Wedding Officiant I Do I Do Vows of the Heart

05/26/2023

I use to be a Beekeeper. It’s not as easy as “they say” it is. It was a great experience. We enjoyed the honey, we gave honey away, knowing how healthy it is. Honey was even found in the Egyptian tombs and still edible! When properly kept it never spoils.

It’s used for medicinal purposes such as healing infections and alleviating allergies. Honey contains water, vitamins, minerals, and necessary enzymes to give the body energy, making it one of the only known foods with all the ingredients to keep us alive.

Proverbs 16:24 compares our words to honey. Words are also lifegiving. In your marriage and all relationships, the Bible tells us to use our tongues wisely. In Proverbs alone, there are more than 17 verses directing us to use words for healing, hope, and life.

Like honey, gracious Words have a miraculous impact on how we speak to our spouses and others. Please use kind words to encourage those around you and point them to Jesus, who is the ultimate salve for our souls and marriage.

Honey and Jesus….good for the a healthy marriage and soul…

03/19/2023

New Scene in the Chapel window... Jesus, as he enters Jerusalem... quite a beautiful scene...Jesus the Greatest Man - who changed the world and gave us HOPE for our future... Go by and take a look... Let the Lord speak to your heart.

01/20/2023

Last week I had the pleasure of marrying my friend, Brittany Trotter and Bradley Crews. Please join me in wishing them many wonderful years together.

01/13/2023

Its coming Fast! If you haven’t bought your tickets, please do…help us help our community Every dollar raised (after cost) supports Wittenberg Food Pantry, Community Ministries, Scholarships for graduating Srs., Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, and many other organizations. It takes everyone to help our community…be a part of it by buying a sponsorship or tickets and what a great fellowship for a Friday night!…Family or date night!!! Any Rotarian can help you get connected. I am a Proud Rotarian…call me if you need tickets. Thank you for helping our community.

12/07/2022

My window is now decorated for Christmas...i hope everyone in our community enjoys it!
Merry Christmas!

12/01/2022

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR!…When I SEEM TO OFFICIATE MANY ELOPEMENTS. I am in the process of decorating the Chapel Window for the Christmas season.

Soon —in the window will be an old fashioned Christmas Village, with a brand spanking new Lionel HO scale train chugging around the village…it is taking a little longer than I expected. First, I had to purchase a new train, hubby extended the shelf to give the train a platform….and then…I could not find my village, that I have had for several years….I must have given it away. Purchased a few new buildings….as soon as they arrive, we’ll be raising the blinds. I hope everyone enjoys viewing the Christmas Scene, as much as we have decorating.

10/15/2022

I had the pleasure of uniting Kelly Clinosky and Ladd Roof in the Chapel today. It was just so much fun to meet their families... I congratulate them and wish them all the best! God Bless you and Keep you in the palm of His Hand!

05/20/2022

So excited to be hosting a Bridal Tea Shower for my first granddaughter getting marrried. It has been fun planning the decor and menu. Can't wait to see how beautiful it will be and beautiful everyone will be in their dresses with hats! Below are some shots of the Hartley House!

05/03/2022

I have returned to advertising on The Knot and Wedding Wire….and WOW, I have been swamped with brides and grooms wanting to book. Thank you to all who have booked and I look forward to the many who are preparing to book.

01/15/2022

Every week-end I am booked for ceremonies in Feb. I will be available for ceremonies during the week.

12/09/2021

This is a new photo og the Wedding Chapel... perfect for intimate ceremonies will seat 20 guests.

12/06/2021

There are so many beautiful venues to choose from these days... you can find one for any size wedding with varying prices. No matter where you choose to have your ceremony, please keep in mind that weather, you spend $70.00 for a small ceremony or more than $20,000.00, you will have the same memories. The cost of a wedding is not as important as remembering what brought you to this major event in your life and the commitment you are making to each other.

11/24/2021

Nothing can destroy a relationship faster than resentment…
We hurt each other in relationships, sometimes intentionally, and often unintentionally. Either way, the result is conflict and hurt feelings. It’s a fact of life. What you do with that hurt determines whether you’re joyful or miserable.
You’ve probably heard someone say, “I just don’t love him anymore. I just don’t have any feelings for her anymore.” That’s a sign that resentment is involved because resentment eats up emotional energy. You resent the fact that they hurt you and eventually you have no emotional energy left and feel empty inside. Resentment says, “I won’t forgive you.” Resentment is a killjoy in relationships.
You may feel cheated in a relationship. You’re thinking…”This is not what I expected.” The fact is that any relationship, or any marriage, is built on two very imperfect people trying to work on issues together. If you expect perfection and don’t work on your unrealistic expectations, you’re going to lose your joy.
If you hang on to resentment, it will always hurt you more than anyone else. Resentment is self-destructive and counterproductive. it doesn’t just hurt your human relationships, it also infects your relationship with God.
Resentment is like a weed—the longer you wait to deal with it, the more work it will take to uproot it. Start early when resentment is just a seed!
Ultimately, when you refuse to forgive others, you are only hurting yourself.

11/17/2021

WOW…what year this has been, those who waited to get married sure are pulling it off now…This is great for everyone…I am booking weddings for next year…lots of open dates…(right now).
If you need me to officiate your ceremony, please call, text or e-mail me as soon as you have your venue set. If you just want a civil ceremony in my office..I can usually squeeze it in.

Christmas is a busy time for me…celebrating Christ birth….Remember Jesus’ first miracle? The Wedding in Cana, where he turned the water to wine…WOW…you can read about it in John 2:1-11…

Remember the Reason for the Season….God Bless!

09/21/2021

Marriage on your mind….engaged and trying to decide what to do…Call Me, I’ll help you.

06/21/2021

A Father Who Loves the Mother

"… rejoice with the wife of your youth."
— Proverbs 5:18

The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. If you are going to be a godly dad, you need to forsake all others with heart and mind and soul and love your wife. We are to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for us.

It is in loving each other that parents create a stable and good home. Besides loving his wife in order to be a good father, a man must commit to be there for his children.

It is really very easy to become a father, but it is very difficult to be a godly father in the home. You must, first of all, be a godly man. Second, you must—very obviously, but today, importantly—be in the home, because if there is one place where tens of millions of American fathers are not present today, it is in the home. Eighty percent of all of the families in the inner city are fatherless. Eighty percent!

Without fathers in the home, children will lack the emotional center a father provides, crime will go up as will all the troubles that lack of guidance and fathering bring upon a family.

Rick Warren

06/14/2021

Be Your Spouse's Biggest Fan

"Encourage each other every day while it is ‘today.’”
Hebrews 3:13 (NCV)

If you’re married, God has given you an incredibly important role: to be your spouse’s biggest fan. It’s a job only you can do in the way God desires—and your spouse desperately needs you to do it.

We live in a world full of critics. You don’t have to look far to find someone who will put you down.

That’s why every person on the planet desperately needs to be affirmed by someone on a regular basis. It’s how God wired us. If you’re married, one such person should be your spouse. To have a growing marriage, it’s essential for you and your spouse to continually affirm each other.

More than likely, affirmation was part of your marriage in the beginning. You probably wouldn’t have married each other if it wasn’t. But like so many other parts of a growing marriage, affirmation often fades over the course of time.

The Bible says in Hebrews 3:13, “Encourage each other every day while it is ‘today’” (NCV). But how do you encourage each other? What should you affirm in your spouse? Here are some practical ways to affirm someone. They’re great tips for marriage and for any close relationship.

1. Affirm their value. One meaning of the word “appreciate” is “to raise the value of something.” You raise the value of other people when you appreciate them. As you appreciate your spouse, you raise their value and the value of your marriage. Proverbs 12:25 says, “A word of encouragement does wonders!” (TLB). A word of encouragement will do wonders for your marriage—or any other relationship.

2. Affirm their strengths. You will bring out the best in your spouse when you point out their best, not by pointing out their worst. Choose to be a dream builder, not a dream buster. We ultimately become what other people see in us. No person in your spouse’s life can impact their self-identity—and ultimately their future—like you can.

3. Affirm their ministry. You and your spouse each can make your own unique contributions to the world. Let your spouse know how much you appreciate their ministry. Cheer them on and help them see the impact they’re making for Jesus’ sake.
You have incredible power over your spouse’s self-understanding. You can use that power to build them up or tear them down. It’s your choice. And it’s one of the most important choices you’ll make for the health of your marriage.

Choose to intentionally build up your spouse today.

Rick Warren

05/07/2021

Ok, I haven't posted in a long while, I've been busy! Many marriage ceremonies this spring... its great! Plus working in my garden. Hopefully next year, I will be able to open it for couples only ceremonies, no visitors.

Still traveling for ceremonies and even more Civil Ceremonies. So much better than last year. I am blessed!!!
Thank you all for thise you have referred to me! I appreciate you, very much!

01/23/2021

I just performed my first International Wedding. How exciting for the sweet Bride and Groom, who are from Venezuela to have their family join via Face Time. They were all so excited! It brings me so much joy - to make their day as special as possible. The Lord blesses me, with each couple I join in marriage.

The joy to pray for them and declare....
What God has joined together...let no one put asunder....in good
‘ole, Historic, Batesburg, SC, USA...

01/01/2021

A first for me, I had the honor of officiating my grandsons wedding on New Years Eve on the roof of the Doubletree Hotel in Tallahasse, FL. Such a wonderful blessing gor me.

10/21/2020

I have been and now Booking Wedding Ceremonies for 2021....dates — are first come first serve. (2020 dates are still available, however limited, elopements/civil ceremonies are available)

At your venue, in the Chapel or in my office.

I would love to Officiate your ceremony. Let’s talk...
Call, text or e-mail me...

10/21/2020

So you are going to get married......I can help you...Call me.

07/27/2020

Last week I had the honor of uniting Trevor Bessinger and
Erica Spencer. So proud of their elopement, as Trevor has just returned from a deployment in Iraq. Thank you for your service - Trevor, to our Country. Thank you Erica and Trevor for choosing me for your special day.

06/13/2020

Dennis called around lunch today and this is how it happened
D: Today is the DAY...we’d like to get married please talk with Carol. Carol, as soon as possible, but I need to wash my hair. By 3:00PM today Dennis and Carol became Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hensley....They have been best friends for 28 years...and they chose Today to become one and I had the honor of officiating their wedding vows. Congratulations Dennis & Carol.....What God has joined together, no man can put asunder. Amen!

05/31/2020

One of my FB friends posted this on his wall....Gentlemen...this is what being a husband is all about!——-

I am a Christian 1st. This means I love God with all my heart and love others the same.

I am a husband 2nd. This means every decision I make has an impact on more than just myself.

I am a father 3rd. This means I have to model my lifestyle so my children see the best example possible.

I am an educator 4th. This means I teach others my knowledge and when I don’t have the answer I search until it is found.

God, I pray you help me find the answer in our current situation.

05/31/2020

I had the pleasure of uniting Cassandra Peterson and Jamarco Parris, Saturday...Eloping and then- having fun going out to tell all their friends and family....Their outfits were a first for me...they were so cute! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Jamarco Parris!

05/28/2020

In the Gospel of John 2: 1-11 Jesus performs His first miracle....
The transformation of water into wine at the Wedding at Cana is the first miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John. In the Gospel account, Jesus, his mother and his disciples are invited to a wedding, and when the wine runs out, Jesus delivers a sign of his glory by turning water into wine.
v. 11 ‘What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed His glory; and his disciples believed Him.’

05/28/2020

I Do! I Do!....Yes, I am officiating weddings during this time....with everyone observing social distancing, wearing facemask.

02/18/2020

Keeping it fair and balanced....response from a Husband to Dr. Dobson. But, it all matters if the man makes the correct decision up front, prays about his helpmate and marries a woman who is truthful, fears God and honors the covenant marriage.

02/18/2020

Almighty God, we want to protect our marriage from any threat. Help us to live freely and securely as a result of having chosen to live wisely. By Your Spirit, show us how to honor each other and please You. Amen.
—Dr. James Dobson

02/17/2020

Love is not a feeling. Love is a choice. Even when you don’t feel like it, you can choose to do it anyway.

02/13/2020

Communication Killers

To build a great marriage you must have good communication skills.
Unfortunately, those skills aren’t part of our DNA when we are born. We have to learn them and constantly work to develop those skills.

Most husbands and wives see things differently, and that is a strength, not a weakness. However, it can create problems when a spouse is stubborn and refuses to see the other’s viewpoint. As a result, communication shuts down, and it leads to unresolved issues. We must grow in our communication skills so that we can build a great life together.

To grow in communication, we have to be aware of what not to do. Here are some communication killers to avoid:

1. Negative body language
2. Failing to fully listen
3. Withdrawing
4. Changing the subject
5. Clamming up or pouting
6. Losing control
7. Making mountains out of mole hills
8. Thinking your spouse can read your mind
9. Seeking peace at any cost/caving in
10. Turning up the volume on the TV
--Joe McGee Ministries

02/11/2020

Lasting love is persistent. It is determined. It is diligent. It is resolute. It endures the worst and is stubborn in its insistence to not give up on a relationship.
—Rick Warren

02/11/2020

"“Love is the thing that enables a woman to sing while she mops up the floor after her husband has walked across it in his barn boots.”"
—Hoosier Farmer

02/10/2020

Christianity is a religion of forgiveness. Christ has paid the price for all our millions of sins; He forgives and forgets each one we confess. And He expects us to do the same with those around us, forgiving and forgetting their sins against us.
If we want to foster healthy Christian homes, we need to extend forgiveness to those who live with us. No matter how great the offense, we need to forgive, remembering that our offenses against our forgiving God are much greater. So keep short accounts with God and with your family.

02/09/2020

Marriage is a school in which we daily learn forgiveness, patience, and love. In marriage, we learn to develop an intimate relationship, and that process teaches us how to pursue an intimate relationship with Christ. The three main ingredients in both of these relationships are commitment, love, and trust.

02/08/2020

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” — Genesis 2:24

A patient once told a doctor, “I am in so much pain.” The doctor replied, “You will get better if you follow my instructions. Number one: Don’t kill yourself.”

Many people who are in great pain would never think of killing themselves. But when people experience pain in their marital relationships, they often think of “killing” their marriages. Do you have a marriage in trouble or know someone else who does? Then before doing anything else, follow (or encourage your friend to follow) this ........

First rule for a successful marriage: “Don’t even consider ending it.” .......Marriage counselors report that ninety to ninety-five percent of troubled marriages can be healed. But that can only happen if you stick with it. Think only about doing what you can to save and heal your marriage, not about the other options the world offers.

The Second rule for a successful marriage is: “Maintain a vital spiritual life.” Day by day draw closer to Christ, praying and reading His Word by yourself and with your spouse. We all need to know God’s Word so we can avoid worldly pitfalls that can chip away at our marriages. Therefore, search God’s Word, and obey it so that it may change your life and your marriage.

The Third rule is: “Develop communication.” The marriage encounter program begins by sending couples to their rooms, where each person writes a letter listing all the positive things about his or her spouse. Then spouses exchange letters and read them out loud. When husbands and wives go to the next general meeting, they’re changed people. Tell your spouse what you like about him or her, and it will revolutionize your marriage.

The Fourth rule is: “Turn up the thermostat in your marriage.” Show warmth and affection and intimacy. Hold hands the way you did when you were courting. Walk with your arms around each other. As you do, you’ll find that a touch can work magic.

I encourage you to apply these “rules” in your home today. As you seek to obey God’s will for your marriage, He will bless it, making it healthy and vital. And remember, don’t ever give up.
Dr. D. James Kennedy

01/18/2020

Today is the start of the New Year for Weddings....1st one of the year at The Willcox in Aiken....I just love Uniting couples in Marriage! It is a privilege and blessing to be a part of their special day.

12/27/2019

https://www.facebook.com/113102895523167/posts/1410433725790071/?d=n

Prayer is your first and most powerful weapon when fighting for your marriage and contending for each other. Our ability to pray is one of God’s most radical, life-changing gifts. We have been given free access to the eternal God of the universe! What could happen if we diligently and consistently...

12/24/2019