With all due respect, I love Chuck Lorre; this isn’t something I’ve known forever, in fact if it weren’t for the invention and subsequent installation in my home of the device known as a DVR, I would never know how much I truly love him. You see without a DVR his wittiest repartee, his most informative and political statements can easily go unnoticed, unread; you have to be fast, blink of an eye and it’s gone.

But with my handy-dandy DVR, I can catch it all. Like this little ditty I saw tonight…It ran tonight on Two and Half Men, I believe it also ran on last weeks How I Met Your Mother.

#78

I do not interact with Facebook, Twitter or any of the other social networing platforms. My reasoning is simple.  Why in the world would I want to share my private thoughts and feeling with the world at large?  What good could possibly come from me having a convenient outlet to express myself to millions of people?  The more likely outcome is that in a misguided attempt to be funny or cute, I’d say something stupid and wind up getting publicly raked over the the proverbial coals.  Which is why I think the wiser path is to keep my opinions to myself.  For example, if i were to feel moral outrage over an organization riddle with pedophiles expressing their moral outrage over conception, I certainly wouldn’t tweet about it.  And the photographs I’ve taken of myself wearing noting but an oven mitts and a tiara will never be shared on a Facebook page.

~

I actually do feel more reassured, as an American and as a women, that there are sensible people out there who see the exact same stupidity I do and who use their voice to say so.  Oh and, Mr. Lorre my intention is purely to share you work, your humor and charm with those who missed it…you may not Facebook or Tweet but I do, please don’t send your Lawyers after me, if you really don’t like my post I will happily take it down…if you ask me nicely, said the mouse to the lion. Oh no, I’m starting to sound like Chuck Lorre in my head when I write, this can’t be good, one would assume that I would stop typing now but I oddly I can’t stop myself…Here’s what was in the cards tonight, the best I can tell; I may need new glasses and I don’t type very well ~ GET OUT OF MY HEAD ….carry on…

Peace & Love,

Cheryl

I love making new friends! Connect/follow/friend along…

I took my daughter to her favorite place for lunch yesterday (McDonald’s – the one with the play place!), she’s 4. While eating our lunch in the french fry chairs my cell phone rings.

This is strange for two reasons I don’t give that number to anyone and my stupid crack-berry doesn’t work! It never has, if I want to talk on it I have to use the speakerphone or my ear piece thingy that’s somewhere, uncharged, in the bottom of my purse.

I answer it anyway and the woman calls me by name – strange again, I didn’t recognize the number or her voice…”Yes” I say tentatively…she responds with “I want you to back off my husband!” SHAY WHAAAT!?!

She goes on to tell me that I’m having an affair with her husband Bob Jones and gives me specific dates and times that I’ve spoken to him; one of which was MY husbands birthday…I know what I did on that day and it darn well wasn’t cheating on him!

At this point I’m reeling! I’m telling her she has the wrong person but she called me by name and obviously had a phone bill in her hand, with my number on it, so how could she be wrong? Was I really having an affair with some guy I’ve never even heard of before? Was I having major blackouts that none in my family noticed?

Well the answer is resounding NO! NO, I’m not having blackouts, I’ve never spoken to her husband and I am definitely not having an affair (who has the time, LOL!)! The problem was she didn’t check her facts!

Turns out her husband IS having an affair with a woman with the same first name who’s phone number is ONE DIGIT different then mine…so yah, he did “phone me” but he was trying to call his mistress, mis-dialed and hung-up!

The moral of the story is check your facts carefully!

It’s a lesson that can be applied to anyone in any profession. So before you make that next phone call, write that email or send that letter make sure you have you have your facts straight. It could be the difference between getting your problem solved or washing lots of egg off your face!

Love & Joy!
Rev. Hoot

P.S. I did change their names to protect the innocent and the guilty!

There is only one thing you absolutely MUST have when it comes to your wedding; you need someone to perform the marriage. You need a person to speak the words that will join your lives together in a legal union. Without one it’s just one very expensive party!

It’s all great and fine to think that your friend, uncle, cousin will just get ordained online or you have a friend of the family that’s agreed to marry you; but the reality is that a high percentage of “friends” back out on couple’s and in some states it’s not even legal.

Take, for example, this forum post by a Bride the made the mistake of not hiring a professional”…I have about 6 weeks left and my fiance’s sister backs out of marrying us and we are left finding an officiant…”

Everyday I get an email or call like this or find a couple posting for help on a forum, don’t get caught in the same position! Take my advice and hire a professional Wedding Officiant or Celebrant NOW!

Here are a few tips to remember when hiring a Wedding Officiant;

1. Only Hire a Wedding Officiant if they use a contract
Not using a contract is a tell tale sign of a non-professional.

2. Don’t hire based on price alone – you will (usually) get what you pay for! Why skimp on the person who can make or break your day? Your wedding ceremony can either be the joke of the night or one that is talked about with admiration and compliments!

3. Book as far in advance as possible
Good Officiants book up just as fast as everyone else!

4. Officiant’s are people just like you!
Apply the rules of common courtesy; if you’re late call, if you must cancel an appointment please do so with adequate notice. If you’d like your Officiant to attend your rehearsal and/or reception sending an invitation is a nice touch and shows her/him how considerate your are!

No matter which Officiant you choose to use it should be someone you are completely comfortable with, and they with you. Remember – it’s not only about finding an Officiant, it’s about finding the right Officiant for you!

Love & Joy!
Rev. Hoot

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and have always believe people are people and we should all be respected just as another individual…to me it’s as simple as the “do unto others” thing that our Mom’s all tried to teach us.

It makes no difference to me what color you are, who you love or what you do in your bedroom, that’s just none of anyone’s business but yours. Because this is something I live and breath and not just a tag-line I honestly really hard time understanding such prejudice from other people.

But out here in the boondocks of SW Michigan apparently things are a little different and all I can hear in my head is “We’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy!”

Here’s what prompted all this – I’m working with a couple who is planning their Commitment Ceremony for next summer and I get an email back from one of the local venues that says “At this time, we are not hosting ceremonies and receptions for same-sex couples at The (NAME WITHHELD). I’m not sure what the future will bring, but that is our current policy.” Talk about a jaw dropping moment for me!

I just don’t know what to think but I am feeling pretty naive right now, I guess living in Saugatuck, which is a very open town with a large gay population, I didn’t think I would get that reaction from a new venue that is less then 30 miles from here.

But I’m quite the bull-dog and can’t bring myself to shut-up and play nice (hence this blog). My first reaction is to tell this venue to jump in the Lake and I won’t be bringing anyone out there until they change their policies.

Doing that could go either way, they know a lot of the wedding pro’s in the area so I could either be shooting myself in the foot or making a bunch of new friends. As much as I do love new friends – this move has the potential to get me “black balled” with other vendors in the area…or least that’s my fear.

If I didn’t have to ever work again I would be shouting their name off the rooftop, taking out ad space in the local papers and plastering my facebook and Tweets with things like “DO NOT BOOK HERE!” but I am trying to be reasonable (and professional).

So my questions to all of you is – if you were in my shoes what would you do?

In this Blog Series I will highlight some of my favorite finds this year; each one offers a different way to put your own personal touch on your wedding celebration.

Their unique products won’t be found just anywhere, you’ll order your products right from the makers, not a cashier. These companies are owned by people who are genuinely dedicated to their crafts and that’s reflected in the high quality of their work. Each one has something fantastic to offer at affordable prices, too!

So to start with I’ll introduce you to Steve Prokop of Special Bindings. My favorite service of his are the beautiful hand-bound Ceremony Books.

From the minute I had one in my hands I knew these were something special; I liked them so much I now give one as a gift to every couple that I write a Custom Ceremony for.

Steve makes the process so simple – you email him the text of your ceremony, choose the cover color and artwork and in return you will receive a gorgeous keepsake that you, and generations to follow, will treasure.

Honestly, the pictures do not do these books justice! They’re covered in luxurious imported velour, printed on classic linen paper and hand sewn for a long lasting permanent binding; they are absolutely beautiful!

Check out his website to place your order now or to learn more about the other binding and book repair services Steve offers.

Well it’s been way too long since I’ve posted anything here…so need to take a look back at the last wonderful 6 months and all the great couple’s I’ve had the privilege to join in marriage.

On a random note…funny enough I ran into to Val and Jamie – yes the last couple I posted about was back in Saugatuck recently. I was so surprised to see them as I was there to meet with two other couple’s that day so imagine my shock when I walked in and saw them there!

It was wonderful to get to spend some more time with them – it was Val’s birthday that Friday so them when to the casino and were making their way North back home…they had such a good time when they were here they came back to see us all! Spending a little time with them set a lively tone for the rest of the day, a day in which I meet with the wonderful Amanda & Troy for a planning session and was pleased to start working with David & Saly…what a cute couple!

So stay tuned for more news on both couple’s, updates on those that wed the last 6 months and news about new couple’s I’m lucky enough to be working with! OH! And remind me to tell you about the FANTASTIC private home on the beach that I found which is absolutely perfect for a Beach Wedding on Lake Michigan!

Last weekend was just wonderful; I was honored to Officiate over the Wedding of Jamie & Fabian.

This terrific couple chose a Beach setting for their ceremony and we could not have had a more perfect day for it!

Surrounded by their families and friends, who had joined them for the weekend, Jamie & Fabian exchanged their wedding vows on the sunny and beautiful western shores of Lake Michigan in nearby Douglas, MI.

Since it was a beach wedding we tried to incorporate that into everything we did. Upon arrival at the Motel the guests found a gift bag on their bed from the bride and groom stuffed full of weekend essentials. We put in a program with their schedule of events, a disposable camera, a bottle of water, a little bag of snacks from the local confectioner. We also included bottle openers with seashell handles and Saugatuck shot glasses (Saugatuck picture frames for the Mom’s!). The cutest thing I ordered for them were these seashells with their names and wedding date imprinted on them, along with the phrase “Our Love Shell Last Forever”…check out the cake – you can see one that we used on the top of it…really too cute!

But it was much more than just a beach wedding; it was a full day of events; after the ceremony their guests were treated to a cake & champagne reception at our Motel, they all had dinner in town together at the White House Bistro, followed by a 1.5 hour sunset boat cruise on the Kalamazoo. We arranged all the transportation for them so all they had to do was get in the van and go! So easy for them and they had so much fun – the bride and one of her friends even had time to get their noses pierced (ouch!)

Michelle of V.S. Flowers, in Douglas MI, did a beautiful job on the flowers – as always!! Franny, of Cookies on Call, did a delightful seashell themed cake – one word DELICIOUS! Joyce Bluhm, of Bluhm with Joy, did beautiful hair and make-up for the Bride and the Maid of Honor. My darling daughter provided the digital snap-shots.

As part of the wedding Jamie & Fabian chose to incorporate a unity sand ceremony. Jamie (the bride) found some huge clam shells that she decorated; they used the sand from the very spot they stood on when they exchanged their vows – it was so romantic!

Their mother’s were honored with a flower presentation; to fit the beach theme of it all the couple decided to use a single Bird of Paradise instead of a Rose, it really was a beautiful ceremony (if I do say so myself!)

The BEST part of the ceremony that is really wish I could take credit for was the “fly-by” we received from a Marine jet…he dropped down so low he was nearly eye level with us, tilted his wings (a pilot’s version of waving “hello”) and then took off again! The crowd cheered and yelled, it was AMAZING! Out of what seemed like 15 plus cameras only one managed to be smart enough to take a photo of it – God Bless Chad! He’s the only one the put a cemera in front of his eye -the rest of us were just lost in the moment! (I’ll post it when I get a copy)

If we had just started the ceremony a few minutes earlier he would have flown by just as I pronounced them husband and wife but timing or not it was the highlight of the ceremony! Several guests asked me – “did you arrange that!?!” or “Did you know Fabian was in the Marine’s”. Although I joking took credit for saying “Hey, I’m a full service provider, I do it all” it was a touching gesture by an unknown pilot who will be remembered by the 30+ people in attendance at the wedding as well as everyone else on the beach that day. I’m sure it’s a story that will be told and re-told hundreds of times; so thank you Mr. Pilot, you are awesome!

The truly best thing about the entire wedding weekend with Jamie & Fabian is that I have two new friends that I adore and will cherish!! Over the course of planning their wedding with them and the weekend they, their families and friends all stayed with us we just all had a blast together. These were two of the most fun and down to earth people; we just all had a ball together! And they left me the absolutely sweetest card in their room when they left, I wanted to find her and hug her again!

Thank you Jamie & Fabian; for choosing to have your wedding celebration at our Inn and thank you for letting be a part of your wedding celebration. It truly was my privilege and an honor for me to Officiate over your wedding. We loved having you and your entire group here and we look forward to having you all back on your first anniversary!!

Well my perfect “no rain” record ran out the weekend of July 19th! I was so disappointed for the bride she really had her heart set on an outdoor wedding but when all was said and done, the location hardly matters. The important thing is she is now happily married to the man she loves!

The site they selected, Laketown Golf & Conference Center, was gorgeous – as always! This site has a beautiful rotunda room with floor to ceiling windows; we did the ceremony up on the stage with their guest seated just below on the dance floor. The entire ceremony went off with out a hitch, the Best Man and Maid of Honor came through with flying colors on their readings, Bride and Groom made it through their vows…it was all going so perfectly!

Once the ceremony was finished the photographer asked the guests to stand up and look towards the couple…apparently she took a little too long because next thing I know there is a loud crash and thud off to my left! It was the bride’s Grandmother hitting the floor! For a moment I pictured a trip to the ER and a ruined day but like a trooper Grandma was eventually helped up back into a chair. Poor woman I think she was more embarrassed about it all then anything else – at least I hope so. I’m sure she’s going to be bruised but I sincerely hope that’s the worst of it. Other than that (and the DJ messing he cues up) it was a perfect!

The rest of July was a fairly quite wedding month…last weekend on the other hand was much busier as I had weddings on both Saturday and Sunday, more on those in the next installment!

So our lesson for today kids is; no matter how well you think you have things planned or planned for everything you can never plan for the unexpected (like a Grandparent falling down or some rain on your wedding day) Just go with the flow!!

The important things is that you are marrying the one you love, which after all is the most important part of your wedding day. As long as at the end of the day you are legally married, nothing else really matters in the big scheme of things!

Have a joyful week and check back soon for details on the beach wedding that got a “flyby” and the Pirate wedding that I did on Sunday!

Rev. Hoot

Well the 4th of July weekend was eventful, to say the least. My Dad did a beautiful wedding, for Jerome and Maria, at the Henderson Castle in Kalamazoo. It was small, intimate and very elegant!! The couple honored their Mother’s and had a special prayer read by the Jerome’s brother in memory of the Maria’s former Professor and friend. I can’t wait to see the pictures!! Dad attended the reception at the Castle and had nothing but good things to say about the place. This is one I wished I had been able to do, but there are many things I can pull off – however, being a man isn’t one of them! And that’s what the couple wanted, a man to perform the ceremony – which is fine with me, it saved me the drive 1.5 hour drive to KZoo but after the wedding I had – I wished I had been anywhere but where I was…

I won’t use names or specifics in order to protect the wedded but I have to tell you, the wedding I did that weekend was almost comical! I should have had a clue when nearly 20 people arrived for the rehearsal, all late, and not one was the bride or groom! They did finally appear and we did finally get the “official rehearsal” on track but the woman who runs the facility should have just stayed out of it! It was my first time doing a ceremony there so I didn’t really know what to expect from her but honestly she just made it worse! You wedding coordinators just need to sit back and let us run our own rehearsals, pay attention to what we are telling the bridal parties to do so you can help line everyone up on the big day, other than that – you should be seen and not heard! Well that was just the start of it; when I arrived on wedding day 30 minutes prior to the ceremony the bride was just getting her make-up on and I was informed that they didn’t have the rings, the flowers or the marriage license – oh and the groom wasn’t there either. Hmmmm…good thing it was a holiday and I had nothing better to do than stand around in 90 degree sweltering 3:00pm sun in a black suit (LOL!)

So finally everything arrives and the photographer starts taking all the group pictures prior to the ceremony…again, it’s only a holiday – I only have two kids and a husband waiting for me at home – take your time! Did I mention the part where the couple (bride) insisted on lighting a unity candle, outdoors by a pond with a fountain and no hurricane glasses to go over any of them? Haven’t we talked about this before – no unity candles outside ladies! Anyway, so yes candles outside – they told me at the rehearsal that they would get the glass covers so we planned to have the Mom’s light the candles at the beginning (as per tradition) but had to change that right before the ceremony – which totally confused the two “Mom’s”, so they were just seated and were supposed to be the “examples” of when to stand and when to sit but they got that all wrong too. Then we had to change the way the runner was deployed because it was 200’ and the aisle was 40’…

Lesson #2 – no cheap runners outside, especially without stakes to tack it down – can you say kite? And ladies, if you insist on using those plastic runners on a roll you MUST cut the rope that comes with it and insert a longer one – unless the people deploying it are 3’ tall the will have to bend over to unroll it, which looks goofy and is very uncomfortable for them. AND if you are doing this outdoors you must bring something to stake it down with – the wind blows you know! I just don’t want to see another bride’s maid taking out her hairpins to stake down the ends and then guests diving to the aisle the hold the stupid thing down – we had to move the potted plants into the aisle just to hold it down so besides it hiding the stepping stones (which were awkwardly placed anyway) from the bride’s site she now had a bevy of potted plants to navigate around…she didn’t look happy about it either.

So the actually ceremony went off without a hitch…all except the part when they went to light the unity candle…as I expected it didn’t work – they even had the big fireplace lighters and nothing, it was lit as long as one of them held a lighter to it but in the end they finally gave up. I finished up the ceremony and the couple was a bout to depart but once again the Mom’s totally missed their cues and the shower of bubbles and the standing crowds were, well – a little scraggly. It just seemed like everything that could go wrong did go wrong, including me smashing my foot while moving a podium on heels over grass because the “site person” suggested a different location that would make for better pictures, which it didn’t because the lined it up all wrong…it’s always nice to see a parking lot full of cars behind your wedding photo’s…and my foot still hurts! The lesson for me is there is only so much I can do for you as a wedding Officiant or a wedding planner, if you’re not going to listen to me there isn’t much I can do for you but carry on! So Brides’; a word of sage advice; listen to the trained professionals that you’ve hired, they are only trying to help you have the very best on your special day and remember to old adage…to many cooks in the kitchen…!

Peace & Love to you all!
Rev. Hoot