Ashley and Mike are Married!

We have a lot of military couples marry at our retreat center, RiverMist. Usually they will arrive in casual clothes, maybe shorts and t-shirt. Quite a transformation when the uniform goes on.

Ashley was happy and ready to marry the man of her dreams.

It was a happy occasion indeed.

Ashley and Mike were surrounded by people who love them.

Big smiles.

Beautiful dress...

And her 'something blue' nails.

A bright future ahead. Full of love and adventures.

Caysea and Chris Are Married

Lovely Bride

Can you see the love in this bride's eyes?

Caysea was marrying her best friend.

Caysea promised to Chris

Chris, I choose now to stay this path with you,
wherever it leads, whatever the outcome
To travel with you through the adventures of life.
I give you my promise to be by your side forevermore.
I promise to love, to honor, and to listen
as you tell me your thoughts,
your hopes, your fears, and your dreams.
I promise to love you deeply and truly 
because it is your heart that moves me,
your head that challenges me,
your humor that delights me,
and your hands I wish to hold until the end of my days.

And Chris had promises to make
I, Chris promise to you
To make each and every day special
I promise to laugh with you, every day
To remember why I fell so madly in love with you
To support you and hold you durimg te lowest moments
And to triumph with you when the moments are high.
I promsie to you that I will love and protect you
I will be faithful and honest
And I will never take for granted how lucky I am
To have found my best friend, soul mate
and love of my life in you.

So happy to be married!

Let the adventures begin!

Janis and Frank are Married in Private Ceremony

Many couples want a small wedding. Something personal without a lot of stress (and expense). The courthouse is always an option... but not so personal. RiverMist is a perfect place for couples to exchange vows surrounded by nature. And it sounded like a good option for Frank and Janis.

Frank sees his bride for the first time.

And Janis looked pretty happy to see him.

In the presence of their family and friends they exchanged wedding vows.

As part of their wedding Janis and Frank took their first communion as husband and wife.

A very special way to acknowledge Christian faith.

Smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

It's true. Janis and Frank are married!

So happy to show off the new rings.

Happily Ever After.

Jessie and Zack are Married - Riverwood Manor

What do you do when you've been in love with someone over half of your life.... Well, there is really only ONE thing to do... you marry them.

And that's exactly what Jessie and Zack did yesterday at Riverwood Manon  in Harrisburg.

This was the first time I officiated a wedding here and I look forward to many more...
Great venue for 50 -300 guests. Wedding and reception at one location. 

 I had a chance to take a few photos before the ceremony.
(love my iPhone)

What a great way to incorporate blessing stones. 

Guests were asked to write blessings for the newlyweds.

The reception area was beautifully decorated.

And Zack was busy taking care of last minute details.

The weather was perfect.

Flowers ready. It's time to get married.

Family is important to Jessie and Zack so their siblings took part in the ceremony. 

Jessie's brother, Michael, read a passage of scripture. 

Zack's sister, Jennifer, reminded guests of family members who were present in spirit.

Jessie and Zack would like us to take a moment to remember their loved ones who are not here with us today. We remember them still and invoke their memory and their spirit to share in the happiness and joy of this moment. Thinking of them brings fond and cherished memories of a time past, yet every present in our minds and hearts. We will always remember them and we know that the are celebrating with us in spirit.

After personal vows, Jessie and Zack included a unity sand ceremony

led by Zack's sister, Stephanie.

Not their first kiss. Certainly not their last.

It was truly a special day.

Jessie and Zack, together FOREVER.

Elemental Blessing of the Rings

It was a wonderful spring day when Mike and Lisa became husband and wife.

Adding rituals and special elements can make a wedding ceremony personal and unique.

I offer many options and always happy when couples choose to have their rings blessed.

There are many ways to bless wedding rings. Lisa and Mike chose to include the four elements: air, fire, earth, and water.

Air: communication and creativity. 

Fire: passion and spirit.

Earth: wealth and harmony. 

Water: affection and compassion. 

Rings were passed over incense and flame, then touched to a stone and submersed in water. Sometimes couples prefer having the rings blessed with water only. A great way to personalize a ceremony.

And a blessing before the rings are exchanged.

Not everyone wants a large wedding with lots of guests.

Many couples prefer a private ceremony.

(you must have two witnesses in North Carolina)

The 'First' kiss. Always my favorite part!

And a happy Mr. and Mrs, ready for adventures.

Kerry and Bill marry at private ceremony at RiverMist

'Surrounded by the beauty of God's creation' Kerry and Bill spoke the vows that joined their lives forever.... It was indeed a wonderful April day. And to make the day even more special, two dear friends served as witnesses.

Here's the handsome groom as he sees his future wife walking toward him.

Time to make promises.

Traditional vows are always appropriate. However, Kerry and Bill chose to write personal vows using samples from my wedding library.

Kerry's vows: Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today and all of my tomorrows with you. I promise to love you without reservation and to cherish you

as long as we both shall live.

Bill's vows: I give you my vow before God and before these witnesses that from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter. I will encourage and support you. I will hold you and protect you. I will always love you.

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and my commitment to you.  

Please wear it as a symbol of my love 

and a sign to all that I have chosen you to be my wife.

Time for photos then off to celebrate.

After sharing another KISS...

Best wishes to the happy couple.