Lisa & Bill - Elegance & Style

Joy and excitement fill the air! The lovely bride makes her walk. Just by the expression on her face you can sense the depth of feeling she has for her groom. It was a real pleasure being the wedding officiant for Lisa & Bill. This is the moment she has been waiting for, and now it's here. Being of part of this experience brings joy to me, and so often I feel so honored.

From the steps of the rich staircase at Whispering Winds Manor in Crestline , Ohio, I solemnize their marriage with joy and a sense of wonder. This day is like no other for them, and therefore like no other for me. Each wedding is different and unique, almost like a fingerprint.

Here they enjoy their sand cermony. If you look through the empty vase you can see the tasteful blend of red and white sand, layering inside their center vase, the vase they will keep in their home to remember that they are no longer two, but one in marriage.

Zebediah & Tiffany - Wedgewood Golf & Country Club, Powell, Ohio

I enjoyed being the wedding officiant for Zeb and Tiffany at Wedgewood Golf and Country Club in Powell, Ohio. Here they are after the ceremony. They look really great, don't they?

An awesome shot here. Many brides like to celebrate with bubbles. Grooms too.

For a distinctive look, pose like this!

All photos in this entry are courtesy of Matt Smith of Matthews Wedding Photography. Click on the link provided to see more of their fine work. Matt Smith's phone number is (614) 853-3033.

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.

Lisa & Bill - fun and friends

Okay, there are some couples that you just find it real easy to warm up to. Bill & Lisa were struck by what some might call fate. They were not looking for a relationship, but a chance meeting put them in each other's lives for good. Filled with warmth, good humor, and laughter, yet serious about their marriage, I had a lot of fun being the wedding officiant on their big day. They wrote a major part of their ceremony, too. It was about their destiny and how they gained each other. More to come. Very cool.

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.

Laura & Steve - Church at Historic Village, Hilliard

I had the privilege of solemnizing the marriage of Steve and Laura in the Church at Historic Village in Hilliard, Ohio. I enjoyed being their wedding officiant. They were a great couple to work with and I had fun with them, and their families and friends.

Here is a great shot of the church at a unique angle by photographer Joe Zemko of Artistic Images Photography, and he is credited with all photos in this entry.

Wishing Laura and Steven all the best for their future together!

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

Here are a few words from a note that Chris & Jamie sent to me after their wedding...

"Hi Damian,

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.

Overall we are very happy with the whole day.

Thank you again for being part of our special day and making it run smoothly!

Chris and Jamie"

Jamie & Jason - North bank park pavilion

A privilege and an honor, Jamie and Jason were an amazing couple. They have an awesome story about how their lives came together and how they eventually discovered that they were meant to be together. Some may call it fate; others, destiny. Still others, divine intervention. Once you have met them you become quickly convinced that Jason & Jamie are two people whose lives were destined to cross, so that they could be one as husband and wife for all of their days.

This was a truly awesome wedding! Jamie and Jason personalized their ceremony with an Irish wedding custom known as handfasting to honor Jason's Irish heritage. Jamie selected some extremely tasteful cords and ribbons, and they both were filled with great emotion and feeling as you can see.

An enjoyable occasion throughout. We were having a lot of fun which is easy to do when you are with this couple.

Okay, you two... Ready? You may kiss the bride!

Let's try that again. (I'm sure that you realize these photos are from two separate sequences in different parts of the ceremony but I thought I'd have some fun).

Jamie and Jason. May their union be blessed forever!

Do you think this couple is happy to be married?

No guesswork here.

The incredible photographs in this entry were provided by Ely Bros. Photography. The Ely brothers, Caleb and Levi, have amazing talent and originality in their work. They will also bring peaceful atmosphere to your occasion as they capture images that will represent your event in a way that you will never forget. Their style and presentation are something you must experience to appreciate. In order to contact Caleb or Levi click on their business name and you will be brought to their website. 

Wedding Venues - Creekside in gahanna

I had the chance to stop by Creekside Conference and Event Center , and spend some time with Katherine Howes who is the Event Coordinator. It was cool. I know I was feeling a little tired. Thankfully, Katherine was her usual kind self and we had a great visit. Creekside’s GM, Erik Niceswanger (no photo), was busy doing payroll while Katherine and I took some time to talk and plan for future weddings.  It's good to understand that every venue has its own policies and procedures.

If you would like a wedding rehearsal, make sure that you check with your venue about their exact rehearsal-scheduling policies.  I encourage you not assume anything because I have seen where a misunderstanding of this has caused tension. When planning for something as important as a wedding, with guests potentially coming in from out of town, you will want to have clear time frames. Some venues can guarantee a rehearsal time when you plan a wedding with them, others are unable to accommodate unless you rent the extra time also. Ask lots of questions to avoid any misunderstandings. Of course if possible, get it in writing. You can avoid a great deal of wedding stress if you get complete, clear answers.

Here you can see some of the outdoor serenity and beauty of Creekside. Outdoor weddings are a regular part of things. And they have awesome accommodations for indoor events as well.

In this last photo Katherine and I are reviewing Creeksides’s policies about events and weddings. They have a great deal of flexibility in serving a wide-range of group sizes. It is really a lot more lovely on the inside than seen here. I just didn’t get photos of the glass-surrounded dome ceiling for indoor ceremonies. Very nice.

For a first-hand look, I encourage you to contact Katherine at (614) 416-8188 and khowes@creeksidecec.com. Creekside is in Gahanna close to I-270 and the airport. You will find out why a lot of brides and grooms choose this fine venue if you talk with Katherine and take a few minutes to visit.

Jamie & Jason at North Bank Park Pavilion

Jamie and Jason were just married at North Bank Park Pavilion. It was an awesome wedding and ceremony. I took this photo with my phone! There was a lot of love felt at this wedding and a great crowd of family, friends, and guests was present.

I hope to have more shots soon from the real photographers! I will be sure to post some and talk more about their wedding when I do.

wedding venues - Heritage Golf Club

Outdoor weddings can be such a beautiful experience. I met with Jody Meyer, Sales and Catering Director, the other day at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard. We went outside to see the layout for ceremonies and do some planning. The day was splendid...virtually cloudless and therefore, a lot of sun. That is why our eyes are squinting! I will be officiating for several weddings at Heritage this year and have already completed one, which went very well.

There can be a great deal that goes into a successful outdoor ceremony, coordination among all parties involved as well as weather considerations can make it a challenge. Jody does a fantastic job and has a friendly demeanor that enhances her professionalism and extraordinary attention to details.

In this photo you can see some of the natural beauty at Heritage behind Jody and me. I can't remember exactly what we were discussing here. I was joking with my photographer, Rebekah, posing the idea that I had discovered a wedding ring under my feet from a previous ceremony!

I use a simple technique in my ceremonies to keep the rings from being accidentally dropped. By placing your left hand on top of your right and cupping it, the ring can be placed safely in the palm of your hand where you can easily grasp it with the fingers of your right hand, to then be place upon the ring finger of your bride or groom. If you are left handed, reverse the order and place your right hand on top of your left.

Michelle Garber is the receptionist at Heritage. She took a few minutes out of her busy day to visit. I will be officiating her ceremony later this month and I expect it to be a very beautiful wedding. Again, you can see some of the beauty of Heritage, and it is even moreso now that some time has passed since this I was there.

Michelle will be having an outdoor wedding. As part of her personalized ceremony we will be incorporating the sand ceremony. Some couples prefer the unity candle and also use the rose ceremony...yet using sand is becoming more and more popular. The bride and groom will each have sand of a different color. I like them to start with creating a layered effect (reflecting their individuality) and then blending into a new color to symbolize their union as one in marriage. Children can be part of the blending of the sands also, with their own unique color. This can be a very nice way to make them feel included in the wedding.

It was a lot of fun visiting Heritage with Jody and Michelle. As you can see, the landscape is fabulous. I recommend Heritage as a great place for weddings, events, and don't forget....golf too. You can contact Jody at 614-684-7112 or by email at jmeyer@heritage.com.



Shawn and Mandy’s wedding at Darby House

I had a great time officiating Mandy and Shawn’s wedding at Darby House.  I now have a few photos to share. Here Shawn and I are reviewing the ceremony. I wanted him to feel at ease so we took some time to go over a few key points together.


Here we are waiting for the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and of course, the bride! You can see the snow through the windows. Don’t forget that just a few short weeks ago here in Central Ohio we had a lot of snow. Some say it was the snowiest February in 100 years! How many of us are glad for Spring weather now?

Taking the vows. This is always a very special moment in the ceremony, one I am so often honored and privileged to be a part of. Shawn and Mandy, I wish you many long years of happiness and joy in your new life together!

All photographs in this entry courtesy of Joysong Photography.

Wedding Venues. The Blackwell.

I had a great time meeting with Blaire Blechinger last week at The Blackwell. You will receive first rate service at this fine venue. The Blackwell offers full service event hosting. It's one stop for your wedding, reception, meals, and lodging. The elegance and attention to detail are awesome.

So what can you expect from the staff at The Blackwell? A lot! I will list just some of what they provide...

Reception area including Plaza Level, Grand Ballroom and Patio

Private Cuisine Tasting with Executive Chef

Personal Consultations with Wedding Coordinator

20’ x 20’ Wooden Dance Floor

Personalized Bridal Monogram Projection

Classic China and Flatware

Floor Length Linen Tablecloths and Coordinating Napkins

Professional Culinary and Banquet Staff

Complimentary Overnight Accommodations for the Bride and Groom

Upgrade to Executive Level for Parents of the Bride and Groom

Discounted Hotel Room Rates for Wedding Guests

I would encourage you to contact Blaire at (614) 247-4006 or email her at blechinger.3@osu.edu. You wont regret your decision to hire one of the best service providers in Ohio.

Here we're discussing the layout for outdoor ceremonies and Blackwell's capability to secure a tent over virtually the entire courtyard, providing you with protection from rain and the other elements of nature.

And lastly the Blackwell is just a great place to hang out, relax, and feel comfortable.                                 Enjoy your wedding! Maybe I'll wait here until their 24/7 room service brings me dinner!

Mandy and Shawn at The Darby House.

I had a great time at Shawn and Mandy's wedding at Darby House. Their ceremony was very special and I had a lot of fun meeting and working with the groomsmen, bridesmaids and family. I will be including some commentary later and some photos when they are ready. Darby House is an awesome venue and it was perfect for Mandy and Shawn who celebrated their love and commitment that day. More to follow...