Celebrations by Shari

12/19/2024

A last minute extra December wedding! Congratulations Lizette Guevarez and Isabella Quinayas. Such a beautiful couple. 🩷🩷

12/15/2024

Luke Washburn and Amy Hudson are now husband and wife—my last wedding ceremony for 2024. Wishing them a lifetime of love and happiness 🩷

12/08/2024

Such a beautiful and eloquent wedding at The Old Courthouse. Truly a magical venue. Wishing Ross Herbert and Allison Pavey a lifetime of love and happiness.

12/05/2024

I've noticed a great deal of discussion on Facebook related to making the decision on whether to purchase a natural or lab grown engagement diamond so thought I would share a few thoughts here. Lab grown diamonds have all the same properties as mined diamonds. The only difference between the two types of diamonds are their origin. You will not be able to tell the difference between the two with your naked eye. It will require special equipment to test it to find if it is lab-made or natural. Lab diamonds begin in a lab using methods such as High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical V***r Deposition (CVD), which recreate the conditions under which diamonds naturally form deep within the Earth's mantle. Lab-grown diamonds offer an affordable and ethically sourced alternative. Typically, a lab grown diamond with the same specs (4C's) as a natural will cost about 1/3 to 1/4 of the price. Lab grown diamonds are also devoid of any humanitarian concerns often associated with natural diamond mining and also leave a much smaller environmental footprint. Generally speaking, due to the simply laws of supply and demand, a natural diamond will hold its value better than a lab grown diamond. There is a finite supply of natural diamonds. The cost of lab grown diamonds is expected to continue to decline due to mass production. When making your decision about what type of diamond you want, you might want to read this article that will share light on unethical practices related to mining diamonds.

Consumers are becoming more aware of where their products come from. Diamonds should be no exception.

11/23/2024

Are you beginning to look for that special bridal gown? Please be sure to make an appointment at A Brides Design in Avon.
Laura Smith is the owner. Laura received her BA in Fashion Design at Kent State University in 2002. After graduating, she opened A Bride’s Design in 2003 due to her passion for classic elegance, sophisticated styles and exquisite knowledge of fabrics and laces. She specializes in custom bridal wear and freelance design. Not only will you love Laura, but you will love what she can create for your special day.

A Bride's Design voted #1 bridal shop in Cleveland! Full service for the bride and bridal party offering bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and more. 440-835-3655

11/18/2024

What will your wedding cost in 2025? If you planning your wedding, you are already realizing how expensive it can become.

The cost of a wedding can vary depending on the type of wedding, the number of guests, and the season:

A low-cost wedding will cost between $5,000 and $15,000. The guest list will be smaller with a modest venue offering simple catering. It will also include a number of DIY elements.

A mid-cost wedding will cost between $15,000 and $30,000. The guest list will be larger than the low cost wedding, include a professional photographer and more elaborate decorations. It will also offer a greater variety of food and beverage.

A high-cost wedding can cost over $50,000. It is generally held at luxury venue offering gourmet catering. This type wedding will also include extensive floral arrangements and top tier entertainment.

11/17/2024

Such a beautiful wedding at White Birch Barn in Medina today. I had the honor of pronouncing Joshua Fenn and Madeline Liberatore husband and wife. Always extra fun for me when I know the mother of the bride and some of the guests.

11/16/2024

Small businesses really rely on the experiences of other customers. I presently have well over 200 five star reviews on The Knot but after years of paying a great deal of money to advertise on their page, I am no longer sending my money their way. This means I am now trying very hard to accumulate my reviews on google. If you have used my services and were pleased, please consider writing a review on google for me-- Celebrations by Shari
Thank you for helping me grow my business in 2025.

11/10/2024

This is too funny not to share! Father forgets his daughter as he begins walk down aisle.

Miscommunication had a dad walking down the wedding aisle without his bride. In a fib caught on camera, the father of the bride can be seen turning around.

11/10/2024

Congratulations to Zachary Hershey and Chelsie DeWitt who were actually able to have their wedding outside today—November 9th.

11/10/2024

Revelation: When I first became ordained and licensed 12 years ago, I was doing 100-125 wedding ceremonies each year. That number is now closer to 75. Today I did a ceremony at The Valley of the Eagles Golf Club--a wonderful venue. I generally do several weddings there each year but this was my first one and only one for 2024. When I saw their event planner she told me that about 75% of their weddings this year were not done by a professional officiant but rather by a friend or relative. She furthered explained what a mess most of them have been--ceremonies lasting just two minutes, no vows, forgetting ring exchanges, etc. I know weddings are expensive but please don't cut expenses here. A professional officiant will have extensive experience in performing ceremonies, ensuring a smooth and well-structured event. They will also be well-versed in legal requirements and able to handle any unexpected situations. A professional officiant will provide couples with the peace of mind they want on their wedding day, unlike a friend or family member who due to lack of experience may be nervous or unfamiliar with the process. You want a memorable ceremony for the two of you as well as your guests so please hire a professional.

11/03/2024

Such a fun wedding at The Meadowood in Belleville. The first time I’ve been to this rustic venue nestled in 25 acres. Congratulations to Jessica Piuriwski and Issac Nothacker.

11/02/2024

What color should an officiant wear? I believe black and if not black, a sedate, dark color like navy or gray. As the officiant you are not the center of attention and should therefore blend into the scenery. I give couples a choice so they can choose. I offer a black clergy robe with or without a religious stole, a dark colored dress or their choice. I also offer a white clergy robe with or without a religious stole. Whatever you choose to wear as the officiant please remember this is not about you. Do not do what is done in this photo!!

10/27/2024

The Tudor Arms Hotel is a magical place to host your wedding. Congratulations to Jacob Farrah and Madeleine Hapanowicz.

10/27/2024

A perfect fall day to host your wedding at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. Congratulations to Martin Keefer and Shelby Best.

10/14/2024

Such a fun wedding weekend. I pronounced Emily McNeeley and Nicholas Shows married at Secluded Cabins Event Center. Then I headed to Hillcrest Farms to pronounce Alec Neundorfer and Jessica Klingshirn husband and wife. Beautiful fall weather for a wedding. Check out this adorable ring bear!!

10/05/2024

What a beautiful day for a wedding! Blasé Chiappone and Alyssa Reale chose to share their promises at Tall Oaks Event Center in Chillicothe, a favorite venue of mine. Alyssa’s dress was amazing.

09/24/2024

What time should your wedding reception begin. The general recommendation is begin your reception no later than one hour after the wedding ceremony. If you plan to have a greater amount of time between the two, you will need to plan a number of activities to keep your guest busy. Guests generally understand that here will be a gap of time so that photos can be taken but they are hoping there is a cocktail hour to keep them busy. When planning the time outline for you day, please keep your guests in mind.