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!

Bride's Choice Award 2012 - 2nd Straight Year. Thank You!

{Columbus,OH} – February 9, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce United Marriage Services LLC has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Officiant!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, United Marriage Services LLC was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

United Marriage Services LLC is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate United Marriage Services LLC for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that United Marriage Services LLC is one of the very best Officiants within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Time to sign The Marriage License - Genevieve & Max

It was a beautiful fall day in Columbus, Ohio where I was the wedding officiant for Genevieve and Max. Here I sign their marriage license as they celebrate their love at North Bank Park, near downtown.

Wedding officiant, Damian King, signs marriage license for Genevieve and Max in Columbus, Ohio at North Bank ParkThe weather was amazing on that early October day in 2011. This devoted couple wrote personal vows for each other, followed by traditional repeat vows at their ring exchange. There were a few tears shed...tears of joy and the wonder of love. It was beautiful.

Genevieve and Max's wedding. Damian King, officiant, poses with happy bride and groom at North Bank Park in Columbus, Ohio.These amazing photographs were provided by Tiarra Howell (Tia) of Agape Photography. Please visit her website by following the link provided. You can also reach Tia by email at info@agapephotographs.com or by phone by calling 614-425-1121.

Tommy Nutter of Diamond Entertainment provided the music for their wedding celebration.

Genevieve and Max, I wish you many happy years together! Thanks again, for inviting me to be your officiant at your beautiful wedding in Columbus, Ohio.

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!    

Teresa & Ben - Wedding Ceremony at Scioto Reserve

After Teresa and Ben met with me in our United Marriage Services office in Columbus, Ohio they decided to ask me to be their officiant for their wedding day.  My philosophy is that a wedding ceremony is a celebration that should not be stale or boring. Damian King enjoys a moment with Teresa and Ben as their wedding officiant in greater Columbus, OhioWe were at Scioto Reserve venue in Powell. Already enjoying a great deal of humor and fun in their relationship, Ben and Teresa made it easy to celebrate their lifetime commitment with laughter and smiles. We worked on their ceremony together so that it was personalized to reflect their own relationship. Here is a little sample of their own unique (and fun) wording. Keep reading, it gets good...Joy and happiness between bride and groom, Teresa and Ben at Scioto Reserve venue in Powell, Ohio"Teresa saw Ben, in her own words, as 'serious husband material.' Their story began while working together years ago, when one day Teresa said to him, 'Hey Clark!' (Because he looks like Clark Kent). Then she asked, 'Is that your real name?' He answered, 'No, but I get that all the time.' Teresa was rather bold in handing him a slip of paper and declaring, 'Here’s my number, I think we should go out sometime!'Time for Ben to receive Teresa's wedding ring. Their officiant, Damian King, prepares to present Ben's "token of love".They continued to develop a friendship for 3 years, and the circumstances of their lives changed, opening the door for there to be more than friendship between them. As Ben continues to work hard in law school, they have supported and encouraged each other, and look forward to continuing in the love that has grown between them." A special and fun moment as Teresa places the wedding ring on Ben's finger, in Powell, OhioTeresa and Ben also took advantage of our Marriage Foundations™ pre-marriage program. Here is a little feedback from what they wrote, "I would highly recommend this class to anyone in a serious relationship, the classes help put marriage in the perspective it needs to be." and also, "The main benefit for me was the road map for a successful, life long relationship."  You can read more of what Ben & Teresa had to say by following this link to Weddingwire.

A joyous moment for Teresa and Ben. Damian King has just pronounced them husband and wife and the celebration continues!All photos in this entry are courtesy of Lindseys Photography. Follow the link provided to visit Lindsey Ely's website. You can also call her at 937-474-8959. Her email is Lindsey@Lindseysphotography.com.

Music was provided by Sonic Sounds Entertainment and the husband wife team of Frank Golisano and his wife Sheila.

Teresa and Ben, I wish you all the best in your years together! It was my pleasure to serve as your wedding officiant.

Will You Marry Me, In Two Places?

The idea of getting married in two places seems almost magical. This couple began their wedding outside at the Browning Amphitheater at OSU in Columbus, Ohio. As the wedding officiant for Andy and Maggie, I was having a lot of fun starting their ceremony with storm clouds and thunder overhead.

Then about one-third of the way through their ceremony it started to pour (photo below). I didn't mind though as we were having fun. The bridal party and guests were becoming a bit drenched. Andy asked me several times, "What do you want to do?" to which I replied, "I have no preference, what would you like to do?" You see, I had a nice, big umbrella being held over me so I was not getting soaked, and I didn't have anywhere to go right after the ceremony.

You can really see the rain coming down in the picture below. See...Maggie is enjoying every moment!

Finally the groom made the call and said, "Let's go inside." So inside the OSU Faculty Club we went... and so did all the very wet (and happy) guests, who were having fun themselves.

Once we came in for a landing, and the guests were ready, the first words out of my mouth were..."Now, where were we?" Their family and friends all laughed and we picked up right where we left off, as the guests continued to dry out. It was great.

Does this couple look bored to you? Not a chance....

A sweet token of love after I said, "You may kiss the bride!"

The newly married couple presented, now celebrate. The moment they have planned and waited for has come. You can see Andy and Maggie's faces beaming with joy. Happy to be together. Happy to be husband and wife!... on this day, as they were married in two places.

Once again, Kevin Keefer is the photographer behind these images. You can contact Kevin by following the link to Kevin Keefer Photography or calling 614-787-4743. He is wonderful to work with and captures amazing pictures. True treasures. His email is kevin@kkeefer.com. You can read Andy & Maggie's review and find out more about Kevin's work by following this link at Weddingwire.

Thanks for reading my blog about a fun and memorable wedding celebration with Andy & Maggie.

I'll Love You Forever

A rarely captured moment - I love this photograph! One of the many joys of being a wedding officiant in Columbus Ohio, is seeing the love between a husband and wife and it continues to amaze me. Here, Andy and Maggie are on the campus of The Ohio State University sharing the love that has grown between them. There were so many wonderful images of their special day, that I am likely to share them on this blog in small numbers!

Kevin Keefer is the photographer behind this image. You can contact Kevin by following the link to Kevin Keefer Photography or calling 614-787-4743. Kevin is not only a great photographer, but a really nice person to work with who will help to make your day very memorable. His email is kevin@kkeefer.com. You can also read Andy & Maggie's review of Kevin's work by following this link at Weddingwire.

Aaron & Lai Shan - Beautiful Wedding, Wonderful Couple.

Aaron and Lai Shan were married in Columbus Ohio (technically Dublin) and they asked me to be their wedding officiant. Photos were taken by family and friends. Here we are in one of the rooms at Embassy Suites Hotel on upper Metro Place. As their wedding minister, I had the honor of helping with their vows. It's time for their ring exchange here and we were having some fun. They have a great sense of humor and they really enjoy joking with each other often ...Maybe I was whispering to Lai Shan that if Aaron tried to run for the exit door, I would be sure to block him!

I love keeping things light during the ceremony and this seems to help brides and grooms loosen up after all their hours preparing and waiting. Besides, my belief is that a wedding ceremony should be joyful - a time of celebration!

As I presented Aaron and Lai Shan as Mr. and Mrs. their guests applauded with joy and happiness!

I love the lighting and water in this photograph. Aaron and Lai Shan, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this monumental time in your lives!

May all your days together be richly blessed, and filled with happiness!

To read comments by Aaron and Lai Shan follow these links: Weddingwire.com, Onewed.com.