Making It Legal

Rachelle and Matt's marriage license signed by officiant, Damian King, in Columbus Ohio

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!

OneWed "Golden Feather Award" 2012 - Thank You!

We are so grateful to the wonderful brides and grooms we have the pleasure of serving as their wedding officiant in and near Columbus, Ohio. Because of you, United Marriage Services, LLC  has been awarded the OneWed "Golden Feather Award" for 2012!

This reflects that we are in the top 5% of Wedding Pros nationwide. The annual, OneWed "Golden Feather Awards" were formerly know as OneWed’s “Best Of Awards” and recognize the top wedding professionals from the OneWed Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the OneWed "Golden Feather Awards" are determined solely by the reviews from over 1.2 million newly married brides and grooms.

Thank you so much for your kindness and appreciation that had made this honor possible! 

You can find out more by visiting our listing on OneWed. Thank you, again!

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.

Brenda and Clint enjoying a fun moment, together with their wedding officiant, in greater Columbus, Ohio, at Darby House.A tender kiss for the bride and groom, now pronounced "husband and wife". They love each other like no one else and it shows!

"You may kiss the bride!" Brenda and Clint's wedding ceremony in Columbus, Ohio.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!

The aisle was laced with rose petals... 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."

Tender moments like these are never forgotten. I am going to let these last 4 special images of Brenda & Clint's wedding day speak for themselves.

"How can we make this moment last?" Brenda & Clint at Darby HouseBrenda & Clint after their wedding ceremony at Darby House in Columbus, Ohio"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you..."

"Let's dance this moment into the future." "I am so grateful to have found you."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.

Wedding officiant, Damian King of Columbus Ohio stands with Danielle & Bill after their ceremony at Brookshire in Delaware. 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.

Danielle & Bill's beautiful sand ceremony after their wedding at Brookshire Premiere Event Facility near Columbus, Ohio.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.

Wedding Officiant, Damian King, reflects with Danielle & Bill about their sand ceremony at Brookshire near Columbus, Ohio. 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!

Bride's Choice Award 2012 - 2nd Straight Year. Thank You!

{Columbus,OH} – February 9, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce United Marriage Services LLC has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Officiant!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, United Marriage Services LLC was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

United Marriage Services LLC is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate United Marriage Services LLC for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that United Marriage Services LLC is one of the very best Officiants within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Alison & Justin! - Heritage Golf Club

I had the privilege to celebrate as the officiant at Alison and Justin's wedding in Columbus, Ohio. We were at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard and looking at the picture below you can feel the love and tenderness this couple shares. Alison and Justin enjoy a tender moment at Heritage Golf Club wedding venue in Hilliard, OhioThis venue is a fantastic place to have a wedding. The atmosphere is light and the food is amazing. The Sales and Catering Manager, Jody Unger, does a fabulous job and she truly cares. She is very sensitive to each couples needs and works tirelessly to see that each wedding is a unique and memorable experience.

In the photograph below, We are just having a little fun during the ceremony. I forget exactly what was said but the bride and groom were enjoying each moment. Wedding officiant, Damian King, laughs with Alison and Justin in Columbus, OhioJustin reads personal vows he prepared.The groom reads personal vows to his bride. A very touching moment. For a moment the emotions he feels breaks through and we are all touched. The groom expresses some emotion for the bride he loves.Here is a shot of me receiving their rings.Damian King receives the wedding rings at Heritage Golf Club in Columbus, Ohio. Now Alison reads her incredible personal vows for Justin. It was very hot that day, but the joy of these moments overshadowed the summer heat. Bride's turn. Alison reads personal vows to her groom, Justin.Alison receives Justin's ring while I hold the personal vows she just read to her groom. Amazing.Alison receives Justin's wedding ring as Damian holds her personal vows. I had the honor of reading some things about this loving couple. Part of their ceremony went like this. From Alison, "On Saturday, June 19, while in Wisconsin and on the way to a going away party for him, we passed by the kickball field that held so much meaning for us. Justin suggested we go look around one last time. Alison places Justin's wedding ring on his finger at Heritage Golf Club."As we got out of the car and started walking around Justin began reminiscing about the first time he saw me, the first time he talked to me, and the first time he thought I might be a 'cool girl'.  Then he said we had so many good memories on the kickball field, why not have one more.  Then he got down on one knee and proposed.  Of course I said 'yes' and here we are, getting married! Alison and Justin prepare for their sand ceremony at their wedding in Columbus, Ohio."Justin’s sweet and gentle nature keeps me sane when things get crazy.  We fit together perfectly.  Because He lets me do things that are unique to my life and my personality, I feel even more love for Justin. When we are together, we are completely together and pay attention to each other.  Justin always listens to me and more importantly actually remembers what I say, sometimes even better than I do!  By listening and paying attention I can tell that he really does love and care for me.  I have a hectic life and I am very busy but Justin has such a calm demeanor that spending time with him is an instant stress reliever.  I also know that I can count on Justin for anything.   I feel we are true partners.  I think it helps that both sets of our parents have been married for so long that we have great examples of what it takes to be in a good marriage.  Being with Justin makes life easier.  I never realized how much I was missing until I met Justin.  Now I can’t imagine my life without him." 
Wedding officiant, Damian King, presents the happy newlyweds in Columbus, Ohio.Now from Justin. Be prepared to smile and laugh.
"Alison was my first girlfriend. All those little cues and lessons you pick up in a relationship I didn't have when we first met. I didn't know how long to wait to ask a girl out. When you got their phone number how long till you call, television shows told me if you call too soon she'll think you’re desperate. Most importantly, I was brand new at picking up and giving out the signs for when you want to kiss someone for the first time. My first plan went like this... Happy couple and happy bridesmaids! Alison and Justin, now married!"We were hiking in a state park. I knew there was a great view at the top. I imagined us looking out at the view and then sharing our first kiss. It would be magical. We reached the top of the trail and I sat down looking out - Step one for my big chance. However, although I was sitting she did not sit down and instead continuing right past me on the trail! I was kicking myself that night."
"My life has been forever changed by you, my love. I see my future in your eyes.""It was the next time… we went out to a movie. Afterwards we headed back to her place and talked on the couch. The whole time in my head I was saying to myself 'KISS HER', but I was too afraid. It got late and it was time for me to leave. She opened the door and I started to leave. There I am … in the doorway. If I continue leaving maybe it will never happens for us. Instead I turn around and tell her 'There's just one more thing.' Perhaps she could read my eyes saying 'I really want to kiss you, but don't know how.' She reached out, grabbed my shirt, pulled me to her, and planted one on me. Needless to say when I left, I was on cloud nine. The more and more time I spent with her the more I realized how much we had in common. She liked BattleStar Galactica, I like BattleStar Galactica. She loved board games, I love board games. She liked chicken …. well, it’s a good thing because she is going eat a lot of chicken if we're going out together. (Justin loves chicken). When she moved to St. Louis… I remember fighting back tears the whole ride back to Madison. I remember how much I hated that six hour drive, but how much I loved seeing her when I got there. I don't know for sure when I knew we'd be in it for the long haul. What I do know is that in that doorway she didn't grab my shirt, she grabbed my heart, and I'm still on cloud nine." "I know you'll never leave my side. I enjoy every moment with you."All photographs were provided by Aperture Photography, and the work of Hristina Panovska and Paul Rentler. Please visit their website by selecting the link provided. You can also call Aperture at 614-432-2980 and the email address is info@aperture-photos.com.

Live music was provided by the talented Supertonic String Quartet. Heritage Golf Club is a member of Wedding Professionals of Columbus. You can reads more about them at WeddingWire and the knot.

Alison and Justin, being a part of your celebration was such a wonderful experience. Thanks for the honor of serving as your wedding officiant the day you were married in Columbus, Ohio!    

Teresa & Ben - Wedding Ceremony at Scioto Reserve

After Teresa and Ben met with me in our United Marriage Services office in Columbus, Ohio they decided to ask me to be their officiant for their wedding day.  My philosophy is that a wedding ceremony is a celebration that should not be stale or boring. Damian King enjoys a moment with Teresa and Ben as their wedding officiant in greater Columbus, OhioWe were at Scioto Reserve venue in Powell. Already enjoying a great deal of humor and fun in their relationship, Ben and Teresa made it easy to celebrate their lifetime commitment with laughter and smiles. We worked on their ceremony together so that it was personalized to reflect their own relationship. Here is a little sample of their own unique (and fun) wording. Keep reading, it gets good...Joy and happiness between bride and groom, Teresa and Ben at Scioto Reserve venue in Powell, Ohio"Teresa saw Ben, in her own words, as 'serious husband material.' Their story began while working together years ago, when one day Teresa said to him, 'Hey Clark!' (Because he looks like Clark Kent). Then she asked, 'Is that your real name?' He answered, 'No, but I get that all the time.' Teresa was rather bold in handing him a slip of paper and declaring, 'Here’s my number, I think we should go out sometime!'Time for Ben to receive Teresa's wedding ring. Their officiant, Damian King, prepares to present Ben's "token of love".They continued to develop a friendship for 3 years, and the circumstances of their lives changed, opening the door for there to be more than friendship between them. As Ben continues to work hard in law school, they have supported and encouraged each other, and look forward to continuing in the love that has grown between them." A special and fun moment as Teresa places the wedding ring on Ben's finger, in Powell, OhioTeresa and Ben also took advantage of our Marriage Foundations™ pre-marriage program. Here is a little feedback from what they wrote, "I would highly recommend this class to anyone in a serious relationship, the classes help put marriage in the perspective it needs to be." and also, "The main benefit for me was the road map for a successful, life long relationship."  You can read more of what Ben & Teresa had to say by following this link to Weddingwire.

A joyous moment for Teresa and Ben. Damian King has just pronounced them husband and wife and the celebration continues!All photos in this entry are courtesy of Lindseys Photography. Follow the link provided to visit Lindsey Ely's website. You can also call her at 937-474-8959. Her email is Lindsey@Lindseysphotography.com.

Music was provided by Sonic Sounds Entertainment and the husband wife team of Frank Golisano and his wife Sheila.

Teresa and Ben, I wish you all the best in your years together! It was my pleasure to serve as your wedding officiant.

Christy & John - Franklin Park Conservatory

Here we are at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. The privilege of being the wedding officiant for John and Christy's ceremony was mine that day. There was barely a cloud in the sky. But love was definitely in the air as this wonderful couple became husband and wife. John and Christy with wedding officiant, Damian King, at Franklin Park ConservatoryI love to personalize the wedding ceremony with each couple. Here is a little peek at theirs..."This happy couple, John and Christy stand before you today and this journey to becoming husband and wife, for them, has been filled with joy, fun, and a quite bit of humor. For instance, they worked together at the same company. One day, John finally got up enough nerve to approach Christy  and he said this to her - “I want to know if you have a boyfriend.” Christy’s response was  - “No, do you know of someone?” Even though Christy wasn’t picking up on John’s meaning he was not fazed and kept right on with his plan. He then said – “Will you go out to lunch or dinner with me?” Chrsity’s response was, “Yes”…but then she said, “wait a minute….I thought you were married”.  So, she put the idea of "dates" with John on hold…but he just kept asking and she finally said “yes”, and it was for sure this time. Then in 2010, at Christmastime, they became officially engaged."
John & Christy's wedding ceremony at Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Ohio. Officiant, Damian King Eliza Babarczy was the venue professional assigned to take care of John and Christy's needs for their wedding experience at Franklin Park Conservatory. This wedding venue is amazing with the level of service and care each couple receives. It helps everything to flow very smoothly.

This photo below captures the beauty of what Chrsity and John share in the surroundings of what this venue offers brides and grooms. Of course the weather was cooperating too!John and Christy so happy together after their wedding ceremony at Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, OhioOne reason why I love this last photograph is that is shows a lot about this couple. John is strong, yet gentle and caring; and Christy is strong and sensitive, but just what John needs. In my opinion, they seem to "glow" together in each other's love...

Christy and John in the glow of married love, "I could never imagine life without you."The images in this blog entry are the fine artistic work of John Cover of Reflections Photo Studio. Please visit John's website by way of the link provided. You can also reach him by email at jcover@reflectionsphoto.net and by phone at 614-890-0303. He also has a Mansfield, Ohio, line at 419-774-0303.

Wedding music was provided by Nyte Flyte Entertainment.

John and Christy, thanks again for inviting me to be your officiant at your wedding. I enjoyed conducting a happy and memorable ceremony with you and wish you all the best in your years together!

Alana & Joel's Magical Wedding Tale!

Alana prepares to meet her groom at Homestead Park in Hilliard, Ohio."My wedding day is here!", Alana says, as her expectation rises. We were in Columbus, Ohio, and as the wedding officiant for Alana & Joel, I had the privilege of witnessing these beautiful events, and sharing in their special day. I will attempt to recall some of their moments together...with a small amount of poetic license.

Let's look at the image below. Joel has been waiting a while, and from the look on his face you can tell, he is happy with the events of this wonderful day as they are unfolding!

Joel and wedding officiant, Damian King, at Homestead Park in Hilliard"Are you ready for me now?"

Alana gazes into the enclosure where her wedding is about to take place!Who can fault this excited bride for wanting to see where we were and if we were ready? But Joel's look says it all, "I am ready to meet you here, my beautiful bride, my beautiful wife to be."

The groom, Joel and their officiant, Damian King, wait for the bride's entrance"The moments we have waited for are here. In front of all of our family and friends we are exchanging thoughts and vows filled with love and dedication. I am yours for a lifetime, and I am so glad to be standing here with you today."

A precious moment, Alana and Joel in the process of becoming husband and wife.After that wonderful ceremony, I think a hug is in order! You guys were amazing. I so enjoyed sharing in your special moments together!

Alana, Joel, and Damian enjoy a hug together after the ceremony.A little fun with the groom. A wedding is a time of joy, not a funeral. Joel thought so, too!

The officiant and the groom having fun"Hey Mr. & Mrs. Photographer, do you think that this couple could have some alone time now? They deserve it don't they?" Photographers' response, "Of course they do...we'll get to that right away!" And off they went for some more intimate moments together.

Alana, Joel and Damian in a "rat pack" style pose.Oh, we're finally alone!

Joel and Alana embrace as Mr. and Mrs.As the day winds down, the realization deepens...

Relaxing by the watersideLooking to the future together. A lifetime of love ahead of us.

The sun begins to set and the bride and groom enjoy the warmth of each other's love."I will never forget this day, or these moments with you..."

Like a dream that doesn't end. A kiss in the setting sun.We have awoken and it's not a dream. We are so thankful for each other.

Countdown is over. A new day begins.Thank you for sharing in Alana & Joel's wedding story. Although some editing and polishing were used for presentation purposes, what you have seen here captures the essence of what Alana & Joel shared that day.

The amazing images in this entry are courtesy of Nichole and Deron Klatte of Klatte Photography. Please visit their website by clicking on the link provided. You can email Nichole and Deron at info@klattephotography.com or give them a call at 614-430-9760. You will not be disappointed with their professionalism, their fun and upbeat personalities, and their incredible photographic ability as seen in the images in this entry.

Thanks for stopping by my website. Have a great day!

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!

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.

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.