Journal
The Outdoorsman and the City Girl!
Jean had a wonderful time at Blake and Camille's wedding! She was their officiant at London Country Club just west of Columbus Ohio!
How did this outdoorsman manage to marry this lady from urban Florida? Let's find out as Jean read these touching and somewhat humorous words from their story during their outdoor wedding ceremony!...
..."Now everyone knows of Blake and Camille's different backgrounds; Blake born and raised outside rural London, Ohio with Camille born in the largest city in Florida. How did he ever get her to live out here? With her open mind to ride 4-wheelers...
...to even shooting a compound bow, Blake found someone who he calls a great friend to himself and others and a true companion with every adventure. And Camille didn't expect Blake to carry her through life's struggles and losses from so early on in their relationship but from it, they were able to build an undeniable trust. Such a trust that Blake didn't remember to pop the question when he got down on one knee! So Camille had to ask, 'Well are you going to say something?' And with his continuous smile she had to say 'yes'."
Isn't that a great story! We wish all the best for you, Camille and Blake, as you continue into your future together!
Photos in this entry are courtesy of Sunfire Photo Plus and Kelly Kirkpatrick. Her phone number is 614-619-3552 and her email is sunfirephotoplus@gmail.com.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Erica & Ben at Whetstone Park of Roses!
Whetstone Park of Roses sits in Columbus, Ohio and is the site of many weddings! As the officiant at the ceremony for Erica & Ben, it was my honor to celebrate with them and to pronounce them husband and wife!
The weather was hot at this outdoor celebration, but family and guests hardly noticed as the attention was focused upon this lovely bride and her groom. The Marriage Readings they selected were "The Art of Marriage" by Wilfred A. Peterson, and "Thoughts in a Garden" by R. Gerhart. As you can tell by their photos, the readings were quite fitting for their special day. Let me share a few of the opening words to "The Art of Marriage" - "A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage the little things are the big things... It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say 'I love you' at least once each day." And now an excerpt from "Thoughts in a Garden" as we continue on to the next few images.
"This is a special place, a place where people have brought beautiful living plants, here to establish them, to nurture and care for them, that they may forever surround us with the beauty we now see.
And into this place where we stand, you have brought something beautiful -- the relationship that is becoming your marriage.
Here you are declaring it and pledging it, promising to establish and nurture it."
Now Ben & Erica step into their future to experience their lives together in the warm embrace of married love!
The photographs in this entry were from Kaleido Photo Studio and the fine artistic talent of Ryan & Jen Jacquot. The link provided will get you to their website and you can also contact Ryan & Jen by phone at 614-886-5536, or by email at kaleidophotostudio@gmail.com.
Erica's dress was supplied by The Perfect Bride.
It was a privilege to celebrate with this lovely couple and to serve as their wedding officiant at their outdoor ceremony in Columbus Ohio. I wish Erica & Ben the very best in their lives together for a blessed and happy future!
Lisa & Nick at the Brookshire, Delaware!
What a fun time at the wedding ceremony of this sweet couple, Lisa & Nick! The Brookshire in Delaware Ohio hosted the event , and I was their officiant. The venue sits just North of Columbus, Ohio, on Route 23. I love these next two photos as Lisa & Nick enjoy each other in the rural setting outside Brookshire.
We had a fun time of celebration during their wedding as shown here, and then I get to pose with them after the ceremony is over.
This bride and groom were very easy to talk to and just hang out with, and they share a friendship that is contagious.
This image below is my favorite shot of this happy couple! Thank you Lisa & Nick for allowing me to share on the very special day when you became husband and wife!
The photographs are by Little Tree Studios and the fine artistic work of Kyle Muza. She and her husband Steve Muza own a studio located at 650 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. They have an fantastic team of professionals and I always enjoy working with them. Their phone number is 614-985-1671. Kyle's email is info@littletreestudios.com.
Thanks for visiting my blog and have a wonderful day!
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!
Kleo & Jonathan - Renaissance Love
"Our life's journey begins....in joy and style!" I was fortunate to be the wedding officiant for this happy couple in Columbus, Ohio at the beautiful Renaissance Hotel. The excitement Kleo & Jonathan felt is so evident as the thoughts of their future together were so vibrant and alive!
The rooftop ceremony was perfect for this couple as the weather cooperated for their beautiful Autumn wedding!
Red Gallery Photography was there, and this photograph was the work of Clay Justice and Lisa Hernandez.
To contact Clay or Lisa their email is redgallery@redgalleryphotography.com and phone is 614-794-1113.
Kleo & Jonathan, it was wonderful to celebrate with you on your very special day!
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!
Danielle & Bill at Brookshire in Delaware!
Bill and Danielle asked me to be their officiant for their wedding celebration at Brookshire Premiere Event Facility near Columbus, Ohio. Brookshire sits off Route 23 about 8 miles north of I-270 in Delaware, Ohio. In this photo below I am posing with this happy couple. Danielle and Bill have a true sense of humor and also are some of the most caring people with whom I have had the pleasure to celebrate.
Their sand ceremony was distinctly unique. You see, this bride and groom are soldiers serving the USA and living to protect our freedoms. They obtained the grounding layer of sand from Omaha Beach on the shores of Normandy, France. If you have seen Steven Spielberg's movie "Saving Private Ryan" you have experienced a depiction of the devastation that took place on Omaha Beach, and the profound loss of lives endured when Americans began to liberate Europe from the Germans. So this grounding layer was extraordinary.
In this photo we were discussing just how special their own sand ceremony was and as we contemplated how fortunate we are to have men and women who are willing to live to defend the cause of freedom. They were both so humble about their own service to our country.
This was a touching day in so many ways. I was very happy to have been able to celebrate with these two very special people.
Photos in this entry were provided by Missy Gray. Missi does not have a website yet but her email address is missibsu@yahoo.com
Danielle and Bill, I wish you all the best in your years together as husband and wife!
Thanks for the privilege of celebrating with you as your officiant on your wedding day in Columbus Ohio!
Another Beautiful Wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory
As the wedding officiant for Jessica and Daniel, I was honored to celebrate with this bride and groom. We were in Columbus, Ohio, and it was time to sign the marriage license at Franklin Park Conservatory on their big day. It was fabulous weather and a wonderful moment. I love Jessica and Daniel's expressions as they both look on at the signing. You can tell that this bride and groom are meant for each other.
Here is a close up view of the marriage license as their wedding photographer, Comfort Witcher, captures the image.
In this photograph Jessica and I were looking together at her marriage license. She is so happy that this day has come and we were enjoying the fact that she and Daniel are now married.
The happy groom - Here is a great shot of Daniel as he stands with joy and anticipation as his lovely bride will be approaching soon. I found this couple to be very kind and sweet. When they were together I was able to feel their love for each other and for other people, too. I was happy to celebrate with Jessica and Daniel on the beautiful day they became husband and wife.
All photos in this entry are courtesy of Comfort Witcher and Comfort Photography. She does fantastic work as you can see from the images posted here. You can view more of her fine work at by following the link provided. Comfort's email and phone number are comfort@comfortphotography.com and 614-668-7609.
The DJ for their wedding was Dan Green of Encore Entertainment.
Ali Goldschmidt was the wedding event lady for Franklin Park Conservatory. Ali does a tremendous job and is very caring and attentive. I was glad to be on the same team with her that day.
Jessica and Daniel, your Columbus wedding was wonderful! Thanks again for inviting me to be a part of your day and to serve as your officiant. I wish you all the best and many happy years together!
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.
The 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.
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.