
Cincinnati Wedding Officiant / Your Wedding Your Way
This is your day - YOUR WEDDING YOUR WAY - Here are some pictures from recent weddings as well as some sample ceremonies, readings and vows! God Bless and good luck...... Rev. BB
About Me
- Name: Rev. Ben Brauer, Minister Willow Wood Weddings
- Location: Cincinnati, OHIO, United States
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Thursday, August 30, 2007

Hello All,
This weekend there are no weddings. We are actually going to a wedding as part of the congregation. It will feel good to be on the other side of the ceremony for a change. So I will tell you all about it next week. Have a great Labor Day holiday and drive safely.
Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB
Saturday, August 25, 2007

Hello All,
Today was the wedding of Stephanie and Kenny at the Manor House in Mason, Ohio. As always the Manor house put on an extravagant flawless wedding for the Bride and Groom. The linens were crisp, the crystal goblets and silver were lustrous and in the Atrium the clear blue sky above was perfect.
This couple are Christian and Jewish so there were elements from both types of ceremonies. There was a chuppa (hoopa) for the couple to stand under and the Bride's four sons each stood at one of the corners and explained the meaning of the chuppa which was really neat. They also had a close friend do a reading from 'The Velveteen Rabbit" and of course at the end of the ceremony the glass was smashed under the Groom's foot.
The following is a copy of their ceremony.
Good Luck and God Bless....... Rev. BB
Kenneth and Stephanie
It is often said that it is love that makes the world go around. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. Stephanie and Kenny came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also their strength, warmth and most importantly the warmth of true friendship.
In the Jewish and Christian traditions, the joining together of two persons into one unique, intimate, and creative unity in marriage is not only a symbol but also a demonstration of the well being, the shalom, the purpose of human society.
The uniting in marriage of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. For us, attached as we are to Kenny and Stephanie by special bonds of love and affection, the uniting of these two people in heart and body and mind is an occasion of great significance which we all can celebrate.
Vows
Groom to Bride and children:
I, Kenneth , am honored and blessed
To have you as my wife.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.
Vows
Bride to Groom
I, Stephanie, am honored and blessed
To have you as my husband.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.
Stephanie, not only do I
Promise to be a good and
Faithful husband to you,
But also to be a patient
Loving Papi to the boys.
I promise to be their strength
And their emotional support
Loving them with all of my heart
Until the end of their days. (Laurie Beckstead)
Ring Ceremony
Kenneth do you have a token of your love for Stephanie??
Stephanie do you have a token of your love for Kenneth??
Traditionally the marking of the passage to the status of Husband and Wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver - for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.
Please place the ring on Stephanie’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my wife
From this day forward.
Please place the ring on Kenneth’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my husband
From this day forward
To have you as my husband.
I promise to love you
To hold you
And to honor you,
In the good times and bad
To enjoy you console you
To delight you
And astound you when I can
I will give thanks for you always
And cherish you with
All of my heart
Until the end of our days.
Stephanie, not only do I
Promise to be a good and
Faithful husband to you,
But also to be a patient
Loving Papi to the boys.
I promise to be their strength
And their emotional support
Loving them with all of my heart
Until the end of their days. (Laurie Beckstead)
Ring Ceremony
Kenneth do you have a token of your love for Stephanie??
Stephanie do you have a token of your love for Kenneth??
Traditionally the marking of the passage to the status of Husband and Wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and end. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver - for each is the giver and the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.
Please place the ring on Stephanie’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my wife
From this day forward.
Please place the ring on Kenneth’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring a gift for you
Symbolizes my desire
That you be my husband
From this day forward
Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Prayer:
Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen Kenneth and Stephanie with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all of the other gifts you so abundantly impart, that they may fulfil the vows they have made today. Keep them faithful to each other and to you. Fill them with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome. Amen
Explaination of Yichud
I would like to take this opportunity to mention to you, the guests, that Kenneth and Stephanie will be spending a few moments alone together, immediately following the close of the ceremony. This is custom callrd Yichud which means union in Hebrew. It gives the couple an opportunity to share, privately, the power and importance of this moment in their lives. They will return to greet you shortly.
Prounouncemet
Breaking of the glass
Stepping on this glass signifies remembering the past and moving into the future. You no longer belong to your parents houses but to your own. It also signifies, the last time Kenny will be able to put his foot down.
As the glasses are broken I invite you all to join in shouting, Mazel Tov” which means congratulations and good luck.
KISS YOUR BRIDE
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Karen Addie is the BEST

Lets talk about music for your wedding. You have so many choices - everything from a violin soloist to a good DJ to provide all of the tunes.
Music for your ceremony is very important to really show your feelings about the day. Maybe you would like traditional tunes such as "Canon in D" or the "Wedding March" both are very appropriate songs for your grand entrance. Some of my couples have used some different types of music in the ceremony such as "At Last" by Etta James, or as one of my couples did "Another One Bites the Dust" as their recessional song.
I personally like to hear a string instrument for the ceremony. One of the best musicians in the city is Karen Addie. She can put together an entire string quartet or play solo for you. She has an incredible repertoire of songs and will also entertain during dinner. I have included a link to her site below for you to take a look. I highly recommend you take a look and listen and then book Karen for you wedding or event.
The following is a partial listing from Karen of the songs she can perform for you.
A Kiss to Build a Dream On
All the Things You Are
AlwaysAround the World
As Time Goes By
At Last
Autumn Leaves
Begin the Beguine
Bewitched
Blue Skies
Cheek to Cheek
Crazy
Dream a Little Dream of Me
Evergreen
Fur Elise
Georgia
Girl From Ipanema
Harbor Lights
Heart and Soul
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
I Love Paris
IfIf I Loved You
Isn't It Romantic
It's Been a Long, Long TIme
I Wish You Love
Just The Way You Are
Let It Be Me
Let Me Call You Sweetheart
Longer Than
Love Letters
Straight From Your Heart
Make Someone Happy
Makin' Whoopie
Michelle
Mona Lisa
Moonglow
My Favorite Things
My Funny Valentine
My Romance
New York, New York
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
Peg O' My Heart
Perfidia
Red Roses For a Blue Lady
Satin Doll
September Song
Since I Fell For You
Skylark
Smile
Some Enchanted Evening
Someone to Watch Over Me
Love
Stella By Starlight
Tennessee Waltz
The Very Thought of You
Through the Years
Through the Eyes of Love
Today
True Love
Twelfth of Never
Twilight Time
Unchained Melody
Watch What Happens
What A Difference a Day Made
What a Wonderful World
When I Fall in Love
Willow Weep For Me
You Made Me Love You
You've Got A Friend
Zippity Do Dah
Also an unlimited repertoireof Classical, French, Italian, Jewish, Irish and Country music.mailto:Music@KarenAddieMusic.com?subject=WebSiteVisitor I have demonstration CD's of most of the listed instrument combinations
Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Hello All,
Last weekend was a great wedding weekend. The weather was perfect for outdoor ceremonies and there was not a cloud in the sky.
My first was at the French House in Amberly Village. Ralph and Lacy along with their family and friends enjoyed the eighty degree temperature as they exchanged their vows.
The Bride was stunning and the Groom and his guys all wore black tuxedos with black shirts. It really looked great.
My second wedding was in the "Brown Garden" at Ault Park. It was a very laid back event with family and friends gathered around the couple. Mark and Kelly exchanged vows that they had each written and it even brought a tear to my eye. The Groom also brought his gigantic Bull Mastiff dog to the wedding and the dog walked down the aisle with the Flower Girl. It was a really cool addition to the wedding. In attendance was also the Groom's Grandparents who turned ninety years old in July. What a wonderful day for them!
Good Luck and God Bless........Rev BB
Sunday, August 12, 2007

Hello All,
Yesterday evening I officiated at the wedding of Tim and Kristen at Cincinnati Music Hall. This was my first wedding at Music Hall and what a great place to have your ceremony. The wedding took place in the lobby of the hall which was decorated with garlands of flowers.
Music Hall was built in 1878 as the home of the Cincinnati May Festival. A gentleman by the name or Rubin Springer donated the money for the building. Fortunately, the interior of the building has not been altered since the beginning but has been meticulously maintained and looks like it did in 1878.
Even in the lobby the acoustics were perfect! The string trio played as the family and friends took their places and the Bridesmaids assembled in the back hall. The Groomsmen and the Groom took their places in the front of the hall and as the Bride made her way down the aisle to the Groom all eyes were fixed on her. The couple said their vows and exchanged rings as their Mothers dried away tears and the Grand Parents smiled.
Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev. BB
Tuesday, August 07, 2007



Hello All,
I spoke with Linda from the Renaissance Faire today about the up coming wedding season. So far we have eight or nine weddngs lined up. I have bought a really cool new costume (thanks to EBAY) that looks like a priest from the mid 1600's.
Saturday morning this week we have a meet and greet at the Faire for the couples. I have included a few pictures from past Faires so you can get an idea of what it is like.
If you are thinking about a wedding at the Faire please contact Linda Kincaid at the Ohio Renaissance Faire. Here is a link.
Good Luck and God Bless..... Rev BB
Saturday, August 04, 2007

Holy Cow What a Weekend for Weddings!!!
We had a great wedding weekend in Cincinnati. The first wedding was at the Ivy Hills Country Club out in Newtown. It was the wedding of Nick and Julie.
The wedding was in the yard under a large oak tree with the Unity Candle behind us on a white table. It started out as the hottest day of the year and just before the wedding was to start the sky became cloudy and a great breeze started to blow so it was much more comfortable.
Nick and Julie were dressed to the nines in their wedding regalia with her dress made in layers from top to bottom with a line of beads between each layer. It was very unique and was very pretty. Nick and the fellas were in black tuxes with white brocade vests and ties. The aisle was loaded with rose petals for the Bride to walk on as she made her way down to meet her groom. They both cried as they repeated their vows to one another and when they kissed Nick swept her off her feet.
My second wedding was that of Bill and Shaunna aboard the Destiny Yacht. The Destiny is a very large vessel that boasts three deck and a first class cuisine. The couple exchanged vows and rings on the upper deck out in the open. The ship gently rocked back and forth during the ceremony with the family and friends looking on. This was a First Class event.
Good Luck and God Bless.......Rev Ben