I'm an ordained minister. I've married two of my best friends. If you'd like a wedding that sounds like the people getting married, you've come to the right person.
Where it comes from
I've always been a ham for love.
When I was younger I wrote poems, and those poems would turn into songs. I grew up watching rom-coms and, no joke, taking mental notes on how to be a great partner. Love has always been the thing I pay the most attention to, so officiating was a natural fit.
The Martin Family gathered in force for my little sister's wedding.
How I do it
My formula for a great wedding.
Six beats, every time.
The welcome. Gather everyone, set the warmth, and name why we're all in the room.
What marriage is. The opening, and an honest word on the expectations of what they're stepping into.
The application. The couple asks the family and friends in attendance to support them, out loud.
A line in the sands of time. A clear marker that tomorrow is different from today, for the rest of their lives. The new chapter.
A new tradition. Establish something that's theirs from this day on.
The vows, and a kiss. The promises, and the moment everyone came for.
The formula in action: Joe & Lauren Zavoli.
This is exactly how I officiated my friends Joe and Lauren Zavoli, two friends from my hockey team. Here's the whole ceremony, start to finish, with every one of the six beats doing its job.
Officiating Joe & Lauren Zavoli's wedding, the formula start to finish.
“I've been to a lot of weddings in my life. That was by far the best ceremony I've ever seen.”
The bride's grandmother
A few more
Other weddings, other roles.
Officiating Barbie & Michael. Barbie has been a friend of mine for more than twenty years.Ashly & Michael's wedding. This one I was just attending, shooting some fun videos around the place.
What I've learned
My three Cs.
Not necessarily for a happier relationship, but at least a less stressful one with the person you choose to spend your time with in this world.
Communication. You have to be able to communicate with one another. Verbally, non-verbally, and to say how you actually feel. So necessary.
Change. Things will never stop changing. It might be great right now, but can the two of you change together and roll with the punches? Hint: it takes communication. :)
Cleanliness. My god. If you don't share the same definition of the word "clean," it will cause so much regular stress in your life.
Want me to officiate?
Wait, really?
You're going to have to pay for room, board, travel, all that. I don't want to pay to attend your wedding, c'mon, man! I'm sure I like you and all, but no. I don't want to do that.
If I officiated your wedding, or you were simply there for one, sign the guestbook with a memory, and add a photo or clip if you've got one. The best ones go up on the wall.
