Penny and Aric Christen Their Son, Jackson, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Durham

I had the wonderful opportunity of marrying Penny and Aric in a lovely ceremony in January of 2010.  (Here’s a link to the blog post I wrote about it.) They were the first couple I had ever seen who had only children in their bridal party. Because they did not yet have any children of their own, the children were of their family and friends and this made for a truly adorable bridal party.

Obviously, children are important to Penny and Aric and they planned to start having children as soon as possible. In March 2011 they became the proud parents of an adorable little boy they named Jackson.

I was overjoyed to learn of Jackson’s arrival and to later be asked by Penny and Aric to preside over his christening. On July 16, 2011, we gathered at Penny’s mother’s church, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, for an intimate christening ceremony with Penny and Aric, their mothers, and their friend, Robin Lin.

Penny is a professional photographer (Penny Noell Photography) and their friend, Robin Lin, is as well (Robin Lin Photography). Both ladies are renowned photographers in the local wedding industry and both brought their cameras along. All the photos used here were taken by Robin, except for the one of Robin, taken by Penny. Thanks for letting me use your sweet photos, ladies.

After the ceremony, we all took photos of ourselves with the little man of the hour;

Jackson with his proud mommy, Penny

the beaming parents, Penny and Aric, with me holding their adorable little Jackson

 a group shot with everyone except Robin, who was behind the camera

 Robin with Jackson

me with Jackson

The intimacy of the ceremony was very touching and perfect for the special moment we were commemorating. After the ceremony and photos were completed, we all went to lunch together and continued the happy camaraderie. Jackson decided to take a nap for a while - he had had a full morning.

 It was a beautiful day, a beautiful ceremony, and a special moment in the life of this family. Penny hinted at more babies to come and I can’t wait to be a part of all their christenings as well. Watching families grow from love will always touch my heart.
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Jennie and Eddie Christen Their Son, Henry, December 26, 2010

I married Jennie and Eddie in a beautiful, elegant ceremony in August 2008 and a few months ago they called me for the christening of their son, Henry. This is such a special time in their lives and how happy I was to be asked to share in it with them.

The ceremony was to be held in their home the day after Christmas to take advantage of all their family being in town. But on Christmas night we had a big snowstorm so we all waited to see how much snow we would get and how clear the roads were going to be. In the end, we got 7” of snow and although the roads weren’t clear, my little all wheel drive car managed to get me there and back. And how beautiful was the drive! Everything was white and pristine, covered in a clean and sparkling blanket of snow. It struck me as I was driving there what a perfect symbolism this was for a christening.

Little Henry was quite the charmer! And such huge eyes like his mama. It was great to see everyone again and very touching to see them all interacting with Henry. I particularly enjoyed watching Jennie and Eddie as parents. They are both naturals and Henry is going to have a great life growing up with them.

After the ceremony, there was a lot of food because most of their guests were snowed in and could not make the drive so we all indulged ourselves with the delicious food, great conversations and taking photos of ourselves with Henry, our little man of the hour. It was a fun way to celebrate the newest member of the family and you could tell everyone was having a wonderful time.

Jennie’s sister, Kate, was the Godmother.

Here is all the family together. Quite a handsome bunch, wouldn’t you say. You can sure see where Henry’s good looks come from!

And of course, here I am with little Henry. He’s a solid, adorable little guy and was certainly enjoying all the extra attention. I was smitten with him immediately.

Jennie and Eddie, thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the next phase of your life together. It was a real treat for me to meet Henry and to be a part of his welcome to the world. I can’t wait to meet all your children in the years to come!

Lori and Greg Baptize their son, Brayden, August 29, 2010

A few years ago, when Lori and Greg married, I was the minister for their wedding. In October 2009, after their son, Brayden, was born, they asked me to provide his Baptism. What a treat for me! I always love christenings, especially for children whose parents I have married, and I was so very excited to meet their little guy. I knew he would be adorable, but my goodness, what a CUTIE! I fell in love with him immediately.

They decided to hold the ceremony in their home and invited family and neighbors to be a part of the celebration. It made for a warm and intimate setting and you could feel the love in abundance from everyone there. Even Brayden’s young cousins were entranced by the ceremony.

Lori and Greg held Brayden and the Godparents, Lori’s sister and husband, stood beside them. It was a very special ceremony and the sincerity of the care for little Brayden from his parents and Godparents was very touching.

Brayden’s cousin read a poem that Lori and Greg had chosen.

After the ceremony, we all passed little Brayden around and took photos of ourselves with the young man of the hour. It was a happy day and what a sweet time it was for me to share in the life of this young and growing family.

Here is Brayden with his parents and Godparents.

And with each of his beaming parents.

And with me.

All our hopes and dreams go out to you, little Brayden, for a life filled with all the grand and glorious things that Life can offer. You have so many wonderful days ahead and your parents will be there to guide you through every step of the way.

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