7.30.22 Travis & Kim

It was a picture perfect day for Travis and Kim’s wedding at Willowdale Lake in North Canton. The wedding took place in a small gazebo on the shore of one of the many lakes in this beautiful area.

The excited bride, groom and small wedding party arrived via golf cart. Four adorable and very well-behaved children added to the festivities.

Kim walked down the aisle with her 7-year old daughter, Emma, both beaming. During the ring exchange, Travis gave Kim’s daughter a ring as well. This was a surprise and Emma was thrilled!

Such a beautiful and sweet couple. Wishing them much love and happiness.

7.15.22 Joshua & Jessica

A little rain didn’t stop Stan Hywet from having Joshua and Jessica’s wedding outdoors in the back lawn of the Manor House. With Sarah, the SH wedding coordinator, following the rain closely on radar on her phone, she made the decision a half hour before the wedding to go ahead. And in three minutes, the rain stopped, chairs were wiped down and guests were invited in. The only problem came when the humidity rose to 98%!

But that didn’t matter and a very dramatic entrance was made from either side of the patio of parents, eight groomsmen and 15 bridesmaids, a flower girl and ring bearer. It was certainly one of the largest weddings I have done. Joshua and Jessica both looked so happy that their dream wedding was actually happening.

With live music of violin and keyboard, this wedding went off without a hitch for this very sweet couple. Jessica looked lovely in her flowing gown and Joshua was so handsome in his beige tux. Wishing them much love and happiness.

7..9.22 Ryan & Ashley

What a picture perfect wedding this was for Ryan and Ashley. It took place at the Parker Barn, an incredible venue on multiple acres in Copley. The weather was just perfect for the ceremony which took place in front of a gorgeous lake.

These two are so in love having met when they were just 17. They both chose to write their own vows which were so sweet and heartfelt.

Ashley looked stunning with a gorgeous full-length veil. Ryan and his groomsmen were very stylish in light beige tuxes. The bouquets and table flowers were all dried and just remarkable.

A beautiful wedding for a beautiful couple.

6.19.22 - Tyler & Kate

They say the third time is the charm. I’m sure that is the case here for Tyler and Kate. They planned to get married twice before and Covid got in the way. I am so happy that they found me for their third try.

Kate is actually from Canada so her parents came in for the wedding. Ty'ler is a hockey player for the Cleveland Monsters hockey team. They had 27 in their wedding party that included a Maid of Honor, Best Man, 13 groomsmen, 10 bridesmaids and two flower girls. I’m assuming that many of the groomsmen were team members. This was just over the largest wedding I have ever done. Tyler and Kate were thrilled that all of them were able to make it now for the third date.

These two young people are beautiful inside and out. There was so much love - not just between the two of them but also among their friends and family. Love was definitely in the air.

They were married on a rooftop in Ohio City and it was a perfect afternoon. The views were incredible facing the lake, south and west. It’s called the Lantern on Church and State and is brand new. Just exquisite.

There is no doubt that Tyler and Kate have a wonderful life ahead of them. Wising them many blessings.

6.18.22 Cameron & Ada

Never were there two people more in love and Cameron and Ada. Not only did they cry during the wedding but also during the rehearsal. Such happy tears. They are just the sweetest couple with such big hearts.

They were married outdoors at the beautiful Miller’s Nature Preserve in Avon. The weather was absolutely perfect.

Ada’s two children and niece were her bridal party. And her daughter sang her mother a special song for her entrance. It was just lovely and so very special for all.

The couple’s vows were incredibly sincere. Not all couples say their vows with such meaning. It was my pleasure to marry these two. I will always remember it as one of the best. Wishing them all the happiness in the world.

Casey & Johanna - 6.4.22

Casey and Johanna picked a most unusual place for their wedding - The Cleveland History Museum. They have a new outdoor wedding area that is just beautiful with lovely gardens and a winding path to a patio platform with a waterfall background. Their reception was actually right in the museum alongside the huge dinosaurs - how fun!

It was a picture-perfect day for this very nice couple. They were both so very excited - especially Casey who said “I do” even before I asked him to. So sweet. They both looked beautiful and so very happy.

One other interesting thing was that the groom had a groomswoman as part of the bridal party. Love that!

Wishing them every happiness!

Mario & Rachel - 5.29.22

Mario and Rachel were married on the beautiful grounds of Tanglewood Country Club in Chagrin Falls on a picture perfect day. Both of their families were so excited on this special day. They had a wedding party of 14 which included four adorable children. Two little girls scattered rose petals and the two little boys carried cute signs.

Rachel looked beautiful in a dress that was so made for her and her hair and makeup were just perfect. Mario looked very handsome and so happy in a fashionable blue suit with a contrasting vest.

All went smoothly with a lovely reading by Rachel’s sister - one that I had not heard before. It was an excerpt from The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach.

Wishing them both many blessings in their new life together.

Chris & Nichole - 5.27.22

I don’t think there could ever have been a more joyful wedding. Chris and Nichole were married in front of their children and family at the Kidston Pavilion that is in Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Reservation in Youngstown.

These two, who have been together for 2.5 years, were so very happy that their wedding was actually happening. They lost their minister 10 days before their wedding! You can imagine the panic they were in. I was able to help them because a wedding I had that weekend was on a Sunday with a rehearsal the Saturday before. So, Friday, May 27 was open. They were ecstatic!

The ceremony took place in the beautiful pavilion amidst incredible gardens. Go to my Facebook page to see all the photos.

Chris was very nervous and trying to keep cool in front of his two little boys that served as ring bearers. Nichole’s 17 year-old daughter served as the Maid of Honor.

Nichole looked absolutely stunning in a long-fitted gown with what looked like metallic beads. It was one of the most unique and gorgeous wedding gowns I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot!

The wedding went very smoothly with a dramatic entrance for all along a grass path through the gardens. This is one wedding I will remember - not only for the exquisite setting but also for the love and joy that was so evident between this lovely couple.

They were both very kind and sincere in their thanks for my participation in their wedding day. Wishing them only the best.

Kenny & Bridget - 5.21.22

Kenny and Bridget love beer so what better place to get married than at a brewery - and a very nice brewery it was - Southern Tier Brewing Company in downtown Cleveland. The setting was very picturesque with beer barrels along a wall. With Bridget’s parents as the only guests, the photographer and me made for a very personal and intimate wedding.

Bridget wore a long very light peach lace gown with a beautiful train. Her hair and makeup were lovely. Kenny had on a very handsome blue suit with brown shoes - which is very popular with men right now.

Although they used my vows, Kenny surprised Bridget with a very sweet and loving message that had a Harry Potter flair to express his love.

They also did a Unity Sand ceremony using an engraved glass block instead of a vase. It looked really nice.

Wishing this lovely couple a Harry Potter fantasy life.

Doug & Vickie - 5.14.22

Although it rained in the morning, a beautiful blue sky came out for Doug and Vickie’s wedding in Twinsburg. It was held at a golf club that has a great pavilion with a huge fireplace - a very lovely venue for a lovely couple.

Vickie looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder, lace gown with a long train. And Doug was very handsome in a fashionable blue suit.

Both were a bit nervous, taking their vows and ring exchange very seriously, seeming to realize that their wedding was really happening. So sweet.

They had two violinists that added so much to the ceremony. There is nothing more beautiful than live music at a wedding.

Wishing them lots of blue skies, sun and joy in the future together.

Ron & Rebecca - 5.7.22

Ron and Rebecca have been together for 10 years. and decided it was time to make it legal. They had their ceremony on the back deck of their beautiful backyard in Gates Mills on a perfect Saturday afternoon. They looked so fun in their 60s style multi-colored outfits.

Rebecca had broken her foot a few weeks before but she was able to take her boot off for the ceremony. And their dog, who supposed to be the ring bearer, got hit by a car and died just a two weeks before. With all this going on, they were still very ready to get married.

It was quite a moving ceremony with the couple saying their own vows. But what got everyone emotional, was when Ron read a poem about their dog, Harley G. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house - including me. Just so very sad. So I quickly said we need to take those tears and make them happy tears for these two very sweet people.

They will be getting a new dog soon so I know that will help to heal some of their sorrow. Wishing them love and peace and much fun with their new furry baby.

Mitch & Z - 5.10.22

Mitch and Ziroca, who goes by Z, had a perfect morning for their wedding at Brandywine Falls. Although the Falls are closed to the public right now because of bridge reconstruction, the park rangers opened up the parking lot just for the wedding. Mitch and Z picked the Falls because they are avid hikers and the park was a natural choice for them.

They had a small group of family and friends attend to share their joy. If you haven’t been to Brandywine Falls, there is a long staircase going down right to the Falls. It is quite beautiful and quite loud. So, even though I spoke as loud as I could without yelling, it was still hard for some people to hear. But Mitch and Z are so much in love, all they really cared about was hearing each other.

They are both retired Air Force and we thank them for their incredible service. The ceremony included a Maid of Honor who Z met in the military. She read from Corinthians that added a special touch to the service.

There was one little glitch when a tourist came down and walked right over to the Falls during the ceremony. One of the family members asked her to leave and she became belligerent. I had to stop the ceremony until he got her to leave. Pretty unbelievable that someone could be so insensitive. But we did not let that ruin the ceremony. I continued and the couple were so very happy when I finally pronounced them husband and wife. Wishing much love and happiness to this very special couple.

Layne & Sarah - 4.23.22

Wedding season is just starting again in Northeast Ohio. And the weather couldn’t have been more beautiful for Layne and Sarah’s wedding. Although it was held in a lovely, historical church in Independence, the sunny, 80 degree day was very much appreciated by the couple for wedding photos after.

Layne was quite calm and eager to start the ceremony - obviously very in love with his beautiful bride. He, his groomsmen and his ring bearers all had silly socks on to mark the day.

Sarah was lovely in a floor length, form fitting, ivory lace gown. Her bridesmaids were pretty in pink.

The service went on without a hitch except for the fact that I forgot to change into my wedding heels and I didn’t realize it until I started walking down the aisle . Obviously, it was too late to stop and change. Ooops! So I had black flats on instead but I don’t think anyone noticed. All eyes were on the happy couple.

Wishing this sweet couple lots of love and happiness.

John & Karen - 11.27.21

John and Karen love wine. So what better place to have a wedding than at a wine bar? And so they did - The Wine Room in Avon. After being together for 11 years , they decided that it was time to make it legal. They certainly know each other well which is always a good foundation for a successful marriage.

In front of about 30 guests of family and friends, they very lovingly pledged their love for one another. John seemed quite relaxed and handsome in a vest and Karen looked lovely in a pale blue dress.

I love wine, too, so my husband and I stayed for a glass of vino to toast the happy couple. Wishing them much happiness together.

Russ & Melissa - 10.9.21

Melissa always dreamed of a large wedding. And now her wish came through at her wedding with Russ - 175 guests and a wedding party of 23 at Chenoweth Golf Course and Banquet Facility in North Canton. Thankfully, the weather held out and was just perfect - 74 degrees and sunny. The wedding party consisted of bride, groom, two maids of honor and two best men, five bridesmaids and five groomsmen, three junior bridesmaids, two flower girls and two ring bearers. Whew! But with the expert direction of the super wedding planners at Chenoweth, the procession went very smoothly.

Melissa looked just lovely in a long, flattering lace dress and Russ was very handsome in a tux with red accessories to match the wedding colors. After a very emotional ceremony, the happy wedding couple rode off in a roar in Russ’s motorcycle.

This couple has been together for a long time so chances are good that this is going to be a loving and happy marriage. Wishing them only the best!

Stephen & Elizabeth - 9.25.21

Stephen and Elizabeth picked the VFW Hall in Stow for their wedding. This new hall is quite impressive, not only for military memorabilia but the event area is quite lovely. Elizabeth had it decorated beautifully with a fall theme.

Since this couple lives in Virginia, we were not able to have a rehearsal. I usually require one when the wedding party is more than four people. They had nine. So, I got there early and we had a quick run through before the wedding so that everyone could relax knowing that what they needed to do. And the wedding went off without a hitch. Even the two sweet flower girls came down the aisle and dropped the petals as they were told. The ring bearer, however, practically, ran down to his mother which was just adorable.

Stephen was just a bit nervous but looking quite dapper in his tuxedo. Elizabeth, looking in a lovely full length gown, was really nervous because they had decided to add a personal message to each after reciting my vows. They both did an excellent and heart-rendering job with Elizabeth taking deep breaths to get through it. They were both so sweet and sincere.

Wishing them much love and happiness in their new life together.

Ryan and Mia - 8.27.21

It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day for the wedding of Ryan and Mia. And the bride and groom were just beaming at BayArts in Bay Village. BayArts is part of the Cleveland MetroParks Huntington Reservation - a lovely place for a wedding.

Although it was very warm, no one seemed to mind. Joyful energy was in the air for this couple that are so much in love. Mia looked stunning in a long ivory gown with leaf lace. Ryan was handsome in his dark blue suit and huge smile. Such a warm and loving couple who said their vows and ring exchange with great sincerity. The bridesmaids were all in pale pink and the groomsmen in blue suits.

It was truly my pleasure to officiate at this wedding. Wishing them so much love and happiness in their new life together.

Evan & Megan - 7.31.21

Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens is one of the premier wedding venues in Northeast Ohio. Evan and Megan picked this incredibly beautiful place for their special day. I have performed several weddings there but never before on the West Terrace which is behind the mansion. What an exquisite place surrounded by incredible gardens.

Evan and Megan’s 23- person wedding party practically filled up the length of the stone wall we we stood in front of. Evan was very handsome and very emotional - so sweet. Megan was just stunning in an off the shoulder sleeve, long, from-fitting gown with a train. The bridesmaids were all in the same gold, satin material but all in different designs to complement each of their specific figures.

Two flower girls and two ring bearers battled each other down the stairs which was funny and cute.

A string duet played the cello and violin which just added to the elegance of the wedding.

After the ceremony, the bride and groom were whisked away in a golf cart so I did not get to see them. I took individual photos of them before knowing that. Such a lovelycouple. Wishing them much love and happiness.

Jordan & Kaylee - July 24, 2021

If ever there was a fairy tale wedding, this was it. In fact, it was the theme of the wedding for Jordan and Kaylee. A flower girl walked in holding a sign that said “Once Upon a Time…” after the 16-person wedding party. The beautiful Kaylee, who looked like a princess, was driven up in on a horse drawn carriage with her father. This carriage was right out of the Cinderella fairy tale - except that these horses were Clydesdales.

Jordan was very handsome in a grey tuxedo with blue accents. The color theme, blue and yellow, was something he picked out because he is obsessed with the University of Michigan. He even ended his wedding vows with “Go Blue!” Kaylee is quite aware of this and agreed to support his love of the college football team in her vows.

At the end of the ceremony, the flower girl switched her sign over and walked out with it saying “And they lived happily ever after.” All the guests stood to take photos of the bride and groom happily being driven off in their Cinderella carriage. An incredibly beautiful wedding for a lovely couple. Wishing them all the best.

Julius & Detra - July 17, 2021

Julius and Detra first met 40 years ago at Hawkins Skating Rink. They were childhood sweethearts for awhile but then continued to grow up and grow apart. Until they reunited through Facebook. Detra married, had two boys and divorced. Julius never married. Was he waiting for Detra? I think so.

I was happy to officiate at their beautiful wedding at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls. It was a very hot day and humid day so we were happy to be in air conditioning although nerves were making everyone perspire a bit. Detra was as nervous and excited as she could be and looked beautiful in a full length lace gown. Julius was very handsome in an all white tuxedo. Detra’s two grown sons walked her down the aisle. Wishing them much love and happiness in their life together.