Twelve couples to wed tonight at hockey game

A similar ceremony is planned Saturday at the Chevrolet Centre.

By LINDA M. LINONIS

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

AUSTINTOWN — A really cool wedding ceremony takes place tonight during an intermission at the hockey game in Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena.

Twelve couples, who were winners in a promotion sponsored by a Cleveland radio station, will exchange marriage vows before the Rev. Mark Bernard of Austintown.

“The Weddin’ Guy” as he calls himself and his Web site, www.weddinguy.com, said he was asked to fill in when another minister canceled.

“I have a marriage-only ministry,” said the Rev. Mr. Bernard. He is affiliated with Universal Life based in Modesto, Calif.

The Lake Erie Monsters and Hershey Bears hit the ice at 7, and Mr. Bernard predicted the on-ice ceremony for about 8 during the first intermission.

“I was told I have about seven minutes before the Zamboni chases us off the ice,” he said.

Though the civil, generic ceremony will be short and sweet, Mr. Bernard said each couple will have a moment at center ice when they say “I do.” “I have to hear each person say the words,” Mr. Bernard said, to make the ceremony official. “To comply with Ohio law, I have to hear the acknowledgment.” He’ll also have to sign the wedding certificates.

Mr. Barton said he will use a ceremony that’s often a choice among members of the American Association of Wedding Officiants.

“It’s origin was in Maine and it’s been used by generations of justices of the peace. It’s probably 150 years old,” he said.

Mr. Barton has officiated at wedding ceremonies in unique settings.

“I’ve performed marriage ceremonies at First Night Akron and also vow renewal services,” he said.

“My goal is to bring ‘Chapel in the Moonlight’ to First Night Youngstown.” He’s participated in First Night Akron for two years, officiating at 11 weddings and 10 renewals of vows.

According to Mr. Bernard’s Web site, all religious and spiritual traditions are honored. He will perform traditional and nontraditional ceremonies including, Medieval Christian, Celtic, Norse, New Age, Hindu, Buddhist, Egyptian and earth religions.

Exchanging marriage vows at a sporting event is unusual, and some traditionalists may even see it as disrespectful. “What matters is what is in the hearts of those getting married,” Mr. Barton said. “It’s a celebration. The crowd will be cheering. It’s unusual, but it’s still a celebration.”

A similar event will be at the Chevrolet Centre in downtown Youngstown on Saturday.

During an intermission of the hockey game between the Youngstown SteelHounds and the Oklahoma City Blazers, “My Big Fat Youngstown Wedding” will be held in which couples either marry on the ice or renew their wedding vows.

Ohio’s governor also is getting into the act of recognizing the commitment to love.

Gov. Ted Strickland and first lady Frances Strickland have selected 25 couples — including one from Lake Milton — for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism.

Murle and Kaye McLaughlin are among couples who will be honored in the Joined Hearts in Giving celebration today for being married 40 years or longer and serving others.

The celebration will take place at the governor’s residence in Columbus.