During COVID-19, Daniel will conduct all initial inquiries via videoconference
Why celebrate with Daniel?
Here's the short list.
You are the Occasion!
You've known each other for several months or several years, and you've withstood your first few relationship challenges. Now you're looking at options for taking your next step together. Let Daniel bless your relationship by presiding at your ceremony.
Ordained, Period.
With over 20 years of professional ministerial experience, Daniel is ready for any scenario. Holding dual standing as a Baptist pastor and American Protestant minister, he is authorized to perform wedding ceremonies in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Unlike a town justice of the peace or an officiant with an online ordination, Daniel holds two theological master's degrees as well as the Doctor of Ministry, preparing him to handle any eventuality with grace, humor, and style.
Your Vision, Implemented
None of Daniel's ceremonies are identical. Each ceremony is painstakingly crafted according to the couple's stated interests and preferences. On theKnot.com, one of Daniel's featured pictures shows a cosplay wedding ceremony, in which each attendee (including the couple) wore some kind of costume. Later in 2020, Daniel gets to participate in a RPG-themed (role playing game) wedding. But Daniel's favorite wedding was with two of his residents of the facility where Daniel served as chaplain. The couple in their late 70s said it was love at first sight, and for one of them, this was their first marriage. They got married over Thanksgiving weekend and made all the local papers!
Love is Love
Daniel presides over wedding ceremonies for all consenting adult partners who wish to join as spouses, regardless of their creed or identity: Christian, interfaith, humanist, secular, spiritual non-religious, same-sex couples, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary... And as an adjunct professor of world religions, Daniel considers it a treat to learn about different cultures and traditions, bringing them into focus wherever the couple chooses to hold their ceremony.
Any Location
Locations have ranged from a park in Missouri, to Yale University's historic Battell Chapel, from the couple's local congregation, to the Union League, from the oceanfront in Greenwich, to a country club in Wallingford, CT where the couple always enjoys their spare time together. Daniel is still waiting for a destination wedding on a cruise ship, but he'd actually prefer getting to know you and your goals over a bowl of ice cream at Arethusa Farm Dairy in New Haven. (Haven't tried it out yet? You really need to!) For a September 2020 ceremony, during the COVID-19 quarantine, Daniel is working with a couple that may choose to use videoconferencing so that their closest family and friends can stay safe at home while participating in their ceremony at a remote location. Seriously, nothing phases Daniel.
Your Style, Reflected
Liturgical vestments are not required for a ceremony to be a real ceremony. Daniel has no persona to maintain. He will wear a chicken suit if that fits into some purpose. If you're wearing a wedding gown and tux, Daniel will dress appropriately. Linen shorts? Daniel will join the party. Your personal style will be reflected through every aspect of the ceremony, down to the last fiber.
Diverse Worldviews
Daniel specializes in negotiating diverse (if not divergent!) worldviews and political and religious perspectives within a single family. Regardless of past conflict or avoiding topics, Daniel will work with couples to craft a meaningful and polished ceremony that pulls the families together.
Services Included
Initial consultation, contract signing, service planning, optional premarital counseling, ongoing phone/email conversations, the actual ceremony, and the signing of the state license are all included in the honorarium. Some add-ons may include running the wedding rehearsal (in conjunction with the wedding planner), prayer at the rehearsal dinner, attendance at reception, prayer at reception, and significant follow-up after your big day. Whichever package you decide on, Daniel will stay in touch with you for several months leading up to the day of your ceremony, in order to ensure that every word of your ceremony reflects the best of your relationship.
Over 20 years of ministry
August 1998
Entered Olivet Nazarene University's School of Theology and Christian Ministry
April 2000
Locally ordained in the Church of the Nazarene
June 2005
Graduated with a divinity degree from Meadville at the University of Chicago Divinity School
July 2005
Ordained at Fourth Congregational Church of Chicago, recognized by the American Protestant Union
May 2014
Graduated with a religious studies degree from Hartford Seminary
May 2019
Graduated with the Doctor of Ministry from Pacific School of Religion
March 2020
Affiliated with the Alliance of Baptists, Welcoming and Affirming Baptists, and Baptist Peace Fellowship/Bautistas por la Paz
Sending you gratitude!
Thanks for considering Daniel for this juncture of your relationship. There may be many twists and turns in your wedding planning, but Daniel's ceremony will provide the stability and certitude you need for an exciting but peaceful wedding day. Relax, and partner with the minister with over 20 years of experience.
Wedding Partners
