The Groom's Halo (and a Surprise Recessional)!

One of the things I love most about officiating at weddings is that each ceremony is different, although sometimes there are similar elements.  For example, there's a verse called "The Art of Marriage" that many couples like to include in their ceremonies because of the beautiful and realistic wording.  Most of the time, I see tears and an occasional chuckle when the verse is being read -- but this past weekend's wedding evoked much more!

From getting to know Chelsea & Seth, I knew that Seth was a bit of a joker -- and as I came to the line of the verse and read "It is not expecting you, Seth, to wear a halo," the room exploded in laughter!  I paused to let the laughter stop, then poked my head out and said, "I guess that means he usually doesn't wear one!" and more laughter ensued.  

Their ceremony came to a close, they kissed, and were presented as the newly married couple -- but there was one more laugh-inducing moment -- surprise recessional music!  What started out as sounding exactly like the first few notes of the "Wedding March" turned out to be the first notes of the "Throne Room End Title" from Star Wars (listen to the music and you'll see what I mean!).  When the guests (and I!) realized what it was, the entire room erupted in laughter -- and Chelsea & Seth walked down the aisle with their arms in the air and big smiles on their faces!

But wait, the story's not over -- there's one more big laugh! After the ceremony, I asked the videographer if he would take a picture of me with the newlyweds, and he happily obliged -- I didn't look at the photo until I got home later that night, but when I saw it, I couldn't believe my eyes -- here's the photo -- do you see it?!?!

 Yes, there it is -- Seth has a halo!

We certainly didn't plan the picture that way, but what an amazing coincidence!  

I've said it hundreds of times before, and I'm saying it again -- I love what I do!

Congratulations, Chelsea & Seth -- may you share a long, happy, healthy, and laugh-filled life together!

My Bad -- But Not Sad!

Boy, oh boy, have I been neglecting posting on my blog!  Between the busy December wedding season and the January "newly engaged inquiry" season, things have been super-busy, and I'm so thankful for that!  So -- sorry for the delay in posting -- but it's been due to so many wonderful things happening!

Let me start by saying that late December brought two of the most creative wedding ceremonies I've ever performed, both of them in the Walt Disney World areas.  The first wedding took place in Disney's crown jewel venue, The Wedding Pavilion.  Stephanie and Mike wanted a ceremony that included their Marine careers, some Wiccan Elements (they had her mother read a "Blessing of the Directions," which was beautiful), and a touch, of course, of Disney magic.  I'm happy to say, all of these elements were included in their ceremony -- and along with Harpist Christine MacPhail's magical music, their ceremony was truly unique! 

The big surprise was Stephanie's wedding dress, which was absolutely breathtaking -- here's a photo, because words just wouldn't do it justice!

 

The color, bling, and detailing on her dress was so amazing!

 

 

Colleen & Chris' wedding at the end of December, at Disney's Swan Hotel, was truly one of the most creative ceremonies I've ever had the honor of performing!  When Colleen first contacted me from Massachusetts long before their wedding date, she told me that they were huge Buzz Lightyear fans -- and that Chris had proposed to her with a Buzz Lightyear cupcake, with Buzz's finger holding the ring -- see the picture!

 

 

What was very important to Chris and Colleen was not only a one-of-a-kind ceremony, but the inclusion of their family and friends in their ceremony, most of whom had traveled from Massachusetts to be there. 

 

Working on their ceremony was such a fun and creative process -- and they not only promised to love each other "To Infinity and Beyond," but I also asked their guests to stand and offer their support "To Infinity and Beyond!" 

 

The day of their ceremony was a very chilly and breezy one, but the warmth of Chris, Colleen, and all of their guests made for a very warm ceremony, indeed!

 

 

 

Now it's January, and "Engagement Season" is in full bloom -- I'm getting lots of calls and bookings for weddings in 2013 -- so, although it's late, I'm wishing you all a Healthy, Happy New Year -- stay tuned for more posts about wonderfully unique weddings!