About Joel.
Thank you for considering having me officiate your wedding.
I look forward to getting to know you.
I met my wife in middle school. It wasn’t love at first sight, but by our junior year of high school, we were a couple. We got married during our senior year of college - December 31, 1994. We come from large, extended families and had over 300 people at our wedding - family, high school and college friends, church family, and neighbors. It was a joyous, memorable day for us.
We have three kids - a son and two daughters.
I serve as one of the pastors of Poolesville Baptist Church in Poolesville, MD.
When not participating in activities for church or helping people get married, we love to travel, read, take an occasional hike, and spend time with our family.
Over the years, it’s been a joy to get to work in dozens of couples here in the DMV and in other states as they prepared for their wedding day. While there are some common elements to all ceremonies, there are certainly things that can be done to make each ceremony special and unique. I look forward to working with you to craft a celebration that is unique to you while also helping you prepare for a lifetime together.
Pastor Joel
Joel and Danielle on their wedding day.
Joel and Danielle at a wedding reception.
Pastor Joel and his family.
Testimonials
"Pastor Joel is detail-oriented, organized, always helpful, quick to communicate, and so easy to work with. Our ceremony could not have been any more perfect, or any more authentic to my husband and I. Five stars isn't enough, we couldn't imagine a better choice for our wedding and will be recommending him to all of our friends and family in the future!" - Mallory & Gabe
"Pastor Joel took the time to understand what we wanted to happen during the ceremony and provided suggestions along the way. The ceremony went off without a hitch and the words of wisdom and message he shared during our ceremony still ring in our ears today... 17 years later. We HIGHLY recommend him for your ceremony!"
- Sarah & Phillip
“Pastor Joel took the time to really get to know us and personalize our ceremony. From each scripture, to our vows, and even incorporated our family members, which meant a lot to us. Each premarital counseling session taught us so much about ourselves and each other. Pastor Joel was patient, kind, and truly helped us step by step. We highly recommend Pastor Joel!” - Andrea & Chris
"Pastor Joel was engaged throughout the process and was intentional about getting to know our personalities and intentions as well as our understanding of our relationship and the institution of marriage.He was extremely helpful with the logistics of the ceremony, from providing recommendations for a venue and helping to coordinate music, in addition to providing a Christ-centered message tailored to us. Pastor Joel was an integral part of a perfect day that we won't soon forget."
- Katherine & Alex