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.