Journal
Captured Moment - May Li & Matt
Columbus, Ohio - A few months before I was their wedding officiant, a moment with Matt and May Li was captured by Rosey Red Photography. I have always enjoyed the emotional touch in this image and I hope you will too. Cheers! To visit our Facebook page click here.
Missy & Seth's wedding at Everal Barn Westerville!
Kirk Dapo of Clear Sky Video Columbus, OH, created a masterful wedding video as I had the honor of being the officiant for Seth and Missy’s wedding at Everal Barn! I loved their wedding and love Kirk’s video. I hope you will too!
Wedding Officiant at Everal Barn - Missy & Seth!
This was a wonderful Everal Barn wedding in Westerville , OH, where Damian King was the officiant (wedding minister) and Thomas Deutschland took the photos! A stunning fall day filled with sunshine and the bride and groom, Missy and Seth, were filled with joy. I loved being a part of such a fantastic occasion for a truly kind and beautiful couple. Wishing you all the best, Missy and Seth, for many years to come!
Matthew & May Li Beam With Joy - Strongwater Venue
Rosey Red Photography captures a brilliant moment at Strongwater wedding venue in Columbus, OH. Officiant, Damian King, presents now husband and wife, Matthew and May Li, as they beam with joy in front of their loved ones and guests! Fun couple and fantastic wedding!
Megan & Jaime at Brookshire Delaware!
Special moments as wedding officiant at Brookshire in Greater Columbus, Ohio (Delaware). I had the privilege of sharing Megan & Jaime’s fun-filled journey together, how their paths crossed, and how they ultimately decided to marry! Video captured by the amazing Jonah Epps.
Cole & Rachel marry at Jorgensen Farms
Rachel & Cole asked me to be their wedding officiant, and I was happy to do so! This beautiful couple married at Jorgensen Farms near Columbus Ohio, in Westerville. Their wedding day was filled with sunshine and the colors of fall, and I am looking forward to seeing their beautiful photos by Lydia Campbell, and video by Jonah Epps. I love it so much every time I say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife!” and I will remember Rachel and Cole’s wedding for many years to come. Photo by Lydia Ruth Photography.
Fun at Brookshire Venue
I had a fantastic time as Ally and Jason’s wedding officiant at Brookshire in Greater Columbus, Ohio! We had some fun after their beautiful ceremony as Ally was capturing a selfie and I was posing to create effect for this photo! Ally and Jason are a beautiful couple and I was so glad to be able to support them at such an important and meaningful time in their lives!
Cheryl and Scott's Amazing Dove Release!
As a wedding officiant in greater Columbus, Ohio, I often have the privilege of experiencing the many ways a bride shows love to her groom, and a groom to his bride. We were at Cheers and Lakeside Chalet in Lancaster. Cherly and Scotts's dove release was an incredible gesture with depth and exquisite meaning that made it truly amazing! Here are the words I shared on their wedding day. "Throughout the ages, the white dove has been an emblem of new beginnings, friendship, love, peace, prosperity, fidelity and true love. Cheryl and Scott's wedding at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster, Ohio. Damian King was wedding officiant.It is said that, the pure white color represents the bride and groom as they begin their life’s journey together in purity and with no regrets of their past. Doves choose one partner and mate for life, or until death do they part, staying together and remaining true and faithful to each other. They share a commitment and a love of being home together. Cheryl and Scott release doves at their wedding at Cheers Chalet, Lancaster Ohio. Images by John Croyle. It is said that if white doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured and good fortune will come to all who witness their release. Their participation in this wedding ceremony makes it very special. Today, as a romantic gesture, and a special heartfelt symbol of their life-long commitment, Cheryl and Scott are going to release two single white doves, sending them skyward, to symbolize their union and the beginning of their life journey together as wife and husband. A wedding ceremony begins a journey of two lives working together for life’s happiness. The actions of the doves demonstrate this beautifully.
Doves take flight at Scott and Cheryl's wedding at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster Ohio. Image by John Croyle. Once released, the doves fly higher and higher together as they seek their way home. Similarly, a bride and groom do not know what the future holds for them. Their path may change many times along the way, but with faith and love they will find their way together. Just as the doves have the instinct to find their way home, Cheryl and Scott will always know where 'home' is, as home is wherever they are together.
These white doves released in celebration today represent all of Cheryl and Scott’s hopes and dreams and their deep commitment to each other. Just as doves marry for life, so, too, they promise to be faithful, loyal, devoted and true to each other.
As the doves fly freely overhead, a perfect pair, we all rejoice in the vows being exchanged here today.
Cheryl and Scott, we wish for you that your life together will be everlasting, rich, rewarding and full of love! May your marriage always bring great joy, fidelity, hope and respect."
Male and female doves fly together as bride and groom, Cheryl and Scott, watch. Damian King was wedding officiant that day.Cherly & Scott, thank you for allowing me to share in such a wonderful day! I wish you a life filled with the greatest blessings from above.
These awesome photos were provided by John Croyle Wedding Photography and the artisitic talent of John Croyle. Contact John by using the link provided to his website, or by calling 614-216-6005. His email is john@johncroyle.com. Thanks John, great work!
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!
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!
Fantastic Wedding at Pinnacle Golf Club!
I was so pleased to be the wedding officiant for this beautiful couple, Whitney & Evan, at the Pinnacle Golf Club near Columbus in Grove City, Ohio. Their very sweet daughter, Willa, was present too! She is a darling.
This photo was taken by a family member and I just received it today! This bride and groom and their daughter were beaming so much, that I wanted to post this soon. Thanks, Whitney & Evan (and Willa!) and your family for inviting me to be a part of your very special day!
Late Summer Wedding - Hong & Servet's Love Shines!
Wedding in Columbus, Ohio! Hong and Servet asked me to be their officiant at Franklin Park Conservatory after I had the honor of marrying their friends at Scioto Reserve! I never get tired of marrying brides and grooms. Each ceremony is different - each relationship, like a fingerprint! The love and energy that each bride brings to her groom, and groom to his bride, is unique. I must say at times it is awe-inspiring, and warms my heart in a way unlike anything else. I believe it also is a reminder of my own marriage, and the love that Jean and I share that continues even through the many challenges we have faced in life for the past 30-plus years. This love relationship that husbands and wives share is one of the great mysteries of our existence. For this reason, it is something to celebrate! Therefore, I want each wedding to feel so special and unique to each couple, so that they will remember their day with the utmost joy.
In this first photo Hong and Servet share some humor, laughter, and smiles!
This next shot shows Hong walking the aisle as she approaches her groom in the Brides Garden at Franklin Park. This location is a favorite at the Conservatory, especially for smaller, outdoor weddings.
Their wedding kiss! Hong and Servet share their kiss as they have been pronounced husband and wife before their family and friends. What could be more cool?
The happy couple, now husband and wife, walk the aisle arm in arm, ready to face the future together in the embrace of their undying love. Gotta love this!
Now I'd like to give credit to Hong and Servet's wedding photographer! Her name is Tessa Berg and her photography company is Starling Studio! You can contact Tessa by following the link provided. Also her email and phone number are info@starling-studio.com and 614-423-9094. Please visit her website to see some of the other great photography work that she does!
Wedding videographer was Dane & Leslie Khy of The Perfect Pear. It was great to work with them. Live strings by Columbus Musicians and Ian Jones.
Thanks for taking to time to visit our website! Come back soon, if you'd like!
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!
Joyful wedding! The confetti flies at New Albany Links!
I could not resist posting this photo of John and Kim's wedding kiss at New Albany Links near Columbus, OH. I was their officiant and as I said, "you may kiss the bride", large confetti poppers were discharged from both sides!
This photo, taken by a friend of the bride and groom, captured this loving couple in a perfect moment! The effect of the confetti with the shadows is really unique. Nothing is photoshopped here!
John and Kim sent this expressing that they wanted to share it with me. One phrase John used was, "Magical Right?!" I would have to agree. Magical indeed!
Thanks John & Kim, for asking me to share in such a wonderful experience on the day you celebrated your lifetime of love!
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.
Renaissance Wedding Rehearsal - Columbus, Ohio
I had a fun time at Lindsey & Jimmy's wedding rehearsal! I was their officiant in Columbus, Ohio at the Renaissance Hotel. Aren't they a handsome couple and isn't the Renaissance a beautiful wedding venue as seen in these photos? Being a part of their marriage was a privilege, and I will remember them with warm thoughts well into the future!
These photos were taken by April King of Open Prism Photography, 614-653-9082, openprismphotography@gmail.com.
Please call or email me with any questions! Thanks for stopping by our website!
Denise & Justin at Heritage Golf Club!
A Columbus, Ohio wedding for Denise and Justin at Heritage Golf Club! I was privileged to be their officiant that day and Heritage, which is located in Hilliard specifically, is an amazing location to tie the knot and become husband and wife. It is outstandingly beautiful, and Jody Unger, Sales & Catering Director, is always so wonderful with brides, grooms, family and friends. Jody does an incredible job all the time. She is a lady who truly cares. In this photo below, Denise and Justin beam with joy as their special day has arrived!
Next, Justin peers into the distance. He appears to be deep in thought, perhaps warmly reflecting on his future with his lovely bride, with the grandeur of the sky above him. So many possibilities await for their lives ahead!
Here is a happy and fun moment during their ceremony. There was a lot of joy, smiles, and laughter at this occasion. I always try to make sure that brides and grooms are able to experience and savor their precious moments together. The ceremony should not be overlooked or slighted.
A rich and meaningful moment as Denise and Justin take another step toward a lifetime of love!
Now husband and wife, this happy bride and groom walk down the aisle and are greeted with love and well-wishes from a host of family members and friends. What a day! Their future filled with possibilities, love, and adventure and growth together is now unfolding.
All photos are courtesy of Open Prism Photography and the artistic work of Rebekah King and April King. Visit their website by selecting the link provided. You can also reach them by calling 614-653-9082 or emailing openprismphotography@gmail.com.
Thanks for visiting our website! Helping to join brides and grooms in marriage and serving them as their wedding officiant is a true privilege that we greatly enjoy!
Via Vecchia Winery; Wedding Venue in Columbus!
What I enjoy about being a wedding officiant is that I have the chance to visit the many beautiful venues here in Columbus, Ohio, and meet some great people. Some venues are more unique than others and Via Vecchia is in a class by itself.
I had the chance to visit with the Owners, Paolo Rosi and Michael Elmer, along with their Marketing Manager, Lindsay Everson, and they shared some things that make this special winery their pride and joy.
Via Vecchia is first and foremost a winery! They had moved to their location at 486 S. Front Street in Columbus and then people spontaneously began asking to have weddings there! It became a win-win arrangement for them and brides and grooms. They offer a great deal of flexibility for events without some of the usual added fees found elsewhere - in an awesome urban setting where couples can personalize their decorations (which tends to draw creative people). For wine enthusiasts, the care and attention they give is amazing. Via Vecchia offers a wine without additives! I received quite an education from Paolo in just a few short minutes about the many additives (including color!) used in virtually all wines. It seems that once people start enjoying the Via Vecchia brand, they have difficulty returning to the others. One of the main draws about this winery is the feeling they create; like you are one of the family with Michael, Paolo, Lindsay and their entire staff.
So when looking for a unique and very pleasant experience for your wedding day, check out Via Vecchia Winery in downtown Columbus, Ohio. You will be glad you did!
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!