'Til death do us part: Wedding at a funeral home
'Til death do us part: Wedding at a funeral home Save Email Print
St. Joseph, MI
Posted: 5:39 PM Sep 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:28 PM Sep 3, 2008
 Reporter: Alana Greenfogel
Email Address: Alana.Greenfogel@WNDU.com
32 comments
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This wedding was drop-dead gorgeous.

Roll out the caskets and bring in the cake, Jason and Rachael Storm got married in a funeral home!

"When he proposed the idea, I said, 'Why not? Let's do this. Let's do something truly unique,'" Rachael says, sitting outside Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home with her new husband, Jason.

"My bosses said you better pick out your casket now because it's going to be your last day of your life!" Jason adds, laughing.

Well four days after their wedding, Jason and Rachael say marriage was NOT the end of their lives. Their romance is very much alive.

"I was so excited. A great new beginning of my life," Jason says. "Oh, I love her so much. I couldn't be any happier."

Jason works at the funeral home in St. Joseph, Michigan so they got a good deal and quite a good deal of attention. TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers, across the country have been calling them the last few days.

The couple says they just wanted to be different. But for some of their guests, the funeral home wedding was a little…too different.

"I got a lot of people that didn't want to come...got a lot of strange reactions," Jason says.

"Even when we were setting up and planning how we were going to do the chairs and everything, there was a coffin in the room with a gentleman in there because there was a visitation coming right after we had left. That's kind of creepy if you think about it because that's your alter," Rachael shares.

So, it’s a wedding that redefines the vows, “till death do us part.” This time, “death” brought the couple together.

"Would I say this funeral home was like my childhood wedding? Not at all,” Rachael says. “And I wouldn't have it any other way. I really wouldn't."
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Posted by: Pam Location: Perry Ks. on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Just think about this one, I buried my first three husbands. so sit on that and ponder.
Posted by: Pam Location: Perry Ks. on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Getting married in a funeral home is not such new news at all, My husband and I got married in a funeral home on January 9,2006 in Miami, Oklahoma. The director there told us that is was not all that unusual, It was a very small and simple wedding. It shouldn't matter where you get married as long as you love each other.
Posted by: jen Location: goshen on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Wendy what was so rude about me and kim's comment we are intitled to our opion's so why are you so quick to judge.In how many year's have you ever heard of someone getting married in a funeral home let me see I have not heard anything until now WHY because it is not right and everybody is intitled to their own opion I am not judgeing they wanted comment's there's a differance.
Posted by: Tammy on Sep 5, 2008 at 12:38 PM
If any of you actually read the article then you would have seen that the body was in the room when they where looking at the room and thinking of how to set it up, not during the wedding! Idiots! Who are you to pass judgment on them anyways, they got married a happy and loving way and if they wanted to do it at her husbands work then kudos to them. A funeral home is just as blessed as a church would be. The presence of the lord is there as to a church. It was there choice and good luck on your marriage! Hope you have many many memories and lots of love to the both of you!
Posted by: Jim Location: Indy on Sep 5, 2008 at 08:03 AM
You want unique? How about going to Las Vegas, getting married by Elvis in the Graceland Wedding Chapel on April Fools day and then having my wifes father pass away 2 hours later.
Posted by: Elaine Location: Indiana on Sep 5, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Some people will do anything for attention!
Posted by: Nicole Location: Elkhart on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:27 PM
How is this any more strange than being married by Elvis in Vegas? Congratulations, and way to "dare to be different" Did anyone stop to think maybe they met and fell in love there? I think The Beatles said it best...All you need is LOVE!
Posted by: anonymous Location: st. joe, mi on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:00 PM
1)I've been to many funerals there for family members that have passed and I have to say, I am far, far away from being offended. 2)Jason and Rachel are two of the nicest people I have met, so why not let them have their peace? Who are any of you to judge how they have their wedding? How is it any more unconventional than wicken weddings in the middle of some forest? A wedding is a celebration of two people finding each other in this world and submitting their love to God in front of loved ones.. there is nothing in the Bible that gets specific about a place, just that it is in the eye's of God, which is exactly what they did. Congratulations, Jason and Rachel!
Posted by: Robin Location: South Bend on Sep 4, 2008 at 05:10 PM
The story says that the body was in the room when they were looking around figuring out where they were going to put chairs, NOT DURING WEDDING. Weddings are normally held in a church, well so are funeral processions, they are both ceremonies, and the funeral home is just a building where we go to pay respect, it doesnt matter if its to the deceased or a new couple, or a baptism for that matter. It is a building that is blessed by the presence of God and our loved ones in any of the situations.
Posted by: I think its cool! Location: here on Sep 4, 2008 at 03:36 PM
To all of you people who are giving these newlyweds a hard time: Who are you to tell people where they CAN and CAN'T get married? When you were getting married, did anyone tell you where you can and can't get married? I am sure if they did, you would have torn up their invitation on the spot. People get married in all sorts of places these days. It don't have to be in a church. And lots of people get married while doing something that they like to do together, or incorporating their occupations somehow. People get married jumping out of a plane, scuba diving under water, at a relative's house, or at a park with little kids playing at the playground. SO WHAT if you would't do it. They did. You weren't invited. You weren't the bride or groom. Leave them alone, and let them be happy! Ya'll are a bunch of hypocrites. To the bride and groom: I think that was a very cool to create something memorable. I wish you many many years of happiness. Dont listen to all these boneheads!
Posted by: todd Location: mishawaka on Sep 4, 2008 at 02:42 PM
that's morbid,lol. I put the sound and video systems in this place and they have always had bodies around while things are going on, doesn't surprise me there was one during a wedding, I know they have web cam and video screen for friends and family that are out of town because I put them in, I wonder if anyone used those for this event as well? would make a funny video to send in.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 4, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I am not judging the couple, but I sure don't understand how the funeral home would allow this. I feel bad for the family of the deceased person that was in the room as they were setting up and making their plans. Funeral homes are, by nature, not places to be giddy and bubbly. If you want to be morbid, decorate some place how you see fit. So the funeral home had no bodies in it? How did that phone call go? "Sorry, we can't accomodate your burial request, we have a wedding here that day." I don't think I would recommend this funeral home.
Posted by: wow! on Sep 4, 2008 at 01:13 PM
no whats wierd and sick is the vandals, drunk drivers, child molesters, murders, and bank robbers! not someone wanting to get married in a funeral home...who cares if there were caskets...the spirits are gone...its just flesh...come on people!
Posted by: B&T Location: Here on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Did anyone hear the comments the Bob & Tom show made about this!? They agreed it was WEIRD & SICK! I'm sure it was a publicity stunt.
Posted by: Phil Location: Eau Claire, MI on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Acutually, I believe there was no casket in the room. They looked at the room weeks prior to the wedding. I think that there is no more sacred space than that of church or funeral home. If you have been in the Starks funeral home you would know that they have a beautiful reception area for families to use for any occassion. I am aware of a graduation reception being held there and other events. It is a beautiful and sacred space and I am sure that great reverence was shown to any family or deceased- as this funeral home always has. I wish the couple the best and I hope this begins to show people that these beautiful spaces can be used for other events besides saying goodbye to a family member.
Posted by: Joe Location: SB on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I say good for them. They don't need a big expensive wedding to show off. They are in love and that is all that matters. Who cares were you get married as long as you are happy! Best of luck to them!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 4, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I drove by that day and was thinking isn't that a funeral home, why is there a wedding going on there. That is just creepy, and I wouldn't like it if my family members dead body was sitting in there. Pay some respect.
Posted by: Tracy Location: South Bend on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:58 AM
I have to say it was very unique, but with the cost of weddings these I'm sure it helped. Congratulations to you both.
Posted by: sam Location: elkhart on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:54 AM
I think that you can get married anywhere as long as the two love each other. I say congrads and good luck. and way to go for thinking out of the box
Posted by: Michiana Woman Location: Michiana on Sep 4, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Strange, without a doubt. Tacky, yeah, probably. Maybe the guy in the coffin wanted to go to one last hurrah before he "went upstairs." And maybe they had prior approval from his family. Don't judge people, it will give you wrinkles. Just enjoy life and the stories that come wiht it.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: mishawaka on Sep 4, 2008 at 03:43 AM
WOW
Posted by: Ronnie Location: South Bend on Sep 3, 2008 at 11:38 PM
How disrespectful and the funeral home owners should be ashamed of themselves for even letting this go on. And people talk about gays and lesbians being married if my partner and i ever have the chance.. it sure as hell wont be a funeral home wedding. That is SICK!!!
Posted by: Kathie Rogers-Howard Location: Knox, In on Sep 3, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Only one thing came to mind when reading this--STRANGE--
Posted by: Wendy Location: Niles on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Jen and Kim you are rude. Every wedding is different they were welcome to have it any where they wanted to. It doesn't matter where you get married, it matter's that you love the person. Congrats you two! Keep the romance alive and be postive.
Posted by: Nikia Location: Granger on Sep 3, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Why is it so many people crave for attention...decisions that ring--desperate, spontaneous, LOVE ME! I just think it's silly. I could be old fashion, but I don't think that's the case.
Posted by: Michelle Location: St. Joe on Sep 3, 2008 at 08:04 PM
first of all there were NO caskets anywhere near the wedding. If the whole article would have been reported, the couple stated that they reassured there guests no caskets(or dead people) would be in the building. I don't think and this is just my opinion this was tacky, unique yes but tacky No. We have heard of people getting married on roller coasters, sky diving, you name it they have done it. We all know the saying "different strokes for different folks".
Posted by: Tim on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:46 PM
What a great idea, very unique. To those who disagree with this idea, obviously in my opinion are afraid of the dead and death itself. The corpse that was there was a lifeless individual. The soul had already moved on to it's final destination. I'm certain the body didn't mind.
Posted by: JEAN Location: CONN. on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:41 PM
THATS SICK AND WRONG
Posted by: Go Newlyweds!! Location: anywhere on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:11 PM
I think that it is awesome that these guys are getting married and doing something different that no one else has thought of. Yes, it may be somewhat morbid, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Kudos to them, and anyone else who defies tradition to get married!! We need more people like that who push the envelope!!
Posted by: Jen Location: Goshen on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:17 PM
I think this couple did not have there heads on right anyone in there right mind would not get married in a funeral home that is sick and demented.Were they not thinking about that poor person laying in that the coffin or that person's family obveisly not that is just sick.If they wanted a small wedding they should of went to the J.O.P I think they done it for attention and man did they get it. What A sick thing to do.
Posted by: Kim Location: Mishawaka on Sep 3, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Yes, this is very tacky! I think about the family of the person who was in his coffin who was to be seen by family and friends. I am sure that they were mourning the lose of a loved one they would not be very appreciative of anyone who just spits on the whole occasion and say lets get married and start our lives together while this dearly departed is right next to us. This is very sick indeed!!!!!!!!!

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