Celebrations by Shari

06/07/2026

Honored to have officiated the wedding ceremony for Skye-Forest Baker and Delilah Stack at the magical Tudor House at Mason’s Cove in Akron.

It was a beautiful celebration filled with love, joy, and so many personal touches. The stunning floral arrangements were lovingly created by Delilah’s mother, friends, and family, making the day even more special and meaningful.

And the brides? Absolutely gorgeous.

Wishing Skye-Forest and Delilah a lifetime of happiness, laughter, adventure, and love. Thank you for allowing me to be part of such a memorable day. 💐💕✨

06/06/2026

What an incredible honor to officiate the marriage of Charlii Francis and Deanna Durkos on June 6, 2026!

Today, surrounded by love and laughter, Charlii and Deanna said “I do” at Ship To Shore Books, Records & Coffee in Lorain—the very place where their story began with a first date.

There is something truly special about returning to where it all started and celebrating how far love has carried you. From that first conversation among books, records, and coffee to this beautiful wedding day, your journey is a reminder that the best love stories often begin in the most unexpected places.

Congratulations, Charlii and Deanna! May your marriage be filled with endless joy, unwavering support, great adventures, and a lifetime of cherished memories together.

So much love to you both on this unforgettable day.

06/06/2026

Before getting married, remember this:

Most married couples don’t argue because they fell out of love. They argue about everyday life — money, communication, chores, family boundaries, parenting, intimacy, and feeling unappreciated.

The small things become big things when they go unspoken for too long.

A strong marriage is not about never fighting. It’s about learning how to disagree without disrespect, listening without defensiveness, and choosing each other even during stressful seasons.

Talk about:
• finances
• expectations
• family boundaries
• future goals
• responsibilities
• emotional needs

Love is important, but teamwork, honesty, patience, and consistency are what keep a marriage strong over time.

06/05/2026

As a wedding officiant, there’s one thing I wish every couple knew about their wedding photos: the most beautiful images rarely come from perfectly posed moments. They come from genuine ones.

During your ceremony, don’t worry about the camera. Look at each other. Hold hands. Take in the words you’re saying and the promises you’re making. Laugh when something funny happens. Wipe away tears when they come.

The photographer is there to capture your story, but the story itself is happening between the two of you.

Years from now, the photos you’ll treasure most won’t necessarily be the ones where everything looked perfect—they’ll be the ones that remind you exactly how you felt in that moment.

Be present. Be authentic. Be in love. The camera will take care of the rest. ❤️

06/04/2026

If you wanted the 2026 single most on-trend look for the groom and groomsmen, it would be:
a tailored sage-green, olive, or light-brown suit for the groomsmen, with the groom wearing a slightly elevated version of the same palette and subtle personalized details.

This balances current fashion trends with a timeless look that is likely to age well in photos.

06/02/2026

One of my favorite details at weddings is seeing the thoughtful welcome bags waiting for guests in their hotel rooms. It’s such a simple gesture, but it goes a long way in making family and friends feel appreciated for traveling to celebrate the couple’s special day.

A great wedding welcome bag doesn’t have to be extravagant. Some of the most appreciated items are bottled water, snacks, mints, a weekend itinerary, local recommendations, and a personal note from the couple. For destination weddings, adding items like sunscreen, bug spray, or an electrolyte packet can be especially helpful.

The best welcome bags reflect the couple’s personality while giving guests a few practical comforts for the weekend ahead. It’s one more way to say, “We’re so glad you’re here.”

06/01/2026

Veil or no veil? As an officiant, I’ve had the privilege of standing beside hundreds of brides, and I’ve learned one thing: there is no right or wrong choice.

Some brides love the timeless elegance and tradition of a veil. Others choose to go without one and embrace a more modern, minimalist style. Both are beautiful.

The most memorable brides aren’t the ones who followed every wedding tradition—they’re the ones who felt confident, comfortable, and completely themselves as they walked down the aisle.

Whether you wear a cathedral-length veil, a simple fingertip veil, a flower crown, or nothing at all, the best accessory you’ll bring to your wedding day is the joy of marrying the person you love.

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

When choosing your wedding shoes, remember: comfort matters just as much as style. You’ll be standing during the ceremony, walking down the aisle, posing for photos, greeting guests, and dancing the night away.

Choose shoes that make you feel confident and comfortable. If you’re not used to wearing high heels, don’t feel pressured to wear them on your wedding day. Beautiful flats, block heels, wedges, and low heels can be just as elegant and will help you stay focused on what truly matters—celebrating your marriage.

A great option is to wear your favorite dress shoes for the ceremony and photos, then change into something more comfortable for the reception. Your feet will thank you!

The best bridal shoe is the one that lets you walk into your marriage with comfort, confidence, and a smile.

05/29/2026

After officiating so many weddings, I can confidently say this: the right DJ can make or break a wedding reception.

Your DJ does so much more than play music — they help set the tone, keep the evening flowing, and create the energy your guests will remember long after the last dance.

My advice to couples searching for the perfect wedding DJ:

Choose someone who listens to YOU
Your wedding should reflect your personalities and style, not feel like a copy of every other reception.

Look for wedding experience
A great wedding DJ knows how to read the room, manage timing, and keep guests engaged without taking over the spotlight.

Read reviews and ask questions
Communication, professionalism, and reliability matter just as much as the playlist.

Share your must-play and do-not-play
songs
The best DJs welcome your input and
help create a soundtrack that feels
personal.

Meet them before booking.
You’ll spend a big part of your reception interacting with this person — make sure you feel comfortable and confident with them.

At the end of the day, the perfect DJ is someone who helps create joyful memories while making the entire evening feel effortless.