Congratulations to Amber and Kevin Rugemer for their marriage on May 31st, 2025, in beautiful Kumbrabow Forest, near Huttonsville. It was a three-hour drive, but worth it. Kevin made a vow to Amber's sons, had a tree planting ceremony and a fireball shot at the end to seal their commitment. All were firsts for me. 

Photo courtesy:
Alexa JaNaye Photography

Congratulations go to Bailey and Chace Buzzard on their marriage on Beauty Mountain Trail Overlook, in Edmond, WV. You can't see it in the professional photographer's photo, but the gnats were thick! Thankfully, there was a strong wind that would shoo them away, also knocking down wedding chairs. With that being said, it was truly an unforgettable day in a breathtaking setting. I’m deeply honored to have been asked to officiate their special day.

Photograph of couple by Erika Dunlap.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fowler! They are best friends who fell in love, what a wonderful way to start a marriage.  They had to change venues at the last moment. Fortunately, they found a beautiful place with a small castle and amphitheater in Red House.

Photo by: Heather Christine Photography

Congratulations to Peggy and Jay on their marriage at Ridenour Park in Nitro, WV. The gazebo is a beautiful place for weddings where I've had many elopements. The gazebo was rented the day of rehearsal, so we had to move to a shelter. Unknown to me until I got there, I would have a first stint as the wedding coordinator!

It was such a beautiful day for an elopement on the dock at Ridenour Park in Nitro, WV! Congratulations Tara and Dustin Walls. And six children are now part of one big loving family. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Congratulations to Trinity and Ethan Brown!
They planned a Halloween wedding at Sweet Retreat and Conference outdoor venue, in Hico, West Virginia. Their music was from "The Nightmare before Christmas," with everyone in costume.  So much fun and a bucket list for me.

Congratulations to Winfield and James Morris-Murdock!  We met in a building that they are renovating into a beautiful testament to their artistic careers.  I'm also honored to be asked to officiate a larger celebration with friends and family on the same day in 2026!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Finch!  I was supposed to marry them on a Thursday, but on the Saturday before, they called and said they wanted to be married sooner if possible. I'd just left another wedding.  I told them I would be down in two hours. They became man and wife at 8:00 pm. 

Congratulations go to Samantha and Tre' Hardin on their marriage at the West Virginia State Capitol by the Christmas Tree!
The tree had fallen a few days before and had to be reconstructed. I'm happy to report, it stayed in place throughout the ceremony and added to the magic of this happy union. 

A Christmas Day ceremony!
Nancy wanted to marry Jeff on Christmas to honor the birth of Christ. She had trouble finding a venue to have the wedding. Just a couple days before, the pastor at Hernshaw United Methodist agreed to open the church for us. Her persistence paid off. Congrats to Nancy and Jeff Wells!

Congratulations to Olena and Clinton Holcomb! She came here from Ukraine two years ago and met Clinton at the Yak Festival in Saint Albans, WV. They asked if I could marry them on 2/25/25 on Main Street. I met them two days later to make their wish come true!  Loved seeing her joyous face. 

Ashley and Alexandria Allen were my second ceremony on 2/25/25. My goal for every ceremony is to write a unique script about the couple's personal story. I suggested the University of Charleston and we met outside on the patio with the beautiful WV State Capitol in the background. Love spontaneity! Congratulations and good wishes, ladies!

Congratulations to Julia and Randy Stowers! I was hiking in the woods with my dog, Toby, when my phone started ringing. It was Randy, asking if I could meet them at the Kanawha Courthouse before 4 pm. That day. Sure, I said. Hurried out of the woods and home, changed muddy clothes and shoes, and was there by 3:30. Did the ceremony, took photos, walked into the county clerk's office with their license. 

Whew!!! That was a close one! Hellen and William were supposed to be married at 6:30. Their officiant canceled at the very last minute. Hellen found me and called. She explained their dilemma and asked if there was any way I could marry them that day as they had guests coming. I told her to meet me at Ridenour Park in 3 hours, after asking her a few questions for their personal story in my hurriedly written ceremony script. Mission accomplished!  Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Oaks!

Just call me Last Minute LeRose! A Point Pleasant family called today at 5:30pm asking when was the soonest I could book an elopement. I told them to give me a couple of hours to write a ceremony script and we’d meet tonight. They traveled to Nitro to meet me in Ridenour Park. Quickest turnaround ever! Congratulations go to Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Christian!!!

I love spontaneity and on 3/28/25, that's what I got! Mario Rodriguez and Theresa Pauley have been together for years. They decided that they'd put off marrying long enough and headed to the Kanawha County Courthouse. Unfortunately, they discovered that they'd needed an appointment. Mario found me and asked how soon I could marry them. I asked when the best time would be, and he said they would like to be married that day if possible. He called at 1:00 pm. At 5, we met at Carriage Trail Park and the rest is history! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Rodriquez! I'm so glad I could be of service.

Stormi and Cole have been together for a few years and decided they want to be married as soon as they could. I had just finished a wedding and the venue was empty. Told them to meet me in an hour at the same place. I talked to her about their story, then drove to a local restaurant to eat dinner and compose their script. They were so excited! Can't do it every time, but love to tell couples "Sure, what about now?"

Jennifer was the first bride-to-be to help me write the ceremony script and I helped her find the perfect venue.  She gave me beautiful words for the opening and the ring exchange, both of which I've stored in my script files.  They drove 50 miles from Beckley to be married. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Barnum!

Aimee and Marcus were just excited to get married. No music, no attendees were necessary. Another bride I had married was at the courthouse and suggested that they call me.  Thank you for the reference, Stormi, and thank you, Aimee and Marcus, for taking her up on it! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Harris!