Plenty of Fish!

When I meet with a couple for the first time, one of the first questions I ask them is "How did you meet?" It's always interesting to find out how they got together!

I asked that question a few months ago to a wonderful couple who are very well-matched (believe me, after so many years of working with engaged couples, I have a good "nose" for these kinds of things!), who told me they had met on "Plenty of Fish."  At that time, I had no idea what that was -- so asked them for an explanation.  It turns out that Plenty of Fish is a free dating website, similar to the paid services -- but this one, besides being free, also seemed to make them feel that their choices were their own, and not controlled by the "powers" of the paid dating services.  

A couple of weeks ago, at another couples' consultation, when I asked the question, I got the same answer -- and then just this past week, got the same answer from a third couple!  

Okay, I'm seeing a pattern here -- and it's a good one!  It sounds to me like Plenty of Fish has my philosophy -- give couples a good service, and let them make their choices, and the end result will be a happy one!  

So -- all you single ladies (and men) out there -- my advice is to check out Plenty of Fish -- you just may find the "right catch" out there!  

(And no, this is NOT an ad for Plenty of Fish!)

The Groom's Halo (and a Surprise Recessional)!

One of the things I love most about officiating at weddings is that each ceremony is different, although sometimes there are similar elements.  For example, there's a verse called "The Art of Marriage" that many couples like to include in their ceremonies because of the beautiful and realistic wording.  Most of the time, I see tears and an occasional chuckle when the verse is being read -- but this past weekend's wedding evoked much more!

From getting to know Chelsea & Seth, I knew that Seth was a bit of a joker -- and as I came to the line of the verse and read "It is not expecting you, Seth, to wear a halo," the room exploded in laughter!  I paused to let the laughter stop, then poked my head out and said, "I guess that means he usually doesn't wear one!" and more laughter ensued.  

Their ceremony came to a close, they kissed, and were presented as the newly married couple -- but there was one more laugh-inducing moment -- surprise recessional music!  What started out as sounding exactly like the first few notes of the "Wedding March" turned out to be the first notes of the "Throne Room End Title" from Star Wars (listen to the music and you'll see what I mean!).  When the guests (and I!) realized what it was, the entire room erupted in laughter -- and Chelsea & Seth walked down the aisle with their arms in the air and big smiles on their faces!

But wait, the story's not over -- there's one more big laugh! After the ceremony, I asked the videographer if he would take a picture of me with the newlyweds, and he happily obliged -- I didn't look at the photo until I got home later that night, but when I saw it, I couldn't believe my eyes -- here's the photo -- do you see it?!?!

 Yes, there it is -- Seth has a halo!

We certainly didn't plan the picture that way, but what an amazing coincidence!  

I've said it hundreds of times before, and I'm saying it again -- I love what I do!

Congratulations, Chelsea & Seth -- may you share a long, happy, healthy, and laugh-filled life together!