What a great memory for couple and their family. No doubt these two will have a wonderful life full of love and happiness. I am so grateful for meeting them and being a small part of their special day.

Wedding Words of Wisdom - 5.31.19

The perfect day for a perfect couple. I married John and Barbara at the beautiful Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center in Medina. The country club has been re-landscaped and it is now an incredible venue for a wedding. This was a small wedding party with just the bride’s sister as Maid of Honor and the groom’s son as Best Man. What a lovely couple and so much in love - and in common. They are both accomplished ballroom dancers and had a prepared dance number planned for the reception. I’m sure they were wonderful.

Barbara was a bit nervous about repeating the vows and ring exchange because she has a Polish accent. So we rehearsed right before the ceremony. Of course, she said them both flawlessly. And John, who has a personality bigger than life, said his with such loving emotion. I love performing weddings with couples who have found true love later in life. After experiencing life over some years, they now know exactly what they are looking for in a spouse and know it when they see it. I have no doubt that these two lovely people will have a future of love and happiness. Wising them only the best. It was my privilege to be part of their special day.

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!