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MD Officiant Bio

Rev. S.J. Burns

"I enjoy seeing the sparkle of trust illuminating the faces of brides and grooms on the day of their wedding. Watching them making a big investment into a future that holds many mysteries, only assures me of their potential to succeed as one." Rev. Burns

Alicia and Edwinston Ward share their advice

What it takes to stay married:

It takes faith to stay married- faith in God, and faith in each other. If you truly believe that the one that you are married to is solidly supportive of your best efforts, and even your failures, then you are able to change and evolve as a cohesive unit. Marriage should be based on an agape type love that is unconditional and without pretense, as it is the fulcrum from which all marriages remain on solid footing. Love each other, and remind each other of just how much you do.

Advice to Men:

We should remember that our wives love us and we should treat them as part of our souls. You would no more hurt yourself than you would commit an action that would intentionally or unintentionally hurt your partner in your life’s journey. She is to be cherished as the queen she is.

Advice to Women

He comes first! After God, he comes first! In times of discord and stress, he is your best friend, shoulder to cry one, and source of support. Never disparage him to your family and friends because they may not so easily forgive the transgressions we forgive. Hold what happens in your marriage to each other and talk about what hurts you. Don’t withdraw, because we always have to remember that he cannot read our minds to know our needs, nor can he anticipate what those needs are unless we let him into our hearts and souls.

How to handle arguments:

We listen to each other. So often we disagreed and were so caught up in our own points that we could not see where the other was coming from. Fight the issue and not each other. This means that we discuss what the problem is instead of what we feel is “wrong” with the other. We stop using phrases like “you always…” and “you never…” because they invite personal attacks, and distract from the issue at hand.

How we create happiness in your marriage:

We create happiness by enjoying each other. Enjoying good conversation, and thoughtful everyday acts that demonstrate how much we cherish each other. We talk about more than the bills and the household, but about what we are feeling. By sharing this, we are closer to each other despite all of life’s distractions and the constant needs of the children.

Married April 2006