Captured Moment - May Li & Matt

Columbus, Ohio - A few months before I was their wedding officiant, a moment with Matt and May Li was captured by Rosey Red Photography. I have always enjoyed the emotional touch in this image and I hope you will too. Cheers! To visit our Facebook page click here.

Matt and May Li enjoy a sweet moment together in Columbus, Ohio. Image by Rosey Red Photography.

Missy & Seth's wedding at Everal Barn Westerville!

Kirk Dapo of Clear Sky Video Columbus, OH, created a masterful wedding video as I had the honor of being the officiant for Seth and Missy’s wedding at Everal Barn! I loved their wedding and love Kirk’s video. I hope you will too!

Matthew & May Li Beam With Joy - Strongwater Venue

Rosey Red Photography captures a brilliant moment at Strongwater wedding venue in Columbus, OH. Officiant, Damian King, presents now husband and wife, Matthew and May Li, as they beam with joy in front of their loved ones and guests! Fun couple and fantastic wedding!

Rosey Red Photography - Strongwater wedding venue - Damian King wedding officiant

Megan & Jaime at Brookshire Delaware!

Special moments as wedding officiant at Brookshire in Greater Columbus, Ohio (Delaware). I had the privilege of sharing Megan & Jaime’s fun-filled journey together, how their paths crossed, and how they ultimately decided to marry! Video captured by the amazing Jonah Epps.

Missy & Seth marry at Everal Barn Westerville! - teaser video

Westerville Ohio - Everal Barn wedding venue located in greater Columbus! I was Missy & Seth’s officiant! Here is a little taste of Clear Sky’s work as a teaser trailer. Being a wedding minister is so much fun! Video by Kirk Dapo of Clear Sky Video.

Cole & Rachel marry at Jorgensen Farms

Rachel & Cole asked me to be their wedding officiant, and I was happy to do so! This beautiful couple married at Jorgensen Farms near Columbus Ohio, in Westerville. Their wedding day was filled with sunshine and the colors of fall, and I am looking forward to seeing their beautiful photos by Lydia Campbell, and video by Jonah Epps. I love it so much every time I say, “I now pronounce you husband and wife!” and I will remember Rachel and Cole’s wedding for many years to come. Photo by Lydia Ruth Photography.

Lydia Ruth Photography

Fun at Brookshire Venue

I had a fantastic time as Ally and Jason’s wedding officiant at Brookshire in Greater Columbus, Ohio! We had some fun after their beautiful ceremony as Ally was capturing a selfie and I was posing to create effect for this photo! Ally and Jason are a beautiful couple and I was so glad to be able to support them at such an important and meaningful time in their lives!

Award numbers 14, 15, & 16. Thank you so much!

We are so thankful to our fantastic brides, and the wonderful wedding professionals we have grown to love, for helping to make this very special recognition a reality over the years! There are thousands of individuals. Too many to mention. We are so very grateful and privileged to have served you. Thanks to all of you!

With Much Love! Damian, Jean, Rebekah & The UMS Team!

Cheryl and Scott's Amazing Dove Release!

As a wedding officiant in greater Columbus, Ohio, I often have the privilege of experiencing the many ways a bride shows love to her groom, and a groom to his bride. We were at Cheers and Lakeside Chalet in Lancaster. Cherly and Scotts's dove release was an incredible gesture with depth and exquisite meaning that made it truly amazing! Here are the words I shared on their wedding day. "Throughout the ages, the white dove has been an emblem of new beginnings, friendship, love, peace, prosperity, fidelity and true love. Cheryl and Scott's wedding at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster, Ohio. Damian King was wedding officiant.It is said that, the pure white color represents the bride and groom as they begin their life’s journey together in purity and with no regrets of their past.  Doves choose one partner and mate for life, or until death do they part, staying together and remaining true and faithful to each other.  They share a commitment and a love of being home together. Cheryl and Scott release doves at their wedding at Cheers Chalet, Lancaster Ohio. Images by John Croyle. It is said that if white doves are seen on your wedding day, a happy home is assured and good fortune will come to all who witness their release.  Their participation in this wedding ceremony makes it very special. Today, as a romantic gesture, and a special heartfelt symbol of their life-long commitment, Cheryl and Scott are going to release two single white doves, sending them skyward, to symbolize their union and the beginning of their life journey together as wife and husband. A wedding ceremony begins a journey of two lives working together for life’s happiness.  The actions of the doves demonstrate this beautifully.

Doves take flight at Scott and Cheryl's wedding at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster Ohio. Image by John Croyle. Once released, the doves fly higher and higher together as they seek their way home. Similarly, a bride and groom do not know what the future holds for them.  Their path may change many times along the way, but with faith and love they will find their way together.  Just as the doves have the instinct to find their way home, Cheryl and Scott will always know where 'home' is, as home is wherever they are together.

These white doves released in celebration today represent all of Cheryl and Scott’s hopes and dreams and their deep commitment to each other.  Just as doves marry for life, so, too, they promise to be faithful, loyal, devoted and true to each other.

As the doves fly freely overhead, a perfect pair, we all rejoice in the vows being exchanged here today.  

Cheryl and Scott, we wish for you that your life together will be everlasting, rich, rewarding and full of love!  May your marriage always bring great joy, fidelity, hope and respect."

Male and female doves fly together as bride and groom, Cheryl and Scott, watch. Damian King was wedding officiant that day.Cherly & Scott, thank you for allowing me to share in such a wonderful day! I wish you a life filled with the greatest blessings from above.

These awesome photos were provided by John Croyle Wedding Photography and the artisitic talent of John Croyle. Contact John by using the link provided to his website, or by calling 614-216-6005. His email is john@johncroyle.com. Thanks John, great work!

Holiday Weddings, Often Unforgettable - Dock 580

As a wedding officiant I see marriages all year long and here I was at Dock 580 venue in Columbus, Ohio! Helene and Michael were the bride and groom and they chose a sand ceremony to add meaning and symbolism as two people, and two families, became one! The extra jars of sand were for the groom's children and the completed ceremony demonstrates the union of all the members of this new family, now inseparable! 

Marriage License ready for wedding officiant to sign; and Helene and Michael's sand ceremony at Dock 580 in Columbus, Ohio!Jean took this picture! Michael and Helene, it is a joy to be a part of your lives and we wish you all the very best in the years ahead! Damian & Jean

Incredible Beauty! Bin Zhu & Jia Shi at Corazon

There are times when the beauty of a husband and wife just speaks for itself! It was my privilege to serve as this bride and groom's wedding officiant near Columbus, Ohio, at Corazon wedding venue. Bin Zhu and Jia Shi's rehearsal photos were posted in our last blog. They just sent me some images of their wedding day, and this one stood out. Thanks, Bin Zhu & Jia Shi! I was so happy to be a part of your lives and your very special day!

Husband and wife, Bin Zhu and Jia Shi, share a special moment with wedding officiant, Damian King, near Columbus, Ohio.

The Outdoorsman and the City Girl!

Jean had a wonderful time at Blake and Camille's wedding! She was their officiant at London Country Club just west of Columbus Ohio!

Blake and Camille with signed marriage license in London, Ohio! Jean King, wedding officiant. Image: SunfirePhotoPlusHow did this outdoorsman manage to marry this lady from urban Florida? Let's find out as Jean read these touching and somewhat humorous words from their story during their outdoor wedding ceremony!...

Beautiful bride, Camille, poses for this elegant display at London Country Club near Columbus Ohio. Image: SunFirePhotoPlus..."Now everyone knows of Blake and Camille's different backgrounds; Blake born and raised outside rural London, Ohio with Camille born in the largest city in Florida. How did he ever get her to live out here? With her open mind to ride 4-wheelers...

Wedding officiant, Jean King, with Camille & Blake at London Ohio near Columbus. Image: SunFirePhotoPlus ...to even shooting a compound bow, Blake found someone who he calls a great friend to himself and others and a true companion with every adventure. And Camille didn't expect Blake to carry her through life's struggles and losses from so early on in their relationship but from it, they were able to build an undeniable trust. Such a trust that Blake didn't remember to pop the question when he got down on one knee!   So Camille had to ask, 'Well are you going to say something?'  And with his continuous smile she had to say 'yes'."

Bride and groom, Camille and Blake, with "junior staff" at their wedding in London Ohio! Image: SunFirePhotoPlusIsn't that a great story! We wish all the best for you, Camille and Blake, as you continue into your future together!

Photos in this entry are courtesy of Sunfire Photo Plus and Kelly Kirkpatrick. Her phone number is 614-619-3552 and her email is sunfirephotoplus@gmail.com.

Finishing Touches! The Marriage License Process

Your wedding officiant will need to sign, date, and return the certificate of your marriage license to the Probate Court after your ceremony!

Bride and Groom's Marriage License from Franklin County Probate Court Columbus, OhioThe one shown here was returned to Columbus, Ohio, where the seat for Franklin County is located, after a beautiful wedding at the Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City. This process is the only way that the government has proof that you are no longer a groom and bride, but a husband and wife!! Now the rest of your life together awaits you! Franklin County has an excellent website for all of your marriage license questions. Just select the link provided to check it out!

I wish you all the best as you experience the joys of your wedding! Damian

No photographer is mentioned because this was a photo I took! Bride's bouquet is amazing. Yes, that is butter in the right hand corner, however, it is in the shape of flowers. What fun.

Fantastic Wedding at Pinnacle Golf Club!

I was so pleased to be the wedding officiant for this beautiful couple, Whitney & Evan, at the Pinnacle Golf Club near Columbus in Grove City, Ohio. Their very sweet daughter, Willa, was present too! She is a darling.

Damian King, wedding officiant, and happy couple, Whitney & Evan with daughter, Willa, at Pinnacle Golf Club near Columbus, OHThis photo was taken by a family member and I just received it today! This bride and groom and their daughter were beaming so much, that I wanted to post this soon. Thanks, Whitney & Evan (and Willa!) and your family for inviting me to be a part of your very special day!

Wonderful Love! John & Janine in Paris

John & Janine's wedding took place this past weekend at Darby House near Columbus, Ohio. They asked me to join them as their officiant, therefore, I had the pleasure of conducting their very unique and profoundly beautiful wedding ceremony.

John and Janine in Paris, France. Their wedding was at Darby House near Columbus, Ohio.They chose some words that were extraordinarily meaningful from a book that I have not read, The Alchemist. It is somewhat challenging to describe the love that this couples shares, because it is something that causes me to pause a bit in wonder. It just seems so beautiful to me.

Here are the words they chose, "When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke – the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. It was the pure Language of the World. It required no explanation, just as the universe needs none as it travels through endless time. What the boy felt at that moment was that he was in the presence of the only woman in his life, and that, with no need for words, she recognized the same thing. Because when you know the language, it’s easy to understand that someone in the world awaits you, whether it’s in the middle of the desert or in some great city. And when two such people encounter each other, and their eyes meet, the past and the future become unimportant. There is only that moment, and the incredible certainty that everything under the sun has been written by one hand only. It is the hand that evokes love, and creates a twin soul for every person in the world. Without such love, one’s dreams would have no meaning."

Thanks for visiting our website! Damian King, Wedding Officiant & Marriage Coach

Late Summer Wedding - Hong & Servet's Love Shines!

Wedding in Columbus, Ohio! Hong and Servet asked me to be their officiant at Franklin Park Conservatory after I had the honor of marrying their friends at Scioto Reserve! I never get tired of marrying brides and grooms. Each ceremony is different - each relationship, like a fingerprint! The love and energy that each bride brings to her groom, and groom to his bride, is unique. I must say at times it is awe-inspiring, and warms my heart in a way unlike anything else. I believe it also is a reminder of my own marriage, and the love that Jean and I share that continues even through the many challenges we have faced in life for the past 30-plus years. This love relationship that husbands and wives share is one of the great mysteries of our existence. For this reason, it is something to celebrate! Therefore, I want each wedding to feel so special and unique to each couple, so that they will remember their day with the utmost joy.

In this first photo Hong and Servet share some humor, laughter, and smiles!

Hong and Servet in Columbus Ohio with wedding officiant, Damian King, at Franklin Park ConservatoryThis next shot shows Hong walking the aisle as she approaches her groom in the Brides Garden at Franklin Park. This location is a favorite at the Conservatory, especially for smaller, outdoor weddings.

Servet waits for his bride, Hong, in Columbus, Ohio, as wedding officiant will soon ask presentation question!Their wedding kiss! Hong and Servet share their kiss as they have been pronounced husband and wife before their family and friends. What could be more cool?

Wedding Kiss in Columbus Ohio! Hong and Servet rejoice in their moment as officiant applauds with guests and family!The happy couple, now husband and wife, walk the aisle arm in arm, ready to face the future together in the embrace of their undying love. Gotta love this!

Joyful moment for bride and groom, Hong and Servet, as they exit as husband and wife at Franklin Park Conservatory!Now I'd like to give credit to Hong and Servet's wedding photographer! Her name is Tessa Berg and her photography company is Starling Studio! You can contact Tessa by following the link provided. Also her email and phone number are info@starling-studio.com and 614-423-9094. Please visit her website to see some of the other great photography work that she does!

Wedding videographer was Dane & Leslie Khy of The Perfect Pear. It was great to work with them. Live strings by Columbus Musicians and Ian Jones. 

Thanks for taking to time to visit our website! Come back soon, if you'd like!

Fabulous Wedding Video at Creekside!

Love this video by Sway the Crowd! Wedding was at Creekside Event Center, near Columbus Ohio.

I had the privilege to serve as the officiant for the wonderful groom and bride, Bobby & Brooke! Ryan Nord was the videographer at Sway, and he also is director of operations. The wedding branch of Sway the Crowd is know as, Sway Cinema, in Dublin! Follow the links to see more or Ryan's and Sway's work. Enjoy!

Rebekah increases the happiness for brides and grooms!

We want to acknowledge a wonderful addition to our officiant team, Rebekah! She had her beginnings in the wedding industry in Columbus, OH, almost 6 years ago, and she has been amazing.

Wedding Officiant, Rebekah King, with happy couple, Missy and Ryan, at Rockmill Brewery near Columbus, Ohio, in Lancaster!Rebekah is a joy to know and work with and has conducted wedding ceremonies for almost 2 years. Brides and groom love her friendly, upbeat style, and her genuine heart that cares so deeply for each and every bride, groom, and person. She has a fantastic speaking voice and delivers each ceremony with energy, joy, and love! We are so glad to have Rebekah as part of our team of professional officiants! Thanks Rebekah for being a part of creating happiness for the important work we do!

The image in this entry was taken at Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster Ohio. The happy bride and groom are Missy and Ryan. Here are some nice words that the bride, Missy, sent after her wedding, "We have received numerous compliments about the ceremony already.  Your energy and enthusiasm really impressed all in attendance.  Thank you again for all of your help, and for making the ceremony special.  Everything went so smoothly!  We will definitely recommend you to friends and family in the future." Thanks, Missy & Ryan!

Missy's friend, Kari, took this photo and did not desire to have it credited because she works out of town! Thanks for the photo Kari!

Joyful wedding! The confetti flies at New Albany Links!

I could not resist posting this photo of John and Kim's wedding kiss at New Albany Links near Columbus, OH. I was their officiant and as I said, "you may kiss the bride", large confetti poppers were discharged from both sides!

This photo, taken by a friend of the bride and groom, captured this loving couple in a perfect moment! The effect of the confetti with the shadows is really unique. Nothing is photoshopped here!

John and Kim sent this expressing that they wanted to share it with me. One phrase John used was, "Magical Right?!" I would have to agree. Magical indeed!

Thanks John & Kim, for asking me to share in such a wonderful experience on the day you celebrated your lifetime of love! 

Lauren & Derek! Grange Audubon Wedding

In Columbus, Ohio, there are many wedding venues from which to choose! As the officiant for Lauren and Derek I was happy to solemnize their marriage at the Grange Audubon Center. The two marriage readings they chose were, "These I Can Promise" by Mark Twain, and "I Carry Your Heart with Me" by E.E. Cummings.   In this photo below I stop in to see how the bride, Lauren, is feeling.

Wedding Officiant, Damian King, meets with bride, Lauren, in Columbus Ohio, at the Grange Audubon Center Here she looks over my tie selection and finds one she likes! So...see next photo....

Bride chooses tie for her wedding in Columbus as officiant, Damian King, reviews the possibilities with her!...I wear it for her!

Bride, Lauren, and groom, Derek, with wedding officiant, Damian King in Columbus, Ohio at Grange Audubon Center.There was a great deal of warmth, and there were many smiles and laughter.

Wedding venue, Grange Audubon Center, in Columbus Ohio. Dan Buckley, Photographer. Damian King, officiant.Damian King officiant, enjoying upbeat, happy wedding ceremony with Lauren and Derek - Audubon Center, Columbus OHHere is the reading they chose by Mark Twain, "These I Can Promise". ""I cannot promise you a life of sunshine; I cannot promise you riches, wealth or gold; I cannot promise you an easy pathway that leads away from change or growing old. But I can promise all my heart's devotion; A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow. A love that's true and ever growing; A hand to hold in your's through each tomorrow."

Bride and groom with wedding officiant in Columbus, Ohio, at Audubon CenterAnd this is their reading, "I Carry Your Heart with Me", by E.E. Cummings:

"i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling) ...it continues...

Wedding Officiant, Damian King, reflects on an important moment during Lauren & Derek's ceremony in Columbus, Ohio

i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)"

Here the groom, Derek, receives his bride's ring.

Groom receives bride's wedding ring from officiant, Damian King, in Columbus, Ohio

Now the bride begins to place her groom's ring on his hand, sealing their promise on this very special day!

Lauren happily places wedding ring on Derek's hand as they exchange vows at venue, Grange Audubon Center, Columbus, OHA farewell greeting with Derek's father is exchanged. I have just completed an awesome time, as this happy bride and groom step into their future as husband and wife!

Wedding congratulations in order! Officiant, Damian King, exchanges greetings with groom's father in Columbus, OH The artistic images in this entry are courtesy of Dan Buckley of Dan Buckley Photography. You can view more of Dan's fine professional work by visiting the link to his website provided. Dan's phone number and email address are 614-288-4427 and dan@danbuckleyphotography.com.

Sarah Selhorst of Mass Appeal Catering (now Bosc and Brie) did a fantastic job, as always!

Thanks for visiting our website! I so enjoy serving as the wedding officiant for brides and grooms in Greater Columbus and throughout Central Ohio.