Journal
Shiela & Chris Celebrate Their Love at Darby House
Shiela and Chris at Darby HouseThis is a photo of Shiela & Chris, now husband and wife. I had the honor of being their wedding officiant and we had a lot of fun on a warm day this past September in Columbus, Ohio. More specifically, we were at Darby House in Galloway.
I am going to allow these following shots to tell their own story. It has been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words". These next photos help to confirm the truth in this phrase.
Shiela & Chris, may all of your days together be rich and blessed!
Kelli Harris of Kelli Harris Photography is the lady whose fine work helped to capture these moments. You can reach Kelli at 614-429-0784 and by email at kachickabiddy1@yahoo.com. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants provides the fine food at Darby House and is a member of Wedding Professionals of Columbus.
I hope you have had fun reading my blog entry. Thanks and enjoy the rest of your day!
Lauren & Jeremy - Wedding at Mirror Lake!
Here we are at Mirror Lake on the campus of Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio! Lauren & Jeremy asked me to be their wedding officiant and I had a great time with this bride and groom and their families. I like the fact that you can see the jet fountain in the background on this beautiful day to have a wedding. This photograph was taken by a family member and you may notice a little bit of a color theme in this shot. Scarlet and gray. Go Bucks!
Days of Joy - Callie & Nick in Wapakoneta
Isn't this an amazing image of Callie & Nick? As a wedding officiant, my home base is Columbus Ohio, but I do travel when I am able to. We were at SoSerene in Wapakoneta Ohio to celebrate this incredible day in their lives.
In this next photograph, Nick waits with anticipation for his lovely bride.
Callie and Nick you are now husband and wife!
Why shouldn't you celebrate?
I did not want to complete this entry without this beautiful and touching image below.
Callie & Nick, may all your days be beautiful and blessed! 
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Sara Horne of Sara Beth Photography. You can view more of Sara's great work at the link provided. Sara's phone number is 937-423-1727 and her email is sarabethphotography@live.com.
Thanks for reading my blog. Have a wonderful day!
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.
A Darby House Wedding - Lindsey & Logan
Lindsey & Logan were a wonderful couple and I truly enjoyed celebrating their union as their wedding officiant. Of all the venues in the Columbus, Ohio area they chose Darby House in Galloway Ohio, and it no wonder why. The grounds are incredible, the service is awesome, and the food is delicious. I love performing ceremonies for couples as their wedding minister here because it is consistently a positive experience. You can read more about Darby House by following this link to Weddingwire.com. I love having fun at the wedding ceremonies I perform and I am so glad that Lindsey and Logan were having a great time too!
What a sweet photo. I really like this one a lot. The expressions of the bride and groom are so unrehearsed and natural and together with the horse and carriage and lush green surroundings, in my opinion this image is amazing.
Together on the horse-drawn carriage, content, and sharing the beginning of the rest of their lives. Lindsey and Logan may all your days together be filled with love, joy, and blessings!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of the fine work of Ely Brothers Photography. You can contact Caleb and Levi Ely by following the link provided. You can also call Caleb or Levi at 614-557-1496. You can email Caleb at caleb@elybrothers.com.
Trista Hill was their harpist. She can be seen in an earlier post with a picture.
Thanks for reading my blog! Have a great day!
Harpist, Trista Hill at Darby House
As a wedding officiant in Columbus, Ohio, I often have the chance to experience the work of other professionals in the wedding industry. Here is a photo of Trista Hill playing at the Darby House in Galloway, Ohio. I was the wedding minister for Lindsey & Logan during a mid-summer ceremony, (photos to come in another entry). She played beautifully and her music added a magical atmosphere to Lindsey & Logan's outdoor experience.
The song for Lindsey's bridal walk was "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", played with incredible style and grace. To contact Trista and to hear samples of her fine work follow this link, or call her at 740-363-5544. Her email address is trista@tristahill.com.
This photograph courtesy of Ely Brothers Photography. Caleb & Levi Ely can be contacted by visiting their website (link provided) or by calling 614-557-1496. They are both great to work with. You can also email Caleb at caleb@elybrothers.com.
Jaime & Janae - Cheers Chalet, Lancaster OH
Here is a bride and groom I will not soon forget. As a wedding officiant in Columbus Ohio (sometimes called a wedding minister), I have the privilege of getting to know so many wonderful couples. Jaime and his lovely bride, Janae, were married at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster, Ohio.
Jaime and Janae were kind enough to share some photographs with me so that you can share a bit of their day by reading my blog.
Jaime and Janae share their first kiss as husband and wife! What a special moment. Here is a portion of their ceremony before they kiss, said with much celebration: "Jaime and Janae, now that you have exchanged your vows on this beautiful day of celebration and joy, and along with you family, friends, and honored guests wishing you many long years of happiness, prosperity and love. It is my honor and privilege to now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!"
The happy couple surrounded by bubbles and love!
Here is another great shot as husband and wife. 
I love the look of contentment on Janae's face and joy on Jaime's as they bask in the glow of married love filling the air. Jaime & Janae, may all your days be filled with abundant blessings from this day forward!
OSU Faculty Club - a fun visit to a great venue
Now here is a great venue for weddings and other events in Columbus, Ohio, the OSU Faculty Club. It shares a field bordering Browning Amphitheater and Mirror Lake, so you have easy access to both. As a wedding officiant - sometimes called a wedding minister, I recently had the honor of performing 2 ceremonies, one at each place. Actually, it started to rain (pour) at the wedding at Browning Amphitheater, so we moved that one inside the Faculty club, but that is a separate story soon to come! Shall we have a look inside the Club?
By design, I ran into the catering manager, Liz Groff. Somehow I convinced her to vote for me in the November 2010 elections, although I was not running for any office, whatsoever. As you can tell, Liz is carrying precious cargo yet she keeps right on with her job. Liz is a great lady and I enjoyed working with her at that rainy wedding mentioned before. More to come on that, but she handled it marvelously!
In this shot, Layne Fulks, Assistant Catering Manager joins us for some relaxation and enjoyment. These ladies are a lot of fun and our visit was a blast. To find out more about what the Faculty Club has to offer contact Liz at 614-292-2262 or email her at Liz@ohio-statefacultyclub.com. To contact Layne call 614-292-2262 or email her at Layne@ohio-statefacultyclub.com.
This last photo is just for show. I thought it was pretty cool looking and it does come from inside the Faculty Club. It's inverted and the top portion showing is a reflection.
All photos in this entry are courtesy of Rebekah King (yes, my awesome daughter) at Open Prism Photography. Rebekah's phone number is 614-653-9082, if you would like more info about her work.
Erin & Mark - Residential Wedding in Centerville, OH
I really enjoyed being with this great couple from West Virginia as they came to Ohio to celebrate their wedding with family. I love being the wedding officiant at residential celebrations when the bride and groom have so much feeling for each other. This couple does.
Here are some photos of their sand ceremony where their two girls had a chance to participate.
Exchanging rings.
I am going to let these remaining photos speak for themselves.
Isn't this so touching as they dance and embrace by the pool? Wishing you many great years ahead Erin and Mark!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Victoria Serruto of VS3 Studios. Click on the link provided to visit her website. You can call her directly at 937-760-8737.
Alicia & Paul - German Village Guest House, Columbus Ohio
Alicia and Paul celebrated their wedding in the way they wanted at the German Village Guest House in Columbus, Ohio. Small, intimate, warm, and beautiful. I enjoyed being their wedding officiant because they have such a sweet relationship. When I was with Paul and Alicia when we met before their ceremony at my office, they were so obviously meant for each other, and I felt the warmth of the love they share right from the beginning. In this first picture Alicia and Paul gaze upon each other. Their expression says it all.
The groom, Paul, and I cover some of the details of their ceremony before their special moment when they become husband and wife.
A few moments later Alicia arrays herself in beauty.
Here is another shot from before their wedding ceremony.
Paul and Alicia together as one.
What an awesome moment as they celebrate their union with their first kiss as husband and wife!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Red Gallery Photography. Husband and wife team, Clay and Lisa Justice are great people to work with, and their artistic talent speaks for itself. I encourage you to visit their website by following the link provided, or give them a call at 614-794-1113.
Heather & Bryan - Cheers Chalet, Lancaster Ohio
This was a truly touching wedding at Cheers Chalet with a great couple, Heather & Bryan. They are both very sweet and I really enjoyed being their wedding officiant. I had such a great time that I almost wish I could do their ceremony all over again!
"You may kiss the bride!" And, as you can see, they did! Aren't they just lovely together?
The whole story wouldn't be complete without another important member of this union, Heather's son, Cory! Here is the new family all together.
Bryan and Heather, may all your days together be filled with happiness and blessings!
All photographs in this entry courtesy of Brooke Vatter of Cherished Moments Photography. Click on the previous link to find out more. Brooke's phone number is 740-972-0641.
Michelle & Bryan - Heritage Golf Club
Michelle and Bryan celebrate their marriage with the Sand Ceremony, as I read selected wording as their wedding officiant. Their unique containers hold the sand that represents who they are as individuals. They combine the two colors in the center vase to represent their existence in marriage, no longer two but one new reality, husband and wife. It was very touching and meaningful.
Here Michelle and Dad are drawn to the stirrings of her wedding. It's almost time for Michelle to walk the aisle and be presented by her father.
Here was a fun spot in their ceremony.
Father to daughter. Daughter to father. A priceless moment.
I love the expression on Michelle and Bryan's faces here. Celebrating the mystery of becoming husband and wife.
Now they walk into their future together. May their days as one always be blessed!
Lisa & John - SoSerene Venue in Wapakoneta, Ohio
Here is a beautiful couple celebrating their special day. John and Lisa had found each other unexpectedly. Starting as friends they later realized something more was at work. Now they are together for the rest of their lives. As their wedding officiant, I enjoyed witnessing and being a part of their marriage. This marriage has joined two families, with children Jake, JP, and sweet Lexi.
Here is another shot during their ceremony. Isn't John's expression great here?
A beautiful view at SoSerene wedding venue. Isn't it just lovely? You can see John & Lisa's children, Lexi, Jake, and PJ as this new family celebrates together. Very cool.
This is a very warm and friendly venue that is family-owned with a great atmosphere. For more information on this great wedding venue in Wapakoneta, Ohio click on this link SoSerene, or call Joy at 419-236-4937. Joy is the owner and she has done most of the artwork herself. I was amazed.
I hope to have more pictures of this beautiful couple and wedding soon. I plan to share them when I do and there will be some more shots of SoSerene as well.
Michelle & Tom - Hilton Columbus at Easton
Congratulations, Tom and Michelle! You are now husband and wife.
It was a real joy to be the wedding officiant for this lovely couple. They wanted a wedding that was soft, simple, and reflective of the love they share and how they feel about each other. We accomplished that and it was an honor to be part. They rediscovered their love for each other. Their marriage came at the right time.
Easton Towne Center in Columbus, Ohio provides a great backdrop for their wedding photos here.
I love the expression on Tom's face here. Michelle seems deeply contented. It was very sweet.
A few more photos to enjoy.
I love the flowers and blurred effect in this one.
Michelle and Tom, may your days together be long, many, and blessed.
All photos in this entry courtesy of April Moening. To contact April follow this link to April Moening Photography.
wedding venues - a visit to kelton house
I had a chance to visit Kelton House in Columbus, Ohio. This place is simply loaded with history. This is a great place to have a wedding and connect with the history of the area at the same time. Kelton House was part of the underground railroad, helping runaway slaves reach freedom in Canada. Americans who helped could be thrown in jail.
We are going to have a look at some of what's inside. You will see some of the original china below. Would you like to have tea with the wife of Mr. Fernando Cortez Kelton, Sofia Kelton, or stop by for a visit? Not so easy. It had to be announced in the paper beforehand. Also, ladies who visited were slated for only 20 minutes. Oh yeah, and if you were dressed better than Mrs. Kelton, she would head back upstairs to dress better than you, then she would invite you in! Talk about fashion nightmares.
The history of this place is what makes it fun to have a wedding here. My daughter and photographer, Rebekah, poses with me as Chuck Miller snaps the shot.
Please contact Chuck Miller at Kelton House in order to find out how you can make your wedding connect with history in a very real and profound way. It can add a lot of meaning to any event.
Chuck's phone number is 614-464-2022. His email address is keltonhouse@cs.com.
If you want to check out some cool wedding shots you can follow this link, Kelton House. As the wedding officiant for a couple who got married there recently, I hope to have some additional photos soon.
Katherine & Traian - When sweet runs deep
Right when I saw this photo, something in my heart jumped. There is something here that you know exists just for this couple, but they have shared it and have given us a glimpse of the miracle that is their love.
I hope to have more photographs of this beautiful couple, Katherine & Traian posted soon.
It is moments like the one reflected in this shot, that is the reason I am in this marriage profession. You cannot put a price tag on the love that exists between a husband and wife.
It was a privilege to be their wedding officiant. I look forward to watching their love grow as the years pass.
Their ceremony was held at Wexner Park in New Albany.
PJ & Kim - Columbus, Ohio
Now here is a great couple, PJ & Kim. I had the pleasure of being the wedding officiant to solemnize their marriage in Columbus, Ohio. Cool photo huh?
I like this shot. What a beautiful couple. They were very sweet together as you can see.
Here is a joyful wedding kiss.
Kim was such a sweet bride and host. Holding the door for a pose. I thought Kim was a lot of fun.
Here is another shot of their outdoor ceremony.
Home can be a great place to celebrate a marriage and have a wedding! You will notice me just hanging out in the picture below. PJ & Kim were a lot of fun and I really enjoyed being a part of their special day! Thanks PJ & Kim.
All photos courtesy of Rebekah King. You can contact Rebekah at 614-653-9082.
Kim & Matt
One couple I officiated for this weekend was Kim and Matt at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard Ohio. We had great weather, and even though it was hot, everyone seemed to enjoy their ceremony. Kim and Matt incorporated the sand ceremony and the rose ceremony into their wedding. It was very touching. The bride and groom were very happy as were both sets of parents!
Jody Meyer and her staff at Heritage Golf Club did a fabulous job, like they so often do. DJ services were provided by Master Mix DJ. I hope to have photos soon from Master's Photography.
Katherine & Traian - Wexner Park
"Thank you again for doing such a wonderful job with our wedding! I didn't realize you had the music turned off at the pool! THANK YOU! I didn't even realize the water park was over there! You did such a great job making sure everything flowed together!"
-Katherine and Traian
The park manager at the water theme park that bordered our outdoor wedding venue (Wexner Park, New Albany, Ohio), was very accommodating as I requested that he have the music turned off for Katherine and Traian's wedding. We are very grateful for his help.
I thank you Katherine and Traian, for allowing me to be a part of celebrating your union as husband and wife!
May you be blessed for all your days!
Jamie & Chris - Pinnacle Golf Club
All of our friends and guests enjoyed the ceremony. It was short and clean, and just the way we wanted.
You also did a great job directing the guests on what to do; as well as calming Chris, he told me afterward that guests started to blow bubbles as I was walking down, and you told him it would be fine.
Chris and Jamie"