“In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” – Alfred Tennyson
There’s no denying that spring has made a grand entrance over the past week. Warmer temps, vibrant greens at every turn, blue sky and, best of all, blossoming trees and blooming flowers.
Several weeks ago, I shared on my Frozen Moments FB page a photo of a beautiful home that I loved on Regent Street. Curiosity arose in the comments as to what the building used to be, who was there now, and what it looked like inside.
Much to my delight, one of the comments came from Rev. Joy Burke, who informed us all that she lives in this gorgeous house. I immediately asked if she would mind if I came over to take some photos…and she agreed. Two things happened here: 1) I got to see the beautiful interior and learn about an amazing woman, 2) a friendship was born.
Joy is an “Interfaith Minister, educated, ordained and legally registered to perform ceremonies for couples of all spiritual beliefs and practices,” as quoted from her website, http://www.revjoyburke.com.
Her home is a converted 1869 Methodist Church, located on Regent Street, in downtown Saratoga. To say it is as beautiful inside as it is out would be an understatement. Take a peek:
Joy performs intimate elopement ceremonies right here in her stunning and tasteful front parlor. Have a look at http://www.elopesaratoga.com for details.
If you are planning your nuptials at one of Saratoga’s historic venues, Joy would be thrilled to officiate your gala event there as well. What impressed me most was her dedication to learning as much as she can about the couple, getting to really know them, in order to provide the most personal, meaningful ceremony possible. She learns about your plans, your dreams, your vision. After a series of meetings with the “to-be-weds,” she is able to offer pertinent suggestions as to “readings, songs, rituals and traditions.”
Oh, and did I mention the absolutely spectacular red door welcoming guests to her home? This post would not be complete without a few shots of that really cool, very special door.
I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Joy and to now consider her a friend. For more information, check out her website (http://www.revjoyburke.com) and her Google+ business page (http://plus.google.com/+SaratogaWeddingOfficiantRevJoyBurkeSaratogaSprings).
And now…since it’s spring…and since we are talking about weddings anyway…and since I promised to blog about my daughter’s recent wedding in Nags Head, NC, but haven’t done so…here are a few photos from her beautiful day. (Photos courtesy of Coastal Shots Photography)
