Award numbers 14, 15, & 16. Thank you so much!

We are so thankful to our fantastic brides, and the wonderful wedding professionals we have grown to love, for helping to make this very special recognition a reality over the years! There are thousands of individuals. Too many to mention. We are so very grateful and privileged to have served you. Thanks to all of you!

With Much Love! Damian, Jean, Rebekah & The UMS Team!

Alison & Justin! - Heritage Golf Club

I had the privilege to celebrate as the officiant at Alison and Justin's wedding in Columbus, Ohio. We were at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard and looking at the picture below you can feel the love and tenderness this couple shares. Alison and Justin enjoy a tender moment at Heritage Golf Club wedding venue in Hilliard, OhioThis venue is a fantastic place to have a wedding. The atmosphere is light and the food is amazing. The Sales and Catering Manager, Jody Unger, does a fabulous job and she truly cares. She is very sensitive to each couples needs and works tirelessly to see that each wedding is a unique and memorable experience.

In the photograph below, We are just having a little fun during the ceremony. I forget exactly what was said but the bride and groom were enjoying each moment. Wedding officiant, Damian King, laughs with Alison and Justin in Columbus, OhioJustin reads personal vows he prepared.The groom reads personal vows to his bride. A very touching moment. For a moment the emotions he feels breaks through and we are all touched. The groom expresses some emotion for the bride he loves.Here is a shot of me receiving their rings.Damian King receives the wedding rings at Heritage Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. Now Alison reads her incredible personal vows for Justin. It was very hot that day, but the joy of these moments overshadowed the summer heat. Bride's turn. Alison reads personal vows to her groom, Justin.Alison receives Justin's ring while I hold the personal vows she just read to her groom. Amazing.Alison receives Justin's wedding ring as Damian holds her personal vows. I had the honor of reading some things about this loving couple. Part of their ceremony went like this. From Alison, "On Saturday, June 19, while in Wisconsin and on the way to a going away party for him, we passed by the kickball field that held so much meaning for us. Justin suggested we go look around one last time. Alison places Justin's wedding ring on his finger at Heritage Golf Club."As we got out of the car and started walking around Justin began reminiscing about the first time he saw me, the first time he talked to me, and the first time he thought I might be a 'cool girl'.  Then he said we had so many good memories on the kickball field, why not have one more.  Then he got down on one knee and proposed.  Of course I said 'yes' and here we are, getting married! Alison and Justin prepare for their sand ceremony at their wedding in Columbus, Ohio."Justin’s sweet and gentle nature keeps me sane when things get crazy.  We fit together perfectly.  Because He lets me do things that are unique to my life and my personality, I feel even more love for Justin. When we are together, we are completely together and pay attention to each other.  Justin always listens to me and more importantly actually remembers what I say, sometimes even better than I do!  By listening and paying attention I can tell that he really does love and care for me.  I have a hectic life and I am very busy but Justin has such a calm demeanor that spending time with him is an instant stress reliever.  I also know that I can count on Justin for anything.   I feel we are true partners.  I think it helps that both sets of our parents have been married for so long that we have great examples of what it takes to be in a good marriage.  Being with Justin makes life easier.  I never realized how much I was missing until I met Justin.  Now I can’t imagine my life without him." 
Wedding officiant, Damian King, presents the happy newlyweds in Columbus, Ohio.Now from Justin. Be prepared to smile and laugh.
"Alison was my first girlfriend. All those little cues and lessons you pick up in a relationship I didn't have when we first met. I didn't know how long to wait to ask a girl out. When you got their phone number how long till you call, television shows told me if you call too soon she'll think you’re desperate. Most importantly, I was brand new at picking up and giving out the signs for when you want to kiss someone for the first time. My first plan went like this... Happy couple and happy bridesmaids! Alison and Justin, now married!"We were hiking in a state park. I knew there was a great view at the top. I imagined us looking out at the view and then sharing our first kiss. It would be magical. We reached the top of the trail and I sat down looking out - Step one for my big chance. However, although I was sitting she did not sit down and instead continuing right past me on the trail! I was kicking myself that night."
"My life has been forever changed by you, my love. I see my future in your eyes.""It was the next time… we went out to a movie. Afterwards we headed back to her place and talked on the couch. The whole time in my head I was saying to myself 'KISS HER', but I was too afraid. It got late and it was time for me to leave. She opened the door and I started to leave. There I am … in the doorway. If I continue leaving maybe it will never happens for us. Instead I turn around and tell her 'There's just one more thing.' Perhaps she could read my eyes saying 'I really want to kiss you, but don't know how.' She reached out, grabbed my shirt, pulled me to her, and planted one on me. Needless to say when I left, I was on cloud nine. The more and more time I spent with her the more I realized how much we had in common. She liked BattleStar Galactica, I like BattleStar Galactica. She loved board games, I love board games. She liked chicken …. well, it’s a good thing because she is going eat a lot of chicken if we're going out together. (Justin loves chicken). When she moved to St. Louis… I remember fighting back tears the whole ride back to Madison. I remember how much I hated that six hour drive, but how much I loved seeing her when I got there. I don't know for sure when I knew we'd be in it for the long haul. What I do know is that in that doorway she didn't grab my shirt, she grabbed my heart, and I'm still on cloud nine." "I know you'll never leave my side. I enjoy every moment with you."All photographs were provided by Aperture Photography, and the work of Hristina Panovska and Paul Rentler. Please visit their website by selecting the link provided. You can also call Aperture at 614-432-2980 and the email address is info@aperture-photos.com.

Live music was provided by the talented Supertonic String Quartet. Heritage Golf Club is a member of Wedding Professionals of Columbus. You can reads more about them at WeddingWire and the knot.

Alison and Justin, being a part of your celebration was such a wonderful experience. Thanks for the honor of serving as your wedding officiant the day you were married in Columbus, Ohio!