Saturday, November 21, 2009

Shelton's Cakes and Bella Bloom Flowers



Jonathan and Emmile were married this evening inside the beautiful Vizcaya Pavilion in midtown Sacramento. They wisely chose to move their ceremony inside; it was 40 degrees at their 6:00 p.m. start time. (Whoa! Thank you for that wise decision!)

An intimate feeling was created by luminaries, which lined the aisle and stood on the floor behind the wedding party and bridal couple. The lights were dimmed, and twinkle lights and candelabras added to the ambiance.

The 20-minute ceremony was magical, and included the love story of Jonathan and Emmile, a reading by their sister-in-law (newly wed to the best man, Jonathan's brother), personal vows, and a lovely gift of roses to their mothers.

The ceremony concluded with the African American tradition of jumping the broom, using a walis (Filipino broom) to combine their two cultures. As they symbolically left the past and stepped into married life, the guests wished them well with an enthusiastic cry of "Jump!"

Their wedding cake was beautiful, created by Shelton's Wedding Cakes and dressed by Vicki and crew from Bella Bloom Flowers. Here are a couple of photos, taken by their delighted officiant (me!)

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Jonathan and Emmile Brack!

Blessings,
Rev. Jeri

Friday, November 20, 2009

Granite Bay Golf Club -- A Wedding Venue to LOVE!


I've performed a number of weddings at Granite Bay Golf Club. It's a beautiful venue and Heidi and her staff are very attentive. I'm always so delighted to be there.

Last night, I had the pleasure of being part of a Bridal Open House held in the clubhouse. I met many engaged couples, as well as some of their parents, who will be celebrating their wedding there.

I also got to spend a few hours with some friends, all delightful wedding professionals. To name a few:

Lara Kiniris, The Calligraphy Girl. She's the one to see for your invitations, envelopes, place cards, certificates -- and lots more!

Lora Ward, from A Day To Remember. I think the wedding coordinator has the hardest job in this business, but Lora always delivers a Fabulous event. And she has a great sense of humor!

Mimi and Company dressed the tables and chair covers. WOW!

Cathy Brooks, from Visual Impact Design, provided stunning centerpieces, flowers, candles, glassware -- all incredibly beautiful!

John Shelton, of Shelton's Wedding Cake Designs, brought samples of some of his cakes. Delicious to the eye and the taste buds!

Speaking of delicious temptations, Jim Tenney and his Chocolate Fountains of Sacramento had many visitors. Who could resist chocolate-dipped fresh pineapple, strawberries, and other goodies?! Not I!

April Schmitt, of All About Honeymoons, had some enticing information about warm destinations for honeymooning. And parents were interested in a post-wedding get-away!

Chris Terry, Encore Photo Booths, let us have a little fun! (And he very cleverly included a great pic of him and his beautiful fiance, Shannon, on the printout. Congrats, you two!)

Jeff Sharpe of Sharpe Photographers, and Mike Jensen, Jensen Wedding Videos, each had some of their amazing work on display. Two of the nicest guys in this business.

(Thank you, Jeff, for the photo for this blog. And thank you, Mike, for bringing your DVD player and screen so couples could "see me in action!")

Celeste from Larkspur Landing (where your guests will want to stay after the wedding), Jennifer from JFlops ("Fabulously Fun Flip Flops"), Todd with CTS Limos, and Definitions Beauty were also part of the open house.

A big Thank You to Heidi Robinson, of Granite Bay G.C., for coordinating such a great event! I look forward to performing many weddings in Granite Bay in 2010 and 2011!

Rev. Jeri

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Ten weeks later ...


It's been a long time since my last post. And for good reason.

Ten weeks ago, my sweetheart, partner and love, Richard Hess, died. Suddenly. There are no words to adequately convey the emotional journey I have traveled since that time.

What I do want to say, today, is this:

I ALWAYS knew Rich loved me, and I honestly believe he knew how much I loved him. We expressed our feelings daily, in word and action. Even when we did not see eye-to-eye, we always knew our love was strong. And we worked -- individually and together -- to keep it that way.

Our time together was far too short (in my opinion -- but, then, I'm not God). I am so grateful for the time we did have, the memories we shared, and the love that continues. If I could do it all over again, I would not change a thing.

Why do I write about my loss? Because I hope that anyone who reads these words will be inspired to LOVE FULLY. True love is ABSOLUTELY worth the risk of pain or loss.

Hey, Sailor. I love you. Thank you for being such an amazing part of my life.
JT