Jay & Sherry! A New Life Together

Isn't this a sweet moment in the above photo? I had the privilege of being Jay and Sherry's wedding officiant. There are many beautiful locations for a wedding in greater Columbus, Ohio, and this couple chose New Albany as their place to become husband and wife! This couple had finally found each other and are very happy to be beginning their lives together to share what the future holds.

Quiet and unassuming, it was my pleasure to be a part of this incredible time in their lives. I will let the following photos (credited below) tell the rest. Enjoy!

These precious photos are courtesy of Robb Shirey of Robb Shirey Photography. Please visit Robb's website by following the link provided. You can call him at 614-906-2726 and his email address is robb@robbshirey.com. 

Thanks for visiting my website!

Sarai & Michael - Kenyon College Dream

This Greater Columbus, Ohio couple have a beautiful love story. As their wedding officiant, I was privileged to share in just a small part of Michael and Sarai's story as they married each other at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. The setting was beautiful Peirce Hall, filled with charm and style.

Sarai was so thankful as her ceremony was filled with what she and Michael had chosen. Truly personalized.

Here is a small portion of their ceremony.... "While they have known each other since middle school, it all started with their first date at prom their junior year of high school.  The next morning, under the pretense of delivering pictures from the night before, Michael showed up on Sarai’s doorstep in order to ask for a second date." And later on... "Even with their hectic schedules, they always found time for each other, and their relationship grew stronger even as they were apart. Given the dedication and care they had shown for each other, their engagement last summer was welcome news but hardly a surprise. Knowing, that after this, they will be living in the same city, for once able to see each other every single day, is a joy, and there is nothing that these two want or deserve more than to spend the rest of their lives together."

Sarai and Michael, thank you for the honor of being a part of this, your special day. May you be filled with the Best that this life has to offer for all your days together!

The photograph in this entry is from Annie Thress Photography. You can contact Annie at the link provided or call her at 614.598.7648.

Thanks for stopping by my website!

When Scott met Meagan...

When Scott met Meagan their lives would never be the same. They fell in love and decided to marry in Columbus, Ohio. It was a residential ceremony, and as their wedding officiant it was my pleasure to help these two love birds tie the knot and begin their married life together.

Scott is friends with a bride for whom I had officiated at OSU, which was one reason Scott & Meagan asked me to celebrate with them!

The above photo is sweet. Meagan's red shoes matching the other red items, her slight pout, and Scott's smile and gaze all engender a bit of curiosity and humor. You almost wonder what they were thinking about at the time. Plus, it's cute!

Kate Brewer, of Kathryn Brewer Photography took the photos in this entry. Kate's phone number is 440-623-9319 and her email is brewer.kate@gmail.com.

Well, I'm off to prepare for another wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory. Thanks for reading my blog and have a great day!

Love's not a fight...Is it?

In the grassy fields close to Scioto Reserve, a wedding venue near Columbus, Ohio, Christine and Bill were ready for anything! As their wedding officiant, I enjoyed many fun moments with this couple. They were not going to let me leave until I married them and signed the paperwork - Otherwise I would be nerfed to death.

Not wanting to face such a fate, I decided to stay...and, thankfully for me, it turned out to be a beautiful ceremony...

They were a lot more friendly after the ceremony was complete. No weapons present. Whew!

Still making sure I would get it right, they waited patiently....

Bill & Christine were truly a wonderful couple. Light hearted and happy, there were heartfelt emotions expressed during their ceremony and fun and jokes as well.

Below they exchange a memorable wedding day kiss. I love the way this photo coordinates with the colors, the position of the bride and groom, her flowers, his hand. Nice job Little Tree Studios! (more info below this image).

All images in this entry are from Little Tree Studios and the fine work of Kyle Muza and her husband Steve Muza. Please visit their website by selecting the link provided. Kyle's phone number is 614-985-1671 and her email is info@littletreestudios.com.

Thanks for stopping by my website!

Ken & Brenda! Station 67

Station 67 in Columbus, Ohio is becoming quite a popular venue. Ken and Brenda asked me to be their wedding officiant as they celebrated their new union as husband and wife! I was honored to be a part of their special day.

Ken and Brenda sent me the following via email, "We were VERY pleased with the Ceremony. You handled it Perfectly."

Thanks, Ken and Brenda! I wish you all the best in your future together!

Ken & Brenda's photograph is courtesy of Ernest C. Clark, of Clark Photgraphic Services. You can visit Ernest's website by following the provided link. You can contact him at the following email digitaldreams@insight.rr.com.

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.

The Venue & The Loft. Hello Smith Brothers!

As a wedding officiant in Columbus, Ohio I have the privilege of marrying couples at many unique and stylish venues. Recently I took a trip over to the The Loft and The Venue at Smith Brother's (when the weather was a bit cooler) to see their location, and to find out more about how they do things. I have conducted a number of ceremonies at this fine, full-service venue and will be there again several times in the coming months.

I met with Molly Rayo, a great lady who does a wonderful job, to find out more about how things are run, and to discuss how we can better serve the brides and grooms we are fortunate enough to share these timeless moments with...becoming husband and wife! The food is prepared and served by the family-owned and operated Zuppa Catering which has been named one of the top 25 caterers in Business First Magazine.

 We took a walk around the outer court to see where brides can have their ceremonies outdoors.

This is the gate where the excited bride will enter to take her walk down the isle...

The first photo in this entry is looking up...this one is looking below, to ground level. For clarification - Molly's are the shoes on on the right!

I look forward to working more with Molly, and the entire staff at Smith Brother's again. I encourage you to take some time to visit The Loft & The Venue at Smith Brothers, and give Molly a call at 614-469-9999, or send her an email at molly@zuppacatering.com. You will enjoy food that is truly delicious, and you will be given wonderful service by a staff that truly cares.

Thanks for reading my blog entry and enjoy!

Lei & Jeff - The Blackwell at OSU

Here is a couple I will not soon forget. I had the honor of being the wedding officiant at the Blackwell at OSU in Columbus, Ohio for this beautiful couple, Lei & Jeff! The following photographs are truly precious. It is as if you can actually feel their love for each other as you view these images. I will let the next few speak for themselves...

Here is a small part of the story of their love that was actually read as part of their ceremony. I enjoyed every precious moment...

"As we reflect on the journey traveled thus far by Lei and Jeff, it is truly a beautiful story. Even though Lei and Jeff were both born and raised from a country halfway around the world, they met and fell in love here at OSU. It was by the steps of Fisher that they made a promise, a promise to journey together, to walk side by side in both joyful and challenging times. We are together here today at this symbolic location, to witness the marriage of Lei and Jeff, as they take another significant step together on their journey through life."

Below they share in their sand ceremony which reflects the joining of their lives as one. A man and woman, now husband and wife. The most incredible union known on earth.

Below is a moment of joyous celebration! Weddings should be joyful, fun, happy and personal; something that the bride and groom will remember for a lifetime.

A final shot filled with flair! Lei & Jeff are not only very much in love with each other, they also are very sweet people who love life and try to enjoy the good things found along the way. They are happy to be taking this journey together!

I wish you, Lei & Jeff all the Best that this life has to offer. May your years be rich and blessed.

All their photographs were by the same photographer listed in an earlier bog entry. They have asked not to be credited due to moving out of the wedding industry. I really wish I could credit them, because they do marvelous work. My deepest thanks for the use of your photos.

The other vendors who served Lei & Jeff were of course, The Blackwell. Call and talk to Blaire Blechinger (614) 247-4006 who will give you amazing service. Nathan Nazack of Prodigy Video (614) 321-9350 was their wonderful videographer. Their live music was performed by Fiddles and Faces.

Thanks for reading my blog. Have a great day!

Mark & Sarah marry at Darby House

As their wedding officiant, I had the pleasure of performing the ceremony for this great couple at the Darby House. Columbus, Ohio offers many fine venues and this one is amazing. It actually is situated in Galloway, Ohio, and is filled with charm and beauty.

Sarah's beautiful train caught quite a bit of attention!

 An awesome view of the Darby House from inside...

Congratulations, Mark and Sarah! I wish you both all the best in your years together as husband and wife!

The photographer for this wedding asked to remain anonymous as he is very busy taking pictures in another industry.

Tessa & Dustin! The Columbus Athenaeum

Here we are in downtown Columbus, Ohio, on a beautiful day. We could use more days like this now. As the wedding officiant for Tessa & Dustin, I had a marvelous time celebrating with them on their big day. Their ceremony took place inside The Columbus Athenaeum, which offers the advantage of photographs in the city. The Renaissance Hotel is very close to The Athenaeum, so a shot like this one (above) becomes possible. Pretty cool, huh?

In this shot I am privileged to pose for a moment with this lovely couple. Tessa & Dustin look very happy and I am so glad for them!

Lastly, Tessa & Dustin share a kiss to celebrate their new union as husband and wife. Tessa & Dustin I wish you many years of God's Best and all the blessings of love and marriage together for all your years!

The photographs in this entry are courtesy of Red Gallery Photography and the fine work of Clay Justice and Lisa Hernandez. They are not only outstanding artists but very kind people as well. I encourage a visit to their website by following the link provided or give them a call at 614-794-1113.

Lauren & Darin - Our Lady of Victory

Here we go at Our Lady of Victory Reception Hall in Columbus, Ohio, (technically it's in Marble Cliff). As the wedding officiant for Lauren & Darin, I believe I was one of the very few to solemnize a wedding there without being a priest. Life's circumstances can be interesting at times, but I certainly loved celebrating with this beautiful couple on their special day!

Below, Lauren is repeating her vows which read in part, "I give you this ring as as sign of my promise". It was very sweet.  

A happy moment below..."it is my honor and privilege to now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!".

A joyous day and great weather too! Here is the lovely bride with her happy groom. Darin seems very satisfied at this moment. Lauren and Darin, I enjoyed my time with you and wish you many happy years together!

Another very sweet shot of this beautiful couple.

You may find this hard to believe but the professional photographer who took these images requested to remain completely anonymous. He was kind enough to share them with us, but he does not want to work in the wedding industry as he is active in another field. We are grateful to him and would have listed his contact info if it were not for his request.  

This next shot is really classy. The sun's rays coming through with the styled architecture and the way this couple is looking at each other along with Darin holding her dress. Very cool.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Mike and Andrea - Whetstone Park of Roses!

Here we are at the Whetstone Park of Roses Shelter House, in Columbus Ohio, where I joined Andrea and Mike for their celebration as their wedding officiant. They had a fantastic ceremony, filled with fun and technology! As self-declared IT geeks, they read their personal vows from their smart phones! It was great! They have two of the sweetest girls, Eris and Aaliyah. In top photo see lower right corner where one of their daughters looks on with wonder!

Andrea & Mike I wish you all the best in your years together!

Photographs are courtesy of Cassidy Dawn photography.

Her contact info listed here! Link to site: Cassidy Dawn. Her phone: 740-703-6495

Her email: cassidy@cassidydawn.com

Maurice & Elisa! The River Club at Confluence Park!

Here we are at the River Club at Confluence Park, and in the background, a gorgeous view of Downtown Columbus, Ohio! I had the pleasure of serving as the wedding officiant for Maurice and Elisa.

It was a beautiful day, and many of their friends and family came to share in their special day. I had a lot of fun -and as you can see on Elisa's face, she is enjoying their celebration. And just look at the incredible train on her dress! Their sweet daughter, Isabella, is on grandma's lap up front.

Wishing you, Maurice and Elisa, a great marriage as as you continue on your life's journey together!

Photographs in this entry are courtesy of Benjamin Todd photography. You can contact Benjamin at 614-274-1458. His email is contact@benjamintoddphotography.com.



Lei & Jeff's Ceremony

Enjoy some of Lei & Jeff's Ceremony at the Blackwell in Columbus Ohio. I had the honor of serving as their wedding officiant!

Video courtesy of Nathan Nazeck at Prodigy Video. 

Brand New Venue - Grand Oaks in Grove City, Ohio!

The weather in Columbus Ohio is cold and icy right now in early February. As a wedding officiant, I have the pleasure of serving brides and grooms at many venues. As a reminder that our current wintry weather will not last, it was sunny and warmer on the day I visited. Grand Oaks Event and Business Center in Grove City is a brand new wedding venue that I feel sure you will love. 

New Wedding Venue - Grand Oaks Event and Business Center in Grove City

Below is Randy Mosher, co-owner of this gorgeous facility. He and his wife, Peggy Mosher, built this center from the ground up. They were able to fulfill their dream and fill it with personal touches and amenities that make the overall experience pleasant and memorable. Let's have a look at some details. If you were to ask Randy and Peggy "What makes your center unique and special?" - here is their response:

Wow, where do we start? We often hear from different clients that come through our facility some version of “Oh, my gosh, there's just no place like this anywhere in Columbus/Central Ohio!”, and we also hear a lot of “Wow, you guys have just thought of EVERYTHING! Why didn't anyone else think to do all this??”

We love hearing those sentiments, and of course that was our goal: to offer you more.

• For starters, our Ballroom seats approx. 350 people (depending on seating arrangement) and our patio is actually bigger than the Ballroom.
• Our fenced in lawn is about the same size as our entire building (over 12,000 sq. ft.). Talk about a place for a fabulous outdoor event!
• If you're having a ceremony, you can have it and the reception all here, and we offer a variety of ceremony sites. For instance, there's the gazebo on the lawn (with paved walkway, wired for sound & electricity); the patio (sized perfectly to hold a tent if desired, with built-in fireplace, fountain, & 3-hole putting green); the Ballroom (with an aisle similar to a large church, built-in stage, plenty of ceiling hook-points for optional lights or draping); or the Gallery (with beautiful black granite fireplace, crystal chandelier, and a great view of the lawn beyond).
• Our Ballroom does not have any columns to block your guests' view, opens directly onto the patio, and has truly the latest and best in audio/visual technology.
• We like to offer you options, so our dance floor and all four bars are portable. You can put them wherever you want, even outside.
• We have plenty of parking spaces and your guests park free
• We have 11 hotels nearby (within a mile) and are close to all major highways.
• And our women's restroom has not only one, but two crystal chandeliers!

Owner, Randy Mosher with Damian King, Wedding Officiant at Grand Oaks Event and Business Center in Grove City

This chandelier is beautiful enough in this photograph. But it is truly amazing in person. Here are a couple more photos.

Ladies Restroom Chandelier at Grand Oaks Event and Business Center

Grand Oaks Grand Ballroom Ceiling, Multi-Layered for Enhanced Visual and Acoustic Effects

Main Sign for Grand Oaks Event and Business Center in Grove City Ohio

Call Randy or Peggy Mosher, or their event manager, Cori Rapp at 614-539-0199. You can visit their website by following the link provided here. Randy's, Peggy's and Cori's email addresses are respectively, randy@grandoaksevents.com, peggy@grandoaksevents.com, and cori@grandoaksevents.com. United Marriage Services LLC and Grand Oaks Event and Business Center are members of the Wedding Professionals of Columbus, Jamie Rapavy, president.

All photos in this entry are courtesy of Open Prism Photography and the work of photographer, Rebekah King. You can visit her website by following the link provided. Rebekah's phone number is 614-653-9082.

Thanks for visiting my website and reading my blog!

Tiara & Miguel - Tall Timbers in Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Columbus Ohio, Wedding Officiant Damian King at Tall TimbersThe air is filled with dignity and joy as we make our entrance. Columbus, Ohio has many wedding venues. Tiara and Miguel asked me to be their wedding officiant and chose Tall Timbers Banquet and Conference Center in Reynoldsburg to celebrate their big day. I had the honor of conducting the very first outdoor ceremony at Tall Timbers as wedding minister for this great couple.

Tall Timbers Wedding - Damian King Wedding Officiant - Tiara and Miguel's Kiss

I love the laced effect on Tiara's train in this shot. You will also notice some small bags with sand or gravel tied in laced fabric to keep the runner from blowing in the wind. Nice call! I have seen some runners twist and blow around in the wind. Finding a way to secure them always is a good idea.

"You may kiss the bride!"   I think they heard me!

On to the next photo...

I like this next shot where I ceremonially sign their Marriage Certificate. You can see how beautiful Tiara's dress is, and the fantastic color-scheme she selected. Notice how well her bouquet matches Miguel's boutonniere? I truly enjoy these moments with the bride and groom. These moments are very special and memorable, not just for them, but for me as well. Tiara & Miguel, I was happy to be your wedding minister and I wish you many blessed and beautiful days as you enjoy your future together!

Columbus Ohio Wedding Officiant Damian King Signs Tiara and Miguel's Marriage Certificate All photographs in this entry are courtesy of the fine creative work of Victor Huang of Victor Huang Photography. You can reach Victor by visiting his website at the link provided or by calling 614-403-6104. Victor's email is contact@victorhuangphotography.com. Thanks for reading my blog entry. Have a great day!

Pam & Rick at Franklin Park Conservatory

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding - Damian King and RickHaving a wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio is always such a great experience. After Pam and Rick asked me to be their wedding officiant I had the pleasure of celebrating their union in the Palm House. The Palm House may be hot, but it is still a cool place to tie the knot!

I apologize for the lame humor, but I couldn't resist. Besides, Pam and Rick were a lot of fun to celebrate with! There were many smiles, some jokes, and a great deal of fun and joy as this couple became husband and wife. In this picture to the left, Rick and I are waiting peacefully for Pam who can be seen in the foreground during her bridal walk.

Their ceremony is now underway as I adjust my glasses.

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding - Damian King with Pam and Rick

Something funny is now said. I can't remember if it was me, Pam or Rick who said it, but we were all enjoying the moment.

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding - Damian King with Pam and Rick 2Pam and Rick exchange vows. Let's be sure the ring is secure.

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding - Damian King with Pam and Rick 3Sweet feelings arise. I just love their expressions.

Franklin Park Conservatory Wedding - Damian King, OfficiantNow, their sand ceremony with their children's involvement. How cool is that?

Sand Ceremony at Franklin Park Conservatory - Damian King OfficiantPam and Rick now Husband and Wife - Franklin Park Conservatory 

Pam and Rick are excited to be husband and wife!

Pam says, "Let's Kiss" - Wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory

Come here my love, let's kiss!

Pam and Rick Kiss - Wedding at Franklin Park Conservatory

Although spontaneous, Rick agrees. Pam and Rick in Palm House, Columbus Ohio at Franklin Park Conservatory

Rick's smile tells it all. Pam and Rick in Palm House, Columbus Ohio at Franklin Park Conservatory 2

Tearful joy and sheer contentment!

Pam and Rick, thanks for asking me to be a part of this awesome day! May you enjoy all your days together and may they be filled with much love, joy, and zest for life!

All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Open Prism Photography and the artistic work of Rebekah King. Rebekah can be contacted by calling 614-653-9082. You can also visit her website by following the link provided.

Violinist, Connie Anderson, filled the air with beautiful music. Connie can be reached by calling 614-746-0393.      Her email is CAnderson43212@aol.com.

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!