While Michigan is suffering the coldest few days ever, think -42...yeah that's cold. But it was warm and cozy inside Cupcakes and Kisses in Downtown Holly! 

I met a lovely couple inside where we grabbed a coffee and sweet treat and performed our Justice of the Peace Signing Ceremony. With their son by their side and two witnesses looking on they were joined in marriage! 

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Rachel and Jeremy were such kind and warm people, it was a joy to spend time with them. They chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony at the All Saints Chapel in Howell. 

First let me tell you a bit about this chapel. It is originally built in the 1800's and it is beautiful on the inside and out. The wonderful coordinator was great to work with. She assisted with streaming the music, getting the processional in order and sending people down the aisle. Not every wedding venue offers a coordinator, so this was a great service to have, it truly makes the day so much easier to enjoy. 

Jeremy and Rachel chose to keep the ceremony simple and sweet. They exchanged wedding vows and rings and I was able to intertwine their love story into the wedding ceremony. They have been together for 10 years and January 11th they made it legal, surrounded by loving family and friends their love was beautiful to see. 

You used to think an elopement meant traveling to a far off place in secret to marry your soul mate. However, today elopements can be done right near your home town and with you loving tribe standing right with you. The idea of an elopement is a simple sweet wedding ceremony. Simple and sweet...think around 10 guests, or less, the focus is on the two of you getting hitched and that's it. 

There are so many reasons couples chose an elopement ceremony and there is simply no wrong answer. I mean the entire reason I became an Ordained Officiant is so that every couple could have the marriage of their dreams so they could get married however they wanted. 

January 10, 2019 Karly and Derek got married! They chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony at the Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor surrounded by their closest family and friends. 

The Gandy Dancer in Ann Arbor offers a few private rooms to choose from. Karly and Derek were upstairs in the loft area. The table was set perfectly and the staff was amazing. They saw to every detail, their service was impeccable.

It was time to begin the elopement ceremony. Karly and Derek chose to take the stairs to make a quiet and loving entrance, they stood at the head of the table where their family was seated. I stood off to the side to allow for pictures without me in them. 

We shared a sweet elopement ceremony that spoke words of love and the meaning of a wedding ceremony, how a wedding ceremony is a celebration of journey and a highlight of your love. They shared simple vows with each other and exchanged rings. And of course I was able to pronounce them husband and wife and they celebrated with a kiss. After the elopement ceremony they shared celebratory hugs with family and we ended my time with them by signing the marriage license (had to make it legal). 

Karly wore a beautiful flower crown and long burgundy dress, it was perfect for her. Derek wore a suit that fit him perfectly. Karly had a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

Their intimate wedding ceremony and celebration was perfect for them. It was such a wonderful time and I am excited to have shared this moment with them. ​