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Dear Marty,
I have to admit to you that when Rebecca
told me she had found a minister for their wedding on the internet
from an organization called 'Love Notes', I cringed inwardly
thinking this could be the prescription for disaster. After
meeting you several weeks ago, I felt confident that it would be
okay. But, after Saturday night, I am singing your praises!
What a wonderfully warm (no pun intended) ceremony you performed!
Numerous guests inquired as to how long you had known our family.
Your presence was like having an old friend in our midst.
And I apologize for not inviting you to stay for dinner -- it just
didn't occur to me in time. We heard comments all evening
and beyond about the relaxed and personal nature of the ceremony,
about your appropriate humor and about the spiritual dimension of
the service. I don't think I've ever witnessed a sweeter
ceremony; it set the tone for the entire evening. The
obvious joy with which you do your work is testimony to me that
you are called to this ministry. Your beautiful pastoral
prayer with Rebecca and her bridesmaids was calming and helped us
to center on the marriage and the purpose for the evening.
Wearing a robe on a hot summer evening was going the extra mile,
but it brought an element of the sacred to our outdoor setting --
and you looked really good! I thank God for bringing us
together. We will help spread the word about your ministry.
You are, indeed, an extension of God's love. Grace to you,
Delores and Gail Flood,
Appreciative Parents of the Bride
Rebecca and Chris Colon
Marie Gabrielle's
Dear Marty,
What do you say to the
officiant that people are still raving about
two weeks after the wedding? Thank you does not seem to cover
it. You were one of the highlights of the festivities and Dave
and I could not be happier. The service set the tone for the
entire evening. It isn't easy to please everyone, but both
faiths present were pleased and happy with not only the service, but
with you. Your professionalism, knowledge, experience and
especially your warmth were blessings to us all.
Sincerely,
Sandy and Dave Silver
Melrose Hotel
Dear Marty,
Thank you for adding your special touches to our daughter's
wedding. You came highly recommended, but surpassed even our
highest expectations. Your presence was calming when it needed
to be, commanding when called for, and always truly impressive.
We strived for a 'classy', but not 'stuffy'
ceremony and you were perfect! Your advice and guidance at the
rehearsal and your incorporation of our ideas made the ceremony live
up to our dreams.
Jay and Kristen Murray
Royal Lane Baptist Church
Dear Marty,
I
wanted to thank you for giving us all a wedding to remember.
I knew you’d be professional, (your manual proved that), but I
had no idea you would make the ceremony proceed as well as it did.
You even knew what to do when the groom, (my son) broke down in
tears, and had trouble completing his vows. And when his
best man, (my other son), and all the groomsmen teared up (have
you ever seen such a thing happen?) You probably have, but
it was a first for the rest of us. He was so sweet.
She was so beautiful. But there you were, never missing a
beat with your humor and your wise words. I’ve been to
many weddings, but this was one of the best. And believe me,
I’m not saying that because the groom is my son. (in
reality, mothers usually want everything perfect, although it
rarely happens). I’ve lost count at how many guests have
called wanting to compliment the ceremony. Of course,
without you and your lifesaving manual, the wedding wouldn’t
have been nowhere near as organized, or beautiful. We were
grateful that someone knew what they were doing. We were
clueless. So, Marty, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You gave us memories that we’ll always cherish. And your
name will be the only one I’ll be giving out to potential
wedding couples. If I weren’t already married, I’d let
you marry me! (ha ha)!!! Sincerely,
Deborah
Reis (Mother of the Groom)
Brandon
and Corrie Hinkson
New
Memories Chapel
Dearest Marty,
Where
do we begin? We are so grateful to have been blessed
with the opportunity to meet you. We cannot thank you enough for
making our wedding so special. The ceremony was more wonderful
than we could have expected or even dreamed. It's as though
we've known you for years and years. Your sincerity and warm
expressions meant so much to us, our families, and profoundly touched
all of our hearts. We felt we were filled with God's light and
love through your kindness and encouraging words. Marty, we are
deeply indebted to you. We are extremely fortunate that you were
able to be part of our special day. We see this day as the first
day to our lifelong commitment to each other and to God. Thank
you once again for being part of it, and for adding such an inspiring
touch. May you always be blessed with the warmest love,
laughter, faith and hope.
Aaron and Teri Rogers
Dallas Arboretum
Marty,
We'd like to thank you for helping us create, and ministering for
us, a most beautiful wedding ceremony! Although our nerves may
have been somewhat apparent during the service, you truly did make us
feel quite at ease. Everyone had nothing but high praises after
the ceremony and we owe much of that to you! Anyone selecting
your services will be extremely pleased with the personalization
afforded to them and will have beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Lorraine and Keith Sather
Embassy Suites
Marty,
From the bottom of our hearts, let us thank you for a wonderful
ceremony! We couldn't have dreamed it more beautiful! Your
words made our day so special, and your reading is framed on our wall
for us to see every day and remember how wonderful our joining
together was (and will be)! Thank you !
Eric and Connie Villines
The Surrey House
Dear Marty,
Where can I begin to thank you for the incredible job you did
conducting our wedding ceremony? You were absolutely
amazing! You were extremely professional, warm, witty, and
fun. You conducted the ceremony exactly as we wanted it, but it
seemed so natural and unrehearsed. And when Russ had a little
trouble with the unity candle, you made a wonderful comment and
handled it in stride (we still laugh about that incident). Our
wedding day was perfect and you had a lot to do with that. We've
had so many guests comment on what a wonderful job you did.
Thank you again for everything, and please feel free to contact us if
you ever need any recommendations!
Mimi and Russ Abell
Belo Mansion
'Dear
Rev. Younkin, You have probably never received a letter like this
before. I contacted you several months ago about officiating
my wedding,
but decided on another minister who was $50 cheaper. After
all, I thought a
minister is a minister. Big mistake!!! The minister I
hired was 45 minutes
late, pronounced my name wrong, and was very nonchalant in his
demeanor.
Gary and I were just heartbroken. We spent a lot of money on
other aspects
of our wedding, but somehow failed to see the importance of the
minister's
role. Since our wedding, we have heard wonderful things about
you, and we
regret that we didn't use you. I'm returning the book that
you sent us in
hopes that anther bride will use it and you. If we ever decide
to renew our
vows, you will be hearing from me.'
Gary
and Janet Peyton
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