Wow, my first hashtag. I don't have to tell you how fast technology has grown in the last few years. I have always been a wiz at computers but the social media sometimes baffles me. I hope to do more blogging and get better at this!

Regardless of your personal beliefs, it is my pleasure to perform same sex weddings particularly since I have come to know some of these couples since the law changed. All of the couples I have married thus far have been in long term relationships with one another and all but one couple have been very respectful of me and have gained my deepest respect. 
No matter the obstacles and prejudice they have faced, they have remained true to each other and to the fight to have the same human rights as heterosexual  couples.  
I think I understand and respect them more than I ever did before. It is a real privilege to be in the presence of these couples and I am deeply humbled to be of service to them. Who knew? I certainly didn't truly understand even though I had already performed ceremonies even before it was legal, albeit not legal ceremonies as I didn't have the rights before now. 

Finally the Commonwealth of Virginia allows legal same-sex marriages. I have been performing ceremonies, non-legal of course, for several years with the couples traveling to DC before or after to make it official. 
Now, everyone has the same rights to be married to whomever they love! I have already booked 3 and I am so excited to be able to provide this valuable service!
Susan

Well. we finally got some rain! And how! 14.5 inches + my rain gauge overflowed over night so not sure how much more !
My new puppy hasn't seen rain much less gone outside to potty in it. What a challenge, he is strongwilled too!
  On a happier note, the weekend will be here before you know it and weddings!

I have had some beautiful weddings in August and they inspired me to create a new broom for jump the broom ceremonies. I can't wait to use it!

WOW! What awesome weather for weddings this weekend. It has been a long time since officiating an outdoor wedding has been done in comfortable weather....usually too cold or too hot! 
I feel so blessed to be able to share in the joy of a wedding! I love you all, brides and grooms! 

This Sand Vase is one of my creations using the shells found on local beaches. I love sand ceremonies, they are so beautiful and meaningful. I love crafting and creating. I also make grapevine wreaths (from the actual vines Clinton grows) and decorating them for my doors. I sew, make jewelry..... any project that feeds my soul! I love working with Clinton to create wedding ceremonies full of passion, love, and your personality and history.
Thank you God for giving me the desire to create. It makes me feel like I favor my loving Father! 

Sorry it has been a while since I posted. I have been down with a nasty summer cold....yuck!! And now it looks like I shared it with Clinton, poor guy. This is no fun.
Congratulations to my Brides and Grooms and vow renewal couples from this past week and weekend. I  love you all and thank you for the privilege of officiating for you. It gives me such pleasure to join in all this happiness!

How thankful I am for beautiful weather to return to Virginia! I had a wonderful wedding at the Portsmouth Woman's Club and the facility is beautiful! 
The venue coordinator said they are booked on Saturdays through August 2015 but had lots of openings for Fridays and Sundays. 
The wedding was on the back deck and this deck was built with weddings in mind. It has a white pergola that stretches over the wedding party to give us mottled shade and to add to the drama and beauty of the occasion.
There are 2 dramatic staircases off the deck into the back yard and the one closest to the pergola is perfect for the entrance of the officiate, groom and his entourage. 
The inside of the building has the caterer's dream kitchen, an upstairs Bride's room and Groom's room, a sitting room, and a very large grand ballroom for the reception. This room has been tastefully remodeled and has the original wood floors and lots of chandeliers and sconces to  help create the festive atmosphere. If the wedding must be indoors, the beautiful staircase into the grand ballroom permits a dramatic entrance by the Bridal party. The ballroom also has walls of windows to let in the natural light and a front veranda complete with large outdoor fireplace for the cocktail hour, or a more intimate wedding gathering.
Thank you Bride and Groom for allowing me the privilege of officiating for you and please share some photos when you can!

I don't discuss with many of you the fact that I have had debilitating fibromyalgia for about 10 years. My wonderful husband makes it possible for me to be able to officiate your services. He drives me to all my meetings and weddings so I can take my pain medicine as needed and still have the stamina and the rest I need to give you my all  in your ceremonies.  He also owns and manages the wedding business, so all I do is officiate. He is so creative and great with computers and communication. It is his faithfulness that has kept me from missing or cancelling any weddings. He keeps my spirits up and gives me massages when I have a lot of pain. Thank you Clinton for allowing me the privilege to officiate weddings. This makes me feel like my life is worthwhile again.