Religious vs. Non-Religious...Who's Wedding is it anyway?!

Hooray! We’ve made our second blog post ever!!! I had every intention on posting at least every 30 days but..meh…life happened. So here we are! I will seriously not make this announcement at the beginning of every future blog, but I will always be super excited.

Before a couple books their wedding day with me, I always offer a free in person or virtual meet up to ensure we are a good fit. I truly believe that nothing is worse than booking an officiant that has no idea who you are, what you want/need, or even care to pronounce your name correctly (and guest can really tell!).

Kendra & Al Alexander Photo Credit http://www.kayladuffinphotography.com

During the initial consultation, I ask each couple about their religious backgrounds, beliefs, or preferences, regardless if they’ve already informed me of their choice of a religious or non-religious ceremony. It’s a good way for us all to gauge where you are spiritually and to understand what you expect for your customized ceremony script.

 Sometime ago in 2017, I was contacted by a couple that requested a non-religious/short and sweet wedding ceremony. They were from out of town but the majority of their family and friends reside in good old Cleveland, Ohio.

Throughout multiple emails, I discovered that my bride had a catholic background but because she had been divorced with no annulment, she felt as though she could not incorporate God into her ceremony. The Bride and the Groom also had a deep love and respect for the Dali Lama and Buddhist philosophy. Now, we all know Catholic and Buddhist belief systems don’t really go hand in hand…right?

 By religious rules, they don’t but in all actuality, they really do.

 On another note, who’s marriage is it anyway?

 The reason why most Independent Professional Wedding Officiants exist is to unite couples that love one another together legally and that’s it. Most of us are in this marriage business because we know there is too much red tape that attempts to confine couples into boxes of what religious sects deem as a perfect and acceptable marriage.

Just like snowflakes, no two weddings are exactly alike.

 Your wedding and your marriage is yours to create. Traditional or Non-Traditional, Religious or Non-Religious...only matters if it matters to you.

Kendra & Al' Alexander’s prayer Photo Credit http://www.kayladuffinphotography.com

Our Foundation

Welcome to my very first blog post! I honestly have no idea what I am doing but I promised myself in 2017 that I would step out of the “I don’t know” box and create the “I tried it” box.

Actually, I’ve been adding to my new box quite frequently over the past 3 years and I haven’t looked back…well maybe one or twice but its been pretty progressive. I’m adulting.

If you’ve stumbled across this blog, you’re either planning a wedding and looking to hire a pro wedding officiant or you’re looking for help within your relationship. Either way, I’m glad you found me here.

This is my love story and how Weddings By CPE came into existence.  

In March of 2013, I met my husband, Mr. Anton Sears. My cousin was engaged to Anton’s co-worker at the time, and they decided to set us up on a blind date. Short story even shorter, we met, fell in love, and 8 months later we got married! He’s been my homie, lover, encourager, and best friend since.

I never imagined myself being married until I met him. I was attracted to his peaceful spirit and gentleness with my two sons…and of course his gorgeous smile. One day I asked him “Why do you love me babe?” his response?… “Because I choose to”.

Can you see why I said “Yes”?! #swoon

He is/was the total package and now our family is complete and whole with three boys and a girl pup named Daisy. We recently celebrated our 5 year anniversary on November 10th (all applause and gift cards are welcome ‘cause the struggle was real!).

Speaking of struggle, the journey we have been through has been quite the adventurous one. During our first three years of marriage, we went through the tough stuff that no one could have prepared us for.

We had no idea that we would fall in love so quickly, get married, blend a family, buy a house, and have a baby all in our first year of marriage. We had no idea how much work it even took to wake up every day and choose to be married. We had no idea we would lose our partner parent and that grief would hit us hard. We had no idea how much therapy we would need to process all of this. But were still here. Still thriving.

If it weren’t for our faith in God, our premarital coaching basics, and our tribe/prayer warriors, we would have not made it this far.

Since I consider myself blessed for making it to year 5 (and hopefully many more) and having all the help and support that we so desperately needed during those hard times, it’s only fair to pass this blessing of love and spiritual support along to others.

Weddings By CPE was created in 2017 with love in mind. I want to help couples tell their love story, just like I’m telling you mine, in a meaningful way so that you can bless others as well. Love is the gift that keeps on giving!

I want to help couples start their marriage on the right foot with premarriage coaching…Not the boring do’s and don’ts of relationships but the real in depth thought provoking conversations that will help you build an ironclad foundation.

I want to stand together with you to pray, fight, and protect your love like many others have done for us.

In my future blog post, with the permission of other couples, I will share their love stories in hopes to encourage you to keep believing in Love.

XO Minister Sharnise Sears

Minister Sharnise Sears - Photo Credit www.stayfocusedfilms.com

Our Wedding Day- Photo Credit www.denniscriderphotography.com

5 Year Anniversary - Photo Credit www.stayfocusedfilms.com