From This Day Forward

I had the complete pleasure of joining Gerry Beliveau and Lois Scott and their families on their brand new lanai for a Fourth of July luncheon. Oh, and we fit a wedding in there too! Lois is now Lois Scott-Beliveau, and Gerry is a lucky, lucky man, and he knows it! Thank you for giving me the honor of being a part of this, my friends!

Another one of my favorite weddings! On Saturday, May 4, 2019, I officiated the marriage of my friends AJ Schara and Brandon Schara-Wilkie. They could have chosen anyone. But they chose me! (Photo courtesy of Nic Linde.)

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, I had the overwhelming joy of uniting my cousin Jes Wakeman in marriage to his bride, the lovely Julieanne. It was an unforgettable day, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it!

So, it’s Pride Day. Interesting. But it’s sad too. It’s telling about our cultural mindset when a full 10% of our population gets one day a year (or one week, if you will) to freely and openly celebrate who they are. Simply embracing one’s identity shouldn’t be limited to a carnival-like event. It should be a non-issue.

As a straight ally, I’m limited in what I can do to promote acceptance and inclusion. I can call out bigotry when I see it. I can simply accept people for who they are. I can refuse to be threatened by different. I can support social and political movements that celebrate the intrinsic worth, dignity, and sovereignty of the individual. And, as an expression of alliance and solidarity, I can continue to perform weddings for my LGBTQ friends free of charge. It’s not much. But it’s what I can do. So I must.

Happy Pride, friends. May it spread to encompass every day of the year.

On May 31, 2015 I had the incredible joy of being chosen to unite my son Alex Becker in marriage with his beautiful bride, the former Kelsey Reischel. I still tear up when I think of this one - and laugh too, because only Alex would wipe his eyes with his mama’s stole while exchanging vows. It was unforgettable!

Brides, you’re going to want to know this!

Today I had the pleasure and the privilege of officiating the wedding of Wendy Bahr and Ahmed “Alex” Moustafa. Beautiful couple, beautiful family, beautiful day!

I am an experienced wedding officiant, and love working with couples to customize their ceremonies and create an unforgettable experience!

Are you looking for someone who celebrates marriage equality? Look no further! Love makes me smile, and being a part of your special day makes me a happy old lady! Leave a message!

Thank you, Greg and Stacy Korsmoe, for allowing me to play the drive-by pastor at your surprise 30th anniversary vow renewal this evening! You were both absolutely adorable, and I wish you both many more happy years together! And yes, Greg, if I’m still topside in 30 years, I’ll officiate again! At 93, I might be wearing a drool bib instead of a stole, but you’re not that much younger, so I can’t imagine you’ll notice or care! Have a wonderful night, and enjoy each other!