Congratulations to Amber and Kevin Rugemer on their beautiful wedding, celebrated on May 31st, 2025, in the breathtaking setting of Kumbrabow Forest near Huttonsville. The three-hour drive was well worth it to witness such a heartfelt ceremony. Kevin's touching vow to Amber's sons, a symbolic tree-planting ritual, and a celebratory fireball toast at the end made the day truly unforgettable. A series of firsts, and a celebration to remember! 

Photo courtesy:
Alexa JaNaye Photography

Congratulations to Bailey and Chace Buzzard on their beautiful wedding at the stunning Beauty Mountain Trail Overlook in Edmond, WV! While the professional photos don’t show it, the gnats were out in full force that day—thankfully, a strong breeze both swept them away and occasionally knocked over a few chairs. Despite nature’s antics, it was an absolutely unforgettable day in a breathtaking setting. I’m truly honored to have had the privilege of officiating their special moment.

Photograph of couple by Erika Dunlap.

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Fowler! They are not only best friends but also soulmates who fell deeply in love, and what a truly wonderful and inspiring way to begin their journey as a married couple.  They had to unexpectedly change venues at the very last moment, which could have been stressful, but they handled it beautifully. Fortunately, they discovered a stunning location that featured a charming small castle and an elegant amphitheater nestled in Red House, creating the perfect setting for their special day. 

Photo by: Heather Christine Photography

Congratulations to Peggy and Jay on their beautiful wedding at Ridenour Park in Nitro, WV! While the park's charming gazebo—an iconic spot where I’ve officiated many elopements—was the planned venue, a last-minute change during the rehearsal led us to relocate to a nearby shelter. To my surprise, I found myself stepping into the unexpected role of wedding coordinator that day!

It was such an absolutely beautiful, picture-perfect day for an intimate and heartfelt elopement on the serene dock at Ridenour Park in Nitro, WV! Congratulations to Tara and Dustin Walls on this wonderful milestone in your lives. Together, six amazing children are now part of one big, loving, and joyful family. I am so grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to share in your special, unforgettable day!

Congratulations to Trinity and Ethan Brown!

Trinity and Ethan celebrated their love with a magical Halloween-themed wedding at the beautiful Sweet Retreat and Conference outdoor venue in Hico, West Virginia. Their special day featured music from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and guests embraced the festive spirit by dressing in costumes. It was an unforgettable celebration—and a dream come true for me to be part of!

A heartfelt congratulations to Winfield and James Morris-Murdock! We had the pleasure of meeting in a stunning space they are transforming—a true reflection of their incredible artistic journey. I’m deeply honored to have been asked to officiate a larger celebration with their friends and family, set to take place on the same day in 2026. What a beautiful milestone to look forward to!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Finch! 

Originally scheduled for a Thursday, their special day came sooner than expected! On the Saturday before, I received a call from the couple asking if it was possible to move the ceremony up. Having just finished officiating another wedding, I happily agreed and promised to be there within two hours. By 8:00 pm that evening, Timothy and his bride officially became husband and wife. It was a beautiful, spontaneous celebration!

Congratulations to Samantha and Tre' Hardin on their beautiful wedding at the West Virginia State Capitol, beside the Christmas Tree!
Just days before the ceremony, the tree had fallen and needed to be reconstructed. Thankfully, it stood tall throughout the celebration, adding an extra touch of magic to this joyous occasion.

A Beautiful Christmas Day Wedding!

Nancy had always dreamed of marrying Jeff on Christmas Day as a tribute to the birth of Christ. Despite facing challenges in securing a venue, her determination led to a heartwarming outcome. Just days before the big day, the pastor at Hernshaw United Methodist Church graciously offered to open its doors for the ceremony. Nancy's perseverance made her dream a reality. Congratulations to the happy couple, Nancy and Jeff Wells!

Congratulations to Olena and Clinton Holcomb! Olena, who came to the U.S. from Ukraine just two years ago, met Clinton at the Yak Festival in Saint Albans, WV. The couple reached out to ask if I could officiate their wedding on 2/25/25, right on Main Street. Just two days later, I had the privilege of meeting them to help make their dream a reality. It was truly heartwarming to see the joy radiating from Olena's face!

Ashley and Alexandria Allen’s wedding was my second ceremony on February 25, 2025, and it was truly unforgettable. For each couple, I craft a personalized script that reflects their one-of-a-kind love story, and this was no exception. I suggested the picturesque University of Charleston as the venue, where we had a beautiful outdoor ceremony on the patio, framed by the breathtaking WV State Capitol in the background. Spontaneous moments like these are what make my work so fulfilling. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you, Ashley and Alexandria!

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. 

What a close call! Hellen and William were set to tie the knot at 6:30, but their officiant canceled at the very last moment. In a panic, Hellen reached out to me and explained their situation. With guests already on the way, she asked if I could step in and officiate their wedding that same day. After a quick chat to gather details for their personal love story, I crafted a ceremony script on short notice and arranged to meet them at Ridenour Park just three hours later. Mission accomplished! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Oaks!

You can call me Last-Minute LeRose! Earlier today at 5:30 pm, a family from Point Pleasant reached out, asking how soon I could officiate an elopement. I told them, "Give me a couple of hours to craft the perfect ceremony script, and we’ll make it happen tonight!" They made their way to Nitro, meeting me at Ridenour Park, and just like that, we pulled off the quickest turnaround ever. Huge congratulations to the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Dwayne Christian!

I love spontaneity, and on 3/28/25, that's exactly what happened! Mario Rodriguez and Theresa Pauley, together for years, decided they’d waited long enough and went to the Kanawha County Courthouse. Discovering they needed an appointment, Mario asked me how soon I could marry them. When I asked their preference, he said, "Today." He called at 1:00 pm, and by 5, we met at Carriage Trail Park. The rest is history! Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez! I'm thrilled I could help.

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 my very first bride-to-be who collaborated with me on creating a personalized ceremony script. Together, we also found the ideal venue to make her special day unforgettable. She contributed heartfelt words for the opening and the ring exchange, which I’ve cherished and saved in my script collection. Traveling 50 miles from Beckley, she and her partner came to celebrate their love. Congratulations to the happy couple, 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!

Bruce and Jamie were referred to me by a friend. They were having problems finding an officiant who could marry them on their preferred date. I drove to Huntington and met them in front of the courthouse with a small group of friends and family. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Meadows!

A heartfelt thank you to Sierra and Jason for inviting me to be part of their unforgettable Handfasting ceremony, beautifully set in the serene forest at Sweet Retreat in Hico, WV. The cord, lovingly crafted with cherished memories and the help of their mothers, added a special touch to the occasion. Congratulations to you both on this incredible milestone!

Photo courtesy of Sierra Kelley

Mallory Bunner Photography LLC