Blogs of With This Ring I Thee Wedd by Leora Motley Willis

In general terms, the word engagement is defined as “an arrangement to do something …commitment…the continuous development of an emotional relationship.” But within the wedding industry, the word engagement typically refers to the special moment when couples confirm their proposal to get married.  Engagement season typically spans between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day with December being… Read more

The Story Behind With This Ring I Thee Wedd Ceremonies Almost 30 years ago when I first started officiating weddings, I named my business “With This Ring I Thee Wedd.” At the time, I thought these words were romantic and conveyed the tradition of exchanging wedding rings symbolizing a life long commitment to another human… Read more

Throughout my 30-year career, I’ve witnessed many approaches that couples take in order to help ease the nervous energy as they make their way to the altar.  Often couples will voluntarily participate in a “first look.” A first look is where the couple sees each other before the start of their wedding ceremony. Although this may… Read more

Recently, a bride-to-be asked me which part of the wedding process do I enjoy the most. Although I’ve been asked this before, I thought now is a good time to answer the question publicly! A Person’s Best Friend I most enjoy the initial meeting, when I’m asking the couple questions about them, such as how… Read more

Cicada, A 17-Year Phenomena Photo courtesy of @santaanaweddings When I think about outdoor weddings, I think about several factors that can impact the ceremony. Noise from traffic, airplanes flying overhead, an unhappy guest (usually under the age of 5) and the general laughter from the guests. This summer I may have to contend with the… Read more

  By now you know the name of my business is “With This Ring, I Thee Wedd Ceremonies.” When I started my business 29 years ago, I thought those words were so romantic. And I still view them the same way, however, it’s a long business name with one-word intentionally misspelled. I’ve learned over the… Read more

Consider an Outdoor Spring or Summer Mini-Wedding in DC., Maryland, or Virginia Happy Spring! Warmer temperatures, blooming trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are calling many of us to the great outdoors. We are walking, biking, and going from point A to point B on a scooter or skateboard. We are sitting on the grass, with… Read more

  Several times a month, I will receive a call or email message from a couple interested in fulfilling the legal requirement to be married with the qualifier, no ceremony! Ceremony is defined as “a formal act or set of formal acts established by custom or authority as proper to a special occasion, such as… Read more

Hello! The during the first two months of 2020, love was alive and well! I officiated 16 weddings during that period. This includes a variety of elopements, formal and informal ceremonies with guests in attendance and license signings. One signing occurred at a restaurant while the couple was enjoying lunch although they stopped eating long… Read more

Hello Friends! I can’t believe I haven’t told you anything about the current wedding season, 2019. It has been a great year, filled with laughter, heartfelt moments and happy tears! My 2019 wedding season began in April at Fort Belvoir’s Officer’s Club with Gloria and Leo. In May I officiated a wedding ceremony in the… Read more