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!

Thoughts on Marriage

"Between a man and his wife nothing ought to rule but love."  William Penn

Marriage Humility

“To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong, admit it;
Whenever you're right, shut up.”

                             Ogden Nash

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.

A Little Laughter

"The most dangerous food is wedding cake."    American Proverb

Thoughts on marriage

A real gem from Mark Twain... 

"Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths.  No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century."

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.

Thoughts on Marriage

A key ingredient to a happy marriage is illustrated in the following quote.

"In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce.  The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage."  Robert Anderson, Solitaire & Double Solitaire 

"...find, and continue to find..." It's often about choosing to see the good and continuing.                              

Keep at it, husbands and wives. There's more good to be experienced and shared ahead.


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.

Thoughts on Marriage

I encourage brides and grooms to remember to work at the beautiful thing they have found in each other. The reason why I am not just a wedding officiant but also a marriage coach is because it takes work and know-how to keep it together.

“A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.”                                                    

                                           Andre Maurois 1885-1967, French Writer



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.

Thoughts on Marriage

I like this quote.

"One advantage of marriage is that, when you fall out of love with him or he falls out of love with you, it keeps you together until you fall in love again." Judith Viorst

Why pick up your clothes?

Will she still love you if you don't pick them up? Probably. Has she requested it in some way and you have yet to respond? If so, maybe you should take what appears to be insignificant and re-think it. It may not mean something to you, but if it is important to her than remembering to do so is a good way to affirm her. Love in action is real love. Saying "I love you" has many forms.

Instead of seeing it as a chore see it as a love note instead. Every time you bend down and remove dirty clothes and place them in their designated place, you are saying,  "I value your wishes my darling, because I value you."

On the other hand, if he does not pick up his clothes please do not make the mistake of assuming that he does not love or value you. His disposition on such things may be far different than yours. You may be overly tense about it and he, seemingly over-relaxed. He may have legitimate reasons (upbringing, personality style) why he feels fine about leaving his clothes around, and he may not change quickly enough for your preferences.

So what is the answer when this problem exists? Forgive for your differences and talk it out. Talk it out until you understand each other concerning the issue. Do not fall into the trap of trying to prove to him why he needs to be a "good boy" and pick up his laundry. Ultimately, that will tend to drive him away. Husbands do not fall into the trap of belittling her desires and correcting her for being too tense. This will alienate her. Instead, get together on the issue and really listen with friendly concern for the other's feelings. Here's the problem... you may not find THE answer to THE problem (dirty clothes on floor and elsewhere). Here's the benefit...when you talk it out and really listen you will probably end up laughing, loving, and growing as husband and wife. And that IS the answer to all of your problems in marriage. And the love-relationship-over-time is what will motivate to change.

I used the husband as the awful offender with clothing in this entry. I did it only because this is how it is in most homes. However, the roles can be reversed here. If both are relaxed about it, well then it can oft-times be heard..."WHERE'S MY UNDERWEAR!"

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.

When are you too old to hold hands?

Holding hands is one of the most basic ways for man and woman to say, "we are together". It tells your husband or wife that they are still the one for you. As a wedding officiant, I have the bride and groom face each other and hold hands during their ceremony. Why? Because the wedding ceremony and marriage is about them and their love for each other. Holding hands say, "I am the only one for you". It can serve as both a sign of romantic love and affirms the one-of-a-kind friendship that you have. It should be practiced your entire married life, daily or almost daily whenever possible. My wife and I have been married for more than 25 years and we still do. It reaffirms our love and friendship each time it's done. It's easy, uncomplicated, and it softly sends a big message. Another tool to keep your marriage together and your friendship strong.

So, when are you too old to hold hands?

Marriage, a haven and a refuge

Marriage should always be a place of safety and unconditional acceptance. It should be a shelter, and a place where we can find rest from the hardships of life. We should have a place to run when we are in pain, difficulty, or need. That place should be in the heart and arms of our husband or wife.

Most marriage vows contain a provision or promise to "be there" for the other, "no matter what happens". It is not dependent on how we are feeling or if our spouse's behaviour has been perfect. Comments like, "well, it's your fault" or "you had it coming, you idiot", should be completely stricken from our vocabulary in marriage. We should be there for our spouse, especially when he or she is experiencing hard times or setbacks, ready to provide words of comfort and support.

Comments like, "I am here for you" and "you are still my best friend" and "I love you and will love you no matter what", should cover the landscape of your marriage. Marriage involves the initial commitment of exchanging vows and saying "I do". It also involves re-committing yourself to that same lady or man for all of your days, with actions and choices that cause the relationship to solidify and grow stronger. This is not child's play. It is decision making for the sake of another and it may cost you your comfort and convenience. The price of love.

So, marriage for life involves choice, not feeling. The feelings will return and actually grow, but this comes after you have paid the price of dedication. So, be a haven for your spouse. Be the one they can turn to without fear of criticism. If you have made mistakes and have fallen short as a spouse, tell your lovely wife, your awesome man that you are sorry and truly intend to do better. Be the one refuge your spouse can count on, because in this life, you and your marriage are going to need it.

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.

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.

Say, "I love you", at least once each day

When you are first in love and the fires of romance burn brightly and strong, it can be amazingly easy to say "I love you", not just once per day, but many times. Later on, well...let's face it, it doesn't flow as easily. The euphoria of being in love can be deceptive. It can make it appear that love should always be easy. My experience in marriage (that true love will be tested and is often difficult), actually helps my wife and I to stay "in love".

One simple formula, if you could call it that, is to always remember to say "I love you" at least daily. Saying it helps both of you to remember it... to re-realize it. And we need to re-realize the commitment we made and the love we have many, many times over, if we intent to keep a lasting and loving, lifetime commitment with our spouse. A small investment, but over the years it adds up big.

Consider that there may be times when you are both worn out by life. You may be tempted to turn on each other and take out your frustrations in unhealthy ways like cold-shouldering or emotional outbursts, or by just staying angry in some fashion or another. But if you have made the commitment to say "I love you" daily, then you can change the entire momentum of your interactions and maybe talk it out, instead of ignoring or blaming.