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