Writers Doug Shiloh and B.L. Bernadette wed at cemetery

BELVIDERE, Ill. - June 17, 2013 - PRLog -- MACHESNEY PARK, Illinois. – The bride walked down the aisle to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven"; the ceremony was held at her father's grave. It was the groom's 50th birthday. And at the end, the theme song to the movie "Rocky" ("Gonna Fly Now") played.

Writers Doug Shiloh and B.L. Bernadette were married at Sunset Memorial Gardens in a private Christian ceremony on Friday June 14, 2013 near their hometown of Rockford by Reverend Robert Russell. The reception was held at historic Rockford Veteran’s Memorial Hall.

"While some of it may seem tongue in cheek, all of the elements were personal touches, such as the music," Shiloh said. "'Rocky' is my favorite movie and Stryper is her favorite Christian band. We were well aware that it is a solemn place and were respectful to others. It was great to celebrate life."

Officials from the cemetery said that it had been over 20 years since a couple wed at the garden-styled cemetery.

The wedding party wore all black, while the bride wore a purple and lace gown.

Shiloh is the author of the novels “Pookoo” and the upcoming “Waiting for the End”, while Bernadette is the bride's pen name. She is writing a work-in-progress first novel titled “Same Page.”

“She is my best friend and the love of my life and I am so happy God blessed us to be together,” Shiloh said.

The wedding occurred on Shiloh’s 50th birthday.  “Back in 2012 I had wanted to do something memorable on my 50th,” he said. “A year ago I was thinking a trip to Graceland. But then my life did a total 180.”

Bernadette joked that “If I ever forgot his birthday, I’d remember our anniversary or the other way around.”

Why did such a joyous occasion occur at a cemetery?

Bernadette’s father passed away in the summer of 2012. To both honor and have him “in attendance”, the ceremony was held at Bernadette’s father’s grave site.

The couple shared a book-shaped chocolate and white cake with friends and family, with the inscription “Same Page.” The bride walked down the aisle escorted by her brother to the Led Zeppelin song “Stairway To Heaven”, with Bernadette’s daughter singing an a cappella version of Stryper’s “All of Me.” At the end, the couple marched down the aisle to “Gonna Fly Now” theme from the Sylvester Stallone movie “Rocky.”

Both writers can be followed on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/dougshiloh
https://twitter.com/BLBernadette

Photo courtesy http://www.dougshiloh.com

FOR FURTHER PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT DOUG SHILOH at 779-552-8799.