If you get the chance, make sure to pick up the current issue of Southern Living Weddings. One of the weddings featured in this issue is the ceremony I did for Bridget and Rob. The article beautifully captured a great celebration!
Unique Wedding Venue…
Old Sheldon Church near Yemasee, SC is a beautiful historic location that is often overlooked. I have had the privilege of officiating at a few weddings at this serene spot.
The church was burnt down in 1779 and again in 1865. This bellicose history is in stark contrast to its serene calm today. Visitors can wander the beautiful grounds and adjoining cemetery. The church is the property of the Episcopal diocese, but anyone may be married there.
The grounds even have an old water pump which STILL works!
Whether it is for a wedding or not, a visit to Old Sheldon Church is certainly worthwhile.
Another Unique Wedding Idea…
Personalized advice makes a nice touch to a wedding!
This adds a unique touch to the wedding that allows the guests to have a more active role in the ceremony. Sometime before the ceremony, it can be done at the rehearsal the day before… it can be done over the internet through social media (e.g. facebook)… it can even be done before the ceremony as guests arrive… the officiant solicits advice from the couple’s friends and family. This advice can run the gamut from serious to light-hearted. The officiant then crafts a part of the ceremony which addresses the couple and gives them the advice from those who know and love them the best.
This adds a beautiful, personalized touch to a wedding ceremony if it is done well.
Here is my question for you! What do you think is the best bit of advice to give to a newly married couple? What is the secret to a long lasting marriage?
Unique Wedding Idea …
It is not uncommon that a wedding ceremony is not able to be attended by everyone. Sometimes grandparents and parents are too sick, elderly, or frail to attend. In this amazing age of technology there is still a way for them to “attend”.
A few months ago, I officiated at a small wedding in Savannah. The bride’s family lived in Brazil. We set up a laptop and Skyped them for the whole ceremony. Everything was carefully laid out, planned, and choreographed so that they could see and hear the entire thing live, as it happened. I even welcomed those who were joining us online so that they could feel more a part of the celebration thousands of miles away.
Don’t we live in amazing times where such things are possible?
Funny Church Sign…
I was driving today down a country road. Such a drive gives a person a chance to think, to reflect, to read the signs posted along the road.
I came across this humorous sign posted by a Baptist church…
One question: do you think the “nuts” who attend that church realize they are the nuts? 😁😳
Last Minute Wedding…
It was late Wednesday evening when my telephone rang. I answered. On the other end of the line was the mother of a bride who was asking if I would be available for a wedding in two days. She explained that everything was arranged. The minister who had been slated to officiate is out of town.
I took some information and worked at crafting something special for their ceremony. The wedding was to take place at the Skidaway Island State Park. This is a very scenic and beautiful location. Click here for their website!
The wedding was very special. It was an intimate gathering of about two dozen people in the park’s clubhouse.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Brian and Jamie Waterlander. May God bless you both!
Lisa and Nick’s Beautiful Wedding
On the afternoon of October 5, 2012, I officiated at the wedding of Nick and Lisa Wadenstorer. This wedding was directed by the very capable coordinators from First City Events. Bonnie and her staff paid careful attention to all the details. Click here for their website.
The wedding took place at Forsyth Park. This is one of Savannah’s landmark venues.
Lisa and Nick had a great wedding! Their families and friends were warm and receptive. I immediately felt at home with them.
Congratulations and thank you, Lisa and Nick, for the awesome memory!
Jenni Marries Chris…
On the evening of Friday, October 5, 2012, there was a beautiful wedding on the grounds of The Mackey House. This is a picturesque setting with an impressive history.
During the Civil War the property was a Confederate army encampment. It was later occupied by Union soldiers when General Sherman marched into Savannah in 1864. The property is also famous for its prized cattle. Today the property is owned by Fred and Laura Mackey. The Mackey House is a popular wedding destination.
On October 5th The Mackey House was the setting for the wedding of Jennifer Fulton and Christopher O’Dwyer. We worked several months to create the perfect ceremony for them. It really was a beautiful wedding where the warmth and love of family and friends was readily apparent.
Thank you, Mr and Mrs Chris and Jennifer O’Dwyer, for letting me be a part of your wonderful wedding!
My Last 2012 Wedding!
On the morning of December 31, 2012 I had the privilege of officiating at the wedding of Kelley and Thomas Terrell. The wedding took place at beautiful Orleans Square in Savannah.
The special event was attended by some two dozen close friends and relatives. There, with us in spirit, was their two year old “child”, their black lab , Josie. Tommy told me before the wedding that Josie was spending a few days with some dog friends. Readings were done by groom’s uncle, Jim, and the bride’s sister, Rachel.
This beautiful couple has known each other for ten years. They wrote and exchanged heartfelt vows.
Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Thomas and Kelley Terrell!!!
Roman gods, new years, new beginnings and resolutions…
This two-headed god gives the month of January its name.
New Year’s is a special time of year!
For us, it occurs on January 1st. The month of January takes it name from the two-headed Roman god, Janus. It is thought that this god marks thresholds that stand between times and seasons. One head looks back and another looks forward. Isn’t that what we so naturally do at this time of year?
So many older people live their lives looking back on the past. They remember a time and place where they felt needed and important. They readily share stories of long past events and occasions. They remember things which are often unknown or forgotten by others.
On the other hand, younger people live their lives looking forward to a future. They dream of the day they turn that magic age… sixteen and driving; eighteen and voting; twenty-one and legally drinking; twenty-four and marriage; sixty-five and retired. The list of forward-looking goals can seem endless.
And yet… whether a person looks forward or looks back, what is the common denominator? Both are done in the present!
Don’t waste too much time worrying about a past that cannot be changed or a future that is not promised. Make the most of the present.
In fact, all we have is the present moment. Since we cannot change the past and we are not promised a future, God gives us the present. That is why we call it the PRESENT.
A great new year’s resolution for 2013 is this…
In 2013 I will try to make the most of the present moments and opportunities that come my way.
What about you? Do you have any good resolutions for the new year?
