Some couples fall in love all at once. Others, like Annie and Corey, grow into it—season by season, year by year—until one day they look at each other and realize they’ve built an entire life side by side. Their June 2022 wedding ceremony at Cafe Brauer was a heartfelt reflection of that journey, rooted in […]

On a lovely evening in May 2024, Emily & Michael said “I do” high above Michigan Avenue at the iconic Chicago Athletic Association. Overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, the space offered a dramatic yet intimate backdrop — the kind that makes a wedding feel both timeless and unmistakably Chicago. As their officiant, standing with […]

Rebecca & John Paul’s love story began the way so many modern romances do—on an app. From the very first conversation, it was clear there was something special there. Their first date at Dollop Coffee turned into hours of easy conversation, so much so that John Paul completely missed watching a Chicago Blackhawks game (a […]

On a beautiful June day in 2023, Caroline and Ethan were married at The Ivy Room, surrounded by the people who know them best and love them most. As their officiant, I had the honor of standing beside them as they made one of life’s most meaningful promises—choosing each other, fully and forever. Their ceremony […]

When couples search for a wedding reading, they’re often looking for words that feel honest, grounded, and deeply human—something that reflects real love, not just idealized romance. An excerpt from “Wedding Song” by Naomi Long Madgett is a beautiful choice for couples who value authenticity and emotional depth in their ceremony. This poem doesn’t promise […]

Some weddings are beautiful. Some are joyful. And then there are the weddings that reach into your heart and stay there—ceremonies where love feels both inevitable and extraordinary. Barb & Troy’s Uptown Social wedding ceremony in Michigan City, Indiana was exactly that kind of day for me. As their officiant—and as Barb’s longtime friend—standing beside […]

Jill and Conor chose to be married at City Winery West Loop, a location that tied beautifully back to where it all began. Their first date took place at a cozy wine bar in Roscoe Village—a night filled with effortless conversation, laughter, and the spark that started everything. Standing together years later in a winery, […]

Choosing the perfect wedding ceremony reading can feel overwhelming—there are countless beautiful options, each with its own tone, style, and sentiment. But if you’re searching for something authentic, heartfelt, and deeply reflective of the journey you’ve already taken as a couple, “Union” by Robert Fulghum is a timeless favorite. “Union” Celebrates the Everyday [...]

On a gentle May afternoon in 2022, surrounded by the lush spring greens of the Morton Arboretum, Yulia and John were married in a ceremony that felt as natural and grounded as their love story itself. As their officiant, I had the joy of guiding their family and friends through a celebration that blended personal […]

There’s a certain honor in being asked to officiate any wedding — but when a talented Chicago wedding planner like Jordyn asks you to officiate her own ceremony, it’s an especially meaningful experience. Their September 2021 wedding at The Ivy Room was one I’ll never forget. The courtyard was bursting with floral and fun vibes […]

When choosing readings for your wedding ceremony, many couples look for words that capture the depth of their connection — something that feels intimate, sincere, and timeless. “Friend Poem” by Unknown Author is one of those rare pieces that speaks directly to the heart of what a lifelong partnership truly is: friendship. Why Couples Choose […]

Emily and Ethan’s story began in college at Purdue University, where they met through a business fraternity. What started as Ethan’s attempt to “wingman” for a friend quickly turned into something much more meaningful. After several not-so-coincidental meetups—where the supposed friend never seemed to show—Emily and Ethan realized they were really there for each other […]