Love Rocks: creative wedding ceremonies

06/16/2019

This is a late night post, but I couldn't wait to share and I just got home.

Oh, man! Today's wedding was the culmination of so much anticipation and excitement, I could barely stand it. Courtney + Shera are the sweetest, silliest, most lovingest ladies on Earth. They booked me after seeing me officiate a family member's wedding. I remember being so enamored with them right out of the gate, and hoping they'd reach out when they were ready. I'm so glad they did. In the midst of anxious and chaotic energy that day, they were an island. They smiled, were kind, acted silly, inviting and inclusive. All qualities I love in people. So, naturally, I just gravitated toward them. When I got their inquiry email in 2017 (!!!), I did a little happy dance.

Today was perfection. Their Ohio brewery ceremony was intimate and unconventional and spoke so much to who they are in real life. Their guests were enthusiastic and supportive. Their parents were so generous with compliments. They had a food truck for dinner and a donut truck for dessert. Their vendors were over the top amazing. And the hugs were plentiful. I can't explain how much it meant to me to be asked to do this instead of hiring someone local to the area. The 7 hours of round trip driving in a virtual monsoon was 100% worth every second. 10/10 would do it again if they asked.

06/08/2019

Holy moly! There was so much about today that made me happy. Chris and Jessica were just the absolute best. Beautiful inside Planterra Conservatory is gorgeous. Mary Ann Ross is a class act and has been my favorite for a decade and a half. Donuts, gorgeous flowers, sunny day, sweet and personal ceremony. Really, what more could you ask for?

01/20/2019

Friday night was perfection. and Cody have THE BEST personalities. They are fun, happy, loving people, and their The Henry Ford - Lovett Hall wedding ceremony definitely reflected that. There was a lot of laughter, happy tears, and even a selfie right after the big kiss. Cody danced his way down the aisle and the team of vendors was top shelf. They could not have had a more beautiful wedding. ♡

Special Events Videography

01/12/2019

I'm truly not sure how I get this lucky. Nicole and Kevin had the most undeniably heartfelt ceremony that I have experienced in years tonight. 40 guests in an intimate setting at Royal Park Hotel, the most genuine vows that I have ever heard, the most grateful and loving guests, and five of the best children on the planet. There wasn't a dry eye in the place and Kevin's quiet "Wow!" as he saw Nicole walking down the aisle toward him sent my heart into outer space. Everything, from start to finish, was perfection. Including Nicole's gorgeous deep red dress. I can never thank them enough for hiring me. ♡

Amber Marie Photography

10/29/2018

I just had to take a second to share this awesome highlight video of Stephanie and JT's big day a few weeks ago. The couple, the dresses, the families... all were just over the top beautiful. This is one of the most kind-hearted couples around.

Stefanie & Jatinder fancied the wonderful color tones for their wedding. The cool tone matched the gold lines perfectly and created a great contrast. The dec...

09/09/2018

This wedding was a long time coming, and it was exciting when the day was finally here! Josh and Emily were a complete pleasure to work with for their beautiful Traverse City area wedding. They booked over a year ago, and I just knew the wedding would be amazing the moment I met them. Emily's dad sang a beautiful original song, they were married on the wooded 55th hole at , the weather was perfection, and their vendors/family/friends were all just the best. I can't begin to describe the emotion and love that filled that space! Congrats, lovebirds! Thank you for allowing me to play a small role in your story. ♡

09/02/2018

This stormy day couldn't put a damper on the celebrations for Jennifer and Nick! These two... I really just can't say how much I adore them with words. Unconventional, nontraditional, laid back, slightly nerdy in the best possible way, and just insanely wonderful to be around. Milestone Barn was the perfect venue, and accommodated the last minute move to an indoor ceremony with ease. My first rainy ceremony in 10 years of doing this gig, and you wouldn't have even known the weather was an issue. ♡ Best wishes, lovebirds!

08/04/2018

Wow! That's really all I can say about Stefanie + JT's wedding today. They are just the most genuine couple, and their friends and family are filled with nothing but love for them. Stef made me feel like a mini-celebrity every time we spoke, and it is truly sad that we can't work together anymore. Lucky for me, their bridesmaid Becca, is one of my brides later this year! So, I get to see this whole crew again in just a couple of months. ♡ Happy wedding day to one of the greatest Love Rocks' couples of all time!

07/28/2018

Holy canolli! It does not get any better than a day like this. Alecia + Nick were the perfect bride and groom. Just adorable, happy, relaxed, excited about the day, and all around amazing. It was a true pleasure to work with them, and their rocking team of vendors. Beautiful weather, and beautiful couple. Happy wedding day, lovebirds!
@ Packard Proving Grounds

07/28/2018

Today is going to be a great day for a beautiful ceremony! Happy wedding day Alecia + Nick! Can't wait to get this party started! ♡

#♡

07/11/2018

2018 is only a little over half way finished, and we only have THREE open spots for 2019 weddings! We haven't even hit booking season yet! It is going to be a great year. If you are on the fence about reserving your date, now is *probably* the time to do it.

07/07/2018

There is something truly special about a backyard wedding, a genuinely kind couple, and the nicest crew of people in the world. It is a little extra special when it is all done 6 minutes from home, too! Tory + Nathalie are just the greatest. I couldn't be more honored to have played a part in this awesome day! ♡

06/30/2018

Last weekend was one of life's greatest moments. My little sister married her best friend (and my new brother). It was a cool and rainy day, and they were married barefoot in the forest in front of a small group of family and friends at a location that is very special to us all. We love the rain in my family. We regularly dance in it, and let it wash over us. So, while the rain may annoy some, we embraced it completely. I was honored to officiate the ceremony, and could barely get a word out between my tears. I am just so happy for them.

06/17/2018

It was a beautiful (and just a little warm) big day for Joe + Brittney Black Barn Wedding Venue! The details of their wedding made my heart swell. I swear I was squealing internally every time I looked around. Brittney was obviously stunning, and Joe (a big WWE fan) had the sweetest reaction as she came down the aisle. I say it every weekend, but I really love my job. Just look at how they addressed me in the program! That is the best! ♡

06/02/2018

Does it get any better than a beautiful wedding day, with rad people, gorgeous weather, and the sweetest love? I don't think so. Happy wedding day, Kate + Kyle!

05/10/2018

...And just when you don't think a recent wedding could make you any happier, their awesome photographer goes and posts some BEAUTIFUL images. Gah! I love these, Gracelyn Photography!

05/05/2018

A pretty great day at the office! Happy wedding day, Angela & Nicolai! I'm so lucky to have met you, and to have been a part of this perfect day. A gorgeous afternoon on the shore of Lake Saint Claire is hard to beat. ♡

04/22/2018

Could the weather be more perfect than this?! Today was a beautiful day, for a beautiful new Mr. and Mrs.! Happy wedding day, Lisa & Eric! It was an honor playing a small part in your awesome day. ♡
Historic Hope Chapel

04/14/2018

After nine years of ceremonies, you can now (officially!) find us on Instagram! Please give us a follow. ♡
www.instagram.com/loverocksweddingsmi

03/31/2018

Gosh, I'm a real sucker for an awesome couple, and a nontraditional ceremony. Megan & Chris were an absolute dream to work with, and Arbor Brewing Company was the perfect place to celebrate their biggest adventure. I really love what I get to do. ♡ Wedding season 2018, here we go!

03/26/2018

And just like that, Love Rocks is OFFICIALLY booked solid for 2018 weekends!!! 2019 is shaping up to be another full year, too! You can help jam pack our '19 season with awesome couples, by sharing the LR love.

02/28/2018

Just a little note of excitement and explanation for all of you wonderful LR current couples, potential couples, and vendors who keep spreading so much love for this little company of mine. Nine years ago, this business was so very different. I would take almost any wedding that came my way. No matter what. No matter whom it was for, or if I did more than one that day. I would find a way to squeeze in as many weddings as I could. Life changes so much in a decade, and I just couldn't keep up that crazy hustle any longer. Two years ago, I decided to make a big change in the way I book my wonderful couples each year. It is different than many officiants or wedding vendors that you'll meet, but it has worked out so perfectly for me. I won't/don't/can't book more than one wedding per weekend. (Occasionally, I make small exceptions for last minute elopements, but that is very rare.) I also try not to book more than 2 or 3 per month. Life is so unpredictable, and I want to provide each one of my clients the best possible service that I am able to. Each LR bride or groom gets my full attention during the week of their big day. I also, selfishly, want to maintain my sanity during the craziness of "busy season". My biggest fear is being late to a wedding, so I just can't understand how anyone could do more than one in a single day. To each his own, but so not for me! I also only book a set number of weddings per year. This year, that number is 16. Any more than that, and I won't have much of a summer with my kids, friends, and family. As that number draws closer, I let anyone who inquires know that (after the courtesy hold window closes) the final spot or two are up for grabs. The date doesn't matter much, as long as I have it open. Once all 16 spots are booked for the year, we close out the calendar. It is crazy to me that it is only February and we have hit that final spot for the year. Our calendar is sitting at 15 weddings. One last opening and Love Rocks is completely booked and it is already filled with SO MUCH LOVE for 2018. There are still plenty of 2019 dates available, though. I am not sure how I became such a lucky little officiant, but I know I owe it to so many of you for sharing this small business out in the world. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

01/29/2018

Just a little heads up for the amazing couples who have been reaching out recently. Facebook Inbox is not very user friendly on the business pages. So, I apologize in advance for duplicate messages or delays in response. It is always best to email [email protected] to receive a prompt quote or have any questions answered. Thank you!

01/08/2018

You just can't beat an epic view and a rad couple. Thanks for the photo, Nicole Daniels Photography!

01/05/2018

The amazing Melissa Marie Events blogged about Kelly and Jim's insanely perfect September wedding. You should all take a look. I promise it DOES NOT disappoint. I feel like the luckiest little officiant ever to get to work with such big-hearted couples and talented vendors every wedding season.

By Melissa Meet Kelly and Jim. They had a beautiful September wedding!

10/25/2017

The next best thing to an actual wedding day is seeing beautiful images from the wedding and reliving it all over again. Friends, please don't skimp on your photography. It is the one thing (besides the marriage license and memories of your EPIC ceremony, of course!) that you'll have after the day is long gone. Miss Lyss Photography did not disappoint. Her images of Amy and Cody's beautiful Traverse City wedding are serious moody, velvety, yummy perfection. I am slightly obsessed and I am sure you will be, too. I wish we could live this day over again and not change a single thing.

10/24/2017

This little sign is one of my favorite trends weddings right now. As an officiant, looking out into the crowd and seeing people watch a loved one's ceremony through their phone screens is so heartbreaking. Having an unplugged ceremony makes a world of difference for you, your photos, your guests' experiences, and your future memories. I can't tell you how many photographers have shared images of a first kiss surrounded by cell phones, or that crazy guest who leans into the aisle to get a photo as a bride or groom makes the walk to the altar. Which would you rather see as you look out into your crowd? A sea of cell phones in the air, or the look on your guests' faces as you share that special moment? If I were you, I'd seriously consider doing something like this.

10/23/2017

It is with deep sadness that I share with you all that Richard, from our hospital ceremony last week, has passed away. Please join us in sending Judith, their family, and loved ones a lot of love as they remember his kind heart, beautiful life, and all of the happy memories he has left behind. I am deeply honored to have played a small part in his last days.

10/08/2017

Every once and awhile, the world works in very mysterious and serendipitous ways. Today was one of those days. I received a message a few days ago from one of my favorite wedding planning clients (from years and years ago) asking if I was available to perform a last minute wedding ceremony for her parents. It just so happened that this was one of the rare weekends that I had off and I couldn't possibly say no. There wasn't a question in my mind. You see, this beautiful couple was married once, for 37 years. As it sometimes goes, life took them a little off course and they divorced after having kids and raising a family. 12 years later, in a simple twist of fate, the two fell back in love. Unfortunately, Richard has since been diagnosed with liver cancer and the struggle has intensified.

Today was a whirlwind, filled with many personal setbacks, but my heart was already there with them. I wrote what I felt was a fitting script, grabbed my camera so that they could document the day, and drove the hour and a half to that little hospital room on the third floor. I felt beyond honored to be there today, surrounded by their children, and with nurses and doctors watching through the little windows from the hallway. Many with tears in their eyes as they looked on without knowing the words being said, without seeing the loving gestures, or hearing the laughter that sometimes bubbled to the surface. There was so much love in that room. In that whole ICU. I cannot describe how much this simple ceremony impacted me in ways that you will never truly understand.

This excerpt from their script says it all for me... "For centuries, we as humanity have been getting married in different circumstances and different places. And one of the things that is so powerful about sharing a deep love with another person is that our circumstances, good or bad, don’t have to define us. In the middle of tough times, in the middle of times that don’t seem joyful, we can still have joy. In the middle of times that aren’t peaceful, we can find peace. The joy and the peace come from knowing that we are not alone."

Thank you, Judith and Richard, for being such an inspiration. I appreciate you both so very much. You and your loving family will forever have a place in my heart.

09/17/2017

I had been looking forward to this one for awhile! Yesterday was a gorgeous day for Amy and Cody and they couldn't have been a more wonderful couple to work with. I'm sad it is over, but feel so lucky to have been a part of it all. The Mission Table in Traverse City, on the Mission Penninsula was the absolute perfect venue. Genuine people + gorgeous Northern MI day = a happy officiant. ♡