Stephen & Veronica's Wedding, The Popponessett Inn, Mashpee, MA

Stephen and Veronica were so excited for their wedding day at the beachfront club in Mashpee, MA called the Popponessett Inn. Friends and family gathered together to share in the celebration of their new lives

together as husband and wife. The DJ played specially selected tunes, as the guests of the inn peered over at the wedding ceremony, full smiles on their faces for the love between this beautiful couple!

Theirs was a simple service meant for two nearby the sea; this inn's charm brought one the sense of olden times when families gathered in this community for sing-a-longs, celebrity performances and card games nearby the beach front. The bar/lounge area had a handsome floor area and in days gone by, probably hosted a dance or two. All was so quaint for Stephen and Veronica and their family and friends. Within 30 feet, one would be in the ocean waters of the Atlantic, free of the blistering heat that had hit the northeast this past week. Fortunately for this lovely couple, the weather had cooled down, and the slight breeze coming in off the water was a soothing balm for all to experience.

Stephen and Veronica expressed their love for one another in custom written vows, she dabbing her eyes every so often as the tears flowed. What a touching moment when her father descended the stairs, waiting for his daughter; she, too, walked down the stairwell and joined he, locking her arm in his as they strolled together to the beautifully flowered altar where Stephen and I and his uncle waited. She looked like a princess, smiling the entire service; between tears of joy and smiles of sweet sentiments, Veronica barely made it through her vows, and one might say that Stephen, too, was quite choked up when expressing his love for Veronica. It was such a sweet, poignant moment between the two.

Rings were exchanged, and they shared their special wedding kiss. Bubbles floated around and above this couple, alighting on the little children in attendance, all of them excited about the little circles of love. The youngest baby present was mesmerized by the bubbles as this handsome couple passed by, enwrapped in their own feelings of love and adventure for their new life together as husband and wife.

Congratulations Stephen and Veronica! May love and joy, and yes, bubbles too, lift your spirits

during both the good and challenging times during your life journey together. Always recall the love you shared with one another today at the altar before the sea, amidst all of your family and friends, who forever love and support you.

Steven & Trish's Wedding, Private Estate, Plymouth MA

Steven and Trish, their families and friends convened to the private estate overlooking the bay of Plymouth, MA. Stunning is an understatement to describe the venue for this beautiful wedding; as one

stands on the lush green lawn overlooking the sea, there is such a sense of majesty as one looks over the cliffs that house vegetation and flowers cascading to the oceanfront. Amazing, is more of an apt adjective -

all of the guests were oohing and aahing as they arrived to this intimate and gorgeous setting.

The service was so sweet in that there were remembrances of 3 family members who'd died; the boys cut ribbons tied to the front deck overlooking the ocean, the ribbons being tied to individually colored balloons for each individual family member's tribute. It was a truly sentimental touch that certainly made me think of our own loved ones whom passed, and how, during such special occasions, we think of their personality, their love for us. The boys cut free each balloon, pink, blue and yellow. The blue sky served as a background as the balloons made their journey over the water's edge, floating effortlessly in the beautiful breeze.

Steven and Trish wrote and shared their custom vows to one another in front of a beautiful white trellis filled with purplish-blue hydrangea flowers and white ribbons. Caterers were nearby, serving cool beverages on this hot day in Plymouth. The musicians were playing the bass, drum and guitars, while the lead singer sang, "You are so beautiful to me..." Music wafted over the cliffs, in pursuit of the multi-colored balloons. The spirit of joy and remembrance filled the lawn of this expansive estate.

As a a sidebar, the most impressive American flag hung over the guests as they parked on the massive driveway leading to the home; the owner shared with my wife, Lianne, that she'd had a wonderful career for a company that produced military uniforms. The flag made one feel so grateful for this site, for the abundance of love that was shared between relatives and friends. The freedom bell that hung nearby the trellis altar designed for Steven and Trish only added to the feeling of what it means to be living in such a beautiful country.

As Trish was walked by her son to our altar, Steven was smiling ear to ear, with a grin that could warm the planet. Trish and he gazed at one another as I led their service under the trellis filled with hydrangeas. For her custom vows, Trish told us that she'd lived a "half-life" for 10 years, until she was so fortunate to meet Steve and his children. It was a very memorable vow, complete with salty tears and love expressed; others in the audience cried, too.

The special sand ceremony was amazingly orchestrated by Steve whereby the three children poured orange, yellow and pink sand into the glass vase in the center of the sand ceremony table; Trish and Steve both had their colored sand as well, all five members of their new family unit symbolically pouring their sand into the large vase in the table's center. Just as they were about to complete this task, the two boys were much like engineers, cupping their hands against the orange and yellow sand so as to assure that all of the sand entered the larger vessel. Raising his hand in the air as he stood nearby the antique bell, Trish's son made a motion with his orange sand-filled glass that made me think of the Statue of Liberty. He showed such a feeling of Victory!

After they completed the sacred sand ceremony as the new family, Steven and Trish exchanged rings and consummated their relationship with a wholesome wedding kiss! Amongst applause and cheers from their guests, I introduced them for the first time as "husband and wife". Trish raised her flowers in the air while Steven was smiling. What a beautiful ceremony for me to be a part of this day - I feel blessed to have joined this lovely couple in front of their closest friends and loved ones.

Congratulations Steven and Trish! May your love grow through the years together, with beautiful music, song, and dance - and may your spirits together feel free as the balloons in air, the American flag and the bell that sings of liberty!

Andrew & Kristin's Wedding, Wychmere Beach Club, Harwich, MA

The wedding was just perfect, despite the severe heat warnings throughout New England; a beautiful sea breeze

came across the Atlantic ocean to where we stood, cooling the otherwise steamy Cape Cod day. How lucky this couple and their families and friends were to be on the ocean side with the fresh salt air cooling the lush green

lawn of the Wychmere Beach Club; a beautiful place for a wedding!

As if this were part of their plan, a gorgeous yacht anchored adjacent to the Wychmere Beach Club's dock just prior to the wedding ceremony. The groomsmen and I walked along the boardwalk adjacent to this yacht, which served as an elegant backdrop for the groom and his party. Aptly so, the name of the yacht was, "Spectacular" which summed up the venue, the day, and the joy of Kristin and Andrew as they expressed their commitment to one another for eternity.

The DJ played music selections that my wife Lianne called "angelic"; Enya's instrumentals and vocals played, along with choice songs by singers Loreena McKennitt and others. The wind carried the music across the lawn for all to hear. Boats travelled by in the channel, waving to the wedding party and folks stood across the way on decks with big smiles on their faces, anticipating a great viewing of this handsome couple.

The ring bearer was accompanied up the aisle by the family dog, and it looked for a moment as if there were about to be a diversion on the part of this furry friend bedecked in a little tux collar; he did respond, however, and both delivered the rings without incident.

Kristin was guided by her dad to our natural altar by the ocean channel, Kristin looking very pretty in the sunlight with her elbow interlaced within her dad's arm. Andrew was so eager with delight to commence with the services, his eyes filled with light. He'd designed and built and carved the gorgeous white pillars and trellis with his own hands, his custom gift for their special wedding day - an amazingly talented craftsman, I would not have known, the pillars were designed so perfectly.

Andrew and Kristin exchanged custom vows and wedding rings, showing their full commitment to one another. And a special sand ceremony was performed whereby the bride and groom decanted different colored sand into a single vase, symbolizing the combining of their two histories into one, thereby creating a new life together from this point forward.

When I announced that Andrew and Kristin were husband and wife, they kissed and hugged amidst much applause from their loved ones. Introducing this lovely couple for the first time as a married couple, an encore ensued, and Kristin and Andrew concurrently swung their arms in the air in jubilant celebration!

Congratulations to Andrew and Kristin! Spectacularly done!

Dustan & Priscilla's Wedding, The Kelly Chapel, Yarmouth, MA

Dustan and Kelly arranged for their special wedding to be held at the Kelly Chapel in Yarmouth, a quaint, historical chapel managed by the

Yarmouth Historical Society. One feels transported to olden days when sitting in this pristine chapel with its hot belly stove, white wooden pews, and wooden plank floors. A walkway winds up to this chapel from the back parking lot of the

Olde Yarmouth Restaurant a few hundred yards behind - a secret gem hidden in the trees.

It was a beautiful sunny day for this lovely couple's wedding. The sun was shining, and yes, it was somewhat hot, though we

were much more fortunate than those situated north of us in Boston where a heat wave raged. Cape Cod has beautiful sea breezes, and though it was unseasonably hot, the trees

embracing the Kelly Chapel provided a cooling shade.

The limo driver pulled up to the Chapel and parked in front, extending his white gloved hand for assisting Priscilla, much like one would gentlemanly help a princess from her royal coach. She and her bridesmaids all lined up behind his groomsmen, and the service was ready to begin.

Inside the chapel, Dustan and I waited eagerly for his beautiful bride as she was walked up the aisle by her father. Everyone had big smiles on their faces and were so thrilled for this handsome couple.

To add a little levity to the heat condition inside the chapel, I asked if anyone could find the switch to the air conditioning, I would be most grateful. We all laughed together and I began the service.

Dustan and Priscilla read special custom vows to one another, tears filling their eyes with that deep emotion of love. Parents and loved ones were also tearing up and smiling as the two exchanged rings and consummated their wedding ceremony with a kiss. I introduced Dustan and Priscilla as "husband and wife" for the first time, and all applauded for the beautiful couple!

Congratulations Dustan and Priscilla! As the limo driver gestured after the wedding - hats off to you both! - you deserve the best in your lives together as husband and wife!

Dan & Kelly's Wedding, Red River Beach, Dennis, MA

Dan and Kelly had to decide about whether or not they marry on the beach, the weather forecast being rather dismal, with intermittent rain showers, and possibly thunderstorms from the

humidity. They'd made such wonderful plans for a marriage on this expansive beach front, and they weren't about to give in to mother nature's behavior. The wedding ceremony on the beach was still a go!

And they made the right choice - it was a rather misty, foggy late afternoon that gave their wedding service a rather etheric feeling; the fog rolled onto shore, obscuring the view of one another once beyond 15 feet. Dan's brother used a wooden plank to smooth the sand into a circle where we would stand; he created a long , smooth pathway for Kelly to be escorted to this home made altar on the beach as well. He sprinkled the walkway with white flour, making the beach a beautiful, white sandy runway. Turns out he was a mason, so he took his role with pride and commented, "Had I a few hours, I would've built them an archway!" No doubt he would have, too! Such a nice guy.

The service was beautiful and intimate, with the misty fog embracing Dan and Kelly, their family and friends in this lone circle on the beach where his brother had lovingly crafted a natural altar complete with tiki torches. The mist kept putting out the flame on the torches, but nothing could squelch the flame of love that Dan and Kelly felt for one another.

There were readings given by relatives, yet the most touching and powerful reading was given by Dan's teenage daughter, Katherine. She started by saying how in her experience, love could be a frightening experience, but yet, her father and Kelly have taught her a lesson about what true love could be, and how wonderful both her dad and Kelly each have been in showing her and her siblings what love is all about. She was so articulate and loving herself, expressing gratitude that Dan and Kelly found one another. When Katherine finished her reading, Dan and Kelly both held her in a long embrace, all three creating a loving cocoon, wrapped in one another's arms. I paused for a moment as the beach was entirely quiet in the foggy mist, each guest member recognizing, too, that this was one of those sacred moments in life when time becomes suspended and a silent, divine feeling of oneness is felt by all.

We did complete the service after Kelly and Dan shed several loving tears. He spoke his custom vows, the tears rolling down his cheek as he gave his "Top 10 Reasons We Will Stay Together", some items bringing laughter from Kelly, other items, sweet sentimental tears.

After the sharing of vows, and the exchanging of rings, I then pronounced Dan and Kelly to be "husband and wife" to the applause and whistles of their loved ones. The happy couple kissed in the mist, so happy to be together, so full of joy for the moment.

I feel so honored to have been a part of your wedding day, Dan and Kelly. May you always recall Katherine's special words about the love you've shown and the lessons you have taught. I think I learned something from Katherine, too; I think she gave you the 11th reason why you will stay together for the rest of your lives - that pure, unconditional love that we all felt on this foggy beach.

Congratulations Dan and Kelly! Have a wonderful, loving life together!

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Sage Virginia's Baptism, Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, MA

I feel that this day was such an extra special day for me in that I performed the baptism of the baby girl of a couple I'd married nearly two years ago at the Chatham Bars Inn, Jared and Rebecca Toman. I was so touched that the parents asked me to do this baptismal service for their beautiful baby daughter born on February 7, 2011.

Friends and family flew or drove all the way from Virginia to celebrate together the naming and Christening of Sage Virginia Toman. It was such a joyous, special sacrament held on the side lawn of the Chatham Bars Inn, in Chatham, MA. Rebecca and Jared had hoped to hold the Sage's baptism in the same

gazebo in which they'd been married nearly two years ago, however, that same gazebo had now become a fine wine bar!

I'm including the original wedding photo of Rebecca and Jared during their service in the gazebo. To carry meaning forward to this baptism ceremony, Rebecca arranged to have part of her wedding dress designed and sewn to be Sage's Christening gown. The white gown looked so beautiful on her and Sage had the most beautiful face and her temperament was so calm - in fact, she slept for some of the service, laying peacefully in her mother's arms.

Godparents Jean and Justin stood nearby Rebecca, Jared and Sage, vowing to love and protect and guide Sage Virginia. It was the July 4th holiday weekend and passers by craned their necks to catch a view of Rebecca and Jared with their beautiful baby. The weather was gorgeous and sunny - a perfect day to stand on the lush lawn of the Inn, blessing Sage Virginia's life journey. My wife, Lianne, took photos of the service, and captured Sage looking up at me just prior to my blessing her with the holy water. Here is a small piece of my special baptismal service for Sage Virgina Toman:

"Sage Virginia, may this water, a symbol of purification, sanctification and life, remind your parents and all those here who will play a significant role in your life, that your mission in this world is to grow in both the love of the Creator and all human beings by living a life of good example which will be a source of illumination for all. Sage, use your eyes to behold the Glory of God in creation. Use your hearing to listen to the Voice of God within you. Use your taste to thank God for the nourishment He gives you. Use your sense of smell to draw into your body God’s breath by which we live. Use your touch to heal and console your fellow human beings upon this planet. In the name of God and of generations before and after us, you are baptized into the mystical union of souls upon the earth. We rejoice that You are here and we ask You, dear God, to bless and protect Sage Virginia Toman, now and forever."

Amen.

Rebecca and Jared, Justin and Jean, thank you for including me in the blessing of your daughter/Goddaughter.

Sage Virginia, it was a distinct honor of mine to deliver your baptismal service!

Ian & Janey's Wedding, The Daniel Webster Inn, Sandwich, MA

Ian and Janey were fortunate to have a gorgeous day for their wedding ceremony under the Chuppah located in the beautiful gardens of the Daniel Webster Inn in Sandwich, MA. There were lovely flowers of all colors, their fragrance permeating the garden.

Violinists played special musical selections for guests as we awaited the entrance of the bride. Birdsong accompanied the violins, and butterflies and bumblebees alighted on blossoms blazing in the sun.

Janey was escorted by both her mother and father along the sidewalk bordering this sacred space, and the three of them approached me and Ian, waiting at the Chuppah. Her mom and dad were so moved in giving away their daughter, my wife Lianne captured the amazing moment mother and daughter both cried, recognizing the passage Janey is about to make toward her new life with Ian.

Ian and Janey exchanged custom vows, and special readings were given. Ian’s stepfather, Chris Titterington shared with us a special reading that he'd prepared for this occasion:

The Velveteen Rabbit

by Margery Williams

"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When someone loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

The service then concluded with Ian and Janey sharing their custom vows, exchanging rings, and Ian's breaking of the glass. By introduction, I explained to their guests:

"There have been many stories explaining the breaking of the glass. For those of us here today, it serves to remind us of several very important aspects of a marriage. Janey and Ian and everyone should consider these marriage vows as an irrevocable act, just as permanent and final, as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. The shattered glass also reminds us how fragile life and love can be. That sometimes a single thoughtless act, breech of trust, or marital misstep can damage a marriage in ways that are very difficult to undo, just as it would be difficult to undo the breaking of the glass. It serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage, and that the love of Janey and Ian should last for as long as it would take to make the glass perfectly whole again. It also symbolizes the transforming experience that marriage creates, leaving the bride and groom forever changed."

I am so grateful for having been selected to perform your special wedding ceremony. Congratulations Ian and Janey!

Kristian & Julie's Wedding, The Wequassett Inn, Chatham, MA

Kristian and Julie, their families and friends enjoyed a beautiful wedding day at the seaside of the Wequassett Inn in Chatham, MA. Here, Kristian, Julie and I stood between two white pillars provided by their florist.

Flowers were arranged around the entire gathering - beautiful white flowers encased in exquisite glass vases, adorned with a single lit white candle. Violins serenaded Julie and her dad up the aisle. Kristian watched with twinkling eyes as his bride greeted him at our white altar.

Every wedding has unique aspects that serendipitously happen, and this wedding was no exception. Their ring-bearer, Connor, was standing at the sand ceremony table as I delivered their wedding service. I was speaking when suddenly there were a few chuckles, and then additional laughter. I knew I was not saying anything humorous at that point, so I glanced to my left, and lo and behold, Connor was actively moving his fire engine and police car toys around and around and around the sand ceremony table, totally focussed on his play. Such a darling boy, I commented on how much fun Connor was having, to which more friends and family started to join in this fun little sidebar. I love these moments during a wedding that will be recalled by Julie, Kristian and their guests for many years to come!

Julie's Godmom, Ellie, gave a special reading for this lovely couple's service:

Love by Roy Croft

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out. I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart, and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can't help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find. I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern, but a temple out of the works of my every day, not a reproach, but a song. I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself.

Once Kristian and Julie performed the sand ceremony, shared their custom vows, and exchanged wedding rings, I pronounced them to be "husband and wife" amidst the thunderous applause of their guests.

Congratulations Kristian and Julie! May you always share love, happiness, and as Connor showed us, the spirit of playfulness in your lives!

Jens' & Julie's Wedding, Chatham Bars Inn Boat House, Chatham, MA

Jens and Julie performed their wedding nuptials within the renovated "boat house" of the Chatham Bars Inn,

Chatham, MA. Family and friends watched the seals on the sandbar from the front main patio, while others walked the lovely grounds, socializing with one another. It was a beautiful day for a wedding with the temperature just perfect, and the sun shining brightly. And a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean added to the seaside decor of sand dollars and seashells adorning the tables.

Julie's dad walked her up the aisle to where we stood under a flowered arbor, Jens eager to begin the service. All smiles, Julie was thoroughly enjoying their ceremony as I guided them in sharing their marriage vows and exchanging rings. Out of the side of my eye, I would catch she and Jens gazing at one another with such love and devotion, it made me feel blessed to be here this day, performing their wedding ceremony. What a wonderful couple!

Family and friends gave custom readings, one of which was delivered for Julie and Jens from their friend, Joachim, who delivered his reading in Swedish. Admittedly, some of us in the room did not know what he said, but we trust that whatever he said, it was spoken from the heart for two lovely friends:

"Wenn zwei sich lieben und verstehen, gemeinsam in die Zukunft gehen,sich auch nicht an schlechten tagen nach dem Sinn der Liebe fragen, dann ist es wirklich an der Zeit,ihr seid zur Zweisamkeit bereit ! Wir wünschen euch von Herzen Glück, an Leidenschaft/ein Riesenstück sollt immer zueinander stehen, mit Spa und Freud durchs Leben gehen."

Congratulations to Julie and Jens! May your days together be filled with love and joy and laughter!