Category: Wedding Ceremony

It’s become a regular request for me to enter for the ceremony first and remind everyone that the couple had requested an Unplugged Ceremony. Something like this: Hello everyone and welcome! We have a couple ready to get married. Just a friendly reminder that the couple has requested this to be an Unplugged Ceremony. So…

So, when you close your eyes and picture your wedding ceremony, what’s the soundtrack playing in your head? Is it the elegant notes of a string quartet? The soulful voice of a live singer? Or maybe it’s your song playing softly as you walk down the aisle. Music is one of those magical details that…

After officiating more weddings around Nashville than I can count — from elegant barns in Franklin to rooftop “I do’s” downtown — I can tell you this: something could go sideways on your wedding day. And honestly, those little mishaps often become the moments you’ll laugh about for years. So, from one who’s stood front…

Let me tell you something: for as many weddings as I’ve officiated, I’ve learned one universal truth — something will go sideways. It might be the weather, a boutonniere, or in this case… the wedding rings. Yep, it happens. You’re standing there, music fading, everyone smiling, and I say, “May I have the rings?” Then…

Below is a message I delivered at Matthew and Christine’s wedding a couple of years ago at Scarritt Bennett in Nashville showing the differences between a contract and covenant understanding of marriage. Welcome Now, Matthew and Christine, I invite you to take a moment and look around at all the friends and family gathered here…

Including little ones in your wedding can add charm, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But let’s be honest—kids are unpredictable. With the right prep, though, your ring bearer and flower girl can shine in their roles instead of melting down mid-aisle. Here’s how to make it work: 1. Keep Expectations Realistic Don’t expect perfection. Kids under…

Wen you’re the couple, the wedding day can feel like a blur. You’re focused on the vows, the photos, the food, and making it through the schedule. But your guests? They pick up on little details you don’t even realize. Here are a few things guests always notice (and often talk about later): 1. The…

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about saying your vows in front of family and friends. For most couples, this is the most personal part of the entire wedding—and suddenly all eyes are on you.  As an officiant, I’ve seen plenty of shaky hands, nervous laughter, and even a few “deer in headlights” moments. The…

Your wedding ceremony sets the tone for the entire day. It’s the part everyone will remember—and the one you’ll remember most.  The best ceremonies aren’t cookie-cutter; they’re tailored to reflect who you are as a couple.  Most couples go for simple and straightforward ceremonies. But this guide will walk you through simple ways to personalize…

Just as the ceremony is ready to begin with the first family member coming down the aisle, the officiant walks to the front and says something like this: “Good afternoon, everyone. We have a couple ready to get married!. As a reminder, the couple kindly asks that you silence your phones and put them away…