Matt and Katie were married at the Grand Pacific Wedding Gardens. Such a sweet and caring couple. The ceremony went even with the intrusion of an airplane and train. We just went with the flow as they continued to vow to love each other forever.
5.28.24 Geoffrey & Tanya
The Miller Nature Preserve was the beautiful venue for Geoffrey and Tanya. Such a lovely couple. Tanya’s daughter even sang “Your Song.” Live music add so much to a ceremony. Wishing them only the best.
5.23.24 Delonte & Lauryn
4.16.24 Thomas & Karen
Tom and Karen came to my home for a wedding meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. I always meet my wedding couples so that we can get to know one another and so I can personalize the ceremony script as well.
Tom walked into the meeting with the marriage license in his hand so I knew that they wanted to get married soon. When I asked how soon, they said as soon as I could do it. I jokingly said “How about now?” They both looked at each and said “Yes, let’s do it now!”
After I was sure that they meant it, we quickly reviewed what needed to be done. Then we get to the rings - there were no rings. Tom excused himself, went out to his car and came back with a little turquoise box with a white ribbon on it. Anyone who knows jewelry knows that box means Tiffanys!
So right at our dining room table he says to Karen, “Will you marry me?” Of course he knew the answer was yes because he had already asked her. But now it is with the ring!
But there was no ring for Tom. Karen then said “Let’s use the ribbon from the box!” So that’s what we would do.
Next point of discussion was where. We live very close to Brecksille Reservation and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park so that was a no brainer on this beautiful evening.
One last item. I thought Karen needed a wedding bouquet. I ran out to the front yard and picked a bouquet of tulips. Came back inside and tied them with the rest of the white ribbon.
I quickly changed into my minister clothes and we were off to the park. My husband, John, joined us as photographer.
It was a beautiful evening and still light outside. There couldn’t be two people more in love. They both were beaming with happiness and excitement. Karen got her lovely wedding ring and Tom got a Tiffany ribbon around his finger. There’s no doubt that these two were made for each other. Wishing them many blessings!
4.13.24 Kurt & Olesya
COVID happens. So what happens when COVID hits your minister the day before your wedding? Don't panic - call Rev. Shirley!
That's what Kurt did. The groom contacted me and fortunately for him and his beautiful bride I was available for their wedding in Medina this past weekend.
It is weird though to go to the wedding never having met the couple. But Kurt and Olesya were so happy and grateful that I could officiate at the last minute that it seemed like I already knew them.
Both have very outgoing personalities and their energy certainly showed during the ceremony. They were both beaming with their love in the hearts.
Everything went pretty smoothly even with no rehearsal. It helps that I have done this a few times - this was 453 weddings for me. Experience certainly helps in a situation like this.
Wishing them much love and many blessings.
3.24.24
Dan and Paula had a lovely, intimate wedding at the Orchid House Winery in Aurora. It is a relatively new winery that is beautiful inside and out.
Since it was March the wedding took place inside which was perfect for a wedding with 15 people, although it can hold much more.
The bride and groom were radiating happiness with their very excited family. The wedding party consisted of the couple and two and adorable little boys who served as ring bearers - nephews of the bride.
Paula was wearing her mother’s veil which beautifully complimented her very chic dress. Her stunning bouquet completed her elegant look. Dan was handsome as he lovingly looked at his new bride.
The flowers that decorated the ceremony area were some of the loveliest I have ever seen.
Another wedding with two very special people. Wishing them much love and every happiness.
2.23.24 Manuel & Julia
Who gets married outside on the lake in February in Clevelland? That was Manuel and Julia’s dream because that’s where they fell in love. Their first date was at Pier W on the Gold coast which has a huge walkout that overlooks Lake Erie and the best view of downtown Cleveland.
It was 42 degrees with a wind chill of 36 degrees. Yikes! But the bride and groom, plus her parents and a few friends withstood the chilly day to make their dream come true.
Julia’s shoulders were bare although she had a fur stole on that kept slipping down. Everyone, including me, did not wear coats except for the groom. He was smart and had a cashmere overcoat on.
There is an old song titled “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and I think that is what happened. We all had their love to keep us warm. No one seemed to mind because their smiles radiated love, happiness and plenty of energy throughout the whole ceremony.
They are honeymooning in Cancun where Manuel’s parents and family will meet them to do this all over again. So, their next wedding will be much warmer.
Sending this very special couple so much love and many blessings!
1.20.24 Ryan & Claudia
So, what do you do when when you are supposed to get married at the court house and they close because of snow? And you have 16 guests coming over and lots of food? You call Rev. Shirley to marry you at your home!
Ryan called me yesterday in a bit of a panic. I said no problem - I can do this for you. I could hear the relief in his voice. What a great guy.
His lovely bride, Claudia, is from Peru and her mother and sisters were there to witness her marriage. She was very serious and determined and did a remarkable job reciting the vows and ring exchange with her beautiful accent.
Such joy and loving energy in the room. Even their dog was an excited guest.
Such a sweet couple. Theirs is sure to be a marriage made in heaven. Wishing them only the best.
11.25.23 Justin & Emma
Warehouse on the Canal in Canal Fulton was the unique venue for Justin and Emma’s wedding. Theirs was the first wedding to take place in this beautifully renovated building. Bare brick walls and streams of lights overhead made for a very festive atmosphere.
Justin is in the Air Force so they came home to have their wedding with family and friends. What a lovely couple they are. So in love and ready for their life together in the military.
Wishing them much love and happiness in the adventures to come.
10.21.23 Rob & Matt
Love and joy were in the air at the wedding of Rob and Matt. They were both so excited as well as the 150 or so guests. This lovely fall wedding was held at Brookside Farm in Louisville. What a beautiful area and a perfect venue for a fall-themed wedding.
Both looked so handsome with matching vests, shoes and smiles.
This will go down as one of my favorite wedding ceremonies. Wishing them much love and happiness.
Erin & Sallee - 10.13.23
Erin and Sallee met via Zoom during the Covid lock down. So, when they decided to marry, they thought that the logical and most meaningful way was to have a Zoom wedding.
Erin and Sallee wanted the ceremony to be low key so the two of them were the only ones present - only people present that is. Their two cats and dog decided they were going to be in on the festivities. They showed their approval during the vows by walking back and forth on the sofa behind them and then starting to wrestle in front of them. What a hoot!
This was only my second Zoom wedding and it was so much fun. The couple came over that afternoon so I could sign the marriage license and make it legal. They were then sharing their happiness with friends and family at a reception the next day. Love is love!!
10.7.23 Eric & Marianne
Although the day started with rain, the sun came out for Eric and Marianne’s wedding at the Lakeside Yacht Club on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. Working together they fell in love and the rest is history.
10.1.23 Seth & Bree
Seth and Bree were wedding #3 at the same venue as the last one - The Barn at Wolf Creek. What a fun coincidence!
This wedding I will remember because of their very sincere vows that they wrote and the interesting readings they included. One was a compilation of quotes from John Muir, naturalist and conservationist. And this venue was perfect for such a reading. And a lovely way to end a three-wedding weekend!
10.6.23 Eric & Krystal
Eric and Krystal were so happy to share their special day with their son, Mason. The wedding took place a Vosh in Lakewood. What an unusual and beautiful venue. And the weather was perfect again. Beautiful family!
9.30.23 Michael & Jessica
Wedding #2 for this weekend was another beautiful day. Michael and Jessica’s wedding was at The Barn at Wolf Creek. Such an incredible venue in Copley.
I meet lots of wonderful people but some stand out more than others. This is one couple that I will always remember. They are so in love and are very genuinely nice and caring, as were their families. I truly hope our paths meet again.
9.29.23 Clay & Diane
Three weddings and two rehearsals in one weekend! Clay and Diane had an intimate backyard wedding with no wedding party so a rehearsal was not needed.
It was a picture perfect day for this very lovely couple. Older couples going into their second marriages are favorites. They both said their vows with such sincerity and emotion. So happy they found each other.
9.22.23 Bryan & Kristen
The wedding day of Bryan and Kristen couldn’t have been a more beautiful day. Their ceremony was held at Chenoweth Gold Club in Akron, one of my favorite venues. Not only is it beautiful but the staff there really know what they are doing and are there to help in any way they can.
Joy was in abundance in this more intimate wedding with about 50 guests.
Bryan and Kristen’s four children made up the wedding party - two as Best Man and Maid of Honor and two adorable flower girls. This lovely couple and their children make a beautiful family. Wishing them much happiness.
8.19.23 Kenneth & Ayanna
Kenneth and Ayanna’s wedding program was titled “Celebration of Love” and that it was! The way these two looked into each other’s eyes and the sincere and loving way they expressed their vows, there is no doubt that these two are deeply in love.
A very touching moment came when Ayanna’s father, who is blind, read a poem for the couple using braille.
Lavender and black were the colors with the bridesmaids wearing stunning lavender gowns. But the main beauty was the bride who was beaming.
There is no doubt that these two will have a loving and blessed life. Wishing them much happiness and prosperity.
8.12.23 Chico & Ashlie
Classy and elegant are the best words to describe Chico and Ashlie’s wedding at Guy’s Party Center in Akron. It was a black tie wedding so the 150 or so guests were dressed to the nines. But the two that shined the most were this beautiful couple. Lovely people inside and out. Plus, their two young sons were as cute as can be. Wishing them much love and happiness.
7.22.23 Chris & Lyndsey
Yesterday was the day that Chris and Lyndsey said I do at Coppertop Golf Club in Valley City. Although it sprinkled a bit an hour before, it was all sun and beautiful for the ceremony.
Lyndsey was quite calm and Chris a little more nervous but so ready. Their nine-year old son was such a gentleman looking very cute in a suit and bow tie. When the three-year old flower girl decided not to throw the petals, Mason immediately took over and did it for her while she picked them up after him. So cute. Wishing this lovely couple much joy.
