Wedding in the Round

Sometimes a couple is looking for something unique and different that sets their wedding apart. These couples may be at the age where all their friends are getting married, where they are attending several weddings, and where they do not want their wedding to be a simple rehashing of “the same old thing.”

One way to customize your ceremony into something unique is to have the ceremony in the round. The guests would envelope the couple within a protective cocoon. The wedding ceremony would take place within a circle of love. Everyone would get a good view and may be made to feel more a part of the ceremony.

If nothing else, this would certainly change the notion amongst the guests that there are Bride and Groom “sides”.

What about you? Do you like the idea of a circular ceremony or does it only invite chaos and confusion?

Jennifer and Nick’s Hilton Head Wedding

On Saturday, May 25, 2013, I was again at the Westin Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina. As I have previously mentioned, I totally love this venue. You can find more information about it by clicking here. Julia and her team at The Westin were attentive to every detail of this wedding.

This was the wedding of Jennifer Weaver and Nick Cerutti. The ceremony was set to take place on the beach. Two of the bride’s nieces did a reading and sang a song. They had beautiful bouquets made of seashells.

The absolute best thing about this wedding was the involvement of the groom’s son, Nicholas, and the bride’s son, Owen. Here is a portion of the ceremony which included the sons:

Family Blessing with the Children

As Jenny and Nick join their lives as one, they create not only a new marriage relationship, but also a new family, which is legally recognized. This family now has a pledge of their love and commitment to each other, so today they do again pledge their eternal love and commitment to each other as a family.
(Rev. Joe calls Nicholas and Owen forward)

Nicholas, Do you promise to accept and love Owen as your own and to protect and love him for the rest of your life. Do you promise to do your best to guide and support him – and to respect him enough to allow him to see the world through his own eyes?”
(I Will )

Jennifer, Do you promise to accept and love Nick as your own and to protect and love him for the rest of your life. Do you promise to do your best to guide and support him – and to respect him enough to allow him to see the world through his own eyes?”
(I Will )

Now, Owen and Nick, Do you promise to support their marriage and your new family?
Do you promise to accept the responsibility of being their children, and to encourage them and support them in your new life together?”
(I Will)

((Unity Sand with entire family is done at this point))

Let us pray,
Almighty God, we give you thanks for the blessings of family life. We ask that you watch over the family created in this marriage. May the home they create always be a place of sanctuary, peace, and blessing. May this family always strive to bring out the best in themselves and each other. May they remain in your loving protection now and always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Owen and Nick return to their places)

This was a beautiful moment in this family, a moment I will long remember.

Thank you, Jennifer and Nick, for letting me share this special moment in your life. May God bless you and your family.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Nick and Jennifer Cerutti!

Kelly and Matt’s Hilton Head Wedding

On the evening of May 18, 2013, I was at The Westin Resort in Hilton Head for the wedding of Kelly FitzGerald and Matthew Greer. This wedding is particularly memorable to me for a number of reasons.

First, I love doing weddings at this particular venue. The staff at the Westin Resort in Hilton Head is phenomenal. They see to every detail. This was made even easier in this case because of the care and attention of Jennifer and her team at Embellished Events.

They provide a great location where your guests can stay, attend the ceremony, and party at the reception – all without having to worry about maps, traffic, and designated drivers.

Secondly, it is precisely some of the details which I loved about this wedding. Their ceremony was beautiful. One surprise is that they took the occasion to publicly thank their own parents and the parents of their spouse. That gesture made a profound impression on many in attendance.

Kelly and Matt also took on my assignment to write letters to each other, some of which I was able to share with everyone present. Their ceremony was a great celebration which had moments of joy, laughter, and tears.

Some of the personal touches of their wedding were also memorable. They had planned ahead for future anniversaries with messages and bottles of wine.

The seating name tags were in keeping with the beachy theme.

A rustic lantern was used as a container for cards.

And they even made sure to have a table filled with old nostalgic photographs.

Last but not least, this wedding was particularly memorable because of the strong impression made by Kelly and Matt. They are a delightful couple. Their complimentary personalities are a perfect fit.

Thank you, Kelly and Matt, for letting me be a part of your special day.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Matthew and Kelly Greer!

Pre-nuptial Agreements

This past week I was listening to the Dave Ramsey Radio Show. This financial guru has worked for years to help people get out of debt and discover financial peace.

One called asked Dave about Pre-nuptial Agreements. In this particular case, he had about $60,000 equity in a $200,000 house. His intended bride had no assets. He asked if he should make the Pre-nup.

Dave Ramsey had some interesting comments.

He recalled the situation of a man who wanted a Pre-nup because he owned a restored antique car. He told that man, “If you make her sign a Pre-nup so you can keep your car, you care more about the car than her. You have no business getting married!”

The caller did get Dave’s point. Asking his Bride for a Pre-nup is not the right thing.

Dave Ramsey did point out, though, that he does on occasion recommend a Pre-nuptial Agreement when one of the parties is extremely wealthy. However, this is not because of his views on commitment. It has more to do with the kind of crazy folks very rich people often attract.

It has been said that marriage is one of the leading causes of divorce. Seriously, though, financial disagreements are one of the most difficult tests of many marriages.

Is marriage merely a contractual agreement? In the fullest sense it is a convenant, a joining of two lives into one. This is why the wording of the traditional vows speak of commitment “for better, for worse…”

What do you think?

Are there situations where a Pre-nup is a good thing? Does the issue show only conditional halfhearted commitment, or does that oversimplify the issue? Would you agree to sign one or question the love of someone who asks you to? Any thoughts?

Jill and Kevin’s Entrance!

There is a video that was trending on You Tube. It shows the unique entrance of the Bride and Groom and the wedding party.

Take a look at the video here:

Jill and Kevin’s Entrance

Sometimes the You Tube links do not work. If that is the case you may access the video here.

After taking a look at that video, what do you think? Would you ever consider something like this for your wedding? Should the dancing be left for the reception only? Does this memorable entrance diminish the seriousness of the event or does it perfectly capture the celebratory nature of the wedding? Have you ever seen anything similar at a wedding?

Any thoughts?

Jennifer Marries Eric

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, I was at Chatham Square in Savannah for the wedding of Jennifer Arnold and Eric Nitz. This is not one of the most “popular” wedding squares, but it is no less beautiful than the others.

Many of the details of this wedding were overseen by Emie Heisey of 123 Elope . Emie is a great wedding coordinator, and I have always had good experiences working with 123elope.

I was able to physically meet Eric and Jennifer a couple of days before the wedding when I dropped by their rental house on West Broughton Street. Jennifer had worked so hard on her wedding. Her skill and craftiness added many personal touches to the celebration.

Jennifer and Eric were also a great deal of fun. I immediately “clicked” with them and felt as if I had known them for years.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Eric and Jennifer Nitz!

I’m so happy our paths crossed. I hope you guys keep in touch!

Beautiful Bundle of Joy!

This past week I received a wonderful note from a former bride of mine.

On April 28, 2012 I married Samantha and Sven in Whitfield Square here in Savannah. I blogged about their beautiful wedding last year (check the archives of previous posts).

Samantha sent a note to let me know that married life is good and that she is now in a growing family.

The above pictured bundle of joy was born on May 20, 2013.

Samantha and Sven, thank you for keeping in touch. And most of
all congratulations!!!

Garden Wedding!

On May 11, 2013, I was able to officiate at the wedding of Annita Seger and James Lovuolo. The beautiful couple was being married at The Botanical Gardens. This venue in midtown Savannah is one of the city’s best kept secrets. The gardens are especially beautiful when all the flora and fauna are in bloom.

This was a beautiful couple, and their intimate ceremony was memorable. Annita and James’ joy was noticed by all. Even though we had interacted only through telephone and email, I felt as though I’d known them for a long time. We immediately clicked even though we had physically met for the first time only minutes before the ceremony.

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs James and Annita Lovuolo!

Kara and Joe’s Beautiful Wedding

On Friday, May 10, 2013 I was in Hilton Head for the wedding of Kara Moore and Joey Burdelski. This wedding had me working with one my favorite event planning companies in Hilton Head. Celebrations Events was one of the first companies to work with me when I began doing weddings in the area. Dominique and her team made sure this wedding was perfect.

The wedding took place at Windows on the Waterway. This is an exclusive venue in Hilton Head Plantation.

The wedding ceremony was beautiful! Also, the joy of this couple, so in love, was apparent. After the ceremony, they had a reception at the Windows venue.

Just recently, Kara and Joey sent me the kindest Thank You note!

Dear Reverend Joe,

Joey and I wanted to take a minute to thank you for being apart of our special day and making our ceremony so special and memorable! Because of you, I was so relaxed and comfortable during our ceremony that I actually got to cherish and remember it all!! My friend’s and family all expressed how you made the ceremony amazing and memorable, which we want to thank you for! We couldn’t have asked for anything more. We are forever grateful for you!

Thank you,
Kara and Joey

I want to thank you, Kara and Joey, for letting me be a part of your special day.

Congratulations to Mr an Mrs Joseph and Kara Burdelski!

Wedding at Davenport House

On April 13, 2013, I again had the opportunity to officiate at the historic Davenport House. The house was built in the Federalist style by Isaiah Davenport. In 1955 the house was saved from demolition and helped spur the preservation of many historic structures in Savannah. Today, it is an active place. Davenport House Website
The courtyard of the Davenport house is a beautiful space for weddings.

On this beautiful April day I was officiating at the wedding of Jacalyn and Scott. This lovely couple had an intimate gathering of family and friends. Deirdre, and her team from Statement Weddings saw to every detail. Jacalyn and Scott also used Diane Dodd as their photographer. She is a wonderful photographer, who captured great memories on film, like this lighthearted moment in the ceremony.

You can see more of Diane’s fine work by visiting her website here

Jacalyn and Scott used a very beautiful version of some contemporary vows.

(Man to Woman)
I, Scott, promise to honor and love you, Jacalyn,
To remain honest and faithful to you,
To comfort you when you are sad,
To share your joy when you are happy,
To support you,
To grow in love with you,
And to appreciate you,
This day and each day, as long as we both shall live.

(Woman to man)
I, Jacalyn, promise to honor and love you, Scott,
To remain honest and faithful to you,
To comfort you when you are sad,
To share your joy when you are happy,
To support you,
To grow in love with you,
And to appreciate you,
This day and each day, as long as we both shall live.

Thank you very much, Jacalyn and Scott, for letting me share this special moment with both of you. May God bless you now and always!