Alex Martin and Kayla Blanco both played ball at Kansas University, their home state. When they decided to “play ball” together in marriage, they chose to travel with family and friends to Laguna Beach for the wedding of their dreams. But, as people of faith, how — they wondered — would they find a ministerial fit so far from home? Well, Great Officiants of Long Beach more than met their expectations, hooking them up with Rev. Dr. Gary Barmore. Initial planning for the ceremony was by email, and then the week of their 7/7/17 wedding they met with their SoCal pastor in his home and left knowing that their wedding was going to be all they had hoped for … and more. And so, at the surf and sand of the Hotel Laguna, Kayla and Alex were married before God, family and friends, and they especially resonated with Rev. Gary’s suggestion that they write “loving promise” notes to express before all their guests, then follow with recitation of simple traditional vows. Those personal expressions were deeply moving to all of us, beautifully reflecting their faith, their love and their joy!
