#rev. gary

Alex Martin and Kayla Blanco both played ball at Kansas University, their home state.   When they decided to “play ball” together in marriage, they chose to travel with family and friends to Laguna Beach for the wedding of their dreams.  But, as people of faith, how — they wondered — would they find a ministerial fit so far from home?   Well, Great Officiants of Long Beach more than met their expectations, hooking them up with Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore.   Initial planning for the ceremony was by email, and then the week of their 7/7/17 wedding they met with their SoCal pastor in his home and left knowing that their wedding was going to be all they had hoped for … and more.  And so, at the surf and sand of the Hotel Laguna, Kayla and Alex were married before God, family and friends, and they especially resonated with Rev. Gary’s suggestion that they write  “loving promise” notes to express before all their guests, then follow with recitation of simple traditional vows.  Those personal expressions were deeply moving to all of us, beautifully reflecting their faith, their love and their joy!

When Jeremy and Allison decided to get married, the big question was “Where?”  They live in Kansas where his family is near, but Allison grew up in SoCal.  Once they saw San Clemente Beach, just north of the pier, they had the perfect romantic spot.  Now, how would they find a minister near the wedding site — one that is Christian yet with an open-minded perspective?   Boom … they called Great Officiants in Long Beach, and were put in touch with the Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore, pastor emeritus of Fairview Community Church in Costa Mesa CA.  Chatting long distance and then meeting in his home the week of the wedding, Allison and Jeremy knew that this was just sort of ceremony they had envisioned, and were thrilled that Rev. Gary could take over the conduct of the San Clemente event.  On the big day, it was indeed all they had imagined … and more.  The Kansan’s were stoked to be standing in the sand beside the iconic Pacific surf, and the Californians were reminded of what a great place this is to live, work and play.   The happily married couple are back in Kansas now, but their dream is to find jobs and move to coastal California.  Wherever …  they are counting the blessings of love.

Tustin Ranch Golf Club provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony of Cindy Dubon and Shane Sceville, led by Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore of Great Officiants.   They met through an on-line dating service, which is how most couples today find the right match, and it makes sense: at least they know something about the other before actually meeting for a date.  This certainly beats wandering super-market aisles or hanging out in bars, hoping to catch someone’s eye.  When they met with Dr. Barmore to plan the ceremony, he also helped them understand their dynamic — typical of most couples — of one who majors on decision and action, while the other majors on thinking things through.  Together they create a successful life, as long as they celebrate the goodness of this difference, and that the “do-it-now” person grants time and space for the other to muse, and the “muser” assures the “doer” that the time of clarity and action will come.   Shane and Cindy contacted Great Officiants to connect with a “basic minister” but are so glad that the clergy they selected offered friendship, wisdom, skill, and a really dynamic wedding ceremony!

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Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the sycamore trees and onto the lily pads at Menifee Lakes’ Wedgwood wedding venue.  Family and friends gathered there Friday evening May 19 to witness and celebrate the joining of Joseph Fine and Mayra Meza as husband and wife.  During the ceremony, Rev.Dr.Gary Barmore of Great Officiants turned the couple toward the guests, and after the bride and groom’s “I Do’s” the whole crowd was invited to pledge their support with a hearty “We Do!”  Then, turning them toward one another, Dr. Barmore led Mayra and Joseph in holy vows both in English and in Spanish.  The wedding prayer gave thanks for life and especially for love that makes life worthwhile, as well as asking for the good gifts of patience, forgiveness, new horizons and a home wherein each can return from their work to find refreshment and renewal.   This couple elected to symbolize their union with the planting and watering of two small ficus trees tenderly intertwined.  And then … let the party begin!

Although their reception was at another spot, Jonathon McCawley and Monica Dewi wanted to be married on the beach in front of the Hotel Laguna.  And on Sunday April 30 it all happened! — string quartet, exquisite attire, cherished guests and a ceremony conducted by Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore of Great Officiants.  Gary’s voice was strong enough to be heard over waves and beach-goers, and with his counsel with the bride and groom at his Costa Mesa home providing momentous and memorable words worth hearing, the event fulfilled all the couple’s expectations and more!  When he offered the prayer of blessing, the waves didn’t pipe down, but the beach-goers did.  There was plenty of inspiration for everyone.

Who would have guessed that across the parking lot from a Lake Forest corner mall, hidden by green trees and shrubs, there lies a beautiful wedding venue!  Chris Stewart and Evelyn De La Vega discovered Heritage Hill Historical Park, and on April 29 under a large oak, they pledged their eternal love before family and friends.   Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore of Great Officiants led the ceremony, which two weeks previous he had planned with the couple at his Costa Mesa home, also providing opportunity for getting mutually acquainted.  During part of the ceremony the bride and groom turned to the guests to say their “I do’s” and to hear the crowd affirm them with a hearty “we do!”  They chose to write their own vows and are so happy with all that occurred at this lovely site.

Susana Valdez and Joseph Cannavo flew west from their home and careers in New England so that their wedding could be held in California among family and long-time friends.  Her sister’s home in Whittier converted beautifully into a chapel of lights, and the Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore of Great Officiants led the ceremony as he always does — without notes and speaking directly to the couple and guests, communicating just what the bride and groom requested.   Planned cross-country via email and telephone, the couple appreciated that the ceremony perfectly reflected their vision, and the couple and their guests were inspired by Gary’s words of faith, joy and love.  Comments after the wedding centered on how amazing that such a simple setting could be so blessed with dignity and delight.  Coming from out of town, Susana and “Jay” were so appreciative of Great Officiants’ service of securing the wedding license.  They are returning to the east coast happily married and rich in memories.

Sergio Montelongo and Ana Arciniega brought family and friends together on Sunday afternoon 9/4 for a beautiful wedding and a joyous celebration at the White House in Anaheim.  Situated in an amusement mini-park and looking just like the D.C. White House, once inside the venue’s building and grounds there is privacy and elegance.  Sergio and Ana found their minister Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore through Great Officiants, and sure enough, the ceremony was all — and more — than they could have ever dreamed.  He met with them in his Costa Mesa home, which facilitated getting acquainted and the planning of the ceremony.  Gary was pleased that the couple trusted him to express some of the service in Spanish.  Sergio and Ana Montelongo are headed for great things in their respective professions and in their married life.

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