Josiah & Suzannah's Wedding, The Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, MA

Josiah and Suzannah and their parents celebrated a beautiful, intimate customized wedding ceremony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean near the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, MA. I love performing such intimate weddings whereby the family members are obviously so supportive of this lovely couple. Special readings from both moms, the exchanging of rings and vows between Josiah and Suzannah, and hugs and kisses of sincere congratulations, made me feel very blessed to be performing this special ceremony overlooking the sea.

Josiah is a U.S. Marine and we talked about my dad being a marine, and how my dad would be proud. A very proper young man, Josiah pointed out his unique feature of his otherwise conservative attire; a pair of grey golfing socks! Quite classy. Josiah indulged us with a modeling of uniquely artistic socks prior to their service. And then within minutes, he was dipping Suzannah on the veranda overlooking the oceanfront - quite romantic and playful.

I've thought about this couple since their marriage this spring. Within weeks of my marrying this lovely pair, Josiah returned to serve in Afghanistan. I've reflected on the sacrifices that people like he and Suzannah make for our freedoms that we take for granted. Suzannah's mom spoke of their sacrifices in her special reading written for their marriage ceremony by the sea. Tears came to her eyes as she spoke to Suzannah and Josiah about their great love for one another, juxtaposed against the tremendous sacrifices they both will make in living far away from one another for lengthy periods of time. I've thought since then about their love and their exhuberance that day, and how devoted they both are to their family and country.

Thank you for including me in your special day, Josiah and Suzannah! I feel honored to have performed your wedding service. Congratulations and "Semper Fi!"