LoveNotes, DFW Clergy Services

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!”

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!”

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!”

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.