09/18/2026
For those of you who have toured Fly the Coop Chapel or even been married here, this black and white photo may look familiar…
Five years ago, Charlie and I said our “I do’s,” shared vows and exchanged rings to one another, promising forever. We took that picture together in the reception hall privately before our little celebration began with close family and friends.
And it’s the same picture I find myself staring at when I’m alone, cleaning up OUR little chapel—sometimes before a visit with excited, engaged couples; sometimes after a ceremony has ended, and I’m sticking it back in the corner of the loft.
The same thoughts always enter…how happy and in love our eyes were for each other.
After five years of marriage and almost eight years together, we’ve weathered familiar storms… Some with family, friends, careers and peers but especially with each other. Because no matter how much we have in common, we still have our differences. And with those differences come a whole history of how we were raised, not sharing completely similar beliefs, having children with ex partners and dealing with a bit of stubbornness…more so on my behalf than his, truth be told.
But I’m reminded of something repeatedly as I officiate ceremonies. Love is not a feeling—it’s a choice. And whether you’re religious or not, the same still holds true. To make a conscious decision each day to L.O.V.E. your spouse, in and out, up and down, different or the same.
Yesterday, my husband, five kids and daughter-in-law surprised me with a very intimate vow renewal at our chapel, Fly the Coop. Nobody else—just us and our kids. They each read a section of a script that was thoughtfully drafted by Dana & Teresa from “ A Simple Wedding on the River.” Charlie said vows to me, I said I do again, he surprised me with a matching wedding band for my ring (after giving me a big, plastic teal ring courtesy of the jeweler 😂), and our youngest daughter ended it with a prayer. It wasn’t expected. In fact, before we left for dinner, I got a terrible migraine that caused me to feel quite ill. He almost had to cancel the surprise…
I’m so thankful Charlie is my husband and these are our kids. And I’m so glad he loves me more than just surface level. It’s real. And I’m keeping him, our son & daughters and our love forever. 💜
I couldn’t tag Teresa and Dana, so here is their website.
https://www.asimpleweddingontheriver.com/
