LoveNotes, DFW Clergy Services

Barron Bell is a Texas boy through and through. He is a native of Dallas, TX, a graduate of Texas A&M (Gig ‘em Aggies!) and he completed graduate studies at Austin Presbyterian Seminary. Barron has spent 42 years providing ministerial services to people from all walks of life. His experience includes assisting couples in achieving their goals and dreams for their big day. He believes every bride and groom should be able to say ‘that’s exactly what I wanted’ at the end of their ceremony. He has learned it takes both creativity and sensitivity when working with couples, their families, and their vendors in order to give brides and grooms the wedding of their dreams and ‘keep the peace’ at the same time. Barron says, ‘The wedding lasts for a day, but relationships last forever…if people are considerate of one another. It’s important to keep that in perspective when planning a wedding.’

Ken Byrd, aka ‘the Byrdman,’ has been married for 50 years to…‘the lovely Byrdwoman.’ As a minister for more than 30 years, his favorite job has been working with student and young adult ministries. He also has a degree in communications from the University of Texas (Hook ‘em horns!) and has an extensive background in broadcasting. But of all the scripts he has been required to learn, he says there’s nothing quite like the joy of saying the words ‘I now pronounce you husband and wife.’ He enjoys it every single time! Ken received the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Favorite Minister award from the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners.

Affectionately known as ‘Minister Marty, the Marryin’ Man,’ Rev. Marty Younkin is Executive Director of LoveNotes~DFW Clergy Services/The Knot Tyers. After graduation from Dallas Theological Seminary, Marty became a singles pastor in a large non-denominational church in Dallas, but eventually married off most of the singles in his class. It was then he discovered the joy of uniting two people together in marriage. “I love Love,” says Marty. “I have the best job in the world!” So for more than 45 years, he has continued to “tie the knot” for literally thousands of couples. Marty’s passion for love, marriage, and weddings was the inspiration behind his best selling wedding book, A Wedding Ceremony to Remember – Perfect Words for the Perfect Wedding, a ceremony planner to help couples design their own unique wedding ceremony from entrance to exit. Rev. Marty Younkin and the LoveNotes Knot Tyers are dedicated to making your “happily ever after” chapter come true with these three little words… “As you wish!”

WHO IS BRIAN DAY? Married to my best friend for 34 years, and still going strong! We have 3 grown sons, (all of whom make me proud), including 2 daughters-in-law and 1 grandchild. Love my faithful, wonderful and occasionally annoying dog (and truthfully, all pets and animals in general). Grew up in Austin, TX hearing live music from Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Johnson, among many others. Began to sing, play guitar and keyboard in several bands, then freelanced and taught as Brian Day Music (another LoveNotes musician!) I’m pretty much a walking encyclopedia of pop music through the 1990s (after that, not so much). In my spare time, I enjoy writing songs, playing guitar in the worship band at church, reading novels and studying history. My two favorite restaurants—Pappadeaux’s Cajun food and Fuddrucker’s Burgers! Although I’m a UNT grad, I’m also a UT ex-student, so I do have some Burnt Orange in my system. But my heart leans to the Red and Black of Texas Tech, where my youngest son was on the drumline. I have a humorous recurring dream (nightmare?) that involves offering to go get something that is missing at an event, but not being able to get back on time because of traffic, crowds, locked doors, etc. You can have fun deciding what this says about me, but I take it as a reminder to pay attention to detail and be prepared! When I was 10 years old, I won a coloring contest at a local grocery store, and the prize still amazes me—a short round trip train ride BY MYSELF! My mother saw me off at the station with a dining car attendant taking charge of me. We toured the train, had a snack in the dining car, arrived at our destination, changed trains, had lunch and arrived back at our point of departure. Pretty sure this would not be offered today, but it was a great experience I’ll never forget! Although I’ve had many heroes in my lifetime, my heroes today consist of ordinary people who pray and love their families and trust God for every day.

I am married to my best friend, soul mate, and knight in shining armor, and have 3 talented, awesome children (not biased in any way). I’m a corn fed kid from the corn fields of Iowa. Music makes me happy, so I sing and play the piano every day—thus, my nickname, “Tweety.” My professional music moniker is Ms. LoveNotes—Songbird of the South. When I’m not doing weddings, I play the piano at The Chocolate Angel Tea Room. I won the BB gun sharp shooter championship at camp when I was 10. (Don’t mess with Annie Oakley!) I was crowned Miss Burlington Bee, Queen Bee of the Burlington Bees Baseball Team when I was 18. (I think I won more for my love of baseball than for being a beauty queen!) I have a motorcycle license but no motorcycle. I have a soft spot for dogs. If you don’t like dogs, I probably won’t trust you! 🙂 I like goin’ antique-in’ because I love old stuff (including my hubby). My comfort foods are sour cream chicken enchiladas, guacamole, chips and salsa (this is why I learned to speak Spanish), toffee, dreamsicle ice cream, and anything smothered in cheese and bacon (my cholesterol is rather high). My pet peeve is when people don’t do what they say they’re gonna do, when they say they’re gonna do it, the way they say they’re gonna do it! (Grrrrrr! Just frosts my cupcakes!) I’m obsessive about details because Mama taught me that “Details are the only difference between Magnificence and Mediocrity!” I believe a smile and a kind word makes you and everybody else feel a whole lot better—Be kind and smile often! I highly admire and respect people who dedicate their lives in service to others. I’m a proud, flag wavin’ American who loves this country, supports our troops and prays for our leaders! God bless America! I love Jesus because He loved me first! So I try to live my life to show I love Him back and am thankful for all He has done for me. I believe in love and the commitment of marriage and turning “Once upon a time” into “Happily ever after!”

Frank DeLeo loves people! Good thing, too, because early in his career he was Sr. Vice President of a major financial services corporation with more than 1000 employees entrusted to his care. So developing good people skills was a necessity. He has been a mentor to many organizations and received the President of the United States award for community service. Since his calling into the ministry, he has served as a missionary, Bible teacher, and today, is the Sr. Pastor of a thriving church in the mid-cities area. In addition, his skills as a motivational speaker and author will not only help you choose the perfect words for your ceremony but will also assure you that those words will be spoken with eloquence. Frank tells his couples, “When I share your love story during the wedding ceremony, it’s not because I have to say something–it’s because I have something very special to say.”

I’m married to a beautiful Latina, Mari, and have 4 grown kids and 8 grandkids. What do I really like to do? I really like hanging out with my wife (and I think she likes hanging out with me, too!). We love to go on cruises together. I like to sit on the bow with a cup of coffee and watch the dolphins swim alongside the ship. My dream vacation? I’d like to take a river cruise through Europe and through the interior of Alaska. I was an Air Force “brat” and attended high school in Okinawa, Japan. Instead of taking a bus to sporting events, our football team flew on jets to the other islands to participate in the games—one of my favorite memories. My favorite food is Mexican, but it has to be a place where Mexicans eat, because then you know it’s authentic and good. However, nobody does it better than my mother-inlaw; being from Mexico, her cooking is the absolute best! (and my wife agrees). As a hobby, woodworking is it. “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree…” I think trees are beautiful—whether in the ground or repurposed as furniture, bowls, candlesticks or pens. I love the original Rocky movie. It not only speaks to the indomitable spirit of man, but to the inspiration to make one’s dreams come true. The most influential person in my life is Brian Buffini, hands down. He immigrated to the US about 35 years ago with $92 in his pocket. He has since started or purchased more than 85 businesses. He speaks to my soul in a profound way! The best advice I have ever been given is this: “Work harder on yourself than you do on your business, and you’ll go from making a living to making a fortune!”

Even though I was born and raised in Rochester, NY, I am a true Dallas Cowboys fan (Roger Staubach is still the greatest QB in my book). I’m married to the love my life, Charlotte, and relish the idea of growing old with her. We have six children and 4 granddaughters (and praying for more…grandchildren, that is). I am a family man through and through. One of my favorite activities is hosting family and friends around the holidays. I love music and can often be found rehearsing and singing with the men’s chorus, One Accord. Music preferences: Classic R&B from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, sprinkled with some Classic and Modern Jazz. I’ll also take a little Steely Dan and Hall and Oates on the side. I proclaim to be and always will be a kid at heart. That’s why kickball and water balloon fights with my family are tops on my list. I am an amputee from age 9 due to a car accident. I don’t consider my amputation a disability but an opportunity to exhibit courage and strength in the face of adversity. Little known fact about me: I am secretly competitive. I once jumped out of a two-story window to beat my cousin to the first floor. My hero is my mother because she always reminds me that ‘I Kandu (pun intended) whatever I set my mind to.’ (Kandu was a whale she used to drive home her message.) Favorite saying: (from my wife who reminds our children) ‘You can’t control what people say or do but you can control how you react or respond.’ What others say about me: vigor for life, love for people, family man, sweet-toned singer, engages in uplifting conversations, patience of Job, cherishes the institution of marriage, loves the Lord.

Antonio Pliego is married to the love of his life and has four amazing kids, who are his daily motivation and joy. Although he grew up near Mexico City and has a fierce love for authentic Mexican food, he also has been a proud Texan for the last 20 years. Since graduating from the University of the State of Mexico in 1997, he has worked both as a logistics coordinator and bilingual pastor. He combines these skills to make your wedding ceremony seamless and full of meaning. He has experience in many different settings and understands the unique needs bilingual families have for events as significant as this. Whether you are celebrating a wedding or a quinceañera, Antonio strives to make the experience of your special day beautiful and memorable for everyone involved. Antonio’s favorite piece of advice: “Be intentional with making beautiful memories together because they last forever and only get sweeter with time.”

My nickname is Tony and I am a chaplain for Marketplace Ministries, which provides care and support for companies and their employees. Family is very important to me. I love spending time with my family, especially on a road trip. My daughter, Lisa, and her husband, Nick, bring me a lot of joy. I’m a chef at heart. The kitchen is my favorite room in the house. I really enjoy cooking, and my favorite food is Tex Mex. On the Border, here I come! I love the outdoors and spend as much time outside as possible. (That’s why I don’t like rainy days. It keeps me indoors. Bring on the sun!) I’m laid back and easy going and relish the quiet life. In fact, for entertainment, I prefer to read or watch historical documentaries. My favorite author is Sir Conan Doyle and my favorite book (of course) is “The Complete Sherlock Holmes.” (The game is afoot…It’s all elementary, you know.) If I could vacation anywhere, it would be Orlando, FL at both Disney World and Universal Studios. (Still a kid at heart, I guess.) My pet peeve is seeing things that are out of place. You know what they say—A place for everything and everything in its place. (That’s my motto.) One of my prized possessions is a Rolex watch I received for 30 years of service from a private company. The recognition meant even more than the Rolex. The best advice I ever received came from my dad: “Learn to live within your means.” It can be done and you can still live a rich life. What gets me through a tough day is prayer and praising God and believing in this verse: “And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Charles (Chuck) Sisneros is an ordained, bilingual minister who has officiated hundreds of wedding celebrations for more than 30 years. He is flexible, fun and full of ideas to make your ceremony meaningful and memorable. Charles says, “My favorite part of the ceremony is when the Bride enters the room and the Groom sees her for the first time. That look of love is what makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that I had a part in bringing them together in marriage both thrills me and humbles me. There is no greater joy than seeing two souls united in marriage. Nothing is more powerful and spiritual than this union.” When it comes to weddings, whether spanish or english, everyone agrees that Chuck is “muy bueno!”

Dr. Anne Slagel is a dynamic minister who brings an encourager’s heart with an enthusiasm that spills over to all those around her. She eagerly serves our DFW community as chaplain to several organizations with a voice that is uplifting and compassionate. Dr. Anne is a sought after motivational speaker who challenges you personally while entertaining the audience. After years of developing and directing international women’s conferences, she pursued her goal of becoming a chaplain. Even though that was later in life, she said, “Age is only a number—always reach for your goal.” Anne and her husband, Gary (a former mayor), are part of the respected leaders in their community, yet they are both very approachable and “down to earth.” Her passion for weddings is evident. Years of experience and determination, along with her reassuring smile, gives the couple the confidence that everything will be done “just as we planned.” Anne says, “Being part of a couple’s first steps into the future of a lifetime is both exciting and rewarding.” Maybe that’s why couples feel such a kinship with Dr. Anne, because she listens and truly cares about making this day the best day of their lives.

Pastor Chris Sutton was born and raised in Texas, graduating from Texas Tech and Southwestern Seminary with a doctoral degree. In addition to serving as senior pastor, he has been a volunteer chaplain for a motorcycle club. In the chaplain’s role, Pastor Chris ministered to fellow riders and prison inmates. He has also been part of mission teams to Brazil, Kenya, Australia, and South Texas. A music lover, Pastor Chris sings and plays guitar, bass, and banjo. He is the author of “Grandpa’s Favorite Book,” written to teach children about the Bible through the story of a fifth grader, his adventures, and his visits with grandfather. When asked his prescription for a perfect marriage, he said, “Shirley and I have been married for nearly 50 years. We have learned that a perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.” Visit Pastor Chris on the web at www.pastor-chris.com.

Ashley Tamburin is one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet. Beyond her career as a Mortgage Loan Originator, Ashley was a former project manager and designer for a commercial landscaping company. Whether it’s getting down into the dirt literally planting something or dispensing practical down to earth wisdom on her social media channel, “Practical Pearls,” she jumps into everything 150%. She also is a highly sought after speaker who combines common sense principles with God-given humor. When it comes to planning a wedding ceremony, Rev. Ashley will help you “git ‘er done” and have fun doing it at the same time. She will work alongside you with an energy that is bigger than life. Her genuine love for people, sense of humor and quick wit is why she is a favorite in the industry. Ashley says, “I think weddings are the best when you can achieve a balance of celebrating love while having a lot of fun at the same time. Weddings are supposed to be happy…aren’t they?”

I married the love of my life, Sherry, when I was 19 (my parents had to sign for me because I wasn’t of legal age)—51 years and counting…and they said it wouldn’t last. I have served in pastoral positions in churches as well as para-church organizations throughout Texas, although my ministry began at my home church in Kansas. I was President and Founder of Mission Southeast, a crisis ministry in SE Dallas that provided food, clothing, and household goods to those in need. I was Chaplain for the Dallas Police Department for 12 years. I was a professional clown for many years (before it was creepy to be a clown, and no, I did not run away to join the circus). I simply used clowning in the midst of the “circus of life” to help people learn to laugh, and to see that most people wear a mask of some kind to either hide from life or to cope with it. I learned from the greatest clown of all, Red Skelton, that the difference between a clown and a comedian is that “a comedian does funny things but a clown does things funny!” In my early years I was mistaken for Kenny Rogers, Glen Campbell, and George Goble (what a combination!), but nowadays, people think I’m Colonel Sanders. My favorite dish is my wife’s Southern Fried Chicken—hmmm…maybe that’s why I look like Col. Sanders—too much chicken maybe? Sherry and I loved to ride roller coasters in our younger days. We’d ride just about anything repeatedly as long as they didn’t turn her upside down—then her screams were deafening! One of my favorite memories is as a small boy at the “Pretty Prairie Kansas Rodeo.” I was peering between people’s legs trying to see Gene Autry and his horse, Champ. He saw me and had me lifted over the fence and placed me on Champ sitting next to him (if we only had cell phones then!). I love to watch any old western starring Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, or Clint Eastwood. (I still watch them today because they remind me of my dad.) Scrooge with Albert Finney is my favorite movie because it is

Happily married to Terrie since 1970—She’s my greatest gift, who, by the way, is also the world’s greatest cook! Blessed to be the father to 3 grown kids and proud grandfather (“Papa”) to 11 awesome grandkids. I’m a dedicated participant in “dad jokes” and now “granddad jokes, too” My dad nicknamed me “Knothead” when I was a boy because of my stubbornness. Favorite movie—Back to the Future (the one liners are endless and priceless); Favorite TV show—NCIS Dallas Cowboys, KC Chiefs and TX Tech are my favorite football teams I’m fluent in Brazilian Portuguese after our family served as missionaries there for 8 years I want the fruits of the Spirit to show up in my life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control Someone I admire greatly in this world is my 91 year old mother-in-law. She has outlived 3 husbands, and at one point, raised 6 kids as a single mom for 16 years. Her strong faith has given her the courage to grow through all her struggles. She’s a rock and my hero! My favorite quote—The Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” My wife, Terrie, and I serve in our church as Relationship Champions, which means we work with 1) premarital couples to prepare for their lives together and 2) existing marriages to help make them stronger. I want every marriage I touch to be permeated by a mutual commitment by both bride and groom to remain together no matter what, and be a team that fights together against whatever obstacle comes their way.