Testimonials
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Elisheva and Wade,
Thank you for making our wedding the perfect day. It was better than we could ever have imagined. As you know, Elissa and I are not ‘normal’. I guess no one is really. We are unique individuals and our love is different than any other couples’. We were so grateful that you were able to capture that in our ceremony.
Although you both live such busy lives you took a great deal of time to get to know us and prepare a ceremony that suited us perfectly. Some of the things that are important to us are family, friends, our love of climbing, and our love for our home at the New River Gorge. These elements were all present in the ceremony and that was important to us.
We wanted the ceremony to be about ‘us’ and our love. As you said, the reason for the wedding is not just to have a party, but to celebrate our special relationship. You recapped our separate lives, our life as one, and our future. There was not a dry eye anywhere near the front row!
You were also able to provide us with a spiritual ceremony that suited everyone in the family. Many of our shared spiritual beliefs revolve around our natural world, humanity, and love. With any large extended family and friends such as ours you will find many different sets of beliefs present in the audience. You were able to weave a ceremony that satisfied everyone.
Most important to us, though, was how loving you both are towards us. You made it very clear to us right at the beginning that we would be friends for life. I believe you referred to it as a ‘lifetime guarantee’ that you would always be available to lend an ear if we needed to talk about our marriage.
We are both looking forward to a long and happy life together and we are grateful that you are a part of it. Thank you so much.
Mike and Elissa Williams married April 17, 2010 at The Mill at Fine Creek in Powathan, VA
From The Parents of Elizabeth Colley & Michael Williams
From the mother of the groom
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
Rick and I want to thank you so very much for your beautiful words at the wedding of Mike & Elissa. I think you will agree with me that it was one of the most lovely weddings that has ever been! (Of course, I may be slightly biased!) The perfect weather, the gorgeous setting and a bride and groom deeply in love remind us of all the beauty in the world
But it was your words and the ceremony that touched me so deeply. Thank you for including the memory of my father whose death was so recent, and the mention of my mother who was too frail to come. I don't think I stopped weeping (for joy) through the entire service.
It is obvious that you put a great deal of effort into describing Mike and Elissa as individuals and their hopes for the future as husband and wife. I do not believe anyone could have done a better job of joining these two special people in matrimony. Everyone who was present said it was the most personal, touching service they had ever seen.
It is my honor to have met you and I thoroughly enjoyed the short time we spent together. Thank you so very, very much and I wish you both the best. Good luck with your foundation!
Most sincerely, Nancy Williams
From the mother of the bride
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
I would like to thank you for your time, thoughtful remarks and insight. Elissa and Mike's wedding ceremony was special. Many of the guests remarked that it was the nicest ceremony they had ever attended and that they knew Elissa and Mike even better than before. Your remarks were touching and so perfectly captured the essence of Elissa. I feel I know Mike better than before
Best wishes for excellent health.
Sincerely, Amy Colley
Jewish/Christian/Muslim Wedding
Reverend Elisheva and Wade Clegg did an absolutely amazing job. My husband and I
postponed marriage for 8 years because we could not visualize or envision how to
do a ceremony itself that would be meaningful, personal and beautiful but non religious.
We needed someone to help us bring together elements of three religions - my husband
is Muslim and from Turkey, and I am half Jewish and half Christian and from the
UK. We met with several other officiants who all gave us things to read and ideas
about how traditional ceremonies are performed and what we could do, but we did
not feel a sense of comfort or inspiration with any of them.
Finally, I did a search in inter-cultural, inter-faith ministers and there she was. Her and her husband Wade did such a phenomenal job! We had guests that flew in from the UK, Germany and Israel, and guests from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Tunisia, 20 nations in total. They totally were able to capture who we were and what we stand for in the most meaningful way with a service that they wrote and personalized themselves, after we completed a questionnaire. Elisheva was also very supportive throughout the process, spoke to me on the phone several times and gave very meaningful support throughout, and really helped us to pull our thoughts and feelings together. The service itself was worth waiting eight years for! And the crowd was a very discerning and highly educated lot, more phd's per square inch than any other wedding I know of. So not an easy one to please.
I would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone considering a wedding that may not be completely traditional, or just for people who would like to have a highly personalized service or one that pulls together diverse identities. Of all the money we spent on our wedding, this was the best value service we could have asked for. Anyone will be lucky to have them work with you.
Sharon & Tugrul Keskin
married August 23, 2008 at the
Chesapeake Bay
Beach Club, Stevensville, MD
From the Parents of the Bride
To call the wedding ceremony of my daughter, Sharon, and now Son-in-law, Tugrul,
"remarkable" only barely matches its actual effect on both the couple and those
there to witness. To describe Interfaith Ministers Reverend Elisheva and T. Wade
Clegg's work as "Spiritual" or even "magical" still does not capture the sense and
sound of the love of the Divine Spirit connecting the couple and bathing all in
attendance with its joy, its humor, and its depth. It was a truly blessed event.
I want to thank you Elisheva and you Wade not only for taking the time to
actually get to know each of the couple in depth but to have helped them know and
understand both themselves and each other. You are truly two of heaven's beloved
and blessed messengers. As we mentioned to you, should Clive and I decide to renew
our vows, we would so love to have you officiate. Love and blessings,
Eileen
Watkins Seymour
(August 23, 2008 at the
Chesapeake Bay
Beach Club, Stevensville, MD)
Intercultural Interfaith Wedding
Hello Revs. Clegg,
How are you? I have to say, right out of the gate, that
you both are so amazing. Everyone (including us) raved about our ceremony - how
personal and spiritual and soft yet funny it was. That is by far the best memory
of that day. My parents were just over-the-top thrilled with you both. SO THANK
YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! We could not have "struck gold" in a better way than
finding you! I look forward to hearing from you and keeping in touch as time goes
on.
It is strange to me how two people that are perfect strangers one day,
can have such an impact on your life after such a short time. We are blessed to
have encountered relationships with you both - thank you! Our ceremony touched the
hearts of everyone at our wedding, including us. It was written from the hearts
of a couple who we should all strive to mirror in relationship, love and devotion.
Reverend Elisheva and her husband are the perfect duo. Each step of the way they
made us feel at ease and in love with the entire process of creating our ceremony.
Reverend Elisheva was an integral part of our wedding and without her we could not
have captured the beauty of our love and portrayed it so eloquently. Much love to
you both!"
Christine Nicoletta Sasser and Jon Sasser
Lexington, Kentucky
(married September 30, 2006 at Virginia Beach, VA)
Jewish/Christian/Muslim Wedding
My name is Beth Silver. I was married by Rev. Elisheva on June 17, 2006. When
Justin and I were in the beginning stages of our engagement and planning, we envisioned
how we wanted our ceremony to be. We knew we wanted to incorporate our religious
and cultural backgrounds, and our family. However, it was most important for us
to have a ceremony that would incorporate our immense love for each other and our
love for our family.
Elisheva did just that. She listened to our stories
of who we are and where we came from and integrated all of that into our ceremony.
It was the most beautiful ceremony that I have ever been to. I know I";m biased,
but I can assure you that Elisheva could make any ceremony beautiful and meaningful.
Our ceremony had everyone laughing and crying. We received so many compliments
from our friends and family. I have been told by at least 20 different people that
it was the most beautiful ceremony they have been to.
When I reflect and
think about my wedding today, I don't think about the party afterward; I think about
marrying my husband and knowing how beautiful it was to have a ceremony filled with
words that meant everything to us.
As you can tell, we absolutely love Elisheva
and T. Wade (he was there every step of the way). They spent so much time talking
to us and getting to know us as a couple. In turn, we were able to get to know and
spend time with two amazing people. We will always be grateful for having them with
us on our wedding day and the months before.
Beth and Justin Silver, Arlington,
Virginia
(married June 17, 2006 at parent's home in Sperryville, Virginia)
Hindu/Baptist Wedding
Dear Revs. Elisheva and Wade,
We give you our most heartfelt gratitude
for the wonderful interfaith ceremony you developed for us. When we began our search
for a wedding officiant that could accommodate Hindu and Christian/Western traditions,
we had no idea we would come across someone like you. We were extremely lucky and
blessed to find someone who could intertwine all the elements we wanted to include
and bring our cultural and religious differences together in one ceremony rather
than separate them into two ceremonies.
We thoroughly enjoyed working with
you and getting to know you in the months leading up to our wedding. We received
so many compliments from our guests saying how personalized the ceremony was as
it accurately and equally represented us. We know that none of this could have been
possible without your unique and personable approach to working with us and our
families.
Thank you for all the time you dedicated to us and to making our
ceremony so beautiful and meaningful. We cannot wait to see you guys the next time
we are in Charlottesville!
Love, Sarita and Joseph Boyd
married May 5,
2007 at Historic
Mankin Mansion, Richmond, VA
Update: Arrival of Sonati Etta Boyd
"My name is Sonali Etta Boyd, and I was born on February 12, 2009 at 9:31am. I was 7 lbs. 2 ozs. and 20" long. My parents, Sarita and Joseph Boyd, were married in a beautiful ceremony on May 5, 2007 by Reverend Elisheva. My parents had, and still have, so much love for each other, that I decided to finally enter into this world and complete our family. As I am growing up, I will be sending updates. I just love having Reverend Elisheva & Reverend T. Wade as my Spiritual Grandparents and being a part of the Spiritual Grandchildren family."
Update: I'm Back!
"Hi ... here's my update as promised. I'm nine months old now, and I have taken over control of the house. I have trained my mommy and daddy very well as willing servants. As you can see, they do a very good job raising me. I'm healthy, intelligent and adorable. The only annoying thing is those many squeezes and kisses that everybody wants to give me. Well ... guess it's OK ... until the next update.
Much love ..... Sonali Etta Boyd"
Buddhist/Christian Wedding
If you want "flash, banality or convention" for your ceremony find another celebrant. If you desire a highly personalized spiritual but not over the top rite that will speak to you and your guests, you have been blessed. Preceding the ceremony Reverends Elisheva and T. Wade immediately put us at ease, took charge and made things flow smoothly with no hint of canned production. It was our personal celebration
Do not be concerned with the preliminary questionnaire and inquiries by the reverend, it will all make beautiful sense on your wedding day and you will have a memory to carry until you leave the planet.
Thank you once again. Warmest regards,
Young & John Smith married December 27, 2009 at Grace Manor Inn, Richmond, VA
Religious/Catholic Wedding
Dear Elisheva & T. Wade,
Thank you for helping us create the most
beautiful wedding ceremony we could have imagined! Your guidance and support, your
open-mindedness and your sincerity, your attention to detail and willingness to
listen - we couldn't have asked for a more positive experience as we journeyed through
the process of designing our ceremony. Everything about our wedding helped reveal
more about us as individuals and as a couple. It was all so personal! Thank you
for coming into your lives and being such an important part of the beginning of
our marriage.
Much love,
Kristen-Paige & Christopher
married
October 6, 2007 at
Boars Head,
Charlottesville, VA
Update (October 7, 2008)
I'm writing because yesterday was our first anniversary, and I
thought of you both all day long! Unfortunately, Chris and I could not be
together, but I watched the wedding video last night, and I swear I think I
smiled just as much as I did a year ago! I still can't believe what a beautiful
ceremony you helped us create, looking back a year later, I still wouldn't have
changed a thing.
I'm currently in Key West for the month on a writing
fellowship ... I'm working here as an artist in resident, so that I can have a
month to write my next book. You can read more about it, if you're interested,
through the following link: (http://www.tskw.org/news_detail.php?nid=43)
It has been super hard being away from Chris, but I feel so grateful to ahve
this time alone to focus on my work. Chris and I moved to Charlottesville
shortly before I left, so we must make plans to meet for coffee when I get back
... I would love to see you both! I hope this email finds you well and that we
can all get together soon!
Love, Kristen-Page
Spiritual Wedding
We first met Reverend Wade & Revered Elisheva three years before our wedding, in the initial stages of our long-term planning for the big event. From the very first meeting, they became part of our family - the help and support the provided throughout the process of planning the ceremony were instrumental in making the actual day a meaningful event we were proud to share with the rest of our family and friends. We met periodically throughout the time between our engagement and the actual ceremony, and even after the wedding, to talk about not only our hopes and plans for the wedding - but also for our marriage. I can't stress how important their commitment to building a relationship with us was - their questionnaire in conjunction with our periodic talks via phone, email, and in person enabled them to create a ceremony unique to the personality of our relationship. The biggest compliment I received on our wedding day was when one of our guests commented on how the ceremony was a perfect reflection of us - and put the focus not on the wedding day specifically but on our life together as a married couple.
It's been a year and a half, and the family the Reverends' helped us create on our Wedding day has expanded! We welcomed Robert Lee Sneed into the world on December 17, 2009. He was 9lbs, 3oz and 20in long at birth, and hasn't stopped growing yet! It's truly amazing how he has already transformed our lives, and our relationship - making both of us stronger in ourselves and each other as we learn how to be parents to our wonderful son. We couldn't be prouder to have him be counted among the Reverends' Spiritual Grandchildren!
Love, Meg & Jason Sneed married May 25, 2008 at Holiday Inn, Charlottesville, VA
UPDATE from "the little one"
Hello ... this is Robert Lee Sneed .... I am the newest addition to the Spiritual Grandchildren club of Reverend Elisheva and T. Wade. I want to thank my spiritual grandparents for setting the stage for my entrance into this world. I'm very lucky to have such loving parents, and by the way, my dad is an incredible doctor. If you have any boo boos ... call him! He will definitely help you. He knows how to make all boo boos go away ... I know it personally. You will hear more from me later. Love, "Me"
Spiritual Wedding
What can I say about the wedding.... Everything was perfect. The wedding ceremony was truly
the most special ceremony I've ever seen and was so glad it was ours! Through your guidance,
suggestions and our ideas the ceremony was extremely personal. It was about the joining of the
two of us and our families. It was interactive. Greg and I were able to speak from the heart to
each other during the ceremony which I really wanted to incorporate. It was extremely important
that our children were accepting of the marriage and so we wanted our adult children to be involved
in some way. Through the "binding of hands" ceremony, we were all able to stand together and our
children were provided the opportunity to "formally" express their acceptance of our marriage to
each other. That was a monumental moment for us. Since the wedding our two families have come
together as one. The children are communicating with each other often. Greg and I both believe
the coming together as a family was due to the wedding and the ceremony itself. We are very
grateful to you both for conducting such a warm, loving, personal and interactive wedding ceremony.
We will cherish the memories of it forever....
Our best to you both,
Greg & Stephanie Luce
married
Framington Country Club, Charlottesville, VA July 12, 2008
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Rev. Elisheva & Rev. Wade,
Words cannot express how special and meaningful the wedding ceremony was that
you created for me and Doug. You truly captured each of us, our children, and
our relationship. What a wonderful memory we have, and one we will treasure
always. Thank you so very much for the thought, effort and love you put in to
teach part of the ceremony.
When we were in France, we visited the
Matisse Chapel, in Vence. We thought of both of you while we were there. The
chapel has such beauty and peacefulness about it. In particular, when we saw the
vestments that Matisse designed, we thought they would be perfect for your
services!
We hope you enjoy the book, just a small token of our deep
gratitude to both of you. Thank you again, to both of you, for helping to make
our wedding day so special.
With love and Best Wishes,
Laurie & Doug
Green
Gaithersburg, MD -Married
September 6, 2008
Greenbriar Resort,
White Sulpur Springs, WV,
Humanist Wedding
From Alyssa and David:
Elisheva officiated my marriage ceremony
on June 3, 2006. I enjoyed the first conversation I had with Elisheva - we hit it
off personally, and I believe we have similar values and approaches.
Let
me tell you first what we were looking for in an officiant. Dave (my husband) and
I looked at a couple of other officiants during our search process: we wanted a
civil/secular ceremony (after discussions with Elisheva, we realized that we're
both mostly humanists) that wouldn't be too "touchy-feely," and would not be religious
at all. We wanted someone who would craft a ceremony for us, listen to us, and since
we felt that the ceremony was the most important part of the day, that we would
really be involved in the creation of it. Although we liked one of the other officiants
we interviewed personally, we felt that his ceremony option was a bit too "plug
and play," if you will - he provided options, and you just selected texts from a
list. Personal, but not enough.
If you choose to go with Elisheva, she'll
have you and your partner (separately) complete a questionnaire. The questionnaire
takes a while to complete, but really helps her to get to know you, and I think,
for you to articulate your feelings to yourself. Once we completed the questionnaires
- Elisheva went to work. We met up for coffee a couple of weeks later (ended up
spending a couple of hours) and I really got the feeling that Elisheva and Wade
(her husband) were truly involved in our answers. During the process, Elisheva contacted
both of us several other times, and also spoke with our parents and our readers
- just in general made us feel that she was very involved in our lives and our marriage.
Needless to say, the rehearsal and ceremony went perfectly. I can not tell you the
number of compliments we received (and continue to receive) on our ceremony - comments
like " that really sounded like you," and "how long have you known the Cleggs?"
(truly an interesting question to me, since obviously it had not been very long),
and "what a beautiful, meaningful ceremony."
Obviously, I would highly recommend
Elisheva and Wade to you. The ceremony was so important to us, and the end result
truly surpassed our expectations. Plus, I feel like we've made a new friendship
with the Cleggs - an added, and unexpected, bonus!
Alyssa and David Sturgeon,
Washington, D.C.
married June 3, 2006 at
Willow Grove Inn,
Orange, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Revs. Clegg, Ben and I would love to extend our warmest and most grateful
THANK YOU for making our wedding day absolutely amazing. For those of you that are
inquiring about having Revs. Clegg officiate your ceremony, make note that it will
be the best decision you will make for your special day. Ben and I have a very unique
story, beginning our friendship in elementary school and blossoming into a romantic
relationship after college.
Revs. Clegg took the love that Ben and I share;
along with our shared memories, and painted a perfect portrait for our family and
friends to witness at our wedding. The compliments that we have received regarding
the personalization of our wedding have been outstanding. Revs. Clegg made our wedding
memorable and unique for all of our guests and most importantly Ben and I. Your
love, compassion, and sincerity are a rare find . We love both of you and look forward
to continuing our relationship through life and our marriage.
Thank you,
Ben and Casey Floyd
(Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Afton VA
- June 2, 2007)
Spiritual Wedding
Jason and I cannot express to you how wonderful you made our wedding day and
how amazing your service was. It was the most personal and touching ceremony and
we are appreciative beyond words.
We even joked that it was meant to be,
because of how fabulous of a couple you are and that it hopefully rubbed off on
us!
We want you to please ensure that we keep in touch......we hope to
be able to continue our relationship with you and to come to you for spiritual
guidance and to share our experiences. WE are truly blessed to have met you.
Thank you so much!
Love Always,
Tatjana and Jason Brown
married November 3, 2007 at
Jefferson Vineyards,
Charlottesville, VA
From a Mother of the Happy Couple
How do I ever thank you properly for the absolute beauty, grace, charm, wit, love that you two put into
Jason and Tatjana's ceremony? I do not have the vocabulary to even begin. It was
truly the most amazing, spiritual moment I have seen since the birth of my sons
and grandsons. I believe that God was the Wedding Planner/Director of this wedding
and His results were magnificent!! I will forever be grateful for the blessing of
having Him direct you onto this journey with us; it would not have been as beautiful
without you. I've spoken with Jason and Tatjana; they are having a wonderful honeymoon
in Napa Valley, CA and thoroughly enjoying themselves. May God continue to bless
your lives.
Forever grateful and appreciative,
Marie Payne
UPDATE: Our NEW arrival!
September 10, 2008
Hi everybody out there! I am Laila Luciana Brown. I entered this world on September 10, 2008, and I was 7 lbs. 14 ozs. and 20" long. My mommy and daddy have a store called, "Meza." It is a yummy place, and it will make enough money to buy me a car when I am 16, send me to college, and allow me to get married in Virginia where mommy and daddy got married on November 3, 2007 at Jefferson's Vineyards. I also have a membership in the "Spiritual Grandchildren Club" guided by the Reverends Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg. How do you become a member? First, you have to find a mom and dad who love each other very, very much ... then they have to get married .... then a little while longer you open your eyes, let our a scream for joy, and you are born. It's that simple! Have a good life as I have a good life."
UPDATE: Happy Valentines Day
February 14, 2010
If you look at this beautiful angelic face, you could say that this baby could be a model for a Valentine's Day poster. I would be the first one to vote for her if there was a contest. Of course, I am speaking as a proud "Spiritual Grandparent." I think her mom and dad should feature this photo in the front window of their store. It will entice people to enter "Meza" in Westerfield, OH and sample some of the delicious gourmet specialties and wines they feature.
Reaffirmation
This is a special announcement from us: the very delighted parents of these two lovely people. Thomas Wade Clegg IV is the son of Elisheva and Thomas Wade Clegg III. Thomas and his bride, Jolene Do, gathered with family at Pleasant Grove Farm and Park, in Palmyra, Virginia, under the great oak tree behind the Haden House on August 8, 2009 for a reaffirmation of their commitment to each other.
The backyard setting at Haden House on this warm summer afternoon made for a delightfully intimate ceremony. Family members gathered near the arbor, as Jolene was escorted by the groom's father out of the summer kitchen and across the yard. Even the groundhog, which makes its residence under the coop, came out, stood up, and watched the proceedings. It was a good sign.
Jolene and Thomas were married in a private ceremony at their home in Los Angeles, California on April 12, 2009. The reaffirmation was held in order for Thomas's sisters and aunt to share the joy of this union in the presence of family.
The ceremony was officiated by Thomas's parents, Revs. Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg III, Interfaith Ministers who live at Lake Monticello in Fluvanna County, Virginia.
Spiritual Wedding
Thank you for making the most important day of our lives more perfect than we could have imagined! We
could not have had two better people to officiate our wedding than the two of you. We loved the
experience that you created for the both of us during the whole timeframe between our first contact with
you and the day we wed. You made it very personal and special. The ceremony was absolutly beautiful and
very personal. It was like we knew the two of you our whole lives. I really appreciate the time you took
to get to know us each individually and making such a touching ceremony out of it. Our friends and family
kept talking about the two of you for weeks on end. Everyone thought it was extremelly special and
unique that the two of you were husband and wife and officiated weddings together. I honestly do feel like
the two of you gave us the tools to be the best we could be every day of our lives.
Love Always,
Kandice & Ethan Reynolds
married October 7, 2007 at Chantilly Golf & Country Club,
Centerville, VA
UPDATE: Our NEW arrival!
September 11, 2008
And now two years later......We have created something out of the love we share for each other every day and that is our little angel, Sean. He was born September 11, 2008. He was 7 lbs. 2oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. He is now 14 months old and is the light of our lives. Thank you both for making our lives so special and complete. We both could not be happier!
Spiritual Wedding
We have so much to thank you for that I hardly know where to begin. thank you, of course, for the beautiful ceremony that you wrote for Matt and I. I could not have imagined a more perfect wedding ceremony for us. It was so meaningful and perfectly combined our differing views of how we'd like the ceremony to be. So many of our friends and family commented on how much they liked it afterwards. They said they liked how it was personal to the actual couple and individual. My mother and father were so touched they cried nearly the whole time. We were so glad you gave us a copy of it. We have read through it several times since the wedding, and it is so meaningful to us.
We are so blessed to have met you both and to have had you perform our wedding ceremony. Our wedding day would not have been the same without you and Rev. Wade. You are two of the most kind and caring people we've ever encountered. Thank you for everything! We will keep in touch.
Love, Cindy and Matt Duhon
married May 31, 2008 at
Stonehenge Golf & Country Club, Richmond, VA
Hindu Wedding
We were married this past April (2006) by Rev. Elisheva at the King Family Vineyard
in Crozet, Virginia. I must say that it was a pleasure working with both Elisheva
and her husband. They both make a great team. They spent a long time crafting our
wedding ceremony and making it truly unique to who we are as a couple. My husband
and I are both Indian and we wanted a ceremony that captured some of the Hindu traditions
but we also wanted it to be meaningful to us. I can honestly say that the ceremony
was the best part of our wedding day. Many of our guests came up to us afterwards
letting us know what a meaningful ceremony it was.
Veena and Ameet Patel,
Alexandria, VA
married April 22, 2006 at
King Family Vineyards, Crozet,
Virginia)
UPDATE: Our NEW arrival!
April 16, 2008
Yes, I am a pretty baby ... everybody says so from the moment I arrived on
April16, 2008. Of course if you look at my parents and grandparents, then you will understand why I
am so cute. Hopefully they will place a picture of them pretty soon above mine. I am sure that many
babies say they have the best parents, but my parents are really awesome. Upon my arrival, I was
immediately inducted into the "Spiritual Grandchildren
Club" of the Reverends Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg. Why? Because somehow the Reverends had
something to do with my arrival. I was told that they married my parents on April 22, 2006 at a
place called, "King Vineyards" in Crozet, Virginia. Evidently, this was the first necessary step
which had to take place to ensure my arrival. I have not yet been told what other steps had to be
taken. I am sure one day I will find out. Have a nice life ... Greetings, Jovin
Jewish/Christian Wedding
I have enclosed our donation to the Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum. Tommy and I visited the website and think this is a wonderful organization that you represent. Last night Tommy and I watched the first raw footage of the ceremony that was recorded by the videographer. This was the first piece of video and photos that we have seen since the wedding day, and let me just say how incredibly memorable and special our ceremony was. We sat in my Mom and Dad's living room last night, re-living a moment we will never forget and we thank you so much for helping us make it to our wedding day.
The comments from our family and friends haven't stopped for two weeks and we know that our day would not have been the same without you. The way you wrote the ceremony using our own words and tributes to our family was absolutely beautiful. There was not a dry eye and you touched our hearts and spirits in a way that will live with us forever.
We will always remember your guidance, love and encouragement. To say that you were our greatest gift does not say enough. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts once again. We will keep in touch. Please don't forget to call us and check in on us.
Love Always, Tommy & Sarah Neal
Married October 10, 2009 At Sarah's parents home in Virginia
Beach, Virginia
Irish/Druid Wedding
Dear Revs Wade & Elisheva,
You, Our ceremony was, in a word, amazing.
So many people came up to us afterwards to let us know how unusual, yet beautiful,
they thought it was. We took this as the highest complement and totally agree. You
made us laugh and brought us close to tears (in a good way). In fact you brought
out everything we stood for and/or love for one another - in a unique & personal
way, which obviously came through to everyone in attendance. It really made out
day and set the tone for the rest of our lives. We can't possibly thank you enough!.
Love Rachel & Ashley Jones
married October 22, 2007 at parent's
family farm, South Hill, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Revs. Clegg,
Thank you does not express how grateful and happy we
are with how beautifully our ceremony turned out. Despite the heat, everyone has
said it was the most personal & touching part of the day. We were glad to share
it with you & look forward to having you perform the christenings of our
red-headed babies.
Much love, Rebecca & Wes Spence
married June 7, 2008 at
Old Trail Golf Club, Crozet, VA
Buddhist/Christian Wedding
I wanted to find someone to do our wedding who could combine my (now) husband's and my beliefs. I am Buddhist and he is Baptist. I also wanted something personalized that would reflect our bonds and our commitment, rather than a sterile ceremony that merely reflected the tenets or rituals of a particular religion.
When I first corresponded with Elisheva and Wade I knew that I had found what I was looking for. I couldn't have found two warmer, more caring people to preside over one of the happiest days of our lives. They weren't merely officiants - they melded into our lives and our family as if we had known them for years. They did an amazing amount of un-intrusive research and created a beautiful ceremony that really was totally about our love and our joy at sharing our day with our family. They ensured our ceremony was what we wanted it to be.
We received so many compliments on our ceremony -people asked us if they could buy a tape of it!! We can't express how grateful we are, not only for the effort and love Elisheva and Wade put into our ceremony, but for their continued friendship.
Christina and Ben, Baltimore,MD
married April 28, 2007 at Chapel at Quantico, Quantico, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Blessings Our Beloved Cleggs,
What a great service
- you have begun a Blog site. Luke and I were married just about a year and a half
ago in Shenandoah Valley in May; as a team and individually you touched everyone
present and made our day 95% ceremony and 5% dance and drink. If you ever need or
want us to share how you touched our life or want us to give a testimony of how
awe-some our ceremony and wedding was...because of your love, detail, and true spirit,
please do not hesitate, we love you and wish you the best.
Most sincerely, Kerin and Luke Weingarten
married May 13, 2006 at parent's home Woodstock,
VA
Update:
Thank you again for making our ceremony so special. We have been to a few weddings since our own and are disappointed at the lack of emotion or togetherness the ceremony holds. We still have people commenting on your words and the way it was and the message of love that was shared with our family and friends. it seems (now in hindsight) that in general many people disregard the importance of a great ceremony. now that i can "compare" ceremony styles, i can't help but feel that not only is it the most important part of a wedding, but it also (if planned) is the message that will remain woven through your lives together. Again, thank you. You remain such a personal and special part of our life. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care and write when you can.
Kerin Weingarten
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
Travis and I want to thank you for making our wedding ceremony so special and memorable. We could not have had a more perfect day, with many thanks to you. Your words were very personal and touched not only Travis and me, but also our friends and family.
We greatly enjoyed getting to know you and working with you and appreciate all of the time and energy you devoted to our wedding ceremony. We hope to remain in contact with you!
Thanks again for being such an integral part of our wedding and for making the day that much more wonderful!
Take care,
Michelle & Travis Evans
married October 24, 2009 - Skylight Farms, Standardsville,
VA
Humanist Wedding
Dear Rev. Elisheva & Rev. T. Wade,
Thank you so much for the wonderful
ceremony. It was exactly what we wanted. It was so nice that it told a story about
our relationship. Thank you for all your time to prepare for our wedding. Our families
enjoyed meeting you both and getting to know you at the dinners. We look forward
to hearing from you yearly.
Love, Diana & Shawn Kolodgie
married September 16, 2006 at
Meadowlark
Gardens, Vienna, VA)
Buddhist/Christian Wedding
We can't thank you enough for giving us the most beautiful and memorable ceremony we could have hoped for! Thank you so much for taking such good care of Todd and I throughout this entire process. You know better than anyone that this is such a big, life-changing step that it can be very overwhelming. Your personal attention and care helped to make this not only easy but even more special and meaningful. Thank you again.
Love,
Heather & Todd Lee
married January 29,
2008 at Maggiono's Little
Italy Restaurant, McLean, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
First and foremost we want to thank you again for composing/officiating our marriage. We were thrilled to have such a personalized ceremony, one that really spoke true to both us and the things that we care so deeply about - namely each other! We received countless compliments on the ceremony, many saying it was the best they'd ever experienced. My friend Keara brought her fiance who Keith and I had never met, and he commented that after listening to the ceremony, he really felt like he knew us. It really doesn't get better than that! So, a million times over, thank you.
Wishing you all the best, and again, sending you all gratitude for making our wedding day so truly special.
Much love, Kelli and Keith Knox married September 26, 2009 at Khimaira Farm, Luray, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
This is a very sincere (although belated) and grateful THANK YOU for our beautiful ceremony. You floored us! It was even more amazing than we ever could have imagined. It was quite obvious that you put your heart and soul into caputuring the perfect mood for our ceremony. We loved having you there, and we hope that our paths cross again.
Thank you,
Love, Jessie & Matt Johnson-Schneider married August 2, 2008 at
Khimaira Farm, Luray,VA
Spiritual Wedding
Brian and I were married on June 9, 2007. It was my dream wedding. Elisheva and Wade made the ceremony a memorable one. We received so many compliments about the ceremony. They made is so personal and that was exactly what we were looking for. It's not your every day wedding. She asks you questions, probably none that you have even asked yourself and really made you look at why and who you are marrying. I couldn't have asked for anything more on my wedding day!!
From Brian & Chelsea de Casper
married June 9, 2007 at Scott Eden Farm, Culpeper, VA
Bahai/Christian Wedding
Dear Rev. Elisheva,
We would like to thank you for all of your work and guidance throughout the planning. The ceremony could not have been any more beautiful and exactly what we were hoping it to be. Nothing could have been done any better and thank you again. We hope to keep in touch.
Katharine and Ralph Martinez
married September 2, 2006 in Richmond, Virginia
Humanist Wedding
Dear Rev. Elisheva,
What a blast the wedding was! Joe and I had so much fun, and the ceremony was beautiful. We've received so many compliments to pass on to you two. It was a fantastic ceremony. We will always cherish the memories.
Lisa Ellis Rosler and Josef Rosler, Gulfport, Florida
married
September 23, 2006 at parent's home in Kingsmill
Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia
Spiritual Wedding
Thanks again for such a great ceremony and being a part of what was one of the most magical days of our lives. We received so many compliments about the ceremony you wrote for us. You would have thought you'd have known us for the whole 8 years we've been together. We hope some day you can be a part of another big milestone in our lives. Either way, I'm sure we'll stay in touch.
Jody & Jason Shelley
married September 15, 2007 at
The Valentine Richmond
History Center, Richmond, VA
Religious Wedding
Revs. Clegg,
Thank you so much for a beautiful ceremony. We absolutely loved the
thoughtful words that you used for our ceremony. It was more personal and heartfelt
than we imagined, and we were truly amazed with how well you were able to convey
the love that Luther and I have for each other.
Natalie and Luther Pilkinton, Washington, D.C.
married October 1, 2006 at
Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton, Virginia
Religious Wedding
Dear Revs. Clegg,
We wish to thank you again for a wonderful marriage ceremony. You both were so awesome. We could not have been happier with how it all went.
Elisheva, well, the gift you've given us by the blessing of performing our marriage ceremony is, without a doubt, beyond words. We are so happy together and we're looking forward to that happiness growing and growing throughout the remainder of our years on this earth. In that sense, yours is truly a gift that will keep on giving and giving and giving. We would very much love to see you both again.
Aimee and Michael Haslam, Damascus, Virginia
married August 12, 2006 at The Old Mill Restaurant,
Damascus, VA
Humanist Wedding
Dear Elisheva & Wade,
We would like to thank you for the very special services you provided at our daughter's wedding. The questions you asked before developing the services and how you worked the responses into the services made for a special personalized ceremony. I do not think there was a dry eye in the house during the ceremony. You added special touches (such as the rose ceremony and the joining of the families) that we will always treasure and remember as we think back on the special day. We would like to thank you for making the day so special. Thank-you for a job well done.
Respectfully, Charles & Penny Hardin,King George, VA
Allison Ann & Matthew Zurinski married November 17, 2007 at Boars Head Inn, Charlottesville, VA
Spiritual Wedding
Hello Reverend Elisheva,
It's been so long since we've updated you on how things are going with us. I would just foremost like to thank you and your husband for performing our wedding ceremony last year. We are doing great and growing even more in love as each day passes. We have been so busy we haven't been able keep in touch. We renewed our wedding vows this year and had a big wedding ceremony in Nova Scotia, Canada with 200 of our friends & family. It was as beautiful as the first time. We are now purchasing a house and expect on spending the rest of our lives together. Thanks again for pronouncing us Husband & Wife and making our lives together even more special.
I hope all is well with your family. Take care and God Bless.
THE RICKENBACKER FAMILY! married at Pleasant Grove, Fluvanna, June 25, 2008 (note sent 02/09/2010)
Spiritual Wedding
Hello Reverend Elisheva,
From the bottom of my heart; Thank You! our wedding ceremony was very special. I am so grateful for all you did to help create that. So many people were very moved because it was so personal. I loved the process of filling out the questionnaire and meeting you both at Hot Cakes. It was all very re-assuring
You were both so willing and patient in helping us create a ceremony that was meaningful to us. That is a gift that I am very grateful for. You are two very special people whom I feel blessed for having found.
Thank you and love, Rebecca
*************************************************
I can't thank you enough for all your thoughtful and sincere help in helping us plan our wedding. It was so comforting to have your wisdom and experience guiding us through the process. I couldn't be more happy with my memories of our wedding day and am so grateful that we found the two of you to help make it such a wonderful celebration.
Thanks so much! Love, Greg
Married Black Mountain, NC