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!