Grateful

The fall was very busy. I ended September at Patowmack Restaurant in Lovettsville with Erica and Ken and a zillion stink bugs. The views were absolutely breathtaking and thankfully the bugs ignored us.  In October I was at Collingwood Museum in Alexandria with Susan and Lucas, in DC at the Tabard Inn with Afton and Tomorrow and Murray Hill in Leesburg with high school sweethearts Ali and Jesse as they tied the knot after a 10 year courtship! In November I was back at Murray Hill to be with Katherine and Joe, then onto the Whittemore House in DC as Emily and Mark said "I do" in the presence of family and friends. One of the most touching ceremonies occurred in the couples living room on the 45th anniversary of their first date. Kenneth and Lewis, ages 80 and 70, skyped in family and friends to witness their union while their dog Mikey snoozed. The photo above is from their celebration. I am so grateful to each and every couple that invited me to stand with them as they made a lifelong commitment to the love of their life!!!

Today I Marry My Friend

http://www.memoriesofbliss.com/

What a handsome couple! Toni and Jon were married at 2941 Restaurant on an absolutely gorgeous weather day in late August 2014. Jon and Toni are retired soldiers who continue to serve their country. They were a delight to work with. The ceremony started with the presentation of the couple. Their children and grandchildren were asked if they gave their blessing as this couple prepared to pledge their love to the other for as long as life is theirs. A reading from 1 Corinthians 13 was shared that speaks to what love is and is not...truly the composition of unconditional love.Toni and Jon then exchanged nontraditional vows "today I marry my friend, the one I have laughed with and cried with, the one I have learned from and shared with..." I closed with a poem by Laura Hendricks which was so fitting for Jon and Toni...their friendship propelled them to the altar and will continue to propel them through all of the tomorrows yet to come! A special thanks to Marilyn Patterson, Event Manager, Joyous Events LLC.

Love Is In The Air!

On August 17, 2014 Eddie and Shantae pledged their love to each other...the ceremony was quite intimate, it was just the three of us.

Mark and Ola married June 7, 2014 at Glenview Manor before family and friends. The venue is lovely, very fitting for such a handsome couple! Photo courtesy of Sarah Culver,http://www.sarahculver.com

"Our Soul Mate Is The One Who Makes Life Come To Life”

Photo courtesy of Tracy Timmester, www.timmesterphoto.com

Friends and family of Katrina and Eric along with the couple's two dogs, Thatcher and Oliver, joined the bride and groom at Chrysalis Vineyards to witness the couple's marriage. It was fitting that they celebrated the beginning of their new family at the Vineyard, a meaningful place for Eric and Katrina representing the adventure and happiness that defines their relationship. From a poem by Richard Bach, the couple embraced the following sentiment, "our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.” 

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Photo courtesy of Carrie Holbo Photography

Mark and Jessi were married July 19 in Potomac, Maryland at Rockwood Manor a Montgomery County property. She's a reading specialist and works with first graders. Jessi asked her students for advice and these are some of the suggestions offered and shared during the ceremony.  Stanley offered advice good for all of us, “You should hug each other. You should have fun. You should both pay the bills… and you should both eat breakfast.” Jailais says, “Spend time together. Just have fun. DO NOT BE IN THE HOUSE ALL DAY.”  Gabriel adds, “Hold hands, and a real gentleman will help their bride. Maybe take her out.” Lyric thinks, ”The groom should be helpful and grateful and cook her some soup if she is sick, and act like a loving, polite gentleman… and take her to Golden Corral.”

D.E.A.R., Something We All Can Benefit From!

Photo courtesy of Namsrai, http://nabuphotos.com/

When I initially met this couple, I learned that he is a teacher. Desmond teaches third grade at an all boys school in Washington, DC. He shared how he engages his students in reading by simply saying, "DEAR," which means drop everything and read. Candace loves it when Desmond reads to her. My personal message to them during their ceremony was to remember to use DEAR when they are out-of-sorts with each other, feel disconnected or yearn for a moment of closeness. And at times to refer to the biblical readings they specifically selected for their wedding ceremony. I believe these readings in particular will remind them why they are together and that they not only made a bond to the other, but to their God. Congratulations Desmond and Candace as you began your lives on June 21, 2014 before God, family and friends as husband and wife at the Morrison House, Alexandria, Virginia.

Life is Very Good!

This beautiful couple married July 1, 2012 at the Oxon Hill Manor. Last year and again this year, they sent me anniversary photos. Thinking about Desaray and Phiwo always makes me smile. They are intelligent, witty, determined, curious and ambitious. They listened to their hearts and married in spite of challenges. Now, two years later, he’s a year away from a PhD and she started a flower business. To learn more about Eastern Shore Bouquets, click on the following link. www.etsy.com/shop/easternshorebouquets

Got Married!

Photo courtesy of Pete Marovich

On Monday June 23 at the Jefferson Memorial I had the pleasure and honor of standing with two very special women as they pledged their love to the other. There was so much to say around gratefulness...the beautiful day, those present and not present, to be in the nation's capital, standing in the presence of the principal author of the Declaration of Independence... for a wedding! At one point during the ceremony I looked-up and tears were gently flowing. Although tears at a wedding are not necessarily significant, those tears demonstrated that love and family do prevail over political and religious ideals.  Tenacity...persistence, cohesive, determination, strength, like a dog with a bone...self-assuredness...knowing self and being comfortable with self...vulnerability...feeling safe to reveal one's true self.  These combined qualities along with their other qualities will help these women experience the marriage, the partnership they desire and deserve! The ceremony concluded with these words, "...it is my honor and delight to pronounce you...full on, no kidding...married." I believe we each walked away knowing something grand had occurred and we were a part of it!

Drive Simple, the Recipe for Marital Success

This couple married at Jones Point Park Saturday with the Potomac River at their backs June 28 about 10:35 a.m. The weather was perfect! They were surrounded by his parents and brother and her sister and their friends. Her parents were "Skyped-in" so they too could be a part of this wonderful occasion. I enjoyed my conversation with the groom's mother. Her marriage was semi-arranged and they married within weeks of the initial introduction. She shared that when you aren't in love, you can ask the difficult questions. As it turned out, their goals and values were similar, and now 35 years later, they not only like each other, they love each other. Now, back to the bride and groom. I asked them in the presence of the other what they most admire about their spouse-to-be and each gave me one word...he said, "her drive; and she said, "he's simple." During the ceremony I shared this exchange and went on to say by simple I believe the bride means he's easy going, flexible, adaptable and how he will remind her to slow down and smell the roses. To him I said her strengths will carry you far in life since she's motivated, ambitious and focused, however it's important to have balance. Two Indian traditions were incorporated into the ceremony, the groom presented his bride with a beautiful necklace, quite delicate and exquisite and then his mother fed them both a sweet followed by the groom feeding his bride and the bride doing the same with her groom. I met this couple just moments before they exchanged vows, but time isn't a factor, they are two very special people with loving families and friends! Thank you for the pleasure of meeting you and standing with you on your wedding day.

Gonna Love You All The Way

Lisa Boggs Photography

Lisa and Tom married at Hendry House in Arlington on May 31, 2014. I enjoyed my time with this special couple...they are committed to their families and friends. Lisa's dad and I spoke after the rehearsal about how our service jobs during college and post-graduate school added "fiber" to our characters. During the exchange of vows, I added a lyric from the couple's selection for their first dance, Frank Sinatra's I'm Gone To Love You All The Way. The look of delight on their faces' was priceless!

Celebrate, Witness, Honor, Dance, Laugh, Sing, Eat, and Be Glad

Carrie Holbo Photography

On May 17, 2014 in Clifton, VA under a clear beautiful blue sky, I began Steph and Jeff's wedding ceremony with these words: "Welcome! Love is a miraculous gift, and a wedding is a celebration of that magic, and that is why we are here today. We are gathered together to be with, Jeffrey and Stephanie, who are so wonderfully suited to one another that it is a pure delight for the rest of us to see how happy two people can be. They are the example of the love that in its light-heartedness dissolves the notion of love as hard work. They are the promise of possibility, the expectation of joyful surprise. We are here to celebrate, witness, honor, dance, laugh, sing, eat, and be glad because these two have found their soul mate."

I will Help You Help Me!

At a wedding I officiated today at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, the bride misstated what I had asked her to repeat after me. Their vows read in part, "...I will help you when you need help..." Instead Lindsey said, " I will help you when I need help." Spouses aren't mind readers. Haven't there been times when you needed the help of your partner yet your partner was clueless as to what and how to offer you the support and help you sought? I know I'm open to hearing what my husband needs from me when he needs help. Congratulations Chris and Lindsey, may you have the marriage you both desire.

World, This is My Wife...My Husband

This couple married May 3, 2014 at the Torpedo Factory located adjacent to the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria, VA. Based on input from the bride and groom, I crafted the following verbiage for them to use during the ring exchange: Groom: "Valerie I give you this ring on this our wedding day. Wear it knowing I love you for loving me, for making every moment we are together feel so right. You are my best friend and I am so glad to say to the world this is my wife."

Bride: "Andy over the past several years - in both quiet and hectic moments, I fell in love with you and I began to learn how truly special you are. I am honored to say to the world this is my husband. Accept this ring as my token of the admiration I hold in my heart for you." Photo courtesy of www.anendlesspursuit.com

Great Things are Happening

I am blessed to have met May Durkovic, Editor, Winery Weddings Magazine at a recent Association of Wedding Professionals meeting. Please read our interview using this link: http://www.wineryweddingmagazine.com/qa-with-an-officiant/

The photo posted was taken June 7, 2014 at Glenview Mansion, Rockville, Maryland. I was there to officiate the wedding of Mark and Ola. A cousin of the bride's, Karo, who took the picture using my iphone has been married for seven months so I took the opportunity to ask him what words of wisdom would he pass along to the bride and groom. Karo shared the importance of tolerance and the need to forgive quickly. I was able to work his comments into the ceremony. Thanks Karo!

As the bride and her father were approaching the groom, I asked him if he was okay and he responded in a monotone, "I feel like a rock star!" He has a great sense of humor and great timing, I did everything to keep my laughter in check!

Commitment, its in the Hands!

After the presentation of the bride, I began the ceremony by asking the couple to join hands, but rather than taking the other's in their hands, they stacked their hands on top of the other's, sort of like you would if you were making a pact. Then this thought came to me...I told Maya and Devin's guests that they had already made a formal commitment and were now standing in the presence of family and friends to celebrate that commitment. For you see, they decided to enter into an agreement whereby they would be together till "death do us part," and they said these words aloud so everyone in attendance understood that they were in this thing called marriage for the long-haul. Congratulations Devin and Maya, I pray that with God's grace you will have the marriage you so deserve.

This photo was taken May 24, 2014 at the Carnegie Institute in DC by Ruth Carbo for JoAnn Obie, Blessed Events & Weddings, LLC. Thanks JoAnn for your exceptional coordination of this wedding. You made it so easy for me.

To Love and To Be Loved

When I saw this bride dressed for her wedding, I was moved to tears. Lisa was absolutely beautiful! We all desire to love and be loved. Anthony and Lisa met at the workplace and quickly became friends. When the relationship moved to the next level, they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. In the presence of family and friends at Stony Mansion in Fairfax, Lisa and Anthony pledged "...to explore the full spectrum of life before we're too close to its leaving..."

East Meets West

The bride and groom were surrounded by family as they pledged to be with one another during good times and bad, prosperity and adversity until parted by death. The bride was escorted by her aunts since her mother wasn't able to travel from the Philippines for the wedding. During the exchange of vows the bride had difficulty meeting the groom eye to eye which caused everyone in attendance to laugh. One of the delicacies that the guests feasted on included a whole roasted pig. Congratulations Troy and Renilda!

Our Love is True

Nicole and Garret were married late afternoon April 19, 2014 at Oaklands Plantation in Leesburg, VA. The groom was accompanied by his brothers, all attired in kilts. I personalize the ceremony script based on input from the couple. I knew these words penned by John Lennon would resonate with Nicole and Garret..."grow old along with me, two branches of one tree face the setting sun...grow old along with me whatever fate decrees we will see it through for our love is true..."

Mr. & Mrs!

Last night I was at Whitehall Manor, Bluemont, VA. The bride and groom were like two anxious kids waiting for the Easter Bunny to bring them goodies! I shared with the bride that her very handsome groom took my breath away when I saw him just minutes before I visited her in her dressing room and she responded, "he took my breath away years ago!" After De and Rozii were pronounced husband and wife they recessed to Stevie Wonders Signed, Sealed and Delivered...very sweet.

Happy Memories!

Why do I thoroughly enjoy what I do? One reason is that from time to time I hear from couples I stood with on their wedding day. Maybe they just bought their first home or added a puppy/kitten to their family, welcomed their first child or they are celebrating an anniversary. This morning I received this photo and a note from Erin declaring how happy she and Brad are on their first wedding anniversary. They are an awesome couple. After the ceremony Brad approached me and asked, "Leora did I cry too much?" With a serious look and tone, I responded, "not really, maybe 90 seconds but that's not a new record." He was pleased and then I said, "I'm kidding, you could never cry tears of joy for too long." Brad has a great smile and dimples and at that moment his face lit-up!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! What a great day. After snow blanketed the DC metropolitan area Thursday February 13 closing local and federal governments and schools, the sun was absolutely brilliant today. The temperature reached 52 and the snow became slush. I officiated a wedding today at Seasons 52 located at Tysons Corner Mall. The staff was professional and supportive as the couple announced that yes they had reservations, but they planned to marry first. We stood by the gas fireplace surrounded by the the groom's sister and brother-in-law. The bride shared that she and her groom had a relaxing morning before readying themselves for their wedding day. Separately I always ask the bride and groom what they most admire about their partner. Dennis shared he admired Gay's strength; and she admires his determination. I worked these qualities into the ceremony and stressed that with emotional and intellectual strength; and determination, they could surmount whatever life threw at them as they navigate their way through marriage. After I pronounced the couple husband and wife, the staff applauded as did passersby. Major kudos to Seasons 52! They presented the couple with signature wine glasses, a $100 gift card to the restaurant and a framed photo taken during the ceremony.

I'm Published!

In January 2013, an invitation from Maggie Daniels and Carrie Loveless, authors of Wedding Planning Management Consultancy for Diverse Clients, sought input from members of the wedding industry for their second edition of their tome. I submitted an article based on an actual interfaith and intercultural wedding I had the honor of co-celebrating with a Hindu Priest. And my article was accepted and published in the second edition that was recently released! Often times I officiate this type of ceremony alone, but working with another celebrant required dialogue with him, the couple, their families and other vendors involved in the couple's celebration to ensure an established timeline was realistic. If you have a chance, get this book (I'm on pages 223-224), it's an invaluable treasure that will help you if you are planning your wedding, assisting someone planning their wedding or if you think you might be interested in joining this exciting, challenging and rewarding profession! Thanks Maggie and Carrie for this exceptional opportunity; and for sharing the book cover.

Networking for Wedding Industry Professionals

AWP Members, January 2014

I'm often asked what happens if something happens to you on my wedding day. I respond that as a member of the Association of Wedding Professionals I have a cadre of colleagues that I support and who support me. AWP meets monthly at a different venue and each meeting has a networking element along with an educational component.  Meeting and talking with members allows me to discuss best practices with other officiants and others in the wedding industry. Last night we were at The Loft, 600 F Street, NW. The dinner was catered by R&R Catering, the food was absolutely delicious! And the night's events were captured on film by Jon Fleming Photography, jonflemingphotography@gmail.com. The education element was lead by a CPA who specializes in tax planning for small businesses. Overall, it was a great evening!

The Warmth of Love

It was a bright and sunny although cold and windy Thursday morning October 24, 2013 when we gathered at Meadowlark Regional Park in Vienna for the wedding of Alexis and Jacob. Jacob is from Kenya and arrived in the US on a balmy September day. He never experienced cold weather so he was unprepared for his chilly wedding day. His future brother-in-law loaned him an overcoat, gloves and ski cap yet Jacob was still uncomfortable. But with his brilliant smile and devoted heart, he pledged in his own words his love for Alexis in the presence of family and friends. And Alexis did likewise. Some of the ceremonies highlights: this was the first time I officiated the wedding of clergy for you see Alexis is an ordained UCC minister, Jacob offered a prayer in Swahili to recognize his family & friends, a retired priest who knew the groom from the age of two offered a lovely prayer, a friend of the bride's from elementary school captured the day's activities on film and a proud mother stood with Alexis' boss, Rev. Tim Tutt as God in all His glory watched His children become one!