Journal
Bride's Choice Award 2012 - 2nd Straight Year. Thank You!
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{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.
Sarah and Brent - Four Seasons Wedding Venue!
It was another beautiful day in Columbus, Ohio. As the wedding officiant for Sarah and Brent on the day they were married at Four Seasons venue, it was my honor to share in some very precious moments in their lives. In the photograph below you can feel the rich glow of their love.
Brent and Sarah enjoying a moment together at Four Seasons wedding venue in Columbus, Ohio. This bride is highly photogenic.
Lovely bride on the day for which she has waited - Wedding in Hilliard, Ohio.This couple's family and friends were really enjoying this celebration. Here, Sarah stands with her father.
Father of the bride with daughter. A moment to remember at Four Seasons wedding venue in Columbus, Ohio. Sarah and Brent have many ways to communicate with each other. Sometimes a look or a glance is enough. Let's listen in on their ceremony....
"Would you like to have some fun?""As many of you know this beautiful couple was set up by Sarah’s mom, who had seen some potential in Brent & Sarah being together. In January of 2008, they had exchanged phone numbers and pictures and started dating right away and by the summer of 2009 they pretty much knew they were going to be married." Brent and Sarah also have a great sense of humor. They are always joking with each other and having fun, and they have some funny stories about their relationship. With words from their ceremony, before they were engaged..."They were together on a trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. While they were there in Gatlinburg she had noticed a Diamond Cellar bag among their belongings so what crossed Sarah’s mind when she saw this Diamond Cellar bag was (not that her engagement ring was in it - but that something completely different of Brent's)... was in it!" The story continues from there...
"Let's hit the dance floor.""Later she came out onto the porch and there was a different expression on Brent’s face as it was unfolding before the two of them that this was the moment that he would propose to the one he loved." 
"I am glad I listened to you...this is fun."Some more humor - "Some of you may not know that on their first date Brent tried to get Sarah hypnotized on stage." 
Radiant beauty - "This is a celebration I will always remember.""And their first real vacation was a motorcycle ride….around lake Erie…packing in a saddle bag for a week!!"
Wedding officiant, Damian King, signs marriage license in Columbus, Ohio, for Brent and Sarah at Four Seasons venue.But with all their humor and zest for life their dedication is very real as "Sarah wants to marry Brent because of his unique, positive, and strong personality. She is attracted to him, also, because of his caring, loving nature." And...
"I am so happy to be making this journey with you.""Brent wants to marry Sarah because he finds her so beautiful; her personality, her smile, and her eyes. He also loves her sense of humor, her generosity, and her integrity as a person." 
Brent and Sarah with limousine waiting at Four Seasons wedding venue in Columbus Ohio."And ladies and gentleman this is why we are here today. To celebrate with Brent and Sarah the joyous love and devotion they share as today, they become united for all their days as husband and wife."
"Today our journey continues. On to our honeymoon."
The photographs in this entry are the fine work of Julie Linz of Julie Linz Photography. Please visit her website by following the link provided. Julie's email is j@julielinzphotography.com and her phone number is 866-730-8886.
Night Music DJ with Steve Ransom provided the music and Steve always does a fantastic job. Steve and his wife, Jodi Ransom, are members of Wedding Professionals of Columbus.
Judith and Enrico Margaroli are the owners of Four Seasons and they always provide outstanding and timely service to brides and grooms in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.
Sarah and Brent, I wish you the very best this life has to offer! Thanks again for inviting me to celebrate your wedding with you as your officiant. I enjoyed it immensely!
Jenny & Diego - A Lifetime Commitment and a Bit of Fun!
Jenny & Diego pose with officiant, Damian King at Darby House in Galloway, OhioJenny & Diego were enjoying each other at Darby House in Columbus, Ohio! They asked me to be their wedding officiant and to join in the celebration of the day they became husband and wife. It was a privilege and honor for me to do so. In the photograph below, Diego places the ring on Jenny's finger as she smiles. It was a joyous, yet solemn, moment.
Diego gives the wedding ring to his bride at Darby House in Galloway, Ohio
Diego and Jenny's wedding dip as officiant, Damian King looks on.
Diego, who has quite a talent for dancing, could not resist the opportunity to engage in the "wedding dip" with his bride. It was a fun moment that added an extra spark to the atmosphere!
The images in this entry are the work of Donna Keidel of dk photographic. If you'd like to reach her you can call Donna at 614-793-1244, or click the link to her website above.
Thanks for stopping by 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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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 Officiant
Pam 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.
I'll Love You Forever
A rarely captured moment - I love this photograph! One of the many joys of being a wedding officiant in Columbus Ohio, is seeing the love between a husband and wife and it continues to amaze me. Here, Andy and Maggie are on the campus of The Ohio State University sharing the love that has grown between them. There were so many wonderful images of their special day, that I am likely to share them on this blog in small numbers!
Kevin Keefer is the photographer behind this image. You can contact Kevin by following the link to Kevin Keefer Photography or calling 614-787-4743. Kevin is not only a great photographer, but a really nice person to work with who will help to make your day very memorable. His email is kevin@kkeefer.com. You can also read Andy & Maggie's review of Kevin's work by following this link at Weddingwire.
Aaron & Lai Shan - Beautiful Wedding, Wonderful Couple.
Aaron and Lai Shan were married in Columbus Ohio (technically Dublin) and they asked me to be their wedding officiant. Photos were taken by family and friends. Here we are in one of the rooms at Embassy Suites Hotel on upper Metro Place. As their wedding minister, I had the honor of helping with their vows. It's time for their ring exchange here and we were having some fun. They have a great sense of humor and they really enjoy joking with each other often ...Maybe I was whispering to Lai Shan that if Aaron tried to run for the exit door, I would be sure to block him!
I love keeping things light during the ceremony and this seems to help brides and grooms loosen up after all their hours preparing and waiting. Besides, my belief is that a wedding ceremony should be joyful - a time of celebration!
As I presented Aaron and Lai Shan as Mr. and Mrs. their guests applauded with joy and happiness!
I love the lighting and water in this photograph. Aaron and Lai Shan, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this monumental time in your lives!
May all your days together be richly blessed, and filled with happiness!
To read comments by Aaron and Lai Shan follow these links: Weddingwire.com, Onewed.com.
Sand Ceremony at Franklin Park Conservatory
Being a wedding officiant in Columbus, Ohio allows me to experience many "special" ceremonies that couples, and sometimes families, include. For Pam & Rick the sand flows at Franklin Park Conservatory in a symphony of colors as this blended family combines their sand into one vase. As their wedding minister I had fun officiating this part of their ceremony. Here the height of the sand is at the inscribed letters.
Now the sand moves above the letters.
A few final grains poured by one serious participant. If you look closely you can actually see the last bit of sand between vases.
Now the finished product! Doesn't it look great?
Maybe you are wondering where to obtain various colors of sand if you were to use this ceremony for your wedding. You can conduct a Google search for sand ceremony kits and you will find companies like Sandsational Sparkle that sell many colors and styles. Enjoy!
All images in this entry are courtesy of Open Prism Photography and photographer, Rebekah King. You can call Rebekah at 614-653-9082.
Bethany & Brandon - Franklin Park Conservatory
Bethany & Brandon exchange vows and rings at Franklin Park Conservatory. I had fun being their wedding officiant and enjoyed the company of this lovely bride and her groom. There is no shortage of plants in the Palm House as this photo clearly shows!
As a wedding minister I try to have fun with my couples. If any day should be joyful, it should be your wedding day.
You may kiss the bride!
Bethany and Brandon, may your days together be filled with joy, as you share many happy and blessed years!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of the fine work of Amy Mullins of Amy Rebecca Photography. To contact Amy, click on the link in this blog entry or call her at 740-304-7193.
OSU Faculty Club - a fun visit to a great venue
Now here is a great venue for weddings and other events in Columbus, Ohio, the OSU Faculty Club. It shares a field bordering Browning Amphitheater and Mirror Lake, so you have easy access to both. As a wedding officiant - sometimes called a wedding minister, I recently had the honor of performing 2 ceremonies, one at each place. Actually, it started to rain (pour) at the wedding at Browning Amphitheater, so we moved that one inside the Faculty club, but that is a separate story soon to come! Shall we have a look inside the Club?
By design, I ran into the catering manager, Liz Groff. Somehow I convinced her to vote for me in the November 2010 elections, although I was not running for any office, whatsoever. As you can tell, Liz is carrying precious cargo yet she keeps right on with her job. Liz is a great lady and I enjoyed working with her at that rainy wedding mentioned before. More to come on that, but she handled it marvelously!
In this shot, Layne Fulks, Assistant Catering Manager joins us for some relaxation and enjoyment. These ladies are a lot of fun and our visit was a blast. To find out more about what the Faculty Club has to offer contact Liz at 614-292-2262 or email her at Liz@ohio-statefacultyclub.com. To contact Layne call 614-292-2262 or email her at Layne@ohio-statefacultyclub.com.
This last photo is just for show. I thought it was pretty cool looking and it does come from inside the Faculty Club. It's inverted and the top portion showing is a reflection.
All photos in this entry are courtesy of Rebekah King (yes, my awesome daughter) at Open Prism Photography. Rebekah's phone number is 614-653-9082, if you would like more info about her work.
Wendy & Robb - Wow!
Allison & Al - Wildwood Manor House, Toledo Ohio
They flew in from California, to have their wedding here in Ohio. Allison and Al are a great couple and we had a very pleasant afternoon at Wildwood Manor House in Toledo, Ohio. They needed a wedding officiant and I am very glad they contacted me to be a part of their special day.
You can find out more about their day and read what Allison had to share at the following link: Allison's review Onewed.com.
Lisa & Bill - Elegance & Style
Joy and excitement fill the air! The lovely bride makes her walk. Just by the expression on her face you can sense the depth of feeling she has for her groom. It was a real pleasure being the wedding officiant for Lisa & Bill. This is the moment she has been waiting for, and now it's here. Being of part of this experience brings joy to me, and so often I feel so honored.
From the steps of the rich staircase at Whispering Winds Manor in Crestline , Ohio, I solemnize their marriage with joy and a sense of wonder. This day is like no other for them, and therefore like no other for me. Each wedding is different and unique, almost like a fingerprint.
Here they enjoy their sand cermony. If you look through the empty vase you can see the tasteful blend of red and white sand, layering inside their center vase, the vase they will keep in their home to remember that they are no longer two, but one in marriage.
