What's more romantic than a Valentine's Day wedding?! It was a spur of the moment wedding but Hakeem and Latosha have been in love for many years. It was certainly my honor to be part of their special day. Not only did they do the Unity Candle ceremony but also the Jump the Broom ceremony - an African American tradition that is more than a century old. Although there were just a few people attending, the "1,2,3 Jump" was loud and enthusiastic! Wishing these two lovely people much love and happiness in their new life together!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 11.21.20
My first Zoom wedding - wow! It was exciting, nerve-wracking and certainly different. Robert and Macrina had decided on a small, very intimate wedding with just their parents attending due to the pandemic. Everything was ready to go at Macrina’s father’s home in Canton. I was anxious to see her father, Tony, and his husband, Gary, again. They were the first gay couple I ever married legally and I remember the wedding well.
The morning of their wedding I received a text that the father of the bride had tested positive to COVID. Oh, no! What to do now? They asked if I would marry them outside in 45 degrees so that her father could see the wedding through a window. I didn’t mind the cold but my husband and I decided that it was just too risky to be there at all because the couple had been in contact with him prior to the diagnosis.
So I suggested a Zoom wedding although I had never done one before. They were all thrilled and said yes, let’s do it. Fortunately, I had been in Zoom meetings before and I quickly figured out how to host the event. We had four screens - the bride and groom, Marina’s parents, Robert’s parents and me.
It couldn’t have gone any better! Everyone was very excited. You could see and feel the energy even though it was through a computer. Robert looked very handsome in a grey suit and Macrina was lovely and beaming in an ivory chiffon dress with a lace bodice. The ceremony was casual and fun because everyone got into it and interjected comments here and there. They even performed the Unity Candle ceremony. The bride and groom were so happy and I am sure they will have a joyful marriage filled with lots of love and blessings. And I see Zoom weddings as a way that I can help couples get married in a lovely and memorable way during this time of challenge.
Wedding Words of Wisdon - Joe and May Hazel - 11.14.20
Getting married during a pandemic creates an unusual amount of restrictions. Joe and May Hazel had no problem figuring out how to get married with most of May Hazel’s family in the Philippines. They had a smart phone hooked up to a pole and a laptop on top of a counter so that her entire family could witness the ceremony via Zoom.
This beautiful intimate ceremony was held in their home with Joe’s parents in attendance along with his grandmother and two friends of May Hazel. Even though space was limited, they created a gorgeous setting for the ceremony with flowers, curtains,l ighting and a huge LOVE balloon.
Joe was as calm as could be looking with such love at his bride. May Hazel was so sweet when she got a bit emotional when the vows and ring exchange came. These are two people very much in love.
They both looked lovely Joe in a black tuxedo and May hazel in a flowing, full-length gown.
This was a perfect wedding that worked out so well with some very creative planning. Wishing them so much love and happiness in their new life together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.31.20
A Halloween wedding - what could be more fun! Ron and Sarah did it up in style decorating their whole reception area in black, orange and purple. They both wore black as well - including Sarah in a gorgeous, black satin gown with train. Ron untied his ponytail to release his beautiful hair that hung at least two feet down is very long back. He has to be at 6’6” tall!
They had black, sheer drapery around an arch where the ceremony took place with lanterns at the end of each aisle. At the reception area, all the chairs had black cloth covers with wonderfully, creative centerpieces. An orange and black wedding cake was topped with two skeletons saying “I do” along with a mountain of orange, black and purple cupcakes. There was even a skeleton donned with a black top hat sitting at one of the tables.
Wishing this fun couple much love and happiness.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.24.20 - Tony & Brianna
46 degrees might be a tad cool for some people but Tony and Brianna could care less. They held their wedding outside at the beautiful Sippo Exploration Gateway in Canton. Over a hundred people bundled up to watch this sweet couple take their vows.
Tony has a smile that makes everyone feel good. He was beaming as he watched his beautiful bride come down a dramatic stair case with her father. She looked lovely escorted by her father with one of the most beautiful bouquets I have ever seen.
With the pandemic, they had to scale down their wedding so there was no reception. Just family and friends gathered together in love - and cupcakes!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.10.20 - Dan and Laura
It was a wedding perfect day at Hubbard Valley Park in Seville for Dan and Laura’s wedding. They chose an intimate ceremony with just their parents and children attending.
Dan constructed a beautiful arch that they decorated with purple flowers that matched the purple wild flowers at this special spot by the lake. Purple was the accent color for both the bride and groom. Dan looked dashing with a purple tie, flower in his lapel and pocket square. Laura looked like a gorgeous Grecian goddess as she floated down the long walkway towards her groom.
This simple, intimate ceremony couldn’t have been more perfect for these two lovely people who are so much in love.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.9.20 - Connor & Jillian
Connor and Jillian were married at Wagner’s of Westlake, a beautiful venue that has been around for decades. It easily accommodated this large wedding with a wedding party of 14. Jillian looked beautiful in a long gown with an exquisite lace bodice. Connor was very handsome in a tux with burgundy matching accessories.
These two sweet people chose to write their own marriage vows which were so heartfelt and sincere. Not many couples write their own vows to avoid adding more stress to their wedding day. But Connor and Jillian both did an admirable job.
The wedding party was topped off by an adorable ring bearer and flower girl who were actually brother and sister. They stole the show when the boy was giving instructions to the girl on how to toss the flowers down the aisle. So very cute!
Wishing this lovely couple many happy years together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.4.20 - Corey and Colleen
It was a cloudy and chilly Autumn afternoon for the wedding of Corey and Colleen but it didn’t matter to this young and so much in love couple. They had originally had a large wedding planned but it all fell through with the COVID-19 lock down. So they did what several of my wedding couples did. They got married in their backyard and I will be officiating at their renewal of vows celebration next September 2021. They just didn’t see any point in waiting to get married when they could do it now and party later.
Their parents and immediate family were there to witness the happy day. Corey greeted me with a thermometer to check my temperature. I wish there were others like him that took such safety precautions against the virus. I have done too many weddings where no one was wearing a mask except me.
Corey was so happy for this day and looked quite handsome in his grey suit. I didn’t see how beautiful Colleen looked until she walked down the aisle in the lovely, full length wedding gown that she will wear again next year. Both were just beaming throughout the service and very happy to have made the decision to get married now.
Although it was a bit chilly, no one seemed to notice until the service was over. Then we all hurried into the house to warm up. There was an enticing array of food set up for the family to enjoy. I opted for a yummy chocolate cookie for the road.
I will certainly look forward to seeing this loving couple again next year for another round of “I do’s.”
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 10.3.20 - Drew and Britt
A fabulous mansion in Avon was the scene of Drew and Britt’s fairy tale wedding this past Saturday. Drew’s mother hosted their wedding in her beautiful home with Red Tail Golf Club as the backdrop. Not only was it the backdrop for the reception, the actual ceremony took place on a small hill that is actually on the golf course. I was a bit wary about going up and down this hill but even more wary when I saw how small the area on top was for us to stand. If I were to take one step back I would fall into a fairly good size hole. So I was very, very careful as you can imagine. Drew and Britt were in front of me so they were safe.
Handsome Drew was very nervous as he awaited his beautiful bride walking down the golf cart path. Britt’s father got emotional as they progressed up the hill with the full realization that he was giving away his baby girl. Britt looking dazzling in a classic, satin gown. Their two-year old daughter was carried down the path by the Maid of Honor and then watched the ceremony from a small balcony on the second floor of the house.
Being up on a hill was an ideal spot for the bride and groom to view all of the 100+ guests that spanned the backyards of two houses. The ceremony went perfectly and I managed not to fall in the hole behind me.
This was one of the most lovely venues I have every witnessed for a wedding. There were exquisite flower arrangements everywhere as well as several special additions - like a wall of flowers when the guests entered holding glasses of champagne. Drew’s father who passed away in August was there not only in spirit but under a tree with a memorial pole and stone over where some of his ashes were buried. Very touching.
This couple couldn’t have a more perfect beginning for a life that I am sure will be filled with love and happiness.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.19.20 - Brandon and Melissa
Peacock Ridge in North Lawrence was the venue for Brandon and Melissa’s wedding and one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It is a way out there but worth the drive for such an idyllic setting. Plus it was a picture perfect day with the temp in the high sixties.
Brandon and Melissa had everything planned exactly for their large wedding party of 14, which included their two children, 3-yr. old Paisley and 1-year old Paxton. 150 or so guests witnessed their exchange of vows and the two children participating in the Unity Sand ceremony.
Melissa was lovely in a form-fitting long lace dress and Brandon was very handsome in a full tux. The children, of course, were adorable with another flower girl pulling Paxton in a wagon. Four swans glided into the lake as if on cue during the processional.
Wishing this sweet family much love and happiness.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 9.12.20 - Stephen and Emily
Stephen and Emily were married in a cool, funky warehouse in downtown Cleveland called Red Space. There are several new event venues popping up in old warehouses in the area. This was a large, formal wedding with 13 in the wedding party and about 175 guests.
The groom and his groomsmen looked very handsome in grey tuxes with mauve ties. The bridesmaids wore long, mauve chiffon dresses that were all each a bit different. This seems to be a trend that works well because the ladies can pick dresses that complement their body type. Emily looked incredibly beautiful with a full-length all lace dress with an amazing train.
Both were quite calm and excited reciting the loving vows they wrote to each other., something that most couples do not do. The ceremony went very smoothly until an over-anxious DJ came in with the recessional music before I presented them as Mr. & Mrs. But no one seemed to notice or care and the happy couple went out with great fanfare.
Such a sweet couple and so much in love. Wishing them the best.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.23.20 - Denny and Mackenzie
I love referrals! I married Fred and Candy three years ago and now I married Fred’s lovely daughter, Mackenzie to Denny. This is now the third wedding they have referred to me. It makes me so happy to know that they are pleased with my weddings.
Denny and Mackenzie’s wedding was in their driveway which sounds weird but it was so beautiful. Their driveway is circular near the front of the house with a lovely garden in the center - just perfect for a wedding. Mackenzie was gorgeous in a long, strapless gown and Denny looked very handsome (and very warm) in a grey tuxedo. It was pretty toasty at 86 degrees and high humidity. But it was a perfect day for a wedding. Keeping it small because of COVID, there was no bridal party except for four darling flower girls and a very responsible, 11-year old ring bearer. Cole walked up and gave me the rings when the time came and was so proud - and so cute. And little, Kendal, did a great job holding the bride’s bouquet with great seriousness.
The couple wrote their own vows and made it through them with a just few tears and nose blows. Thankfully, they had tissue available.
As they walked out, Denny carried their 3-month old baby boy, Dominic, to complete the wedding and now family commitment they both made. What a beautiful and emotional recessional. Wishing this couple and family all the love and happiness in the world!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.8.20 - Brent and Jen
This was a wedding I will not soon forget for many reasons. Brent and Jen are two beautiful people - inside and out. They purchased land in Rittman and are planning to build their dream house there someday. So it was the perfect place for their wedding. They had a huge tent and lots of parking on two acres of open field which happens to be next to a huge horse farm. A lovely arbor decorated with flowers was where the ceremony was held.
Jen was stunning in a fitted, long ivory gown and Brent very handsome in a blue tuxedo. The entire wedding party looked spectacular - all young, beautiful people.
Things were running a bit late so when the party bus arrived there was a bit of rushing around to get the bride and groom and wedding party into position for the ceremony. The ceremony went beautifully in the sunny, 85 degree weather. An added attraction was several horses playing and galloping behind us creating a wave of dust from their running. That was certainly a first for me which just added to making this a unique experience for all.
The shocker came at the end though when Jen was missing her engagement ring. She had taken it off because for the ceremony the wedding ring needs to go on first - being closest to the heart. With all the confusion right before the wedding, she didn’t remember what happened to it. The ring did not fit on her right hand so she thought she put it on her pinky finger but it wasn’t there at the ring exchange.
Everyone looked around but it could not be found. Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack! Fortunately, they came back the next day with a metal detector and found it close to the wedding party table right where they were when they first came in. A wonderful miracle to end this special event. Here’s hoping that this lovely couple has many more miracles in their future.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 8.7.20 - Zack & Sammy
The wedding of Zack and Sammy was one of the most fun weddings I have performed. These two young people are fun because they are unique, quirky, loving and just special - as was their wedding party. Sammy looked lovely in a short wedding gown that fit her personality along with her blue high-tops. She had small charms on each of her shoes as remembrances of family members. Her bridesmaids continued the fun, funky look with what I call “Lucy” dresses. They were all short, navy blue with white polka dots, full skirt dresses like Lucy wore in the show “I Love Lucy.” So fun! Even the little, adorable flower girl was in polka dots. The guys wore matching blue slacks and suspenders - there were some high-tops there, too!
The wedding took place outdoors in Claridon Woodlands in Chardon - an incredibly beautiful park. And the weather couldn’t have been better. Warm and sunny as was the mood of all who attended. So happy for these two and hoping they will continue to grow and be their their wonderful, unique selves.
Wedding Words of Wisdon - 7.25.20 Worth & Sarah
Worth and Sarah had planned a large wedding at a barn with a full wedding party but with the virus were forced to make new arrangements. At first, they thought they would have to cancel and reschedule for next year. But then they bought a house and it became clear that their new backyard was the perfect place to get married. And they were so right!
Their house in Wooster has a lovely, large deck with an impressive stairway going down into the yard. About 20 guests were under two tents that gave them shade on a beautiful, sunny, 85 degree afternoon. The guests were treated to a bagpiper for a half hour before the ceremony who also played as Sarah made her entrance. She looked like a fairy princess in a full-length dress with a lace top and a tulle skirt. Worth was very handsome (and very warm) in tuxedo pants and vest.
Both were nervous but also very excited. They did a great job reciting their vows and ring exchange with sincerity and love. The entire ceremony went smoothly until I had to remove a spider that was on Sarah’s veil and climbing quickly to the top of her head. Once the uninvited guest made his departure, I pronounced them husband and wife to applause from their family and friends. The bagpiper played them out and to what I am sure is going to be a happy every after for this sweet couple.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.18.20 - Mike & Jeri
It was 96 degrees in the shade and who knows how hot in the sun but Mike and Jerri didn’t mind a bit. They were both so excited for this special moment in their lives. In front of about 20 people, they very enthusiastically said their vows to the cheers of their family and friends.
Jerri looked beautiful in a white sun dress and Mike led the way for the color theme of the wedding - camouflage. Several people participated wearing camo outfits including the DJ who had a camouflage tuxedo t-shirt!
The wedding was in the backyard of their lovely new home in Olmsted Township. There was a tent set up for the guests so that they would be safe from the sun.
This was one of the most enjoyable weddings I have done. There was so much joy and excitement in the air. I am so happy these two found each other and I am honored that I could be a part of their special day.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.11.20 - Craig and Rhonda
Craig and Rhoda couldn’t be a happier couple. You can just tell that these two people were meant to be with each other forever.
They planned an outdoor wedding in their lovely, large back yard in Macedonia. The week before it had been in the 90s. But Saturday morning it was not only much cooler but also raining and dreary. Fortunately, by 4:00 p.m. the skies cleared and the sun came out just for their wedding.
Craig and Rhonda had the yard decorated beautifully and about 30 guests attended this joyous affair. Rhonda looked stunning in a long, form-fitting beaded gown with a slight train. And Craig looked dashing in a blue suit. Music and photography went smoothly as well as the ceremony being Zoomed for Rhonda’s son who is in the military and a few other people.
I love performing second time around weddings like this because the couples are older and wiser. They know exactly what they want in a spouse and when they find it they are so thankful and in love. Craig and Rhonda were just like that repeating their vows and exchanging rings with so much joy.
This is a couple that I know I will see again. I wish them so much love and happiness!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 7.13.20 - Henry and Adora
This morning was a particularly beautiful summer morning at Blue Hen Falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Not only was it cool compared to the last two weeks, but Henry and Adora were getting married. This young, loving couple decided that this gorgeous area was the perfect place for their elopement.
I was happy to officiate at their 8:00 a.m. wedding on this Monday morning wedding. I knew we would be hiking a ways back into the woods but it was a much longer walk than any of us thought it would be. What I did not anticipate was that they wanted to get married right in front of the falls which is down a very steep , rocky cliff to a rock bed. Fortunately, John, my husband, came along to take photos for them and he was able to help me get down and then back up.
It was a short and very sweet ceremony with the two of them looking lovingly at each other. John even got some video of the ceremony for them to share with family and friends later. It was really beautiful but next time I am asked to do something like this I will be sure to wear more sensible shoes!
Fortunately, we all made it back up the cliff and the long walk back to a waiting car. The park has been closed because of the pandemic as well as the parking lot. So the couple had a friend that shuttled us back and forth from a parking lot down the hill.
Wishing this sweet couple lots more adventures and happiness always. This was certainly an adventure for me and I loved it!
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 6.20.20
This past Saturday when it was 90 degrees I officiated at Dan and Karen's wedding in the gardens of Unity Spiritual Center. Yes, it was a bit toasty but no one seemed to mind. We were all so thankful that it wasn't raining because there was no real Plan B other than their home. And they really wanted to get married outdoors in the garden.
After many problems with their wedding venue, rings and the pandemic, they didn't need anything else to go wrong. And it didn't. All of their daughters were able to attend as well as several family members and friends. There was even an uninvited but welcome guest - a little rbunny I met in the garden.
The bride and groom were all smiles and so much in love. It turned out to be a perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Karen looked beautiful in a pink crepe dress with matching bouquet. Their combined family of adult daughters were all in long pastel crepe dresses and looked lovely.
With music and a small processional, the happy couple said their vows with a surprise personal ending right before the kiss. I love when couples want me to add something very personal to make their ceremony unique and memorable. Wishing this lovely couple many happy years together.
Wedding Words of Wisdom - 5.20.20 - Vickie & Mary
I’m not sure there could have been a more joy-filled wedding than that of Vickie and Mary. These two have been together for 17 years and in love all of those years. Today they felt it was time to make it legal. They live on very beautiful property in Lorain County which turned out to be a perfect location for their wedding ceremony. The weather cooperated at 68 degrees and sunny.
Vickie and Mary were joined by seven of their dearest friends. Scott, Mary’s best friend of many years, served as Best Man. Judy added to the ceremony with 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Everyone wore masks beatuifully created by Vickie. We chose not to wear masks just for the ceremony.
They were both relaxed, happy and emotional as the words of the ceremony sunk in. They were really finally getting married. Such love! They both carried lily of the valley bouquets that smelled exquisite. Champagne was a plenty afterward with heart-warming toasts.
This shows that you can have a lovely, very personal wedding even during a pandemic. I know that these two wonderful women will continue to have a blessed live together for many years to come. It was my honor to be a small part of this joining.
