Journal
Jaime & Janae - Cheers Chalet, Lancaster OH
Here is a bride and groom I will not soon forget. As a wedding officiant in Columbus Ohio (sometimes called a wedding minister), I have the privilege of getting to know so many wonderful couples. Jaime and his lovely bride, Janae, were married at Cheers Chalet in Lancaster, Ohio.
Jaime and Janae were kind enough to share some photographs with me so that you can share a bit of their day by reading my blog.
Jaime and Janae share their first kiss as husband and wife! What a special moment. Here is a portion of their ceremony before they kiss, said with much celebration: "Jaime and Janae, now that you have exchanged your vows on this beautiful day of celebration and joy, and along with you family, friends, and honored guests wishing you many long years of happiness, prosperity and love. It is my honor and privilege to now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride!"
The happy couple surrounded by bubbles and love!
Here is another great shot as husband and wife. 
I love the look of contentment on Janae's face and joy on Jaime's as they bask in the glow of married love filling the air. Jaime & Janae, may all your days be filled with abundant blessings from this day forward!
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.
Erin & Mark - Residential Wedding in Centerville, OH
I really enjoyed being with this great couple from West Virginia as they came to Ohio to celebrate their wedding with family. I love being the wedding officiant at residential celebrations when the bride and groom have so much feeling for each other. This couple does.
Here are some photos of their sand ceremony where their two girls had a chance to participate.
Exchanging rings.
I am going to let these remaining photos speak for themselves.
Isn't this so touching as they dance and embrace by the pool? Wishing you many great years ahead Erin and Mark!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Victoria Serruto of VS3 Studios. Click on the link provided to visit her website. You can call her directly at 937-760-8737.
Alicia & Paul - German Village Guest House, Columbus Ohio
Alicia and Paul celebrated their wedding in the way they wanted at the German Village Guest House in Columbus, Ohio. Small, intimate, warm, and beautiful. I enjoyed being their wedding officiant because they have such a sweet relationship. When I was with Paul and Alicia when we met before their ceremony at my office, they were so obviously meant for each other, and I felt the warmth of the love they share right from the beginning. In this first picture Alicia and Paul gaze upon each other. Their expression says it all.
The groom, Paul, and I cover some of the details of their ceremony before their special moment when they become husband and wife.
A few moments later Alicia arrays herself in beauty.
Here is another shot from before their wedding ceremony.
Paul and Alicia together as one.
What an awesome moment as they celebrate their union with their first kiss as husband and wife!
All photographs in this entry are courtesy of Red Gallery Photography. Husband and wife team, Clay and Lisa Justice are great people to work with, and their artistic talent speaks for itself. I encourage you to visit their website by following the link provided, or give them a call at 614-794-1113.
Heather & Bryan - Cheers Chalet, Lancaster Ohio
This was a truly touching wedding at Cheers Chalet with a great couple, Heather & Bryan. They are both very sweet and I really enjoyed being their wedding officiant. I had such a great time that I almost wish I could do their ceremony all over again!
"You may kiss the bride!" And, as you can see, they did! Aren't they just lovely together?
The whole story wouldn't be complete without another important member of this union, Heather's son, Cory! Here is the new family all together.
Bryan and Heather, may all your days together be filled with happiness and blessings!
All photographs in this entry courtesy of Brooke Vatter of Cherished Moments Photography. Click on the previous link to find out more. Brooke's phone number is 740-972-0641.
Michelle & Bryan - Heritage Golf Club
Michelle and Bryan celebrate their marriage with the Sand Ceremony, as I read selected wording as their wedding officiant. Their unique containers hold the sand that represents who they are as individuals. They combine the two colors in the center vase to represent their existence in marriage, no longer two but one new reality, husband and wife. It was very touching and meaningful.
Here Michelle and Dad are drawn to the stirrings of her wedding. It's almost time for Michelle to walk the aisle and be presented by her father.
Here was a fun spot in their ceremony.
Father to daughter. Daughter to father. A priceless moment.
I love the expression on Michelle and Bryan's faces here. Celebrating the mystery of becoming husband and wife.
Now they walk into their future together. May their days as one always be blessed!
Lisa & John - SoSerene Venue in Wapakoneta, Ohio
Here is a beautiful couple celebrating their special day. John and Lisa had found each other unexpectedly. Starting as friends they later realized something more was at work. Now they are together for the rest of their lives. As their wedding officiant, I enjoyed witnessing and being a part of their marriage. This marriage has joined two families, with children Jake, JP, and sweet Lexi.
Here is another shot during their ceremony. Isn't John's expression great here?
A beautiful view at SoSerene wedding venue. Isn't it just lovely? You can see John & Lisa's children, Lexi, Jake, and PJ as this new family celebrates together. Very cool.
This is a very warm and friendly venue that is family-owned with a great atmosphere. For more information on this great wedding venue in Wapakoneta, Ohio click on this link SoSerene, or call Joy at 419-236-4937. Joy is the owner and she has done most of the artwork herself. I was amazed.
I hope to have more pictures of this beautiful couple and wedding soon. I plan to share them when I do and there will be some more shots of SoSerene as well.
Michelle & Tom - Hilton Columbus at Easton
Congratulations, Tom and Michelle! You are now husband and wife.
It was a real joy to be the wedding officiant for this lovely couple. They wanted a wedding that was soft, simple, and reflective of the love they share and how they feel about each other. We accomplished that and it was an honor to be part. They rediscovered their love for each other. Their marriage came at the right time.
Easton Towne Center in Columbus, Ohio provides a great backdrop for their wedding photos here.
I love the expression on Tom's face here. Michelle seems deeply contented. It was very sweet.
A few more photos to enjoy.
I love the flowers and blurred effect in this one.
Michelle and Tom, may your days together be long, many, and blessed.
All photos in this entry courtesy of April Moening. To contact April follow this link to April Moening Photography.
wedding venues - a visit to kelton house
I had a chance to visit Kelton House in Columbus, Ohio. This place is simply loaded with history. This is a great place to have a wedding and connect with the history of the area at the same time. Kelton House was part of the underground railroad, helping runaway slaves reach freedom in Canada. Americans who helped could be thrown in jail.
We are going to have a look at some of what's inside. You will see some of the original china below. Would you like to have tea with the wife of Mr. Fernando Cortez Kelton, Sofia Kelton, or stop by for a visit? Not so easy. It had to be announced in the paper beforehand. Also, ladies who visited were slated for only 20 minutes. Oh yeah, and if you were dressed better than Mrs. Kelton, she would head back upstairs to dress better than you, then she would invite you in! Talk about fashion nightmares.
The history of this place is what makes it fun to have a wedding here. My daughter and photographer, Rebekah, poses with me as Chuck Miller snaps the shot.
Please contact Chuck Miller at Kelton House in order to find out how you can make your wedding connect with history in a very real and profound way. It can add a lot of meaning to any event.
Chuck's phone number is 614-464-2022. His email address is keltonhouse@cs.com.
If you want to check out some cool wedding shots you can follow this link, Kelton House. As the wedding officiant for a couple who got married there recently, I hope to have some additional photos soon.
Katherine & Traian - When sweet runs deep
Right when I saw this photo, something in my heart jumped. There is something here that you know exists just for this couple, but they have shared it and have given us a glimpse of the miracle that is their love.
I hope to have more photographs of this beautiful couple, Katherine & Traian posted soon.
It is moments like the one reflected in this shot, that is the reason I am in this marriage profession. You cannot put a price tag on the love that exists between a husband and wife.
It was a privilege to be their wedding officiant. I look forward to watching their love grow as the years pass.
Their ceremony was held at Wexner Park in New Albany.
PJ & Kim - Columbus, Ohio
Now here is a great couple, PJ & Kim. I had the pleasure of being the wedding officiant to solemnize their marriage in Columbus, Ohio. Cool photo huh?
I like this shot. What a beautiful couple. They were very sweet together as you can see.
Here is a joyful wedding kiss.
Kim was such a sweet bride and host. Holding the door for a pose. I thought Kim was a lot of fun.
Here is another shot of their outdoor ceremony.
Home can be a great place to celebrate a marriage and have a wedding! You will notice me just hanging out in the picture below. PJ & Kim were a lot of fun and I really enjoyed being a part of their special day! Thanks PJ & Kim.
All photos courtesy of Rebekah King. You can contact Rebekah at 614-653-9082.
Kim & Matt
One couple I officiated for this weekend was Kim and Matt at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard Ohio. We had great weather, and even though it was hot, everyone seemed to enjoy their ceremony. Kim and Matt incorporated the sand ceremony and the rose ceremony into their wedding. It was very touching. The bride and groom were very happy as were both sets of parents!
Jody Meyer and her staff at Heritage Golf Club did a fabulous job, like they so often do. DJ services were provided by Master Mix DJ. I hope to have photos soon from Master's Photography.
Katherine & Traian - Wexner Park
"Thank you again for doing such a wonderful job with our wedding! I didn't realize you had the music turned off at the pool! THANK YOU! I didn't even realize the water park was over there! You did such a great job making sure everything flowed together!"
-Katherine and Traian
The park manager at the water theme park that bordered our outdoor wedding venue (Wexner Park, New Albany, Ohio), was very accommodating as I requested that he have the music turned off for Katherine and Traian's wedding. We are very grateful for his help.
I thank you Katherine and Traian, for allowing me to be a part of celebrating your union as husband and wife!
May you be blessed for all your days!
Jamie & Chris - Pinnacle Golf Club
All of our friends and guests enjoyed the ceremony. It was short and clean, and just the way we wanted.
You also did a great job directing the guests on what to do; as well as calming Chris, he told me afterward that guests started to blow bubbles as I was walking down, and you told him it would be fine.
Chris and Jamie"
Jamie & Jason - North bank park pavilion
A privilege and an honor, Jamie and Jason were an amazing couple. They have an awesome story about how their lives came together and how they eventually discovered that they were meant to be together. Some may call it fate; others, destiny. Still others, divine intervention. Once you have met them you become quickly convinced that Jason & Jamie are two people whose lives were destined to cross, so that they could be one as husband and wife for all of their days.
This was a truly awesome wedding! Jamie and Jason personalized their ceremony with an Irish wedding custom known as handfasting to honor Jason's Irish heritage. Jamie selected some extremely tasteful cords and ribbons, and they both were filled with great emotion and feeling as you can see.
An enjoyable occasion throughout. We were having a lot of fun which is easy to do when you are with this couple.
Okay, you two... Ready? You may kiss the bride!
Let's try that again. (I'm sure that you realize these photos are from two separate sequences in different parts of the ceremony but I thought I'd have some fun).
Jamie and Jason. May their union be blessed forever!
Do you think this couple is happy to be married?
No guesswork here.
The incredible photographs in this entry were provided by Ely Bros. Photography. The Ely brothers, Caleb and Levi, have amazing talent and originality in their work. They will also bring peaceful atmosphere to your occasion as they capture images that will represent your event in a way that you will never forget. Their style and presentation are something you must experience to appreciate. In order to contact Caleb or Levi click on their business name and you will be brought to their website.
kate and roland - dublin, ohio.
We begin with the moment where we are waiting for the bride to make her appearance. The cool thing about weddings at home is that often the bride and groom are not overtaken with trying to be too formal. Roland and Kate were much more focused on each other and relaxed, without a lot of the distractions sometimes experienced in other settings. It was just them, and it was great!
Also, I am not short (5'11.5"), Roland is just quite tall. He looks great here doesn't he?
Don't they look awesome together? You have never seen a couple more in love. They were both very excited about this day and yet they were peacefully relaxed too. I could almost reach out and touch their love for each other.
Here is a nice shot taken after the fact...More below.
Officially married! Hands together on the marriage certificate to symbolize. This was a great way to end a beautiful and fun time with a great couple. Wishing you all the best for all your days, Kate and Roland!
Wedding Venues - Creekside in gahanna
I had the chance to stop by Creekside Conference and Event Center , and spend some time with Katherine Howes who is the Event Coordinator. It was cool. I know I was feeling a little tired. Thankfully, Katherine was her usual kind self and we had a great visit. Creekside’s GM, Erik Niceswanger (no photo), was busy doing payroll while Katherine and I took some time to talk and plan for future weddings. It's good to understand that every venue has its own policies and procedures.
If you would like a wedding rehearsal, make sure that you check with your venue about their exact rehearsal-scheduling policies. I encourage you not assume anything because I have seen where a misunderstanding of this has caused tension. When planning for something as important as a wedding, with guests potentially coming in from out of town, you will want to have clear time frames. Some venues can guarantee a rehearsal time when you plan a wedding with them, others are unable to accommodate unless you rent the extra time also. Ask lots of questions to avoid any misunderstandings. Of course if possible, get it in writing. You can avoid a great deal of wedding stress if you get complete, clear answers.
Here you can see some of the outdoor serenity and beauty of Creekside. Outdoor weddings are a regular part of things. And they have awesome accommodations for indoor events as well.
In this last photo Katherine and I are reviewing Creeksides’s policies about events and weddings. They have a great deal of flexibility in serving a wide-range of group sizes. It is really a lot more lovely on the inside than seen here. I just didn’t get photos of the glass-surrounded dome ceiling for indoor ceremonies. Very nice.
For a first-hand look, I encourage you to contact Katherine at (614) 416-8188 and khowes@creeksidecec.com. Creekside is in Gahanna close to I-270 and the airport. You will find out why a lot of brides and grooms choose this fine venue if you talk with Katherine and take a few minutes to visit.
Wedding on the water!
"It is my pleasure to present... Angelica and Luis!"
This was a fun wedding over the waters of Hoover Reservoir this past weekend. They were a great group of friends, family, and guests. I really enjoyed officiating their wedding. It was a little cool and windy, but nobody seemed to mind.
wedding venues - Heritage Golf Club
Outdoor weddings can be such a beautiful experience. I met with Jody Meyer, Sales and Catering Director, the other day at Heritage Golf Club in Hilliard. We went outside to see the layout for ceremonies and do some planning. The day was splendid...virtually cloudless and therefore, a lot of sun. That is why our eyes are squinting! I will be officiating for several weddings at Heritage this year and have already completed one, which went very well.
There can be a great deal that goes into a successful outdoor ceremony, coordination among all parties involved as well as weather considerations can make it a challenge. Jody does a fantastic job and has a friendly demeanor that enhances her professionalism and extraordinary attention to details.
In this photo you can see some of the natural beauty at Heritage behind Jody and me. I can't remember exactly what we were discussing here. I was joking with my photographer, Rebekah, posing the idea that I had discovered a wedding ring under my feet from a previous ceremony!
I use a simple technique in my ceremonies to keep the rings from being accidentally dropped. By placing your left hand on top of your right and cupping it, the ring can be placed safely in the palm of your hand where you can easily grasp it with the fingers of your right hand, to then be place upon the ring finger of your bride or groom. If you are left handed, reverse the order and place your right hand on top of your left.
Michelle Garber is the receptionist at Heritage. She took a few minutes out of her busy day to visit. I will be officiating her ceremony later this month and I expect it to be a very beautiful wedding. Again, you can see some of the beauty of Heritage, and it is even moreso now that some time has passed since this I was there.
Michelle will be having an outdoor wedding. As part of her personalized ceremony we will be incorporating the sand ceremony. Some couples prefer the unity candle and also use the rose ceremony...yet using sand is becoming more and more popular. The bride and groom will each have sand of a different color. I like them to start with creating a layered effect (reflecting their individuality) and then blending into a new color to symbolize their union as one in marriage. Children can be part of the blending of the sands also, with their own unique color. This can be a very nice way to make them feel included in the wedding.
It was a lot of fun visiting Heritage with Jody and Michelle. As you can see, the landscape is fabulous. I recommend Heritage as a great place for weddings, events, and don't forget....golf too. You can contact Jody at 614-684-7112 or by email at jmeyer@heritage.com.