Journal
Holiday Weddings, Often Unforgettable - Dock 580
As a wedding officiant I see marriages all year long and here I was at Dock 580 venue in Columbus, Ohio! Helene and Michael were the bride and groom and they chose a sand ceremony to add meaning and symbolism as two people, and two families, became one! The extra jars of sand were for the groom's children and the completed ceremony demonstrates the union of all the members of this new family, now inseparable!
Jean took this picture! Michael and Helene, it is a joy to be a part of your lives and we wish you all the very best in the years ahead! Damian & Jean
Incredible Beauty! Bin Zhu & Jia Shi at Corazon
There are times when the beauty of a husband and wife just speaks for itself! It was my privilege to serve as this bride and groom's wedding officiant near Columbus, Ohio, at Corazon wedding venue. Bin Zhu and Jia Shi's rehearsal photos were posted in our last blog. They just sent me some images of their wedding day, and this one stood out. Thanks, Bin Zhu & Jia Shi! I was so happy to be a part of your lives and your very special day!
Fun Rehearsal! Venue at Corazon
I had a wonderful time with this sweet couple, Jia Shi and Bin Zhu. I was so happy to serve as their wedding officiant at the Venue at Corazon in Dublin, Ohio, near Columbus! Their family and friends were all there to support them as we conducted their rehearsal, and covered the details of their wedding ceremony.
Please enjoy these rehearsal images by Open Prism Photography and April King!
October wedding! Kristin & Jacob at Darby House
I had the privilege of serving as Jacob and Kristin's officiant on their wedding day last year! Their venue, Darby House, is located just west of Columbus, Ohio, and is a beautiful place for a wedding in any season.
Kristin & Jacob had their first anniversary this October. I was looking thorough some files and saw this great photo taken by Christy Gibson, and it reminded me of their wonderful wedding last year! I am happy to share some of the words that were a part of their special day that I read during their ceremony...
"Jacob and Kristin met at the University of Rochester in 2005 as freshmen in the physics department. Their friendship grew during their first two years on campus, and in October of their junior year, they began dating. They survived the physics department together, and moved on to graduate school, with Kristin residing in Cleveland and Jacob in Columbus. Their relationship endured 2.5 years of Greyhound bus trips and car rides for brief visits. One night when Kristin was visiting Jacob in Columbus, they looked at engagement rings just for fun. One ring stood out to both of them. The next day, when Kristin left to go back to Cleveland, Jacob secretly bought that engagement ring. He planned to hold onto that ring until they were finished with graduate school in a few years and able to live together in the same city. As it turned out, Jacob didn’t feel like waiting that long. One month later, Jacob proposed to Kristin when she was visiting Columbus!"
Happy Anniversary, Kristin & Jacob!
I hope to post more about this beautiful couple as I receive more images.
Thanks, Christy, of Gibson Photographics for the great picture!
Finishing Touches! The Marriage License Process
Your wedding officiant will need to sign, date, and return the certificate of your marriage license to the Probate Court after your ceremony!
Bride and Groom's Marriage License from Franklin County Probate Court Columbus, OhioThe one shown here was returned to Columbus, Ohio, where the seat for Franklin County is located, after a beautiful wedding at the Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City. This process is the only way that the government has proof that you are no longer a groom and bride, but a husband and wife!! Now the rest of your life together awaits you! Franklin County has an excellent website for all of your marriage license questions. Just select the link provided to check it out!
I wish you all the best as you experience the joys of your wedding! Damian
No photographer is mentioned because this was a photo I took! Bride's bouquet is amazing. Yes, that is butter in the right hand corner, however, it is in the shape of flowers. What fun.
Fabulous Wedding Video at Creekside!
Love this video by Sway the Crowd! Wedding was at Creekside Event Center, near Columbus Ohio.
I had the privilege to serve as the officiant for the wonderful groom and bride, Bobby & Brooke! Ryan Nord was the videographer at Sway, and he also is director of operations. The wedding branch of Sway the Crowd is know as, Sway Cinema, in Dublin! Follow the links to see more or Ryan's and Sway's work. Enjoy!
Rebekah increases the happiness for brides and grooms!
We want to acknowledge a wonderful addition to our officiant team, Rebekah! She had her beginnings in the wedding industry in Columbus, OH, almost 6 years ago, and she has been amazing.
Rebekah is a joy to know and work with and has conducted wedding ceremonies for almost 2 years. Brides and groom love her friendly, upbeat style, and her genuine heart that cares so deeply for each and every bride, groom, and person. She has a fantastic speaking voice and delivers each ceremony with energy, joy, and love! We are so glad to have Rebekah as part of our team of professional officiants! Thanks Rebekah for being a part of creating happiness for the important work we do!
The image in this entry was taken at Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster Ohio. The happy bride and groom are Missy and Ryan. Here are some nice words that the bride, Missy, sent after her wedding, "We have received numerous compliments about the ceremony already. Your energy and enthusiasm really impressed all in attendance. Thank you again for all of your help, and for making the ceremony special. Everything went so smoothly! We will definitely recommend you to friends and family in the future." Thanks, Missy & Ryan!
Missy's friend, Kari, took this photo and did not desire to have it credited because she works out of town! Thanks for the photo Kari!
Lauren & Derek! Grange Audubon Wedding
In Columbus, Ohio, there are many wedding venues from which to choose! As the officiant for Lauren and Derek I was happy to solemnize their marriage at the Grange Audubon Center. The two marriage readings they chose were, "These I Can Promise" by Mark Twain, and "I Carry Your Heart with Me" by E.E. Cummings. In this photo below I stop in to see how the bride, Lauren, is feeling.
Here she looks over my tie selection and finds one she likes! So...see next photo....
...I wear it for her!
There was a great deal of warmth, and there were many smiles and laughter.
Here is the reading they chose by Mark Twain, "These I Can Promise". ""I cannot promise you a life of sunshine; I cannot promise you riches, wealth or gold; I cannot promise you an easy pathway that leads away from change or growing old. But I can promise all my heart's devotion; A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow. A love that's true and ever growing; A hand to hold in your's through each tomorrow."
And this is their reading, "I Carry Your Heart with Me", by E.E. Cummings:
"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) ...it continues...
i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)"
Here the groom, Derek, receives his bride's ring.
Now the bride begins to place her groom's ring on his hand, sealing their promise on this very special day!
A farewell greeting with Derek's father is exchanged. I have just completed an awesome time, as this happy bride and groom step into their future as husband and wife!
The artistic images in this entry are courtesy of Dan Buckley of Dan Buckley Photography. You can view more of Dan's fine professional work by visiting the link to his website provided. Dan's phone number and email address are 614-288-4427 and dan@danbuckleyphotography.com.
Sarah Selhorst of Mass Appeal Catering (now Bosc and Brie) did a fantastic job, as always!
Thanks for visiting our website! I so enjoy serving as the wedding officiant for brides and grooms in Greater Columbus and throughout Central Ohio.
Joelle & Jacob at the Vault!
I was the officiant for another fun wedding at the Vault in Columbus Ohio! This indoor ceremony for Joelle and Jacob was filled with joy and meaning. A few words that I was privileged to share are listed below this photograph!
"A relationship grew stronger by the aid of their friends. And blossomed into love, by the support of their families. And that’s when Jacob realized, it wasn’t really fate that brought them together. It’s been said, that fate is nothing more than the crossing of preparation and opportunity. The day that Joelle met Jacob was the opportunity. But they had been in preparation for that opportunity their entire lives. A preparation that came from everyone in this room. Parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues."
They also conducted their own Sand Ceremony! Here is the wording they used - "Joelle and Jacob, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent who you are as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one."
(Sand is poured here) "Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be."
Their sand ceremony was then followed by a special ceremony for their parents! Roses were presented as these words were spoken...
"This wedding celebration is a joining of two unique families who stood separate until today. Today we unite these families by the marriage of Joelle and Jacob. Now as an extension of their love for each other Joelle and Jacob will present a rose to their parents. They would also like to acknowledge the love and sacrifice that each parent has made to make their children who they are today. The giving of this rose is a symbol of honor, love and gratitude. It says, we value you mom & dad, today and always. Thank you for all you have done. We will always be grateful."
It was a very special day and their family and friends were so glad to be part of such a time of celebration with the ones they love.
The artistic images in this entry are courtesy of Dan Buckley of Dan Buckley Photography. You can view more of Dan's fine professional work by visiting the link to his website provided. Dan's phone number and email address are 614-288-4427 and dan@danbuckleyphotography.com.
Thanks for visiting my website today!
That "Holiday Feeling" at Dock 580!
Sometimes a wedding has unexpected moments of fun and festivity! As the offiicant for Kimberly & Roshan at Dock 580 in Columbus, Ohio, we enjoyed a unique moment captured by Mike Stempler of Shutterhead Studios. Mike back lit the precipitation in the dark and photographed a really fun and artistic image. Nice work Mike! I just wanted to share this one before a more complete blog about Kimberly and Roahan's big day at Dock 580. Make sure to check out Mike's website by following the link provided.
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Rachel & Elias at Franklin Park Conservatory!
I was enjoying some happy moments as the officiant for Rachel & Elias. It was their wedding day in Columbus, Ohio, at Franklin Park Conservatory. The Palm House is such a fantastic location both for the plant life, and the lighting for photos!
Rachel and Elias share their moment after those words so often heard at weddings, "You may kiss the bride!"
Everyone is very joyful and happy as the bride and groom begin making their way down the aisle! Best man and groomsmen are seen celebrating too.
In these next 3 photos Rachel and Elias can be seen together in the peacefulness and quiet joy of their love.
All photos in this entry were from the fine work of the professionals at AddVision. These talented artists can be reached by visiting their website using the link provided. Also you can call or email Mac Wentz at 614-505-6070 and mac@addvisionstudios.com.
The pleasure of being the wedding officiant for this wonderful couple for was a truly joyful experience. I wish Rachel & Elias all the best in their marriage and lives together!
Rachel & Steven at Via Vecchia!
I had the privilege of sharing in Rachel and Steven's wedding as their officiant in Columbus, Ohio! They chose Via Vecchia Winery as their venue. Below, bride and groom enjoy a happy moment as they walk the aisle together!
The love that Steven and Rachel share is sweet and genuine. My heart sometimes jumps a little when I see a couple enjoy moments like the one seen below.
There is a great deal of emotion in the 2 images that follow and I feel that these images have their own language. Take a close look at bride with father; then bride with father while she looks upon her groom.
Here is a full image of their indoor ceremony.
Just love this shot! What a fun group!
Another very genuine and touching moment shared by Rachel & Steven. I feel fortunate just to be able to see and enjoy this moment in time.
At Via Vecchia couples can enjoy an outdoor ceremony or one that is indoors. This bride and groom chose an indoor ceremony with the delicious food served by the wonderful folks at Catering by Scott. The owners of Via Vecchia are Michael Elmer and Paolo Rosi. These men are some of the most warm, friendly, and kind you will ever meet. They create a real "family feeling" at Via Vecchia, and take great pride in making people feel so welcomed. They will make you feel like family too. Scott Bast, owner of Catering by Scott, loves his work and loves to make people happy. He is always so fun and friendly, and the food he and his staff prepare is amazing!
All the photos in this entry are by Kevin Keefer Photography. Kevin does fantastic work as you can see by the images shown here. They speak for themselves. Please contact Kevin at the link provided. Also, his email and phone number are kevin@kkeefer.com and 614-787-4743.
It was my honor to celebrate with Rachel & Steven as their wedding officiant in Columbus, Ohio! I wish the very best for them in the years ahead!
Franklin Park Conservatory's Wedding Magic
When looking for a wedding venue in Columbus, Ohio there is no place like Franklin Park Conservatory. I have the privilege of serving as the officiant for many brides and groom at this wonderful venue and the experience is always amazing. One reason why this venue stands out is the dedication and professionalism of the staff at this Conservatory.
I had the opportunity to talk with Colleen Tassone and Ariana Tyler earlier this summer. These ladies were kind enough to spend some time with me as we explored some aspects about this venue that distinguishes it from the rest.
Franklin Park Conservatory is a garden in an urban area. Brides and grooms are able to get the best of both the lush garden surroundings, and all the urban benefits of being situated close to downtown Columbus. The photographs couples obtain are unique and incomparable. Also, brides and grooms receive a high level of customer service. Colleen shared, "Everybody's number one goal here is that the event goes off flawlessly".
There are specific time frames built in with each event step very clearly delineated, so couples know what to expect and when. Each couple also receives a personal wedding coordinator who does so much at the rehearsal and on the wedding day to make sure every need is met. It's great!
The staff also maintains a fantastic rapport with the vendors serving their couples, and have a "team mentality" when it comes to bringing about a successful wedding. This all works together for a wonderful wedding experience.
Hanging out on the steps in the Palm House...
These are the ladies who make this all work... No they are not showing off, they are just happy to be a part of such an awesome team!
Okay I could not resist this...plus the photographer wanted this shot - (That's my excuse anyway!)
Overlooking the West Terrace...
Here you can see a little bit of what I was looking at. It is all so incredibly beautiful.
When I asked Colleen "If there were 3 things that make Franklin Park Conservatory truly stand out as one of Central Ohio's Premier wedding venues what would they be? She said that they were the Botanical Gardens, the convenience and amenities, and the customer service. These ladies seen below make it all happen. I invite you contact Franklin Park Conservatory for your wedding needs. You won't be disappointed!
All photographs in this entry are the artistic work of April King of Open Prism Photography. You can contact April by email at openprismphotography@gmail.com, or by calling 614-653-9082.
Katie & Mark at The Columbus Athenaeum!
The Columbus Athenaeum in Ohio, is one of my favorite venues to serve as the wedding officiant for brides and grooms like Katie and Mark. The staff at this venue are very organized and punctual, and this can be very helpful as so much of a wedding is on a timeline! Ann Clark does a fantastic job and she was their wedding coordinator that day. In this first photo, Katie and Mark are having a great time together as they stand outdoors in downtown Columbus.
Here this beautiful couple and I enjoy a pose together. Katie chose an awesome bouquet. Let's take a closer look...
A great deal of detail went into crafting the arrangement for this bouquet so that appears much like a work of art!
Here I check in with the bride and offer a few words of encouragement to Katie. She felt very ready to begin! Mark and Katie have waited a long time for this day and want to celebrate!
One of my favorite parts of any wedding ceremony for me is when the words, "You may kiss the bride!", are spoken. And Mark truly kisses his bride! The guests were cheering and I was over to the side enjoying the reaction of all those in attendance.
Another great photo with the bride and groom with their bridesmaids and groomsmen in downtown Columbus.
Here Katie and Mark again enjoy each other's company, as they celebrate their future as husband and wife with all the possibilities and the promise it holds.
All the photographs in this entry display the fine artistic talent of Bobbie DeBrito of Photography by Bobbie DeBrito. You can find out more about Bobbie's work by following the link provided. You can also call or email her at 937-716-4378 and bobbie@photographybybobbiedebrito.com to see if she is available for your wedding.
Katie & Mark used Master Mix DJ for their music and *Rachel's Cakes* for their wedding cake. Katie's beautiful dress was by David's Bridal.
I wish this beautiful couple all the best in the years to come! I was happy to serve as their officiant on their wedding day in Columbus Ohio!
Kayln & Matt - The Columbus Museum of Art
Serving as the wedding officiant at the Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio is always a wonderful experience for me. Katie Laux and the staff there are fantastic, and the lighting is often excellent for those important wedding photos. I was privileged to celebrate with Kayln & Matt on their special day! Their reception was held at the Boat House at Confluence Park in Columbus, a very picturesque location for any event. At the Boat House, Matt and Kayln threaten each other with wedding cake! They appear so happy together. In a later shot you will see that they both scored points with that desert! Who won? You'll just have to wait and see.
Here the happy bride and groom walk down the aisle as "husband and wife!" Isn't Kayln's bouquet amazing? You can also see the mother of the bride turning her head toward the newly married couple as they exit.
Enjoying a quick photo while signing the all-important marriage license.
And now off to their wedding reception at the Boat House!
Kayln & Matt in their limousine. They are radiant and happy to be married!
Time for their "grand entrance" at the reception. Cool wedding dress that Kayln has chosen!
Wedding cake that looks too good to eat! The Columbus city skyline can be obscurely seen in the background.
Victory! Kayln and Matt smear that decorative desert on each other but find it's well worth it for the fun they share.
Thank you Kayln & Matt! It was a pleasure celebrating with you and your friends and family at your memorable wedding day celebration!
All the awesome photos in this blog are the work of Mike and Kim Lotz of Mike and Kim. Please visit their website and contact them for all your photography needs. They are professional and kind, and they do an amazing job. Their phone number is 614-460-9851. You can also email them at info@mike-and-kim.com.
I was so happy to share Kayln and Matt's wedding as their officiant and wish them the very best in their marriage and future!
Amber & Adam at the Athletic Club of Columbus!
I was privileged to be the officiant for another wonderful Ohio wedding at the Athletic Culb of Columbus. Adam and Amber were celebrating with many friends and family members whom they were acknowledging as they made their way down the aisle in this first photo. You can also get a great look here at Amber's beautiful dress supplied by Big Rock Little Rooster (located in downtown Columbus).
Amber and Adam did a great deal of prep work in anticipation of their amazing wedding day. I was so glad to be a part of their lives and that I was able to share those very special moments with this beautiful couple.
Kristin Coburn was the Athletic Club's event lady doing an awesome job coordinating the many activities for a successful event. The bride and groom also brought wedding planner, Lisa Sullivan, on board and she payed such close attention to so many of the details for Amber and Adam along the way. She was great.
The beautiful images you see in this entry are by Adam Lowe of Adam Lowe Photography. You can select the provided link to Adam's website to see more of his artistic work and talent. Adam's email and phone number are adamlowephoto@gmail.com and 614-571-9577.
I truly enjoyed being the wedding officiant for this gracious bride and groom, and also working with Adam Lowe and everyone at this festive celebration!
Thanks for visiting our website!
Joanna & Aaron at Franklin Park Conservatory
Fun wedding in Columbus, Ohio.... more comments posted below, after the photos.
As the officiant for Joanna & Aaron I had the joy of participating in this couple's dream of a western ceremony. They did hold to some of their Asian traditions, though, which is why you see Aaron standing to my right, instead of my left. They were a beautiful couple and I was so happy to celebrate with them on their special day at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Kyle Maza of Little Tree Studios took these incredible photos. You can contact Kyle or her husband, Steve, at by visiting their website in the provided link or calling 614-985-1671. Email works as well at info@littletreestudios.com.
Thanks for visiting my website!
Making It Legal
I love this photo taken by a friend of Rachelle and Matt after their wedding. I felt fortunate to be the wedding officiant for this dedicated couple as they became husband and wife that day in Columbus, Ohio.
Signing the marriage license is the last step of the process. The couple's marriage certificate is signed and filed with the county, and then the probate court certifies the marriage on the county records. Then the couple can request their "marriage abstract", which is the document that says they are married. The marriage abstract is the document that a new wife presents to the Social Security Administration for her name change.
For more information about applying for and certifying your marriage in Franklin County, follow this link to the Franklin County Probate Court - Marriage License Department. They have some great information there that couples find very helpful.
Thanks for visiting my website and have a great day!
Beautiful wedding venue - The Columbus Athenaeum in Ohio
Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Athenaeum in downtown Columbus, Ohio where many outstanding weddings are held. As an officiant, I have the honor of celebrating with many brides and grooms at this very tasteful and busy venue. The staff always amazes me, because sometimes they are holding 4 weddings at the same time! Talk about the need to coordinate! But they manage all the details so well and consistently provide their brides and grooms with outstanding service in a setting that is filled with beauty and charm. Oh, by the way...the food is fantastic! Wait until you try their meatballs.
Here is a shot of the outside of the venue. It can be deceiving because the inside is incredible.
In this next shot I am with Gina Cristofani, Sales and Event Manager, and we are in the Priory discussing some wedding details. It was a fun visit and Gina does a great job as she has to coordinate many things to make the wedding day experience come together as it should. The entire staff runs like clockwork.
Here you can see some of the incredible architecture inside the Priory within the walls of this 1896 structure.
Here is a look from just outside the Priory.
Open Prism Photography took this shot along the way while we were there. I thought it looked pretty cool.
Here is a quick look at the Macedonian Room.
The Small Theater is another amazing location for both weddings and receptions, or both. I did not know this photo was taken...
I felt that this lamp base was a fitting sign for a place where so many brides and grooms commit to a lifetime of love as they become husband and wife.
The photographs in this entry are courtesy of Open Prism Photography and the work of Rebekah King. Feel free to visit their website at the link provided. You can call or email Rebekah for more information at 614-653-9082 or openprismphotography@gmail.com.
I enjoyed my visit to the Columbus Athenauem venue in Ohio, and I look forward to serving as wedding officiant for many more happy brides and grooms. Thanks for stopping by my website!
Wedding Day Dream - Brenda & Clint at Darby House
I was so glad that Brenda & Clint asked me to celebrate with them as their wedding officiant. They chose the beautiful Darby House in Columbus, Ohio as their location. It is easy to enjoy this first photo with Brenda and Clint's look of delight as they gaze upon each other on this very special day.
A tender kiss for the bride and groom, now pronounced "husband and wife". They love each other like no one else and it shows!
Two very lovely and sweet flower girls make their appearance and add the touch of flower petals to the ceremony location. These little ladies clearly have the attention of the guests!
In order to personalize their ceremony for them, I had the honor of sharing a few thoughts with the guests. Here is one of those thoughts - "We initially bonded over our similar taste in music and have attended many concerts together. Our relationship was very easy right from the start – no games, no dishonesty – completely natural."
I am going to let these last 4 special images of Brenda & Clint's wedding day speak for themselves.
Azar Photography and the fine work of Andriy were responsible for the images in this entry. Please contact Andriy at the link provided or by calling 614-218-2103 or emailing azarphotography@hotmail.com.
Brenda's wedding dress was provided by David's Bridal. Their music was provided by Encore Entertainment and Trent Iguchi. Their caterer was Cameron Mitchell Catering. Flowers were by Bloomtastic and their wedding cake was by Cakes by Cecile, Columbus, Ohio.
Brenda and Clint it was such a pleasure to celebrate with you as your wedding officiant! May all your years be filled with peace and happiness!