Experiencing the Power of Love in the Midst of Grief - Lani Johnson

I've been an officiant, a celebrant and a part of weddings for many years, but this is my first season with Young, Hip & Married.  It is just fantastic to be a  part of such a cool team of people.  How lucky am I!

Even though I've been a part of many wedding ceremonies, this last weekend was a first for me.  It was a great learning experience in the power of love in the midst of grief.  

Dylen and Chris captured my heart with their story.  They have had the strength to overcome adversity and become thoughtful and true partners to each other.  It's so beautiful and inspiring.

No one would have expected that they would face adversity and hardship the few weeks before their wedding.  Dylen's Baba passed away..  Her Baba who was a strong, energetic and wonderful women.  I'm so moved by this family.  You may think they should postpone or change the wedding date. But they are such a beautiful example of what is possible when we hold both grief and joy in our hearts. Their Baba would have been so proud.

So on the edge of Dunderave Beach, the rain clouds parted, the sun came through, and Dylen and Chris said their vows to each other with a small group of family and friends surrounding them.  There were tears, there was joy and there was celebration as these two got married!

-Lani Johnson, Officiant, Young Hip and Married 

Facebook, matchmaking cousins and dogs = true love

Nick and Megan - May 3, 2014

Nick first met Megan at a casual birthday party and from that meeting they became facebook friends.  When Lesa and Christina, Nick's cousins, heard he was thinking of sending her a facebook message to ask her out, they quickly put a stop to that and insisted that Nick actually call their good friend Megan, they didn't realized what a great idea it really was.  

A first date is almost always daunting and who better to accompany you on a first date then your best friend and companion, your most trusted adviser, the one who will hear all the details anyway; your dog.  And off they set on a 3 1/2 hour walk, Nick, Megan and Gatsby to chaperon.

Not only did Gatsby, the pomeranian x shelty mix get to be there as Nick and Megan fell in love but, Gatsby and Scarlett, a dachshund mix, the couples other trusted companion, both accompanied the wedding party for the ceremony.

The whole ceremony was uniquely Nick and Megan, the dogs, the matchmaking cousins turned bridesmaids and Nick's mom sharing some insightful words about "how falling in Love is like owning a dog."  So many personal touches has made this a wedding full of amazing memories.

Young Hip and Married's rockin' officiant Cory loved walking this couple into marriage and always enjoys a good belly rub.....for the dog.

And like Bob Barker always reminded us, be sure to spay and neuter your pets!