Cincinnati Wedding Officiant / Your Wedding Your Way

Sean and Jen

2011-11-02T11:20:00.002-05:00

Friday night was the wedding of Sean and Jen at Elements Event Center in Sharonville. What a wonderful wedding.

This Bride and Groom are special to me as they are friends of the family and just an all around nice couple.

The Bride wore a dotted white dress, with feathers in her hair. It was very classy looking and the groom wore a black tux with two tone shoes...again very classy.

Elements Event Center is an A1 venue with every detail perfect. There were crisp linens on the table, lighting that made the over all mood of the ceremony very romantic and of course the basics were perfect as well. Windows clean and not a speck of dust any where in the building.

What a perfect night for the "Do You and I Do's" to be said.

Good luck and God Bless... Rev. BB

This Weekend

2011-10-27T10:24:00.001-05:00

This weekend I will have the pleasure of pronouncing Sean and Jen Husband and Wife. Sean is the son of a friend and I also performed his sister's wedding several years ago.

The wedding will be ELEMENTS in Blue Ash. I have never performed a wedding there but everyone says hey are a first rate organization with attention to all of the details.

So I will give a full report when we are finished.

Good Luck and God Bless... Rev BB

September Filling Up Fast

2011-10-22T20:58:00.001-05:00

September is filling up fast for 2012. So if you are thinking about a wonderful out door wedding in September when the weather is perfect please contact soon to get your date reserved.

Call me at 513.251.2351 or email
me at doyouido@gmail.com.

2011-10-12T08:52:00.000-05:00

Well here it is October and all of the fall leaves are looking pretty good.

This past weekend I performed the wedding ceremony of Abby and Kyle in Indiana. It was at the Chateau Pomaie Winery in Guilford Indiana. The weather was perfect, The lakeside ceremony a perfect ten and the Bride and Groom are off to many new adventures as husband and wife.

GOOD LUCK and God Bless.......Rev BB

2011-04-20T18:55:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday I had the pleasure of pronouncing Chris and Jenn - Husband and Wife. The wedding took place at St. Clare's Chapel in Wyoming Ohio.

The chapel was constructed in the middle of the 19th century and is a very beautiful shade of blue, the acoustics are perfect and the intimate setting is wonderful.

The Bride and Groom decided that they wanted a simple and short ceremony that would be memorable.

The Groom and his men were in very tasteful black tuxedos and the ladies wore lavender dresses. The "star" of the afternoon was of course the bride and she was in a long white dress with satin roses over the shoulder.

Thanks for the opportunity to perform your wedding and as always Good Luck and God Bless!

2011-04-02T10:07:00.002-05:00

2011-03-30T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hello All, It has been awhile since I last entered anything in my blog. I have been busy and as we get into the wedding season for 2011 I have several weddings booked for some really great people.

I will report more as we go along in the season.

2010-08-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hello All, This afternoon Eric Argento and Natasha Raike got married.   I had the privilege of pronouncing them Husband and Wife today with their friends and families looking on.

Eric and Natasha were married at the K of C Hall on West Eighth Street near St. William Church. The hall was decorated with toole and twinkle lights, white table cloths and with lovely music playing in the background they made their way to the front where they exchanged their vows and rings declaring their love.

This family is one of my favorites in the world. They are kind and caring people who have provided all of their children with a deep appreciation of family.

Good Luck and God Bless......Rev. BB

2009-05-17T12:15:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Last night I had the the privilege of performing the wedding ceremony of Matthew and Jamie at Pattison Park in Batavia Ohio.

Pattison Park is a little known gem in the Greater Cincinnati area. They have a wonderful gazebo that is really lovely set among the mature trees with a winding pathway leading to it. The path really makes for a wonderful entrance for the bridal party.

The girls were wearing all black and the Bride was in white with many thousands of crystals on her gown that made her "sparkle" as she made her way to the gazebo. The fellows were in black formal tuxedos with white vests.

Saturday was a very rainy day and the venue was a little bit soggy but the showers stopped before the ceremony and the sun began to peek out of the clouds as they said their vows to one another. They made a beautiful couple in a beautiful setting on what turned out to be a beautiful day!

Good Luck and God Bless......... Rev. BB

2009-04-21T17:18:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

It is finally spring time - the trees have started to bud, the flowers are beginning to bloom and it is Wedding Season.

If you need to find an Officiant still please call me at 513-251-2351 email me at doyouido@gmail.com to check my schedule. If I am not available I know several more Ministers who may be open on your date.

Thanks for reading my blog and looking at my website.......Rev. BB

New Telephone Number

2009-04-14T18:47:00.002-05:00

Hello All, I have a new cell phone number. You can call me at 513-251-2351.

Hope to hear from you soon, Rev. BB

Lets Get Married

2009-04-04T20:30:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Many of my dates are booking for the fall - so please email me at doyouido@gmail.com or call me at 513-633-2352.

Good Luck and God Bless.......... Rev. BB

2009-01-01T12:50:00.002-05:00

Who got a ring for Christmas?????

Things to keep in mind for your wedding is to book your hall, music, food and officiant. We book up early starting the first of the year so give us a call to reserve your date and time. 513.633.2352

Good Luck and God Bless...Rev. BB

2008-11-27T17:54:00.004-05:00

Hello All,

I know the Christmas season has only just begun - but Valentines Day is just a couple months off also. It falls on a Saturday this year and for any one who would like to have "red" wedding please call me. It is a special day to exchange your vows and I still have times open.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. Ben

2008-11-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Over the last several years I have performed several hundred weddings in the greater Cincinnati area. I would like to invite any of my couples to drop me an email at doyouido@gmail.com and let me know how you are doing and where you are now. Hope to hear from you soon,

Good Luck and God Bless....Rev. BB

2008-11-22T22:58:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Here we are at Thanksgiving and before you know it Christmas will be here and with Christmas comes all of the sparkly engagement rings.

There are some things you need to begin thinking about no matter what your wedding date will be. You should of course secure your location as soon as possible. Many spots are booked several years in advance so be prepared to maybe have a Friday or Sunday wedding. Those days are usually a little less expensive for the hall and also the food.

Another thing to think about soon is also getting an officiant lined up. If you are a member of church and you want to reserve the church talk with your minister soon as some religions have requirements that you must complete before you can schedule your date. If you want to choose an officiant, other than from your church, start your search as soon as you can as our dates book quickly after the first of the year. I have all ready booked several dates in October of 2009 so it is never too early to look around.

Make an appointment with your officiant choices and speak openly and frankly with him or her. Ask all questions you want and if you have a special item that you may want to include make sure that they are open to your suggestions. There are only three things I do not like and they are: 1) I do not go up high, 2) I do not like large fires and 3) I do not like large farm animals. So anything else is ok with me.

Let me know if I can help you or if you just have a question please email me at doyouido@gmail.com or call me at 513.633.2352.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

2008-11-15T12:01:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Last wedding was on Halloween at the 20th Century Theater. Again a great venue and the whole place was all decked out in Halloween everything. The Bride and Groom wore traditional wedding gear but many of the guests came in costume. It was truly a unique wedding.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

2008-10-25T20:57:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Tonight's wedding was at the Twentieth Century Theater in Oakley. This grand old movie palace has been transformed into one of the premier spots to hold a wedding.

The twinkle lights, center pieces and a very unique cake that was in the shape of a movie camera, set the tone of the evening.

Dory and Mike have actually been married for several years and also have three of the cutest kids I have ever seen. Their first wedding was very small in the Clerk of Courts office and they had always wanted a wonderful wedding with all of the trimmings. This was truly their night - the girls were in red, the guys in black tux, and their daughter walked the Bride down the aisle to her waiting Groom.

I like doing wedding vow renewal ceremonies simply because the couple have again decided to spend all of their days with each other and are willing to tell the world just that.

Good luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2008-10-17T13:07:00.003-05:00

New Pictures from a couple.

Josh and Nicole were married at the Oasis Country Club. Right before the ceremony there was a huge storm with high winds and rain. All of the flowers, chairs and decorations blew away and to top it off all of the power went out. We waited about twenty minutes and the club people were able to reconstruct the venue, found flowers and as the Bride was coming down the aisle the lights came back on.

Good Luck and God Bless...... Rev. BB

2008-09-21T18:17:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Today I spoke with a couple that I performed their wedding almost three years ago. They have a beautiful baby boy now who is 8 months old. They have asked me to do a "baby blessing" for them in December. I am pleased to do that for them.

I have performed other blessings on babies but it is always special when I married the Mom and Daddy.

If you have been thinking about a blessing give me a call at 513-633-2352 or email me at doyouido@gmail.com.

Hope to hear from you soon,

God Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2008-09-13T19:36:00.006-05:00

Hello All,

Tonight's wedding was at the Sharon Woods Heritage Village in Sharonville. This is group of houses and buildings dating from the early 19th century that have all been moved from their original locations because of development and urban sprawl. The chapel was originally built in the mid-eighteen hundreds and was very simple but very sweet.

Josh and Cheryl had a fall theme for their wedding that included burnt orange dresses for the ladies and orange vests and ties for the gentlemen. The Bride wore a really neat dress that was a bone color of white with many small beads and lots of lace surrounding the extra long train.

They included a poem that was written by Mark Twain. I have included it here because it is really very good.

A marriage...makes of two fractional
lives a whole;
it gives to two purposeless lives
a work, and doubles the strength
of each to perform it;
it gives to two
questioning natures
a reason for living,
and something to live for;
it will give a new gladness
to the sunshine,
a new fragrance to the flowers,
a new beauty to the earth,
and a new mystery to life.

Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB

2008-09-07T18:57:00.003-05:00

Pic's from past weddings.

2008-08-31T17:55:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

I received an email from a couple that I married in February 2006. Here are some pic's of Amy and Pete from the wedding and also today.

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2008-08-30T21:00:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Tonight's wedding was at "Receptions" in Eastgate. Ben and Bridgett were married in a fairy tale setting under twinkling lights, an arbor of roses and two hundred of their closest friends and family in attendance.

Receptions is a first class wedding site. The staff attends to every detail from the spotless exterior to the seamless transformation of the room from wedding to dinner venue. The tables were set with black and white (very formal) dinner ware with gold utensils. There were large floral centerpieces and candy at each place.

Ben and Bridgett wanted a "fast" ceremony so in about seven short minutes the "Do you, I Do's" said, rings exchanged and of course kissing they were husband and wife and ready for a big celebration.

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB

2008-08-29T21:32:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Today I had a call from a couple who wanted to get married RIGHT NOW! Since I work in Columbus and they were in Cincinnati the whole "right now" needed to be in a couple of hours instead. They were on their way to Columbus for the big opening game of the OSU Bucks so we decided to meet at the rest stop on I-71 to have their wedding.

They were both dressed in jeans and OSU shirts and decided that instead of vows and rings they would give the high five to each other. After that I pronounced them Husband and Wife and they were officially married.

They were neat people and you could see the look of love in their eyes. I have done some "unique" weddings but this was by far the most unique.

As you all know I will do just about anything that you want in your ceremony except for three things:

1. I can not get up high, 2. I do not like large farm animals, and 3. No big fires. After that the sky is the limit. So if you want to High Five, Low Five or stand on one foot hopping up and down during your ceremony - please call me and I will perform your ceremony.

Good Luck and God Bless...... Rev. BB

2008-08-15T22:12:00.001-05:00

Some of my favorite weddings.

2008-08-10T19:00:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Sorry for the long absence in writing about my weddings. It has been a busy and long summer in the wedding officiant world.

Over the summer I did weddings at The Oasis, Mt. Airy Forest, Sharon Woods, and Mt. Echo to name a few.

Last night I had the privilege of performing the wedding of Amanda and Brian at The Nathanial Green Lodge in Green Township. This couple are extra special to me because of their zest for life and open hearted attitude. They had planned a "Bengals" wedding complete with orange and black everything!!!

The guys wore black tuxes with orange vests and orange and black ties and the girls were in black evening gowns and their flowers were orange. They really looked great!

They also had three reading and a Unity Sand Ceremony that (of course) had orange and black sand but they also wanted to incorporate God into the Unity Ceremony so we used white sand as a base and then also as a topping to the sand. This symbolizes that God is above and below the couple and is a great foundation and umbrella for this wedding couple.

Good luck and God Bless....Rev BB

2008-06-07T17:50:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

This afternoon I did a really cool wedding at Ault Park in the Rose Garden. Jeff and Amanda exchanged their vows with family and friends looking on.

The gardens were in full bloom with every color flower imaginable and the faint fragrance of roses in the air added to the beauty of the day. It was a hot afternoon but during the ceremony there was a gentle breeze that made it very comfortable.

The Bride's Grand Mother did a reading, and the couple had also requested The Art of a Good Marriage to be read and as they were exchanging rings the Bride and Groom cried tears of joy. Because they cried there were also few dry eyes in the crowd.

I really liked this couple!

Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB

2008-05-31T21:11:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Today I had a wedding at the Loveland Castle. Sean and Carrie wanted to get married in the gardens of the castle which was built over a fifty year period by a man in Loveland, Ohio. He had carried all of the rocks from the river bed below to form the castle walls and built the majority of it alone. He passed away several years ago but the "Knights" have kept the building up and offer the area for events.

It was a bright and sunny day as we stood in the garden area where the bride and groom exchanged their vows with only a few family members looking on. Withe the "I do's" said and after they exchanged rings I pronounced them Husband and wife and they were off to a party.

Good Luck and God Bless........Rev. BB

2008-05-24T15:30:00.002-05:00

Hello All,

Today was really a special day! I had the honor of blessing a baby. I performed the wedding of Derek and Emily last year and I was honored that they asked me to bless their baby today. It was held at Emily's parents home in Burlington Ky in the yard. It was sunny and bright with a gentle breeze to cool the air.

Baby Lucas slept and sometimes smiled through the ceremony. Thanks to Derek and Emily for inviting me.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2008-05-23T20:17:00.002-05:00

Hello All, Last weekend I performed the wedding of Richard and Jillian at a large park in Loveland, Ohio.

The pavillion was decorated and every one was thrilled that the couple were starting out. Here are some pictures from the day also.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2008-05-12T19:15:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Let's talk about your special day that is coming up. It is never too early to think about where you will hold the ceremony and who will perform your wedding ceremony. Where is something, that in many cases, must be booked months in advance as some locations are booked several years out. Who is a little easier...you should meet with your officiant at least twice before the wedding - the first meeting to get to know one another and for your officiant to get some idea of the things that you would want to do during your ceremony. The second meeting should be to "nail" down how you want the ceremony to run covering items such as "How will the couples walk in?" and who will do the readings.

So take a few minutes and start to think about who will perform your wedding.

Good Luck and God Bless........ Rev. BB

2008-05-10T19:47:00.003-05:00

Well tonight was the wedding of Matt and Shannon. It was in the Arboretum section of Mt. Airy Forest. The weather was perfect - sunny and breezy and the spring flowers were all in bloom.

The Bride and Groom were joined by fifteen family and friends as they exchanged their vows and began their lives together. I really like a small wedding because they seem so intimate and heartfelt.

From the Arboretum the family and friends were off to a great dinner at a very nice restaurant.

2008-05-09T21:23:00.003-05:00

Hello All,

Only one wedding this weekend and it will take place at Mt. Airy Forest in the gazebo on the lake. I will give you a full report after it is over.

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2008-05-06T19:18:00.002-05:00

The weather last weekend was very unpredictable! There was rain and wind and an occasional beam of sunshine - but by late in the day the sun was out and it was time for the wedding of Dan and Heather at Tori's Station in Fairfield.

Tori's Station is a large facility that primarily hosts weddings but I am sure is available for other gatherings as well. The entire inside of the place is draped in twinkle lights and white toole that gives the whole place a magical look.

The wedding ceremony took place in the garden area under the gazebo. The lawn was trimmed immaculately and the flowers were bright and cheery. The Groom and his guys were all in formal black and girls in green. The Bride was in white with a cathedral length train that had a green panel to match the girls gowns.

This couple was special to me simply because when you talk to them they are so down to earth and "real". They are normal people that wanted to get married before their family and friends in an out door ceremony with a gentle breeze- and they did just that.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev BB

2008-04-29T17:06:00.001-05:00

Wow! It has been a long time since my last post. I have had several weddings through the winter months that were absolutely wonderful!!

I have done two at the Krone with the sweet smell of the tropical flowers in the air and the best part was that it was colder than you know what out side and in the Krone it was a balmy eighty degrees.

Both of the Bride's were gorgeous and the Groom's dashing!

My two weddings this past week end were wonderful. The first was at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley where Spring and Jorge exchanged their vows. This couple are from New York City and are in the music industry. Spring is from Cincinnati so this was the place for the wedding. They had a lighting person, music person and a wedding planner. There were spot lights on us during the ceremony that made you feel as if you were on the stage. Really cool event.

The bride wore a white very "sparkly" dress and the guys were in white linen shirts with an embroidered pattern on the front.

There were tears and laughter and they started their life together.

The second was at the Verdin Bell Event Center in downtown Cincinnati. Megan and Steve were married amid a sea of candlelight. There had to have been at least 300 candles lit on the alter and in the center. It was a 6:30 PM wedding so the lighting was subdued and the candles made it look magical.

Steve and Megan make a cute couple and you can tell that this was the day that they had been waiting for all of their lives.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2008-01-19T20:06:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Tonight I had the pleasure of performing the wedding ceremony of Tim and Megan at the Krone Conservatory. The weather was freezing cold outside but toasty warm inside as the Bride and Groom said their vows beneath the tropical foliage.

Every once in a while I meet a couple that are just special and I really enjoy their personalities. Tim and Megan fit this bill. They are a very outgoing couple who clearly are in love with their best friend!

The bride wore white with a red band and the groom and groomsmen all had green ties and the flowers were all in green and white. It was a perfect setting for a perfect wedding.

Good luck and God Bless......Rev. BB

2008-01-12T18:41:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Sorry for the long absence but through the late fall and early winter I have only performed a few weddings.

I did an elopement on Friday and next weekend I do have the first planned wedding of the year at the Krone Conservatory. I am looking forward to another great year of performing weddings.

Now is the time to get your officiant lined up for the upcoming year. Many of us book up early and you may not be able to get your date.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2007-11-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

Hello All, All photos from a wedding at Mt. Echo Park.

2007-10-21T17:09:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Well here it is the last day of the Renaissance Faire in Harveysburg, OH. The final wedding today was William and Sarah. Family and friends gathered in the chapel where the Knight and his Lady were wed.

Linda and her crew produced another wonderful season of weddings and special events. If you are thinking about having your wedding at the Renaissance Faire next year I can highly recommend the whole process. GREAT JOB LINDA!!!!!

Good Luck and God Bless......Rev. BB

2007-10-20T22:24:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

So far this weekend has had two really great weddings. The first was on Friday night at The Madison South in Covington. Joe and Lisa were married in the "Loft Chapel" with twinkle lights and candle light. The Madison is a nearly perfect place to get married. They leave no detail unattended from the perfect table settings to the spotless windows.
My second wedding was at the Renaissance Faire. Grace and Richard were joined by many family and friends who helped them celebrate in only the style that the Faire can afford. They did a really cool candle ceremony - Richard's Mom lit a single candle and then all of the couples grown children came forward and filled an empty container with different colored waxes. They then lit the new candle from the single flame. It was a very good thing to include all of their kids in the ceremony.
The Bride and Groom looked like the King and Queen of the day.
As it turns out I knew Grace's daughter, Diana and her Husband Kenny. It is truly a small world!
Good luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2007-10-13T19:42:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

Two really great weddings today to report on. The first was at the Renaissance Faire - the wedding of Brad and Miranda. Both were in period dress as were their family and friends. There was a court jester, viking, monk and a sorcerer as well as the ladies in waiting.

The second wedding was at Mt. Echo Park and the view and weather were both spectacular. Dustin and Jessica were married at the overlook with a great view of the city below. Their wedding was a little less than traditional in the music that was played - Annie's Song, and even the theme from Star Wars but it was really cool. The Bride wore white with a plum jacket and the Groom was in a black tux with grey tie. There were the obligatory tears from the parents and the "I Do's" the " I Pronounce" were done and they were off on their happy day.

Good Luck and God Bless........Rev. BB

2007-10-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I have only two weddings this weekend to perform. One at Mt. Echo Park and the second at the Renaissance Festival. Both should be great times mainly because the HOT weather has passed and now it feel wonderful.

I will let you know how it all went after the weekend.

2007-10-09T17:06:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a Wedding Weekend. It was HOT but all of the weddings were cool.

My first wedding was on Saturday afternoon at the Renaissance Festival where Cody and Jennifer exchanged their vows. It was in the afternoon so the chapel was full to capacity and there was cheering after I pronounced them Husband and Wife.

My second wedding was at a place named Pattison Park in Batavia. Patrick and Jillian were married in an out door ceremony under the gazebo. It was very warm but the couple looked into each other's eyes and said "I Do" in the 90 degree weather. The reception hall was air conditioned so after the ceremony every one "ran" for the building.

My third ceremony was again at the faire in St. Peter's Chapel. Justin and Erica and their families were gathered together to celebrate their wedding. Both were in period dress and he had a sword at his side to defend his Bride's honour!

Mt last ceremony was at seven PM at the Mike Fink Restaurant on the Ohio River. The Mike Fink is an authentic river boat that has been converted to a floating eating establishment. This wedding was a surprise wedding for the couple's families. They all thought that they were attending an engagement dinner for the couple but in reality it was a wedding. Their families found out about the wedding when the menus were passed out that had the heading,"Megan and Ryan's Wedding Dinner". There were some surprised people in that room. Everyone was very pleasantly surprised and what a great ceremony!

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

Legendary Weddings at Renn Faire and 20th Century

2007-09-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Here we go..... Friday night was the wedding of Bill and Kelli at the 20th Century Theater. The room was wonderful - like a sky filled with stars. There were fresh flowers and small votive lights on all of the tables and the theater was sparkling clean from front to back. Kelli wore a really pretty dress that was covered in large lace with crystals and pearls sewn over the whole dress. The guys were in black tux and there was the visible tear in the Mom's eyes.

The second wedding was on Saturday at the Legendary Run Golf Community. This was the first wedding to be held at this location. Rob and Cari's ceremony took place by the lake under the arbor. There were hanging ferns and the violins played softly as the family and friends gathered. The weather was perfect at about seventy-five degrees with a gentle breeze. The Bride was magnificent in her white satin dress and the groom was in black tux with a white tie. He wore a single red rose for his flower and again I saw tears in the eyes!

My third wedding was at the Ohio Renaissance Faire. Tony and Dana chose the faire because they wanted a "Cinderella" type wedding complete with Knights and the Queen. We did the handfasting ceremony were their hands are tied together as the couple profess their love before friends and family.

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

Three Wedding Weekend

2007-09-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

This weekend I have three weddings to perform. The first is tonight at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. This is an old movie house that has been transformed into a magical wedding setting. There will be subdued lighting, twinkle lights that will look like stars in the sky and a feast fit for a king and queen.

My second wedding is at a newer country club - Legendary Run. It will be an outdoor affair under the arch that is situated near the lake. The weather should be perfect for the wedding.

My third wedding is again at the Renaissance Faire in Harveysburg, Ohio. So I have a big weekend and it should be perfect weather for the "Do you" and "I do's".

I will give you a full report after Sunday.

Good Luck and God Bless....Rev. B

I LOVE TO MARRY PEOPLE

2007-09-25T19:56:00.000-05:00

I Love to Marry People !!!!!

I love to marry people! This is by far the best ministry I could have chosen. I love to see the looks on the faces of my Brides and Grooms when they say their vows, exchange rings, and it is really exciting when I can pronounce them Husband and Wife!

There are beautiful Brides and misty eyed Grooms and Mom and Pop in the first row are dabbing their eyes and the ring bearers and junior flower girls could not be any more cute.But the best part is the fact that my couples have the wedding they want in the setting they want with out judgement or hassles. I want to do for my couples what ever they want to do and how they want it done. Call me at 513.633.2352 or email me at doyouido@hotmail.com - I would love to talk with you about your day.

The picture of the "hippie" couple is my wonderful wife and I on our wedding day - January 25, 1975. Like the hair??Good luck and God bless.... Rev BB

Wedding Readings

2007-09-24T17:22:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Everyday I am asked about what is a good reading to do at a wedding and who should do the reading. My reply is that a reading can be anything that you want it to be. Maybe the words to a song, a poem, something from the bible or even a reading from a favorite children's book. One of my favorite readings is from 1 Corinthians 13 (Love is patient love is kind...) it is just so appropriate for the occasion. Do you like the Beatles?? Find a song that fits and lets do the words as a reading. Is you favorite book "The Prophet"?? Then lets get something from there. It can be anything that you want it to be.

Now who should do the reading? I always say that this is a great opportunity to get someone involved in the wedding that maybe would be hurt if they are not asked to do something. Maybe Great Aunt Betty or Uncle Bob or your God Mother. Of course make sure they are comfortable reading in front of a crowd of people and they should be able to be heard - but a microphone will fix that problem.

So do not stress about the reading, go with what you want.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

Knight and Lady Wedding

2007-09-22T17:24:00.000-05:00

Today I had two weddings, the first was at the Renaissance Faire in which the Grand National Champion Jouster was wed to his lady. Both arrived at the faire on horseback and as you can see from the pictures it was quite the festive occasion.

The Knights were all present as were the Lady's Court. There were Minstrels Playing and singing as their guests, who were from all over the North American continent, assembled to celebrate Shane and Ashli's wedding.

Shane's web address is www.knightsofvalour.ca take a look

My second wedding was that of a dear friend, Cindy who married her best friend, Tommy at their home in Ludlow, Ky. It was a very small yet elegant affair and there was lots of crying and hugging after the "I Do's" and I pronounced them Husband and Wife. They are so happy together!!!!

Good Luck and God Bless........Rev. BB

First Faire Pictures

2007-09-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Saturday was the first wedding ceremony of the season at the Renaissance Faire. Here are some pictures. This was actually a vow renewal ceremony but we do have thirteen weddings booked this year at the Faire. If you think this would be a great place to get married please email Linda Kincaid at weddings@renfestival.com.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

Brad and Amanda at the Bell Event Center

2007-09-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Yet another great wedding on Saturday night!!! The whole affair took place at The Bell Event Center in Cincinnati. The Center is of course the Old St. Paul's Church that was built in the early 19th century and has been transformed into one of the premiere wedding/event places in all of greater Cincinnati. Paul and his staff are true professionals and leave no detail unattended to.

There were hundreds of candles through out the hall all twinkling as dusk approached and the lighting was subdued which was so romantic and a perfect place for the ceremony.

Brad and Amanda invited two-hundred of their family and closest friends to celebrate the evening with them. The ceremony was warm and heartfelt and when it was time for the Unity Candle Ceremony I invited the Moms to come forward to light the candles. This was really cool because they lit the outside candles and then gave each other a big hug - thus symbolizing a further unity of the families.

The ceremony is below in this post and please feel free to look.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

Please be Seated:
We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love,
And to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Brad and Amanda in marriage.
WHO GIVES THIS WOMAN TO THIS MAN?
Her Mother and I
Question of Intent:
Is it your intention that you come here freely and with out reservation to be joined as husband and wife??
It IS

Brad and Amanda, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today?
Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage- as they do to every relationship from time to time- focus on what still seems right to you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there.
And if each of you would take the responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

You have chosen each other to be with the rest of your lives. You have each chosen the one person in the whole world who makes you the happiest. The one person in the world that you will grow with - in the good times and in the not so good times. You have chosen this one person to be your life long best friend, your lifelong confidant- the one person who will know all of the secrets of your heart and soul. You have chosen the one person that you will grow old with, You have chosen your one true love.

Vows:
Brad, do you take Amanda to be your wife? I DO.
Do you promise to love, honor and cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her for ever more?? I DO
Amanda, do you take Brad to be your wife? I DO.
Do you promise to love, honor and cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him for ever more?? I DO

Today you will exchange rings,
a perfect circle with no
beginning or end. An outward
symbol to the world that
you have pledged your
love to one person.
A gift from your best
friend who has become
your spouse today.
A cherished ring
that will mean more
to you than any
other possession.
When you look at your
wedding ring think of
that one person who makes
you the happiest
and your heart will smile.

RINGS:
Please take the ring you have chosen for your Bride
Brad please repeat after me:
With this ring
I take you as my wife.
To have and to hold
In sickness and health
For richer or poorer
In joy and in sorrow
And I promise to love you
For as long as we both shall live.

Please take the ring you have chosen for your groom
Amanda please repeat after me:
With this ring
I take you as my husband.
To have and to hold
In sickness and health
For richer or poorer
In joy and in sorrow
And I promise to love you
For as long as we both shall live.

Candle Ceremony
I would like to ask the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom to come forward and light their candles.
Brad and Amanda, these two separate lights symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate set of friends. I ask that you each take a separate candle and together light the center candle.
The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents
The joining together of your two sets of families and friends into one.

Brad and Amanda as the two of you have come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you treat each other as unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive and to not hold grudges. From this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge. You marriage will be strengthened by your love and respect for one another.
To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another- and to learn and grow together.

It will take faith, to go forward together with out knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will the commitment to hold true to your journey you both pledge today to share together.

Brad and Amanda, as the two of you have agreed to live in matrimony, have promised to love each other by these vows, the joining of your hands, and the giving of these rings,
It is with great pleasure that by the power vested in me by the great state of OHIO I pronounce that you are Husband and Wife.

Ladies and gentleman Mr. and Mrs. Brad

You may kiss

The Bride and Groom have opted to NOT have a receiving line and ask that you join them for appetizers in the court yard and of course for the reception.

STORY BOOK WEDDING

2007-09-08T13:32:00.000-05:00

WOW! What a Wedding at the Norman Chapel

Last evening I had the pleasure of performing the wedding of Ben and Danielle at the Norman Chapel in Spring Grove and I must say that I have never seen the Chapel look better. It looked like it could have been taken right out a story book.

They had placed Shepherd's hook poles on each or the pews and had a lantern hanging from each one with a candle in it. There were autumn color flowers every where and many many candles to light the chapel. Truly magnificent!

The Bride wore a white dress with lots of tulle and lace and crystals and the Groom was in a very striking tuxedo.

Their music included an organ, violin and trumpet - so when the Bride as coming into the chapel the trumpet began to sound and all stood to herald her arrival.

For all in attendance it will be a long before they see another Prince Charming and Cinderella wedding again.

Good Luck and God Bless...... Rev. BB

St. Louis Wedding of Becky and Mike

2007-09-04T19:14:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

This past weekend we traveled to St. Louis for the wedding of our niece Becky. She and Mike were married in a "story book" ceremony with a reception to follow at a very nice hotel.

Becky and Mike met six years ago while attending Purdue University. After college he asked her to get married, gave her an outstanding ring, and they moved to his home town of St. Louis.

The wedding weekend started with the rehearsal at the church. We also got to meet our niece, Sarah's boyfriend Kyle for the first time. (Sarah we really like Kyle!)

The church has very large clear glass windows with a perfect view of all of the trees around the building giving you the feeling of a chapel in the woods. After the practice we all went to a fantastic Italian Restaurant for a dinner that was to die for. Big thanks to Mike's Mom and Dad for that.

Saturday started out with breakfast at the hotel with our Nephew, Joseph and his significant other, Kim(who we love) and then to the wedding at 2:00 PM.

My Parents-In-Law could not attend the wedding so at the beginning I dialed them up on the cell phone and they got to listen to the whole thing first hand.

Becky wore a long white gown that was encrusted with many crystals and had a very long trane. You can see in the pictures how wonderful she looked. Mike and the guys were in black tuxedos with white vests and long dark ties. The girls were in a blue short dresses and all carried flowers of autumn colors.

I must say that Becky and Mike made a beautiful couple in their wedding regalia as you can see from the photos.

The reception was at the Crown Plaza Hotel in St. Louis in the Grand Ballroom. Mary Ellen, the Bride's mom and Sarah, the Brides sister folded one-thousand origami cranes for good luck and they were every where on tables, door frames and even in the rest rooms on the backs of the fixtures. "Kudos" to Mark and Mary Ellen for putting on one of the best receptions I have ever been to. This was a wonderful way for the couple to start out their lives together.

Sarah you are next!!!!!

Good Luck and God Bless......Uncle Rev. BB

2007-08-30T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

This weekend there are no weddings. We are actually going to a wedding as part of the congregation. It will feel good to be on the other side of the ceremony for a change. So I will tell you all about it next week. Have a great Labor Day holiday and drive safely.

Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB

2007-08-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Today was the wedding of Stephanie and Kenny at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio. As always the Manor house put on an extravagant flawless wedding for the Bride and Groom. The linens were crisp, the crystal goblets and silver were lustrous and in the Atrium the clear blue sky above was perfect.

This couple are Christian and Jewish so there were elements from both types of ceremonies. There was a chuppa (hoopa) for the couple to stand under and the Bride's four sons each stood at one of the corners and explained the meaning of the chuppa which was really neat. They also had a close friend do a reading from 'The Velveteen Rabbit" and of course at the end of the ceremony the glass was smashed under the Groom's foot.

The following is a copy of their ceremony.

Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB

Kenneth and Stephanie

It is often said that it is love that makes the world go around. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. Stephanie and Kenny came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also their strength, warmth and most importantly the warmth of true friendship.

In the Jewish and Christian traditions, the joining together of two persons into one unique, intimate, and creative unity in marriage is not only a symbol but also a demonstration of the well being, the shalom, the purpose of human society.
The uniting in marriage of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. For us, attached as we are to Kenny and Stephanie by special bonds of love and affection, the uniting of these two people in heart and body and mind is an occasion of great significance which we all can celebrate.

Vows
Groom to Bride and children:
I, Kenneth , am honored and blessed
To have you as my wife.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.

Vows
Bride to Groom

I, Stephanie, am honored and blessed
To have you as my husband.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.

Stephanie, not only do I
Promise to be a good and
Faithful husband to you,
But also to be a patient
Loving Papi to the boys.
I promise to be their strength
And their emotional support
Loving them with all of my heart
Until the end of their days. (Laurie Beckstead)

Ring Ceremony
Kenneth do you have a token of your love for Stephanie??
Stephanie do you have a token of your love for Kenneth??
Traditionally the marking of the passage to the status of Husband and Wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver - for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.

Please place the ring on Stephanie’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my wife
From this day forward.
Please place the ring on Kenneth’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my husband
From this day forward

Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Prayer:
Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen Kenneth and Stephanie with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all of the other gifts you so abundantly impart, that they may fulfil the vows they have made today. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Amen

Explaination of Yichud
I would like to take this opportunity to mention to you, the guests, that Kenneth and Stephanie will be spending a few moments alone together, immediately following the close of the ceremony. This is custom callrd Yichud which means union in Hebrew. It gives the couple an opportunity to share, privately, the power and importance of this moment in their lives. They will return to greet you shortly.

Prounouncemet

Breaking of the glass
Stepping on this glass signifies remembering the past and moving into the future. You no longer belong to your parents houses but to your own. It also signifies, the last time Kenny will be able to put his foot down.
As the glasses are broken I invite you all to join in shouting, Mazel Tov” which means congratulations and good luck.
KISS YOUR BRIDE

Karen Addie is the BEST

2007-08-22T18:07:00.000-05:00

Lets talk about music for your wedding. You have so many choices - everything from a violin soloist to a good DJ to provide all of the tunes.

Music for your ceremony is very important to really show your feelings about the day. Maybe you would like traditional tunes such as "Canon in D" or the "Wedding March" both are very appropriate songs for your grand entrance. Some of my couples have used some different types of music in the ceremony such as "At Last" by Etta James, or as one of my couples did "Another One Bites the Dust" as their recessional song.

I personally like to hear a string instrument for the ceremony. One of the best musicians in the city is Karen Addie. She can put together an entire string quartet or play solo for you. She has an incredible repertoire of songs and will also entertain during dinner. I have included a link to her site below for you to take a look. I highly recommend you take a look and listen and then book Karen for you wedding or event.

http://karenaddiemusic.com/

The following is a partial listing from Karen of the songs she can perform for you.

A Kiss to Build a Dream On

A Time For Us

All I Ask of You

All of Me

All the Things You Are

AlwaysAround the World

Arrivaderci, Roma Ashokan Farewell

As Time Goes By

At Last

Autumn Leaves

Begin the Beguine

Besame Mucho

Bewitched

Blue Skies

C'est Si Bon

Cheek to Cheek

Crazy

Danny Boy

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Dream a Little Dream of Me

Evergreen

Fur Elise

Georgia

Girl From Ipanema

Harbor Lights

Heart and Soul

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

I Love Paris

I'm In the Mood For Love

IfIf I Loved You

Isn't It Romantic

It's Been a Long, Long TIme

I Wish You Love

Just The Way You Are

La Vie En Rose Lara's Theme (Somewhere My Love)

Let It Be Me

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

Longer Than

Love Letters

Straight From Your Heart

Make Someone Happy

Makin' Whoopie

Memories

Michelle

Misty

Mona Lisa

Moonglow

Moon River

Moulon Rouge

My Favorite Things

My Funny Valentine

My Romance

Never on a Sunday

New York, New York

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning

O Sole Mio

On the Street Where You Live

Peg O' My Heart

Perfidia

Red Roses For a Blue Lady

Satin Doll

September Song

Since I Fell For You

Skylark

Smile

Some Enchanted Evening

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Someone to Watch Over Me

Sound of Music

Speak Softly,

Love

Stella By Starlight

Summer Place

Sunny Side of the Street

Sunrise, Sunset

Tennessee Waltz

The Very Thought of You

Till There Was You

Through the Years

Through the Eyes of Love

Today

True Love

Twelfth of Never

Twilight Time

Unchained Melody

Unforgettable

Watch What Happens

What A Difference a Day Made

What a Wonderful World

When I Fall in Love

Willow Weep For Me

You Made Me Love You

You've Got A Friend

Zippity Do Dah

Also an unlimited repertoireof Classical, French, Italian, Jewish, Irish and Country music.mailto:Music@KarenAddieMusic.com?subject=WebSiteVisitor I have demonstration CD's of most of the listed instrument combinations

2007-08-21T10:21:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Last weekend was a great wedding weekend. The weather was perfect for outdoor ceremonies and there was not a cloud in the sky.

My first was at the French House in Amberly Village. Ralph and Lacy along with their family and friends enjoyed the eighty degree temperature as they exchanged their vows.

The Bride was stunning and the Groom and his guys all wore black tuxedos with black shirts. It really looked great.

My second wedding was in the "Brown Garden" at Ault Park. It was a very laid back event with family and friends gathered around the couple. Mark and Kelly exchanged vows that they had each written and it even brought a tear to my eye. The Groom also brought his gigantic Bull Mastiff dog to the wedding and the dog walked down the aisle with the Flower Girl. It was a really cool addition to the wedding. In attendance was also the Groom's Grandparents who turned ninety years old in July. What a wonderful day for them!

Good Luck and God Bless........Rev BB

2007-08-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Yesterday evening I officiated at the wedding of Tim and Kristen at Cincinnati Music Hall. This was my first wedding at Music Hall and what a great place to have your ceremony. The wedding took place in the lobby of the hall which was decorated with garlands of flowers.

Music Hall was built in 1878 as the home of the Cincinnati May Festival. A gentleman by the name or Rubin Springer donated the money for the building. Fortunately, the interior of the building has not been altered since the beginning but has been meticulously maintained and looks like it did in 1878.

Even in the lobby the acoustics were perfect! The string trio played as the family and friends took their places and the Bridesmaids assembled in the back hall. The Groomsmen and the Groom took their places in the front of the hall and as the Bride made her way down the aisle to the Groom all eyes were fixed on her. The couple said their vows and exchanged rings as their Mothers dried away tears and the Grand Parents smiled.

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB

2007-08-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I spoke with Linda from the Renaissance Faire today about the up coming wedding season. So far we have eight or nine weddngs lined up. I have bought a really cool new costume (thanks to EBAY) that looks like a priest from the mid 1600's.

Saturday morning this week we have a meet and greet at the Faire for the couples. I have included a few pictures from past Faires so you can get an idea of what it is like.

If you are thinking about a wedding at the Faire please contact Linda Kincaid at the Ohio Renaissance Faire. Here is a link.

http://www.renfestival.com/

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev BB

2007-08-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow What a Weekend for Weddings!!!

We had a great wedding weekend in Cincinnati. The first wedding was at the Ivy Hills Country Club out in Newtown. It was the wedding of Nick and Julie.

The wedding was in the yard under a large oak tree with the Unity Candle behind us on a white table. It started out as the hottest day of the year and just before the wedding was to start the sky became cloudy and a great breeze started to blow so it was much more comfortable.

Nick and Julie were dressed to the nines in their wedding regalia with her dress made in layers from top to bottom with a line of beads between each layer. It was very unique and was very pretty. Nick and the fellas were in black tuxes with white brocade vests and ties. The aisle was loaded with rose petals for the Bride to walk on as she made her way down to meet her groom. They both cried as they repeated their vows to one another and when they kissed Nick swept her off her feet.

My second wedding was that of Bill and Shaunna aboard the Destiny Yacht. The Destiny is a very large vessel that boasts three deck and a first class cuisine. The couple exchanged vows and rings on the upper deck out in the open. The ship gently rocked back and forth during the ceremony with the family and friends looking on. This was a First Class event.

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev Ben

2007-07-31T21:18:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of officiating at Jim and Emily's wedding at the Verdin Bell Event Center in downtown Cincinnati. I know I have talked about the "Bell" before but I can't say it enough...it is one of the best places to get married in Cincinnati. Paul and his staff have the event perfectly orchestrated right down to the minute and they leave no detail out. The hall was impeccably clean, the linens crisp and the candles were in place.

Emily and Jim are two people that I have grown rather close to over the last several months. They are both very low keyed people who are definitely in love with another and it shows. Their ceremony was short but to the point and they have started their lives together.

Good luck and God Bless......... Rev. BB

2007-07-28T18:02:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Let me tell you about the wedding I just got back from performing. It was at the Krippendorf Lodge at the Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford, OHIO. The Krippendorf was at one time the home or Mr. and Mrs. Krippendorf. They always gave daffodil bulbs to any one who visited. After their deaths the home and all of the land was deeded to the Cincinnati Nature Center to be preserved as a wildlife/nature center.

Jeff and Katie are both chefs at a very upscale restaurant in Cincinnati and they chose the Krippendorf setting because they feel very close to the out of doors. This wedding as really cool because the Bride's Mother was the Maid-of-Honor and the Groom's Dad was his Best Man. They stood in front of the fountain on the patio, with gentle classical guitar notes in the air the wedding began. The girls dresses were unusual and a very nice alternative to the standard bride's maid dresses. They were knee length in a flower print which seemed to blend in nicely with the setting. The grooms men wore white shirts with only a vest. What a great looking group in a more relaxed style.

The Groom's Mom got up to do a reading and when she came forward she warned everyone that she was on the verge of tears. The Bride reached out and rubbed her shoulder and BOOM! the tears came, but she was able to compose herself and read one of the best versions of the Corinthians that I have ever heard.

"I DO" and rings on their fingers the Bride and Groom were ready to start their lives together.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

Sample Vows

2007-07-25T18:24:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I met with a couple tonight for their final meeting before the wedding and they asked me for sample vows. So please feel free to look over the following links. Any vow can be put into the form of a question with a simple I DO at the end or in any other format such as to repeat the lines after the officiant. Hope these help,

Good Luck and God Bless..........Rev. BB

http://www.myweddingvows.com/traditional-wedding-vows

http://elegantvows.com/vows/1.html

http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=2436

http://www.chicagomarriage.com/wedding_vows.htm

2007-07-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

This was a great weekend for weddings. The first was Friday evening at Ault Park in the Rose Garden. Jason and Kristin chose this spot because it is probably one of the most beautiful places in Greater Cincinnati to marry. With their families and friends looking on they exchanged their vows and rings as the gentle breezes blew the soft scent of the surrounding flower gardens that added a real outdoor feel to the ceremony. It was like one of those ceremonies that you see on the TV or in a movie. It could not have been better!

The second wedding was at the Elegance Banquet Hall in Northern Kentucky out in Florence. Derek and Emily planned a small affair with only forty people in attendance. The Bride wore a white dress that came to the knee and the groom was in a great dark suit that looked really classy.

The third wedding was at Fernbank Park down by the river in the west side to town. Fernbank park has been really fixed up to include a hill top where the outdoor weddings can take place overlooking the Ohio River. Corbin and Miranda chose this area because of the picturesque setting. The gentle breeze from the water added to the wonderful weather. The Bride's sister started the event off with a song and the I DO's were memorable for all. There were some sniffles in the crowd and you could see that this whole family was happy that they were getting married.

The fourth wedding was at a really beautiful spot in the Northern suburbs of Cincinnati - Waldon Ponds Golf Club. The wedding ceremony was in the gazebo in the gardens of the 1830's mansion house. This was a really wonderful venue. The wedding co-ordinators had decorated the entire place with red roses and white satin fabric. They did a super job with the whole event orchestrated to the minute. The ladies walked from around the front of the mansion to the rear where they were greeted by their partners and escorted to their spot. This couple, Jason and Judy, both had some "boo-hoo's" during the ceremony. I love when everyone cries!!!!! They are a great match and I am sure will have a fabulous life together.

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB

2007-07-17T17:13:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

It is mid-July and for any one who is getting engaged and setting dates for a winter wedding you need to start booking your hall, band, D.J. and of course your Officiant. The sooner the better to get the person you want to perform your wedding ceremony. Most of us stay pretty well booked through out the year in both winter and summer so make some calls or send some emails as soon as possible. I still have some open dates in January and February available so please let me know if I can be of any help to you.

Another area I may be able to help you is in writing your vows. Call me at 513-633-2352 or email me at doyouido@hotmail.com and we can get started.

God Luck and God Bless......... Rev. BB

2007-07-15T21:46:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Let me tell you about yesterday's wedding at Mt. Echo Park in Price Hill. First, it was beautiful weather with temperatures in the low 80's and a gentle breeze that made it all the more pleasant. This couple had run into several snags over the course of the several weeks leading up to the ceremony but they did exchange vows and now they are on their way to a wonderful life together as Husband and Wife.

There was a snafu with the chairs, the venue, the rehearsal dinner, the DJ, horse drawn carriage, and ceremony music - but this goes to show you that love can conquer all and no matter what happened this ceremony was going to happen because these two people were meant to be together!

The Bride has three daughters and when it was time for the ring ceremony the Groom also gave each of the girls a ring. It was very touching and what a great way to start out. You could tell from the looks on their faces that this was going to be a very happy family.

Good Luck and God Bless........ Rev. BB

2007-07-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

The weather was perfect, the breeze blowing softly and the scent of flowers was in the air as Joel and Laura were married in the Rose Garden at Ault Park. Below is their ceremony which included two very nice readings. They also had a violin soloist who played softly through the ceremony.

Laura was in a very simple but elegant dress and Joel was wearing a brown suit. The flowers were calla lilies in several colors bound together by ribbon. It was a very elegant evening.

Good Luck and God Bless.........Rev. BB

Please be Seated

Welcome to all
As we begin the wedding ceremony
Of Joel and Laura.
We are gathered
in the sight God and these
witnesses to join this couple
In holy Matrimony

Intent
I have a question for you both,
and I ask that you answer it is.
-
Is it your intention that come here
freely and with out reservation to be joined
As Husband and Wife???
It is

LOVE by Roy Croft

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 to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

Read before the Vows

It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round.
However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel.True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life - it is the strong foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic.True friendship holds a mirror to our foibles and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness.True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential.Laura and Joel came together as friends.Today, they pledge to each other, not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly the fun of true friendship.

VOWS

Joel do you
promise to share your live openly with Laura, to speak the truth always, to honor and care for her, to cherish her, and to encourage growth and fulfillment all the days of your lives in hockey or not?

I DO
Laura do you
promise to share your live openly with Joel, to speak the truth always, to honor and care for her, to cherish her, and to encourage growth and fulfillment all the days of your lives in hockey or not?
I Do

RING CEREMONY

“My heart smiles
every time I see my wedding ring”
Today you will exchange rings,
a perfect circle with no
beginning or end. An outward
symbol to the world that
you have pledged your
love to one person.
A gift from your best friend who has become your spouse today. A cherished ring that will mean more to you than any other possession.
When you look at your wedding ring think of that one person who makes you the happiest and your heart will smile.

Joel
please take the
Ring you have chosen for
Sherry place it on her
Finger and repeat after
Me.

I give you this ring and
I choose you to my wife
This day and every day.

Laura please take the
Ring you have chosen for
JOEL place it on his
Finger and repeat after
Me.

I give you this ring
I choose you to my husband
This day and every day.

It is with great pleasure that
By the power vested in me
By the State of
Ohio I now pronounce you
Husband and wife

Ladies and Gentleman
Mr. and Mrs. Joel

2007-07-10T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

The link below belongs to one of the best planners I have worked with. Amber, Kelli and the others of Moment 2 Moment and Signature Events put on a really GREAT wedding at Mt. Echo Park.

The decorations were over the top, the rose petals on the aisle were superb and the Bride arriving in a carriage was wonderful. You could tell that they listened to the Bride and Groom and included all of their ideas into a seamless event.

Mt. Echo is one of my favorite places for a wedding and the fact that they took a very natural and lovely place and blended flowers, tuxedos and beautiful dresses into the setting made it even better.

I remember thinking to myself, as we were waiting for the Bride to arrive, that the whole event was so pretty and how the couple could really stop and enjoy their day because of the planners efforts.

I highly recommend these folks to you to help with your plans.

http://signatureeventplanners.com/weddings.html

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. Ben

2007-07-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

07-07-07

Well here it is this years most popular day for a wedding and I had two weddings to perform.

The first one was at the home of the Bride and Groom in Miamisburg, Ohio. They have a very lovely new home that was perfectly decorated and with thirty-five family and friends joining in the celebration they exchanged their vows and when it was time for me to pronounce them Husband and Wife I invited Paul's daughter, Emily up to the front to put her hand on top of theirs and I placed my hand on theirs and said the magic words to make them married.

My second wedding was at Mt. Echo Park in Price Hill. Brian and Tina had decided on this venue, overlooking the city below, to hold their ceremony. The Bride made her way to the ceremony in a white horse drawn carriage. She met her Father and he escorted her into the pavilion where her groom was waiting for her. Tina was in a flowing white dress with long train that gathered rose petals from the aisle as she made her way down.

At this wedding I had the pleasure of working with the ladies from Moment-2-Moment Wedding and Events Planners. This is a group of people who really knew what they are doing when it comes to weddings. Every detail was perfect including the two inches of real red rose petals for the bride to walk on! I would highly recommend them to plan your event.

As always - Good Luck and God Bless......Rev. BB

2007-07-03T19:36:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Here it is July 3rd, 2007 and I had the pleasure of performing Billy and Katie's wedding at the Drees Pavilion in Devou Park. The pavilion overlooks the city of Cincinnati and the valley below which makes for a supurb back drop. The Drees people go all out for weddings and as usual all of the details were exact and perfect.

The wedding was held in the gazebo as two hundred and seventy five of their friends and family looked on. The wedding party was very large with eight attendants on each side, three Flower Girls and a Ring Bearer. One of the Flower Girls is twenty-four months old and simply stole the show. When the couple were exchanging their vows she was right between them tugging on the Groom's coat tails. Little kids are always great at weddings !

The Bride was of course in white the Groom in black tie and coat, and there were some "tears" in the family section of the crowd.

This weekend is the big 7-7-07 wedding date. I have two weddings this weekend on 7-7-07 and I will give a full report afterwards.

Good Luck and God Bless........Rev. BB

2007-06-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

Well OK, it was a great wedding weekend in Cincinnati. My first was at the Oasis Country Club and Conference Center in Loveland. Justin and Adrianne had a huge wedding party and the back drop was the 18th hole of the course. The weather was perfect, the Bride was stunning and her Groom was outstanding.

The second wedding was at Ault Park in Mt. Lookout. Again a great event with a very formal flair. Justin and Alison are both from the Anderson Township area and now live in Atlanta. They are such a handsome couple. They did a Unity Sand Ceremony that included a reading about the meaning of the ceremony. I have listed it below as well as a very nice reading called "Eskimo Love Song" Both very good readings that I highly recommend.

Sand Ceremony
Alison and Justin, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you'll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one.
Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.

“Eskimo Love Song” Author Unknown
You are my husband, you are my wifeMy feet shall run because of youMy feet dance because of youMy heart shall beat because of youMy eyes see because of youMy mind thinks because of youAnd I shall love because of you.

Good Luck and God Bless..........Rev. BB

2007-06-17T20:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I performed the wedding of Joe and Melissa at the Country Club of the North in Beavercreek, Ohio. WHAT A GREAT PLACE!!! To start with the club is only about two years old and it is spectacular. It almost has an Art Deco Style with lots of natural finished wood and stone. Very elegant and every detail was attended to. The landscaping is perfect, the tables set with fine white bone china and the silver service was superb.

The ceremony was held in the rear of the club on a grassy knoll surrounded by perennial flowers and under the shade. The bride made her grand entrance from the side of the building which is about a 50 foot walk to the ceremony area. She was stunning in a flowing white gown with a vale of lace that was trailing behind her in the gentle breeze. The groom was dressed in formal black with a white brocade vest and tie and the look on his face when he saw his Bride for the first time included a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

The "I do's" said and the rings exchanged the Bride and Groom were off on a decorated golf cart to take some pictures on the 9th hole.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2007-06-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I had a final meeting with a couple yesterday for their wedding in July. They had decided to have the Groom's Dad do a verse from the bible and the Bride's Grandmother is going to read something that was read at her wedding many years ago. I thought that was so cool that I could not wait to share it with you. I am not sure what the reading will include but it will probably make for some "teary eyed" folks in the group!

So again it is OK to do what ever you want in your ceremony, maybe a reading by a family member; this reading can be anything that you want. Words of a poem, words of a song, something written by a close friend or even have a close friend get up and share their words from the heart about the couple.

If I can help you with ideas please call me at 513-633-2352 or email me at doyouido@hotmail.com.

God Luck and God Bless...Rev. BB

2007-06-10T20:06:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Lets talk tonight about who I highly recommend to help with your wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Michael Bambino http://www.michaelbambino.com/

Essenza Studio http://www.essenzastudio.com/

Craycroft Studios http://www.craycroftstudios.com/

These are my top three that I have worked with. Each has their own wonderful tips of the trade that will make your day special.

VIDEO

Butterfly Productions http://www.butterflyproductions.tv/

Mike has a way with the video that will make your day's memories last forever on a DVD.

OUTDOOR VENUES

Drees Pavilion http://www.dreespavilion.com/

Ault Park http://www.aultparkac.org/

Alms Park http://dynamic.cinci-parks.org/cgi-bin/parks.cgi/park_desc?park_id=49

Oasis Country Club http://www.oasisconferencecenter.com/meetings.htm

Cincinnati Nature Center http://www.cincynature.org/index2.asp

These spots along with about twenty million others are great.

INDOOR VENUES

Cincinnati Union Terminal http://www.cincymuseum.org/

Syndicate in Newport http://www.newportsyndicate.com/splash.html

Prima Vista http://www.pvista.com/

Omni Netherland http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CVGNPHF-Hilton-Cincinnati-Netherland-Plaza-Ohio/index.do

Cincinnati Art Museum http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/

Bell Event Center http://www.belleventcentre.com/asp/index.asp

These are several that I have performed ceremonies in and they are the best.

Remember that you need to book early as some venues and vendors are full. I still have several dates available to perform your wedding so give us a call at 513-633-2352 to book a date or to get a recommendation on your vendors. I have worked with many, many people over the years and I would be happy to talk with you about any of them.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2007-06-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

Hello All, So lets get some ideas together for your ceremony. I have so many couples that ask what they are "allowed" to do and my answer is very simple, "Anything that you want to!"

The State of Ohio laws are very clear, you must have a valid marriage license and a registered wedding officiant to pronounce you husband and wife. The Commonwealth of Kentucky is the same but you must also have two witnesses.

So now we know the laws lets get to work on your wedding. The ceremony can include any things you want. Some wedding officiants have a "set" way to do things but my ministry is one that we will do what ever you want. The only things I do not like are large farm animals and big fires. Otherwise the sky is the limit.

Some things you may want to do:

Unity Ceremony either candle or sand.

Groom to walk his mom down the aisle.

Roses presented to the families.

Handfasting Ceremony.

Sealing a wine bottle and glasses in a wooden box to be opened on your 25th wedding anniversary.

Groom sing a song to his bride in the ceremony.

Jump over a broom.

Break glasses at the end.

Sign the wedding certificate in the ceremony.

Toast each other after the ring ceremony.

If it is a blended family have the kids place their hands on the couples hand as they are pronounced husband and wife.

Be creative with your ceremony, enjoy the day because it is truly your day.

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2007-06-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

No weddings this weekend but next is a great weekend wedding wise. I have a wedding at the Country Club of the North in Beavercreek. I have never been to this venue but it supposed to be a very nice place. The wedding will be in the gazebo next to the lake. I will give a full report after the wedding.

I also wanted to tell you that I am expanding my company to include wedding and event planning. So if you come across a friend or relative that is planning an event in the future give them my number. I can help a little or a lot with just some consultation all the way up to a hands on in all of the planning and execution of the event.

Good luck and God Bless........Rev. BB

Reverend Ben Brauer 513-633-2352

http://www.willowwoodweddings.com/

2007-06-05T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hand Fasting Ceremony

From time to time I have couples ask me what is a Handfasting Ceremony? So I have posted the Handfasting Ceremony that I like to use. It, basically, is calling on all of the powers of the universe to bless the couple as they pledge their hearts to one another. I ask a series of questions - such as -"Will you promise love and comfort each other?" and after the couple replies with "We do" I drape a ribbon over their hands. After five or six questions with ribbons I tie all of the ribbons together as I pronounce them Husband and Wife. Take a look and maybe incorporate the ceremony into your wedding.

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB

Daniel and Debbie have chosen to incorporate the ancient ritual of Hand-fasting into their wedding ceremony today. Traditionally it was performed to invoke the energies of the four natural elements to create a sacred circle in which the couple are joined as embodiments of god and goddess. Handfasting is a very powerful declaration of intent, where bride and groom clearly state that they are marrying of their own free will.Daniel and Debbie, now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life, you have formed eternal and sacred bonds.And as you enter this marriage, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.

Daniel and Debbie, I bid you look into each other's eyes.

*****Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?We will...[First cord is draped over the couples' hands]And so the first binding is made.

*****Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?We will...[Second cord is draped over the couples' hands]And so the second binding is made.

*****Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?We will...[Third cord is draped over the couples' hands]And so the third binding is made.

*****Will you share each other's laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?We will...[Fourth cord is draped over the couples' hands]And so the fourth binding is made.

*****Will you share your warmth so that neither of you are cold?We will. [Fifth cord is draped over the couples' hands]And so the fifth binding is made.

*****Will you seek understanding and peace amongst you both at all times?(Sixth Cord is draped over the hands)We will and so the sixth binding is made.

TIE CORDS TOGETHER)Daniel and Debbie, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

Pronouncement: Dan and Debbie - By the power vested in me by the great State of Ohio I now pronounce that you are Husband and Wife.

Mr and Mrs Daniel

You may kiss your bride

2007-06-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Well here we go! What a weekend for weddings. I performed four ceremonies this week end at locations from down town to Hyde Park.

The first was on Friday night at The Omni Netherland Hotel in the Continental Room. This hotel is so opulent and over the top in class and decorations. There is none better. Michael and Christie actually live in Australia but, Christie is from Ohio originally so Cincinnati was selected as the spot for the wedding. It was very classy, very formal and very nice.

The second wedding was Saturday at 1:30 in the afternoon at McFarlin Woods which is part of the Mt. Airy Park area. It was held in the Maple Ridge Lodge which is a rustic type lodge that was a perfect background for the simple nature oriented ceremony that the Bride and Groom had requested.

The third wedding was at the home of a close friend whose daughter and new Son-In-Law were married by me. Heather and Cris make a cute couple. Jimmy and Missy, the Dad and Mom, held the wedding their back yard under a white gazebo decorated with white tool cloth. After the ceremony we were all under the big tent sitting at the tables and Mother Nature opened up the sky with rain and hale. But not to worry the food and guests all moved indoors and a great time was had by all.

My fourth wedding was back at Ault Park on the patio. Brady and Jayme's wedding was outdoors and after the rain it had cooled off and there was a fabulous breeze. This couple were very easy to work with and wanted to include nature into their ceremony as well. I loved the Groom's expression when I pronounced that they were husband wife - you could see that he was genuinely happy!

Good luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

2007-05-30T20:38:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

This weekend I have four weddings coming up. The first will be at the Omni Netherland Hotel in downtown Cincinnati. I love weddings at the Omni because of the ambiance of the art deco hotel. Another one will be at Mt. Airy Forest in the Maple Ridge Lodge, the third will be at the home of a friend where I will perform the wedding of their daughter, and lastly at Ault Park again.

So after the weekend I will give you a full report on the weddings.

God Bless........ Rev. BB

2007-05-30T18:59:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

It was a HOT weekend but a great one for weddings. On Friday night I performed a wedding at Ault Park for Mark and Emily. Ault Park always does a spectacular job on weddings and the setting is elegant, the details are all attended to and the sound of the fountain in the background is so nice. Both Mark and Emily were in formal attire dressed to the "nines" as they professed their love for one another.

My second wedding was at the Krippendorf Lodge at the Cincinnati Nature Center where I performed the ceremony for Steve and Sharon. I love all of my couples but every once in a while I have a couple that I feel closer to and Steve and Sharon fit the bill. They are "crazy in love" and when I pronounced the Husband and Wife you could see the excitement in their eyes.

I can not say enough good things about the Cincinnati Nature Center and the elegant weddings they manage under the canopy of trees. Krippendorf is quite possibly the prettiest location for a wedding in all of Greater Cincinnati with the trees and flowers in bloom, the birds chirping in the background, and again the delicate sound of the fountain all as the back drop for the ceremony.

http://www.rowewoods.org/rowe_woods_information.htm

Good luck and God Bless... Rev. Ben

2007-05-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I have two weddings this weekend. One at the Krippendorf Lodge out at the Cincinnati Nature Center and the other at Ault Park. Both are great places to hold a wedding with the great out of doors as the back drop.

I will tell you all about it after the weddings.

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2007-05-21T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Just a quick picture of my grandkids! Every once in a while I like to post their photo.

They are from left to right (top row) ROWAN, ISAAC, TEAGHAN, EVIE, (bottom row) GWEN, ALAINA, and JONAH. They are the best!.........................Rev. BB

2007-05-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I thought I would take a minute and let you know where my summer weddings are this year. I hope this will give you some ideas for your wedding location.

Drees Pavilion

Riverside Gardens

Ault Park Pavilion

Ault Park Rose Garden

The Madison

Oasis Country Club

Mt. Echo Park Pavilion

My Living Room

Omni Netherland Hotel

Alms Park

Maple Ridge Lodge

Krippendorf Lodge

Ivy Hills Country Club

Music Hall

Norman Chapel

20th Century Theater

Bell Event Center

French House

Hope this is helpful and please do not hesitate to call me at 513-633-2352. Or email me at doyouido@hotmail.com

Good Luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2007-05-14T18:42:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

What a great wedding week end. We did three weddings one at Drees Pavilion, one at Riverside Gardens and one at the Oasis Golf Club. I did the Drees and Riverside and my son, Reverend Tobias did the Oasis wedding.

The Oasis is a really lovely place to hold weddings with the view of the rolling hills of the course. The wedding was out doors on the patio overlooking the course and as always the Oasis staff went above and beyond to make sure that it was a perfect night. Jessica and Matt were elegant and absolutely in love.

The Drees wedding was really cool also with the wedding being held in the gazebo overlooking the city. What a spectacular view!!!!! Alex and Julia were dressed to the nines and ready to profess their love to each other. Their families were absolutely lovely and gracious to everyone and of course there were some "sniffles" from the crowd including the couple.

The Riverside Gardens wedding was really unique with the ceremony taking place on a deck over looking the river. The bride and groom, Sarah and Michael, were so sweet and gentle as they said their vows and then kissed to seal the union. This was the first wedding that I performed at The Riverside Gardens and I was very impressed with how the place looked and their attention to details.

So to all of my couples Good Luck and God Bless...Rev BB

2007-04-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

I do not have any weddings to perform this weekend but I did meet with a couple, Brady and Jamie, for the final meeting before the wedding. I like to meet with my couples at least twice before the wedding. The first time to get your ideas and also to get to know one another and the second to "nail" down how the ceremony will run. Do you want the couples to walk in together or have the fellows up front waiting for their partner? Who will seat the Moms, and what are the music selections for the big day? With all of these questions answered I am then able to run the rehearsal.

Brady and Jamie want a short simple wedding that will take place at Ault Park in the pavilion. They even wrote most of the ceremony and it will be great!

They are also dog lovers also and of course my poodles were all over them. Lots of dog kisses to go around.

So anyway, lets get together and make a ceremony that will be right for you.

Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

2007-04-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend for weddings. The first wedding was held in our living room. The couple called me last week and wanted to elope on Saturday. The Bride wore a full dress and veil and the Groom was in a black tuxedo. They brought four guests along and they were also dressed nicely.

The second wedding was held at the "Syndicate" in Newport Kentucky. The Syndicate was originally opened in the 1930's as the Coconut Grove. It's past is rather "seamy" along with most of the past of Newport. The whole city was controled by organized crime bosses and there was gambling and other not so nice things going on. The Coconut Grove attracted singers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Doris Day to name a few. After the city was cleaned up and gambling made illegal the building sat empty for a number of years. In more recent times it re-opened as a very classy spot for a wedding and reception. The staff makes sure that all the details are attended to. I heard the manager more than once ask different members of her staff to walk through and double check that everything was right. The place is immaculate, the windows cleaned and the outside in perfect condition.

Cynthia wore a white strapless dress that had a zillion sequence sewn to the top and the skirt was toole with more sparkly beads. It was a very classy dress. The groom and his guys were in black tuxedos with a rose bud on their lapels.
At this wedding all of the guests were dressed in their best; I love to see the guests at the wedding dressed appropriately. Sometimes at weddings the attendees are in in shorts, jeans and t-shirts and really do not look right for the occasion.

I really liked this couple - they were very genuine in their vows which they wrote. There was a little bit of crying and some sniffles from the family as they read their vows to one another. I am very confident that Adam and Cynthia will have a wonderful life together.
Good luck and God Bless...Rev. BB

All Pictures

2007-04-16T16:27:00.000-05:00

2007-04-12T18:33:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I received an email today from a couple who want to get married this summer at a park. They also wanted to write their own ceremony. Apparently they have run into some problems finding some one to marry them who will not require them to have the ceremony they way he wants them to.

It is your wedding and you should have it your way. Anything that you want to do is OK with me. I really like when my couples write their ceremony. You do not have to be a gifted writer to create a ceremony - because the Internet has all of the components you will need. "CUT AND PASTE" three little words that will help you to create your perfect ceremony.

Let me know if I can help with your day.

God Luck and God Bless...... Rev. BB

2007-04-07T19:20:00.000-05:00

It is so cold here today!!! Not a really good day for an outdoor wedding. Last week it was eighty degrees and today it is twenty-two. So I hope that there were no cold Brides today.

So many times couples look at their venue on a cold blustery day, for their wedding in the summer months. Something to keep in mind is that the summer months can be very hot which for the guys is tough wearing black tuxedos with heavy jackets and the bride in her long gown. I have done three weddings in the Krone Conservatory where if it is ninety degrees outside it is one- hundred and ten inside. All of the weddings had water on hand for their guests and also printed their programs on fans so that the guests could cool off.

Another important topic should be to keep the ceremony at no more than twenty minutes as every one is "cooking". Your Officiant should be able to create a ceremony that is elegant, respectful but still fun in a shorter ceremony.

At my weddings I also tell the guys and girls to not lock their knees while standing up there. You need to keep the blood flowing to the brain or I guarantee that you will pass out!

So even though it is sooooo cold now be sure to keep your cool this summer.

Good luck and God Bless.....Rev. BB

2007-04-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

Hello All, I performed three weddings in the last two days. One was at the Union Terminal outside near the fountain and two today at Mt. Echo Park. The park weddings were a little cold and blustery but all in all the couples were happy and are off on their new life as husband and wife.

I am very flexible as to where you can get married. I have only a few things that I won't do; I hate heights so no jumping out of airplanes or trips in hot air balloons, I do not like large farm animals, and lastly I am not a big fan of large fires. So you can get married in almost any location.

My wedding ministry is also founded in the belief that this is Your Wedding and We Will Do It Your Way! I am non-judgemental so if you are different religious backgrounds that is OK, if you have no religious background that is OK, if you want a civil ceremony that is OK, if you would like your dog to carry in the rings that is OK also. If you or your partner have previous marriages that is OK, and if you want to get married with clowns or acrobats in the room that is OK also!

I just love to see people happy with their choices and I love to perform weddings. So if I can be of any help let me know. You can reach me at 513-633-2352 or at my website - http://www.willowwoodweddings.com/ or at doyouido@hotmail.com. I hope to meet with you soon.

Good Luck and God Bless.........Rev. BB

2007-04-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

Hello Again,
Today I want to talk a little about Wedding Etiquette. There are often times questions that come up in the course of planning your big date and you do not know where to go for answers.
Who pays for the brides bouquet?
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
What are appropriate gifts?
How should I dress for a church wedding?
What is a "black tie" reception?

Take a look at the links below for all of the answers.

Good Luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

http://www.weddingvendors.com/planning/articles/guest-etiquette/
http://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5344586
http://www.weddingflowersandmore.com/etiquette.htm
http://www.eng.umu.se/vw/Etiquette/ettiquette.htm

2007-04-03T19:25:00.000-05:00

So you have set the date, bought the dress, rented the tuxedos, and now it is time for the rehearsal. In my travels in the wedding business I often get questions from couples who have step parents. Where should they sit? Who should walk them down the aisle? Should my Mom or Dad sit with my step-parent or with their x-spouse?

All of these questions are valid concerns and I always tell my couples to do what feels right and what they are comfortable with. If your parents can not stand to look at one another then they should definitely not sit together. They should be able to put aside their differences for the night but that does not always happen.

If you have step-relatives, make sure ushers know who they are. Step-relatives should be escorted to their seats first -- for example, step-grandparents precede birth grandparents. You may want to reserve a few extra rows directly behind immediate family for step-grandparents and step siblings.

If the bride's or groom's parents are divorced, seat the parent who raised the bride or groom in the front row with his/her spouse, and seat the other parent and his/her spouse in the third row. Alternatively, birth parents may sit beside each other in the first row, or they may share the front row with stepparents.

Discuss this in advance to avoid awkward moments.

Do you like the photo? This my beautiful wife and I on our wedding day - January 25, 1975 - We looked pretty snappy!

2007-04-01T10:06:00.000-05:00

THE UNION TERMINAL IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE CITY TO HOLD A WEDDING!!!!!!!!

Last night I performed Jason and Andrea's wedding at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Originally the building was the main train station for Cincinnati until the onset of the jet travel age. The entire building is "art deco" in style from the grand terminal with it's sweeping dome down to the smallest detail of the wood paneling.

The wedding was held in a large room that at one time served as a place where the super elite travelers could take a break away from the lowly coach travelers. The walls were all original inlay wood panels with an original mural of the map of Cincinnati painted on the ceiling. It was formal and elegant yet warm and inviting.

Jason and Andrea said their "I Do's" and I pronounced them Husband and Wife with their friends and family watching. This couple seemed to have a family that was so excited about their wedding and a family that was full of love and would welcome the new son/daughter-in-law into their homes. The whole flair of the event was based on the family theme. The Bride's Uncle did a very touching reading with some added text that brought tears to the whole family.

Andrea's dress was white with a skirt that looked as if she was floating on a cloud as she walked down the aisle. Jason and the guys were in formal black wearing coats that were slightly longer that a regular suit coat.

The dinner/reception was held in another really striking room tastefully decorated in the art deco theme. The linens were crisp white with formal black accents.

I really enjoyed this couple and their families and I am happy to have been a part of their day.

Big thanks to my wife, Shelly, for taking the photos.

Good luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

http://www.cincymuseum.org/information_center/facilities_rental/

Maureen and Brad at the CAC

2007-03-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

Hello All,
Wow! What a great wedding this past weekend at the Contemporary Art Center. This was my first wedding that I performed at this location. The ceremony was held in the lower "L" shaped hall with the guest's chairs in either side of the "L".

The Bride and Groom had created an arbor made of willow branches painted gold with individual votive lights hanging from the branches. It was a really cool looking and some what magical.

Maureen and Brad did not have traditional attendants but they did have four very cute Flower Girls who were all dressed in matching white long dresses. The Bride wore a very simple but very elegant gown and the Groom was in formal black. The simplicity of their attire allowed the guests to focus on the joy of the day and the brilliance of their love for one another.

The banquet hall is the performance hall in the Center. The walls are all black but, with the white and gold linens and individual spot lights on the tables it seemed as if the tables were afloat on a sea of black.

This was a great wedding and another happy couple off to a perfect start of their lives together.

Good luck and God Bless.... Rev. BB

Wedding Links - Readings, Vows and More

2007-03-21T18:13:00.000-05:00

http://www.todays-weddings.com/planning/readings.html

http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/ReadingsLibrary.htm

http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/BibleReadings.htm

http://www.hitched.co.uk/plan/readings/index.asp

http://www.weddinggoddess.com/work6.htm

http://shakespeare.about.com/cs/generalsites/a/weddingreadings.htm

http://www.confetti.co.uk/article/view/5076-7611-0-Plan_the_perfect__wedding_readings_Readings.do

http://birmingham101.com/101weddinghome.htm

http://www.his.com/~rfritts/readings.htm

http://www.weddingchaos.co.uk/TheOrganising/wedding-poems-readings.asp

http://www.chicagomarriage.com/romantic_readings.htm

http://www.usabride.com/vows_passages/readings_poems.html

http://www.mnweddingminister.com/readings.html

2007-03-19T17:03:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

It was a great weekend for weddings! I had one at the Norman Chapel in Springrove Cemetery and then another today in my home. The chapel is a perfect spot for an intimate close wedding. The Norman was decorated with red and white bows on the pews and there were several dozen roses on the alter.

Denise's dress was white - trimmed in red with a red sash around the waist and red trim with embroidered red roses on the veil. The girls were also in a lighter red color and all carried white roses. William and the guys were in black formal attire with red vest and long ties and both of the Moms also wore red.

The music was wonderful with a vocalist and single violin playing the traditional tunes. The song, as the guests were being seated, was "At Last" and with the exceptional acoustics in the chapel it was like being in a concert hall.

My second wedding was today in my living room. This couple wanted to be married with as little "fan fair" as possible and that is exactly what they got. They brought several friends with them to share in the day and in a matter of minutes they were off on the first day of their lives as a married couple!

It really does not matter where you get married - in a chapel, cathedral, city park, or in my living room - it matters that you are getting married where and when you want.

Good luck and God Bless..... Rev. BB

Butterfly Productions

2007-03-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

Again I have a vendor that is great. Butterfly Productions is by far the best video company that you could engage to do your wedding video. Mike Mason and his wife Barb Mason are two of the easiest people to work with. I have performed several weddings where they were taping the video and you do not even know that they are in the room!

Every move they make has had careful consideration and is choreographed to optimize your video experience. Both Mike and Barb are professionals who know how to get you the best product.

So if you are considering a video at your wedding please call Butterfly Productions. Just click on the title and it will take you to their site.

Good luck and God Bless......Rev. BB

http://www.butterflyproductions.tv/index.htm

Your Dream Day

2007-03-13T19:42:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Just a quick note to give you the link for Your Dream Day Wedding Planners. Let Kathy take all of your stress away and you can enjoy the day.

Good luck and God Bless............ Rev. BB

http://www.yourdreamday.com/

Cox Arboretum Wedding

2007-03-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I did a really great wedding today the Cox Arboretum in Dayton, OHIO. David and Puyh Lai tied the knot in front of the fireplace in the 5/3 Pavilion next to the lake.

Kathy with "Your Dream Day" wedding planners saw to all of the details from the flowers to the orange colored drape that adorned the unity candle table. Kathy is a real professional and the quality of her events is very evident.

The couple are madly in love and when the Bride entered the room the Groom looked as if his heart would jump out of his chest. It was a small wedding party with a Best Man and Maid of Honor but there were two Junior Bridesmaids who pulled a wagon with the couples 10 month old son on board. There was an adorable Flower Girl and a very handsome Ring Bearer.

The reading today was poem by Maya Angelou which spoke of love. Here is a copy of it.

TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL

Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from deight, live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies, old memories of pleasure, ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity

In the flush of Love's light we dare be brave

And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be.

Yet it is only love which sets us free.

Good luck and God Bless.......Rev BB

2007-03-10T11:33:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone,

This year I will be doing weddings at the Ohio Renaissance Fair in Harveysburg Ohio. It is really a great place for a theme wedding.
The Bride and Groom, as well as everyone else, are in Elizabethan costume and when you enter through the front gate suddenly you are in and Old English town.
The weddings are held in the chapel which is a stone building perched on a hill over looking the village.
If you are interested in this type of wedding please take a look at the wedding page from their web site. http://www.renfestival.com/weddings.html

Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB